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FDA approves Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), a new therapy for patients with HER2-positive, late-stage (metastatic) breast cancer.
Structure of trastuzumab emtansine. An ADC is a three-block “engine” — antibody-linker-drug — and each part of the composite molecule has to be carefully selected and assembled. Considered as an armed-antibody, an ADC is a bi-dentate construction where both parts (antibody and drug) of the molecule combine their effect to ensure selectivity and potency. The role of the linker arm is of paramount importance demanding a fine tuning to execute the controlled release and delivery of the two active components in the tumor environment.
Feb. 22, 2013
FDA approves new treatment for late-stage breast cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine), a new therapy for patients with HER2-positive, late-stage (metastatic) breast cancer.
HER2 is a protein involved in normal cell growth. It is found in increased amounts on some types of cancer cells (HER2-positive), including some breast cancers. In these HER2-positive breast cancers, the increased amount of the HER2 protein contributes to cancer cell growth and survival.
Kadcyla is intended for patients who were previously treated with trastuzumab, another anti-HER2 therapy, and taxanes, a class of chemotherapy drugs commonly used for the treatment of breast cancer.
“Kadcyla is trastuzumab connected to a drug called DM1 that interferes with cancer cell growth,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Kadcyla delivers the drug to the cancer site to shrink the tumor, slow disease progression and prolong survival. It is the fourth approved drug that targets the HER2 protein.”
Referred to as T-DM1 during clinical research, Kadcyla was reviewed under the FDA’s priority review program, which provides for an expedited six-month review of drugs that may provide safe and effective therapy when no satisfactory alternative therapy exists, or offer significant improvement compared to marketed products. Other FDA-approved drugs used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer include trastuzumab (1998), lapatinib (2007) and pertuzumab (2012).
Kadcyla, trastuzumab and pertuzumab are marketed by South San Francisco, Calif.-based Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. Lapatinib is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, based in Research Triangle Park, N.C
ImmunoGen, Inc. a biotechnology company that develops anticancer therapeutics using its TAP technology, today announced that Roche has reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted marketing approval to Kadcyla for the treatment of people with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who have received prior treatment with Herceptin® (trastuzumab) and a taxane chemotherapy.
“This is a big day for the patients with this cancer and for ImmunoGen,” commented Daniel Junius, President and CEO. “In clinical testing, the findings with Kadcyla in this patient population have been impressive, and we’re delighted the product can now be used by practicing oncologists across the US. In addition to its importance from a medical perspective, commercialization of Kadcyla also marks the start of ImmunoGen earning royalty income.”
Mr. Junius continued, “The efficacy and tolerability seen with Kadcyla underscores the transformative potential of our technology. Kadcyla is the most advanced of ten compounds with our TAP technology already in the clinic, with more in earlier stages of development. We are hopeful that in the future many different types of cancers will be routinely treated with TAP compounds.”
Genentech licensed from ImmunoGen exclusive rights to use the Company’s maytansinoid TAP technology to develop anticancer products targeting HER2.
According to Genentech, Kadcyla will cost $9,800 per month, compared to $4,500 per month for regular Herceptin. The company estimates a full course of Kadcyla, about nine months of medicine, will cost $94,000. Thus, the cost of the drug is beyond the reach of many women unless they have an insurance plan.
”””””’
Afatinib
-
- Synonyms:BIBW 2992
- ATC:L01XE13
- Use:anticancer; tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- Chemical name:N-[4-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-7-[[(3S)-tetrahydro-3-furanyl]oxy]-6-quinazolinyl]-4-(dimethylamino)-2-butenamide; N-[(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino]-6-{[4-(N,N-dimethylamino)-1-oxo-2-buten-1-yl]amino}-7-((S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yloxy)-quinazoline
- Formula:C24H25ClFN5O3
- MW:485.9 g/mol
- CAS-RN:439081-18-2; 850140-72-6
Derivatives
dimaleate
- Formula:C32H33ClFN5O11
- MW:718.1 g/mol
- CAS-RN:850140-73-7
Substance Classes
Synthesis Path
Substances Referenced in Synthesis Path
| CAS-RN | Formula | Chemical Name | CAS Index Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 446-32-2 | C7H6FNO2 | 4-fluoro-anthranilic acid | |
| 162012-70-6 | C8H3ClFN3O2 | 4-chloro-7-fluoro-6-nitroquinazoline | |
| 367-21-5 | C6H5ClFN | 3-chloro-4-fluoroaniline | |
| 86087-23-2 | C4H8O2 | (S)-(+)-3-hydroxytetrahydrofuran | |
| 314771-76-1 | C18H16ClFN4O2 | N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-7-((tetrahydrofuran-3-yl)oxy)quinazoline-4,6-diamine | |
| 13991-36-1 | C4H5BrO2 | bromocrotonic acid | |
| 3095-95-2 | C6H13O5P | diethylphophonoacetic acid | |
| 618061-76-0 | C24H27ClFN4O6P | Diethyl-{[4-((3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)amino)-7-(((S)-tetrahydro- furan-3-yloxy)quinazolin-6-yl)carbamoyl]-methyl}phosphonate |
|
| 3616-56-6 | C8H19NO2 | (dimethylamino)-acetaldehyde diethylacetate |
Trade Names
| Country | Trade Name | Vendor | Annotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Gilotrif | Boehringer Ingelheim, 2013 | |
| EU | Giotrif | Boehringer Ingelheim, 2013 |
Formulations
- tabs.; 20, 30 and 40 mg
References
-
- a US 6 251 912 (American Cyanamid; 26.6.2001; appl. 29.7.1998; USA-prior. 1.8.1997).
- WO 0 250 043 (Boehringer Ingelheim; 27.6.2002; appl. 12.12.2001; DE-prior. 20.12.2000).
- US RE 43431 (Boehringer Ingelheim; 29.5.2012; appl. 18.8.2009; DE-prior. 20.12.2000).
- b US 8 426 586 (Boehringer Ingelheim; 1.2.2007; appl. 14.7.2006; DE-prior. 17.10.2003).
-
crystalline forms of Afatinib di-maleate:
- Solca, F. et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., (2012) 343(2), 342-350.
- WO 2013 052157 (Ratiopharm/Teva; 11.4.2013; appl. 25.4.2012; USA-prior. 6.10.2011).
Natrol, Inc. Revitalizes Hair Technology with NuHair® FOAM, a Natural Solution for Male and Female Hair Rejuvenation
February 21, 2013, Natrol, Inc., a global leader in the nutrition industry and trusted manufacturer and marketer of superior quality supplements, has raised the bar for hair technology and created an alternate and innovative method to enhance hair rejuvenation among men and women with NuHair® FOAM. The product is hitting the marketplace following Natrol’s tablet hair-rejuvenation product being named the #1 selling supplement for hair growth.
NuHair® FOAM, now available at Walgreens nationwide, joins the NuHair line of dietary supplements that includes: Hair Regrowth Tablets designed for both men and women, Thinning Hair Serum, and DHT Blocker. The product was specifically created to protect against follicle damage, graying hair, and bring nourishment to the scalp and revitalize each strand to promote fuller, beautiful hair. It is also a 2-in-1 product, which has a light hold for styling.
“Natrol believes that hair rejuvenation begins at the root, and we’re thrilled to roll out NuHair® FOAM as the perfect product to stimulate that area,” said Stacy Dill, Natrol’s Senior Marketing Manager. “It works naturally, and with its robust styling ingredients as a bonus, provides a better alternative to what is already out there, without any extensive warning labels or side effects. NuHair® FOAM is simple…and can easily be a part of one’s daily regimen.”
NuHair® FOAM is formulated to work naturally with a natural blend of vitamins, herbs and extracts:
- Chamomile and Sage: Revitalizes the scalp, strengthens the texture of the hair, and promotes elasticity.
- Fo-Ti: Supports hair growth and may help prevent thinning and graying hair.
- Vitamin E: Stabilizes cell membranes in hair follicles to encourage proper growth.
- Vitamin B5: Penetrates the hair cuticle to retain moisture, leaving strands pliable, shinier and thicker.
- Shea Butter: Soothes dryness from root to tip, repairs breakage and mends split ends.
- Rosemary: Stimulates and improves hair group and may help darken gray hair.
- Nettle: Revitalizes and repairs brittle and damaged hair.
- Grape Seed Extract: Enhances hair growth and provides a rich, silky luster.
NuHair® belongs to Natrol, Inc.’s family of brands: Natrol, MRI, PROLAB, Promensil, Trinovin, Laci Le Beau, Shen Min, and Vedic Mantra.
NuHair® products are also available on Amazon.com, www.bodybuilders.com and other online retailers.
GSK/Isis rare disease drug moves into Phase II/III
feb20,2013
GlaxoSmithKline is paying out $7.5 million to partner Isis Pharmaceuticals as an antisense drug being developed for transthyretin amyloidosis, “a severe and rare genetic disease,” goes into a Phase II/III study.
TTR amyloidosis is characterised by progressive dysfunction of peripheral nerve and/or heart tissues and affects 50,000 patients worldwide and current treatments are limited. The 15-month study of the drug, known as ISIS-TTRRx, will involve some 200 patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy who experience TTR build-up in their peripheral nerves and experience the loss of motor functions, such as walking.
Lynne Parshall, chief operating officer at Isis, said that “the rapid development of ISIS-TTRRx from a research-stage programme to a drug in late-stage clinical development in just over two years represents the strong commitment of both teams”. She added that the encouraging data from a Phase I study, “in which our drug was well tolerated and produced significant reductions in TTR protein, supported the advancement of ISIS-TTRRx directly into this registration-directed Phase II/III study”.
The drug is part of an Isis-GSK strategic alliance to develop RNA therapeutics for rare and infectious diseases. That pact was recently amended and apart from the $7.5 million fee, Isis is eligible to earn an additional $50 million to support the study, plus regulatory and sales milestone payments, plus double-digit royalties.
Chelsea encouraged by FDA talks on Northera(droxidopa)
(2R,3S)-2-amino-3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropanoic acid
L-DOPS (L-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine; Droxidopa; SM-5688) is a psychoactive drugand synthetic amino acid precursor which acts as a prodrug to the neurotransmittersnorepinephrine (noradrenaline) and epinephrine (adrenaline).[1] Unlike norepinephrine and epinephrine themselves, L-DOPS is capable of crossing the protective blood–brain barrier(BBB).[1]
L-DOPS was developed by Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals under the trade name Droxidopafor the treatment of hypotension, including NOH,[2] and NOH associated with variousdisorders such as MSA, FAP, and PD, as well as IDH. The drug has been used in Japanand some surrounding Asian areas for these indications since 1989. Following a merge with Dainippon Pharmaceuticals in 2006, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma licensed L-DOPS to Chelsea Therapeutics to develop and market it worldwide except in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.
Clinical trials
Though L-DOPS has been used in Japan and Southeast Asia already for some time, it is also currently in clinical trials at the phase IIIpoint in the United States (U.S.), Canada, Australia, and throughout Europe. Provided L-DOPS successfully completes clinical trials, it could be approved for the treatment of NOH as early as 2011.[4] Additionally, phase II clinical trials for IDH are also underway. Chelsea Therapeutics obtained orphan drug status (ODS) for L-DOPS in the U.S. for NOH, and that of which associated with PD, PAF, and MSA, and is the pharmaceutical company developing it in that country.
FEBRUARY 21, 2013
Shares in Chelsea Therapeutics International have leapt after the company said it will resubmit its previously-rejected treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, Northera, after helpful discussions with US regulators.
A year ago, the Food and Drug Administration issued Chelsea with a complete response letter asking for more data regarding its filing for Northera (droxidopa)for NOH. That came as something of a surprise given that the agency’s Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee had earlier voted 7-4 in favour of the therapy.
Now Chelsea says that following a meeting, it has received written guidance from the Director of the Office of New Drugs at the FDA stating that an ongoing study has the potential to serve as the basis for a resubmission.
The guidance suggests that “data strongly demonstrating a short-term clinical benefit of droxidopa in patients with NOH would be adequate for approval, with a possible requirement to verify durable clinical benefit post-approval”.
Encouraged by this, Chelsea plans to refile Northera in the late second quarter of 2013. Chief executive Joseph Oliveto said the firm looks forward to submitting the totality of our clinical experience to date to the agency for review…we now have a regulatory path forward”.
Chelsea also intends to initiate a new clinical trial in the fourth quarter of 2013.
- Goldstein, DS (2006). “L-Dihydroxyphenylserine (L-DOPS): a norepinephrine prodrug”. Cardiovasc Drug Rev 24 (3-4): 189–203. doi:10.1111/j.1527-3466.2006.00189.x.PMID 17214596.
- Mathias, Christopher J (2008). “L-dihydroxyphenylserine (Droxidopa) in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension”. Clin Auton Res 18 (Supplement 1): 25–29. doi:10.1007/s10286-007-1005-z.
- Crofford, LJ (2008). “Pain management in fibromyalgia”. Curr Opin Rheumatol 20 (3): 246–250.doi:10.1097/BOR.0b013e3282fb0268. PMID 18388513.
- Search of: “Droxidopa” – List Results – ClinicalTrials.gov
- Robertson, David (2008). “The pathophysiology and diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension”. Clin Auton Res 18(Supplement 1): 2–7. doi:10.1007/s10286-007-1004-0.
Zalicus Granted Composition-of-Matter Patent for Z944
Z944 R1=F, R2=Cl
http://courses.washington.edu/phcol512/data/Tringham.pdf
disclaimer-The above link was available on the web freely, email me immediately amcrasto@gmail.com or call India +91 9323115463
Research Article
EPILEPSY
T-Type Calcium Channel Blockers That Attenuate Thalamic Burst Firing and Suppress Absence Seizures
- Elizabeth Tringham, et AL
Sci Transl Med 15 February 2012 4:121ra19. DOI:10.1126/scitranslmed.3003120
…T-type calcium channel blockers, termed Z941 and Z944, were identified
Key Patent Provides Broad Coverage for Z944 through April 2029
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.Feb 20, 2013 – Zalicus Inc. , a biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops novel treatments for patients suffering from pain, today announced that it has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office (USPTO) covering its product candidate Z944. United States patent number 8,377,968 entitled “N-Piperidinyl Acetamide Derivatives as Calcium Channel Blockers” provides broad coverage for Z944 including compositions of matter and certain therapeutic methods of use through April 2029. Z944 is a novel, oral, T-type calcium channel blocker which has demonstrated efficacy in a number of preclinical inflammatory pain models and other disease models. Z944 completed Phase 1 single and multiple ascending dose clinical studies in late 2012 and the Company plans to continue further clinical development with Z944 during 2013.
“This key patent provides the foundation of a solid and enforceable intellectual property estate for Z944, with issued claims through April 2029,” commented Mark H.N. Corrigan, MD, President and CEO of Zalicus. “Based on our preclinical and early-stage clinical work, we are excited to further explore the potential of Z944 as a novel, oral, non-opioid pain treatment.”
Absence seizures — which are a common type of seizure in children with genetic generalized epilepsy — could now be treated by a potential new class of drugs with enhanced selectivity and efficacy over the drugs that are currently used in the clinic.
The molecular mechanisms underlying absence seizures are unclear; nevertheless, current literature indicates that the low-voltage-activated Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels have a crucial role. T-type calcium channels are also thought to be the site of action of the first-line drug ethosuximide; however, as it is nonspecific, ethosuximide causes side effects such as drowsiness, and not all patients respond to treatment. Therefore, the authors sought to identify a more specific and potent T-type calcium channel blocker.
A rational drug design approach produced two candidates — Z941 and Z944 — that had suitable properties for further development. They both had nanomolar affinities for Cav3.2 channels and significantly improved potencies compared to ethosuximide and valproate (another drug used for treating absence seizures). Importantly, Z944 has a higher affinity for the inactivated state of T-type channels (the state that is predominant during seizure activity) than for the closed state, and a higher affinity for neuronal T-type channels than for the cardiovascular-related channels.
ONO Pharmaceutcal files for approval of Additional Indication for Onoact® 50 injection, Short-Acting Selective β1 Blocker in Japan
disease. AF/AFL with LV dysfunction accompanying by persistent elevated heart rate would lead to further deterioration of cardiac performance. Swift rate control is inevitable to be restored from this detrimental condition, however, no drug on market can provide both the features of fast-acting and easy titratability for tachyarrhythmia (AF/AFL) with LV dysfunction.
Onoact® 50 for injection is the short-acting selective β1 blocker which reduces heart rate by selectively blocking β1 receptors located chiefly in the heart and this fast-acting drug can be easily titrated.
We expect that Onoact® 50 for injection can contribute to promptly reducing heart rate without causing deterioration of cardiac performance in treatment of tachyarrhythmia (AF/AFL) with LV dysfunction.
This short-acting selective β1 blocker drug is discovered and developed by ONO and has been widely used by many patients since its launch. The drug has firstly received approval for emergency treatment of intra-operative tachyarrhythmia (atrial fibrillation and flutter, and sinus tachycardia) in July 2002. Then, it had also been approved for additional indication of emergency treatment of post-operative tachyarrhythmia (atrial fibrillation and flutter, and sinus tachycardia) with monitoring of circulatory dynamics in October 2006.
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 133242-30-5 |
| Chemical data | |
| Formula | C25H39N3O8 |
| Mol. mass | 509.59 g/mol |
Landiolol (INN) is a drug which acts as a highly cardioselective, ultra short-acting beta blocker. It is used as an anti-arrhythmic agent.
- Yoshiya I (December 1998). “[Landiolol hydrochloride, a new sympathetic beta blocker]” (in Japanese). Masui 47 Suppl: S126–32. PMID 9921175.
- Ogata J, Okamoto T, Minami K (2003). “Landiolol for the treatment of tachyarrhythmia associated with atrial fibrillation”. Can J Anaesth 50 (7): 753. doi:10.1007/BF03018726. PMID 12944459
FDA Approves Natrelle 410 Breast Implant
Silicone gel-filled breast implants
Image/FDA
Feb. 20, 2013
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Allergan’s new silicone gel-filled breast implant today, making it the fourth FDA-approved silicone gel-filled breast implant product available in the U.S, according to an FDA news release Feb. 20.
The product, the Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Gel Filled Breast Implant, can be used increase breast size (augmentation) in women at least 22 years old and to rebuild breast tissue (reconstruction) in women of any age.
According to the FDA, the approval is based on seven years of data from 941 women. Most complications and outcomes reflect those found in previous breast implant studies including tightening of the area around the implant (capsular contracture), re-operation, implant removal, an uneven appearance (asymmetry), and infection.
It’s important to remember that breast implants are not lifetime devices. Women should fully understand the risks associated with breast implants before considering augmentation or reconstruction surgery, and they should recognize that long-term monitoring is essential,” said Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
“The data we reviewed showed a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness,” said Shuren.
The FDA requires that Allergan conduct a series of post-approval studies to assess long-term safety and effectiveness outcomes and the risks of rare disease.
Edison commences EPI-743 Vatiquinone Phase 2 study in cobalamin C deficient patients
19 February 2013
EPI-743 Vatiquinone is a new drug that is based on vitamin E. Tests have shown that it can help improve the function of cells with mitochondrial problems. It may be able to treat people with genetic disorders that affect metabolism and mitochondria
Edison Pharmaceuticals and Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital have announced the commencement of EPI-743 Phase 2 cobalamin C deficiency syndrome trial.
EPI-743 is an orally bioavailable small molecule and a member of the para-benzoquinone class of drugs.
The trial’s principal investigator, Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital, division of metabolism Professor Carlo Dionisi-Vici said, “Given the central role of glutathione in cellular redox balance and antioxidant defense systems, we are eager to explore whether a therapeutic that increases glutathione such as EPI-743 will provide clinical benefit.”
Improvement in visual function is the primary endpoint of the placebo-controlled study while secondary outcome measurements assess neurologic and neuromuscular function, glutathione biomarkers, quality of life, in addition to safety parameters.
The investigation is aimed at assessing the efficacy of EPI-743 in disorders of intermediary metabolism that also result in redox disturbances.
EPI-743 is an orally absorbed small molecule that readily crosses into the central nervous system. It works by targeting the enzyme NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Its mode of action is to synchronize energy generation in mitochondria with the need to counter cellular redox stress
Neurim Pharmaceuticals Announces Positive Phase 2 Clinical Trial Results of Piromelatine for the Treatment of Insomnia
Chemical structures of Neu-P11 (a) and Neu-P5 (b).
structure from- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0731708512005304#gr1
ZURICH, Feb. 18, 2013 Neurim Pharmaceuticals announced today positive results from a phase II clinical study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Piromelatine (Neu-P11), a novel investigational multimodal sleep medicine developed for the treatment of patients with primary and co-morbid insomnia. The new results are from a recent double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, parallel group, non-confirmatory, sleep-laboratory study. The study evaluated piromelatine compared to placebo in 120 adult primary insomnia patients ages 18 years and older.
Piromelatine 20/50mg treatment for 4 weeks resulted in statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements relative to placebo in key polysomnographic (PSG) parameters including Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO) (p=0.02 for both doses) and in particular WASO for the first 6 hours of sleep (WASO-6h) (p=0.0008 and p=0.04 for the 50 mg and 20 mg groups, respectively). Piromelatine 50 mg also improved Sleep Efficiency (SEF) (p=0.02), Total Sleep Time (TST) (p=0.02), Total Time Awake (TTA) (p=0.01) and time in NREM sleep (p=0.028) indicating beneficial effects on sleep maintenance. Subjective improvements relative to placebo in quality of sleep and total sleep time measured by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire (PSQI) were also observed, confirming the PSG findings. Piromelatine enhanced NREM sleep EEG delta power and significantly reduced beta power (p<0.05). The decrease in EEG beta activity, a marker of cortical arousal, is a physiological surrogate marker of the efficacy of Piromelatine in sleep maintenance. Piromelatine was generally safe and well tolerated, had no detrimental effects on next-day psychomotor performance (as assessed by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST)) for any dose group and no deleterious effects on sleep structure and architecture.
“Piromelatine demonstrates a good potential for the treatment of primary insomnia characterized by sleep maintenance disturbances as well as insomnia with psychiatric or medical co-morbidities,” said Prof. Nava Zisapel, CSO of Neurim. The study results will be presented at the 27th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) -Sleep 2013 meeting in Baltimore.
PIROMELATINE (NEU-P11)
Piromelatine is a novel compound under development for the treatment of insomnia associated with pain.
Piromelatine is a melatonin agonist, serotonin 5-HT-1A and 5-HT-1D agonist. The compound binds to the MT1, 2 and 3 receptors which govern the body’s sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm. The sleep promoting, analgesic, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anti-neurodegenerative, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Piromelatine have been demonstrated in a series of relevant animal models.
Piromelatine is a multi-facet drug addressing a wide range of potential indications including, but not limited to, insomnia, IBS, neuropathy and fibromyalgia.
Neurim has recently completed a phase-II clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Piromelatine in patients with primary insomnia.
FDA approves UCLA IND application to commence embryonic stem cell-based trial
12 feb 2013
The USFDA has approved the investigator investigational new drug (IND) application of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the clinical partner of Advanced Cell Technology (ACT), to commence a clinical trial using the human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)-derived cells to treat severe myopia.
Embryonic stem cell-based trial was designed to assess the hESC-derived ACT’s retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in patients with severe myopia (nearsightedness).
ACT chairman and CEO Gary Rabin said, “We are pleased to be on track to broaden the scope of our RPE program with the initiation of the new Investigator IND.”
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. They have the ability to renew themselves and to differentiate into a variety of different cell types that are found in the body. Unlike somatic or ‘adult’ stem cells, hESCs proliferate indefinitely. This, together with their ability to differentiate into most adult cell types, has resulted in the preferred use of these cells for research and therapeutic applications, as they represent a potentially indefinite source of therapeutic cells. Any cell therapy derived from hESCs would be allogeneic by nature. Some current studies involve the potential therapeutic application of hESCs for spinal cord injury, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Among the start up cell therapy companies, Geron and Advanced Cell Technologies have pioneered clinical trials using cells differentiated from hESCs.
New Drug Approvals 