Pharma News

Finnish researchers have developed the world's first paper-based drug test that enables a rapid analysis of whether a compound, such as morphine, is present in a given sample. Researchers from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland used antibodies - produced by methods of molecular biology - as morphine sensing molecules to create the drug test printed on paper.

The immune system release specific antibodies when it encounters a virus. It can continue to produce those antibodies decades after an infection subsides. VirScan test detects those antibodies and uses them as a window in time to create a blueprint of nearly every virus an individual has encountered.  The test, known as VirScan, works by screening the blood for antibodies against any of the 206 species of viruses known to infect humans.Researchers at Columbia University found a DNA-based blood test which can determine a person's entire viral history. This new test can lead to early detection of hepatitis C, certain autoimmune diseases and cancers. This new innovation test only for a single suspected virus. The study appears in Science.

Under “Make in India” initiative India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding  for the development of vaccines. The MoU was signed between visiting Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte and government of India in New Delhi. This cooperation between the two countries in the vaccine manufacturing segment is expected to result in large scale production of measles-rubella and other needed vaccine in the country. The ‘Make in India’ is a critical initiative for promoting access to health technology beyond the borders of India.

Horizon Discovery Group plc, UK translational genomics company developing and supplying patient-relevant drug discovery and diagnostic research toolsand DefiniGEN Ltd, a leading provider of stem cell products and services, have entered into a collaboration to develop a range of unique, gene-engineered iPS (induced pluripotent stem)-based cell lines for use in research.

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A star-shaped brain cell called an astrocyte appears to help keep blood pressure and blood flow inside the brain on a healthy, report scientists. The finger-like appendages of astrocytes, called end-feet, quite literally wrap around the countless, fragile blood vessels in the brain, constantly monitoring what is going on inside and around them.  The paper appeared in The Journal of Neuroscience.

In a breakthrough, scientists have identified a tiny molecule that forces the HIV virus to open up and expose its vulnerable parts, allowing the immune system to kill the infected body cells. The finding opens a new path in the fight against HIV and could ultimately lead to the design of a vaccine to prevent transmission of the virus, researchers said.

Romaco Group,  a leading global supplier of processing and packaging equipment, will be present the first ever anti-counterfeit solution for blister packs at ACHEMA, Frankfurt/Main (Germany), from June 15 to 19, 2015. The new system was developed exclusively with its partner company NANO 4 U. The system can be incorporated into all blister machines equipped with coding stations and will be showcased at Achema in a Romaco Noack line 960. The blisters feature a NANO4U hologram stamp which can incorporate a hidden logo or code, as well as other covert and overt safety features.

Multiplicom N.V., develops, manufactures and commercializes molecular diagnostic assays, launched two kits-- the BRCA Hereditary Cancer MASTR Plus kit and the BRCA Tumor MASTR Plus kit, to screen hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The BRCA Hereditary Cancer MASTR kit detects germline variants in 26 genes associated with hereditary cancers and the BRCA Tumor MASTR Plus is used for detection of variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in tumour biopsy material.