Contributing Member of the Healthcare Councils

GLG News by this Author

GLG News is now G+ Insights

G+ is a community for professionals, academics and entrepreneurs to connect through online discussions and in-person meetings. You will continue to see G+ Insights (formerly GLG News) here as well as on the G+ website, where you can share and discuss the G+ Insights you read.

Pfizer Supports the Development of Stem Cell Therapies for Macular Degeneration

May 6, 2009

Analysis of:Pfizer And University College London Announce Collaboration To Advance Development Of Stem Cell-Based Therapies | www.pipelinereview.com

The funding of university research by large companies to direct effort to areas of commercial interest has, at times, come under criticism for the undue influence it can have on basic research. However in the field of cell-based therapy, application has always been at the forefront even without commercial support. The funding of University College London's program to develop retinal pigment epithelium from embryonic stem cells should benefit both parties. Pfizer's interest is a positive signal of the commercial potential for cell-based therapy - particularly for ophthalmology.

RNA Inhibitor Development: A Matter of Pipeline Strategy and Technology Risk

March 26, 2009

Analysis of:Another LNA-based RNA Inhibitor Enters Clinical Trials | www.pipelinereview.com

Swedish company Santaris has developed several RNA antagonists to key protein targets in the biology of cancers. Two of those are in collaboration with ENZON for solid tumors. One targets hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1a), the second targets survivin, a protein shown to protect rapidly growing cells (cancer and fetal) from apoptosis and is also implicated in the cell cycle. Technology risk is being managed with advance of multiple targets into early trials. The challenge will be in making sound choices before Phase III.

Biotech companies can recover if the fundamentals are there

March 10, 2009

Analysis of:Exact Sciences Gets Compliance Warning Letter from Nasdaq | www.genomeweb.com

Trading at less than a dollar, Exact Science has met the challenge many biotechs are facing. In normal markets, stocks trading at less than $2.00 are avoided. However these are no ordinary times and evaluating a biotech's potential in this climate needs a look at the technology fundamentals and company performance in bringing the technology forward. Exact is focused on molecular diagnostics for colorectal cancer screening in stool samples based on an established progression of genetic abnormalities in this type of cancer.

The sensitivity and specificity of protein markers for cancer diagnostics

March 2, 2009

Analysis of:Urine test may tell of breast cancer's spread | www.reuters.com

Researchers discovered that a gene and its protein lipocalin 2, associated with estrogen-unresponsive breast cancer is released into the mammary ducts. They postulated that it could also show up in other body fluids and found elevated levels in the urine of patients with confirmed metastatic breast cancer. The issue for this type of diagnostic revolves around sensitivity and specificity. Looking for lipocalcin 2 in the urine for the purpose of diagnosing metastatic breast cancer may never be discerning enough.

AZX100: an HSP20 mimic for smooth muscle relaxation in keloid myofibroblasts

February 13, 2009

Analysis of:Capstone Therapeutics Announces Initiation of Dosing for AZX100 Phase 2 Clinical Trial in Dermal Scarring; Management to Host Teleconference and Webcast Today | www.msnbc.msn.com

AZX100 from Capstone Therapeutics is a cell-permeable peptide meant to mimic HSP20 and its ability to relax smooth muscle actin, a feature of myofibroblasts in wounds. Keloids form because of a hyper-responsive positive loop of TGFbeta expression. A lack of ability to limit this loop creates a hyper-cellular tissue with high cell/matrix turnover. Tension has been implicated as a factor in myofibroblast physiology and phenotype. The question will be whether release of tension in these cells will be sufficient to advance the process beyond the myofibroblast toward stable repair.

Cord blood banking may be a parent's insurance policy with few filed claims

February 10, 2009

Analysis of:Stem cell banks grow on hope of healthy dividend | economictimes.indiatimes.com

The National Cord Blood Program (www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org) reported that as of 2006, 6,000 cord blood transplants had been performed worldwide. Of those, 2199 were transplants to treat rare genetic disorders, with 1589 going to treat hematological malignancies. Treatment of adult age-associated diseases such as Parkinson's and heart disease will face stiff competition from alternative cell sources (adipose, bone marrow, for example).

New drugs that target new mechanisms add a new layer of cost. Will it always be that way?

February 9, 2009

Analysis of:Limits on Medicare's Ability to Control Rising Spending on Cancer Drugs | content.nejm.org

Some newer therapeutics like Avastin (Genentech) target a companion process in the tumor which is good from a comprehensive clinical treatment strategy but the improved outcome adds a costly new drug to the treatment without replacing the old. We should expect to see an increase in multifactor therapies, particularly with new biologics, biological response modifiers and vaccines. The question will be how to handle drug regimens that might now represent what a surgical intervention, radiation and chemotherapy combination might have in the past.

Economic Stimulus Versus an Innovation Stimulus - Can We Have Both?

February 6, 2009

Analysis of:Economic Recovery Act Now Holds $10B for NIH | www.genomeweb.com

More money for research is always welcomed. US competitiveness demands and investment by the US however a large influx of money must be accompanied with improvements in the system if we are to see long term benefits from this increased expenditure. Just like Citi or GM, the infrastructure must be able to hanlde it and use it well to make the money of ultimate value to US innovation and the economy. Not to be too cynical, but there is a saying " A principal investigator is [sometimes] a grant's way of reproducing itself." The NIH has been working to improve the system by encouraging multi-disciplinary efforts, collaboration and sharing of information and technology in a hope to encourage greater innovation and get more "bang for the buck." How it sets research priorities, judges applications and doles out the funds will be key to boosting US competitiveness and generating technology that will lead to new therapeutic opportunities for biotech and pharma - with lasting economic benefit.

Page : 11 to 8 of 8