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Sanofi And Regeneron Report Positive Proof-of-Concept Data For Dupilumab, An IL-4R Alpha Antibody, In Atopic Dermatitis
| Monoclonal antibody | |
|---|---|
| Source | Human |
| Target | IL4 receptor alpha |
Treatment of atopic diseases
Immunoglobulin, anti-(human interleukin 4 receptor α) (human REGN668 heavy chain),
disulfide with human REGN668 κ-chain, dimer
Immunoglobulin G4, anti-(human interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha (IL-4R-alpha,
CD124)); human monoclonal REGN668 des-452-lysine{CH3107K>-}-[233-
proline{H10S>P}]γ4 heavy chain (139-219′)-disulfide with human monoclonal REGN668
κ light chain, dimer (231-231”:234-234”)-bisdisulfide
1190264-60-8 cas no
REGN668, SAR231893
MOLECULAR FORMULA- C6512H10066N1730O2052S46
Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody designed for the treatment of atopic diseases.[1]
This drug was developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
- Statement On A Nonproprietary Name Adopted By The USAN Council – Dupilumab,American Medical Association.
Phase 1b Data Presented at Late Breaking Session of 71st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology
PARIS and TARRYTOWN, N.Y., March 2, 2013 – Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that pooled data from two Phase 1b trials with dupilumab (REGN668/SAR231893), an investigational, high-affinity, subcutaneously administered, fully-human antibody targeting the alpha subunit of the interleukin 4 receptor (IL-4R alpha), were presented at the 71st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in Miami.
The primary objective of the Phase 1b studies was to assess the safety profile of dupilumab. Other exploratory endpoints included pharmacokinetic, biomarker, and efficacy parameters. The efficacy data showed that treatment with four weekly subcutaneous injections of dupilumab at either 150 milligrams (mg) or 300mg per week, significantly improved the signs and symptoms of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) whose disease was not adequately controlled with topical medications. Specifically, patients treated with dupilumab had significant improvements in body surface area (BSA) score, Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score, and Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) from baseline to week 4 compared to placebo (p<0.05 vs. placebo for all measures and doses). The significant improvements in BSA, IGA, and EASI scores were maintained at week 8 in the 300mg dose group (p<0.05 vs. placebo). A responder analysis demonstrated that at week 4, 54.5% of patients treated with the 150mg dose and 71.4% of patients treated with the 300mg dose achieved a reduction in EASI score of 50% or greater compared to 18.8% with placebo (p<0.05). The most common adverse events (AEs) were nasopharyngitis (19.6% vs 12.5% for placebo) and headache (11.8% vs 6.3% for placebo).
“Despite existing therapies, a significant proportion of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis continue to suffer from inflamed skin and intractable itch, which significantly impacts their quality of life,” said Dr. Eric Simpson, Associate Professor, Director of Clinical Studies, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA, and Principal Investigator of the study. ”The early phase results with this biologic therapy, which has a novel mechanism of action, are encouraging to those of us who treat these patients and warrant further clinical investigation.”
“Through blockade of IL-4R alpha, dupilumab modulates signaling of both the IL-4 and IL-13 pathway, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of allergic disease,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron and President of Regeneron Laboratories. ”We look forward to presenting additional data from a 12-week, Phase 2a trial in atopic dermatitis, as well as starting a larger Phase 2b trial with dupilumab in patients with atopic dermatitis, later this year.”
Presented today in a late-breaking clinical trials session at the AAD meeting, the Phase 1b trials included 67 patients randomized to three different doses of dupilumab (75mg, n=8; 150mg, n=22; 300mg, n=21) and placebo (n=16). The primary objective of the Phase 1b studies was to assess the safety profile of dupilumab. Other endpoints included pharmacokinetic, biomarker, and efficacy parameters. Following the 4-week treatment period, patients in the studies were followed for an additional 4 weeks for a total of 8 weeks.
About IL-4R and the IL-4/IL-13 Pathway
Atopic dermatitis and some types of asthma are characterized by the induction of a specific type of an immune response that is driven by a subset of immune cells called Type 2 helper T cells, or Th2 cells. IL-4 and IL-13 are key cytokines that are required for the initiation and maintenance of this Th2 immune response. Both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling occurs through two different IL-4 receptors (Type I and II), which both contain a common IL-4R alpha subunit.
About Dupilumab (SAR231893/REGN668)
Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against IL-4R alpha and is administered via subcutaneous injection. By blocking IL-4R alpha dupilumab modulates signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13, drivers of a Th2 immune response. Dupilumab was created using Regeneron’s pioneering VelocImmune® technology and is being co-developed with Sanofi. Dupilumab is currently being studied in both atopic dermatitis and asthma.
About Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammation of the skin that is characterized by poorly defined erythema (redness) with edema (swelling), weeping in the acute stage, and skin thickening (lichenification) in the chronic stage. Chronic and/or relapsing lesions, along with pruritus (itching) and scratching are the hallmarks of the disease. The prevalence of AD is estimated to be between 1% and 3% of adults. For many patients, topical therapies are not effective for keeping the disease under control and the only approved systemic therapies to treat AD are prednisone and cyclosporine (in Europe). Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis can negatively impact patients’ lives and is associated with a high burden to society both in terms of direct costs of medical care and prescription drugs, as well as loss of productivity.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY).
About Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Regeneron is a leading science-based biopharmaceutical company based in Tarrytown, New York that discovers, invents, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions. Regeneron markets medicines for eye diseases, colorectal cancer, and a rare inflammatory condition and has product candidates in development in other areas of high unmet medical need, including hypercholesterolemia, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. For additional information about the company, please visitwww.regeneron.com.
Dainippon Sumitomo receives approval for Surepost, Repaglinide in combination with biguanides and thiazolidenediones
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Repaglinide is an antidiabetic drug in the class of medications known as meglitinides, and was invented in 1983. It is sold by Novo Nordisk under the name of Prandin in theU.S., GlucoNorm in Canada, Surepost in Japan,Repaglinide in Egypt by EIPICO, andNovoNorm elsewhere. In Japan it is produced by Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma.
Repaglinide lowers blood glucose by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas. It achieves this by closing ATP-dependent potassium channels in the membrane of the beta cells. This depolarizes the beta cells, opening the cells’ calcium channels, and the resulting calcium influx induces insulin secretion.
Precursor drugs to repaglinide were invented in late 1983 by scientists at Dr Karl Thomae GmbH, a German drug manufacturer located at Biberach an der Riß in southern Germany which was acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim in 1990. The drug that became repaglinide was later licensed by Boehringer to Novo Nordisk, which filed an Investigational New Drugapplication for the compound with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 1992. Novo Nordisk filed its New Drug Application (NDA) for Prandin in July 1997 and it was quickly approved, gaining FDA approval in December 1997. The drug was the first of the meglitinide class. It was branded Prandin because its quick onset and short duration of action concentrates its effect around meal time (the prandium was the Roman meal which is comparable to the modern lunch).
After several attempts to file for U.S. patent protection, a filing was made in March 1990 which eventually became U.S. Patents 5,216,167 (June 1993), 5,312,924 (May 1994) and 6,143,769 (November 2000). After filing its NDA for repaglinide in 1997, Novo Nordisk applied for patent extension under the Hatch-Waxman Act. This process, called patent term restoration, allows drug patents to be extended based on the time that a drug spent in clinical trials and in the approval process. Previously it had been decided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that the expiration date of U.S. Patents 5,216,167 and 5,312,924 would be 5 September 2006. In February 2001 Prandin’s patent life was extended to 14 March 2009 in response to Novo Nordisk’s patent term restoration application, with U.S. Patent 5,216,167 having been reissued as RE37035.[1]
Prior to the end of repaglinide’s patent term, Novo Nordisk obtained a new patent, U.S. Patent 6,677,358 (January 2004), covering the combination therapy of repaglinide together with the generic anti-diabetic drug metformin. This new patent was due to expire June 2018. In January 2011, a federal court ruled Novo Nordisk’s new patent invalid on the grounds of obviousness, and unenforceable on the grounds of inequitable conduct on the part of Novo Nordisk’s patent attorneys.[2]
- “Details for Patent: RE37035”.
- Frankel, Alison (2011-01-27). “Judge Finds Novo Nordisk Diabetes Drug Patent Invalid and Unenforceable, Questions In-House Patent Lawyer’s Conduct”. Retrieved 2011-02-05.
FDA Grants QIDP and Fast Track Designations for Cubist’s Late-Stage Antibiotic Candidates
- QIDP granted for ceftolozane/tazobactam in HABP/VABP and cUTI
- Fast track status provided for ceftolozane/tazobactam (CXA-201) in cIAI
February 28, 2013
LEXINGTON, Mass., Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated the company’s late-stage antibiotic candidate, ceftolozane/tazobactam, as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) for the indications of Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (HABP)/Ventilator-Associated Bacterial Pneumonia (VABP) and Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTI).
Additionally, the company received from the FDA notification that Cubist’s antibiotic candidates, ceftolozane/tazobactam and surotomycin, have been granted Fast Track status in their previously granted QIDP indications, Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (cIAI) and Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) respectively.
“We are excited to receive the QIDP and Fast Track designations for ceftolozane/tazobactam and surotomycin, which further reinforce the importance the FDA places on helping to advance critically needed antibiotics,” said Steven Gilman, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer of Cubist Pharmaceuticals. “In a very short period of time, the GAIN Act has shown its value in helping to incentivize antibiotic development.”
The QIDP designation for ceftolozane/tazobactam will enable Cubist to benefit from certain incentives for the development of new antibiotics, including priority review, eligibility for Fast Track status, and if ceftolozane/tazobactam is ultimately approved by the FDA, a five year extension of Hatch-Waxman exclusivity. These incentives are provided under the Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now Act (GAIN Act), which received strong bipartisan support in Congress and was signed into law by President Obama in July 2012 as part of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA), the fifth authorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.
Ceftolozane/tazobactam is currently being studied in pivotal Phase 3 trials as a potential first-line intravenous therapy for the treatment of cIAI and cUTI caused by Gram-negative pathogens, including those caused by multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cubist expects to initiate a Phase 3 VABP program for ceftolozane/tazobactam by mid-year. Surotomycin, a rapidly bactericidal lipopeptide, is currently in Phase 3 being studied as a potential treatment for patients with a severe and sometimes life-threatening diarrhea caused by CDAD.
About The GAIN Act
The GAIN Act, Title VIII (Sections 801 through 806) of the FDASIA, provides pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with incentives to develop new antibacterial and antifungal drugs for the treatment of life-threatening infectious diseases caused by drug resistant pathogens. Qualifying pathogens are defined by the GAIN Act to include multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, and Escherichia coli species; resistant Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus; multi-drug resistant tuberculosis; and Clostridium difficile.
About Gram-negative bacteria
The diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria include intra-abdominal infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, peritonitis, septicemia, neonatal meningitis, and burn and wound infections. In the US in 2003, Gram-negative bacteria were associated with many of the most frequent types of hospital-acquired infections including 71% of urinary tract infections, 65% of pneumonia episodes, 34% of surgical site infections, and 24% of bloodstream infections. Important Gram-negative bacteria include Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Acinetobacter.
About CDAD
CDAD is a disease caused by an overgrowth of, and toxin production by C. difficile, a Gram-positive bacterium naturally found in the lower gastrointestinal tract. This overgrowth is caused by the use of antibiotics for the treatment of common community and hospital acquired infections. Many antibiotics cure the underlying infection but, as a consequence, disrupt the natural balance of intestinal bacteria which allows C. difficile to overgrow. The overgrown C. difficile bacteria produce enterotoxin and cytotoxin, two proteins that can lead to potentially life-threatening severe diarrhea and sepsis (blood infection). CDAD rates and severity are increasing, due in part to the spread of a new strain with increased virulence and greater resistance to fluoroquinolones, a standard of care treatment. According to an article in the October 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, during the mid- and late-1990s, the reported incidence of C. difficile infections in acute care hospitals in the United States remained stable at 30 to 40 cases per 100,000. However in 2001, this number rose to almost 50, with subsequent increases to the point that the number of cases that were reported in 2005 (84 per 100,000) was nearly three times the 1996 rate (31 per 100,000).
About Cubist
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products that address significant unmet medical needs in the acute care environment. Cubist is headquartered in Lexington, Mass. Additional information can be found at Cubist’s web site at www.cubist.com.
ceftolozane
credit —kegg
http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/usan/ceftolozane.pdf
89293-68-3 cas no
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
tazobactum
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cas no89786-04-9
Tazobactam is a compound that inhibits the action of bacterial beta-lactamases. It is combined with the extended spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic piperacillin in the drug Tazocin (also Zosyn, Piprataz)one of the preferred antibiotic treatment for CAP caused by P. aeruginosa. It broadens the spectrum of piperacillin by making it effective against organisms that express beta-lactamase and would normally degrade piperacillin.
Tazobactam sodium is a derivative of the penicillin nucleus and is a penicillanic acid sulfone.
Hyaluronan initiates chondrogenesis mainly via CD44 in human adipose derived stem cells.
Source
1Kaohsiung Medical University.
Abstract
Cell-matrix adhesion is one of the important interactions that regulate stem cell survival, self-renewal, and differentiation. Our previous report indicated that a microenvironment enriched with hyaluronan (HA) initiated and enhanced chondrogenesis in human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs). We further hypothesize that HA-induced chondrogenesis in hADSCs is mainly due to the interaction of HA and CD44 (HA-CD44), a cell surface receptor of HA. The HA-CD44 interaction was tested by examining the mRNA expression of hyaluronidase-1 (Hyal-1) and chondrogenic marker genes (SOX-9, collagen type II, and aggrecan) in hADSCs cultured on HA-coated wells. Cartilaginous matrix formation, sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and collagen productions by hADSCs affected by HA-CD44 interaction were tested in a 3D fibrin hydrogel. About 99.9% of hADSCs possess CD44. The mRNA expressions of Hyal-1 and chondrogenic marker genes were up-regulated by HA in hADSCs on HA-coated wells. Blocking HA-CD44 interaction by anti-CD44 antibody completely inhibited Hyal-1 expression and reduced chondrogenic marker gene expression, which indicates that HA induced chondrogenesis in hADSCs mainly acts through HA-CD44 interaction. A two-hour pre-incubation and co-culture of cells with HA in hydrogel (HA/fibrin hydrogel) not only assisted in hADSC survival but also enhanced expression of Hyal-1 and chondrogenic marker genes. Higher levels of sGAG and total collagen were also found in HA/fibrin hydrogel group. Immunocytochemistry showed more collagen type II but less collagen type X in HA/fibrin than in fibrin hydrogels. Our results indicate that signaling triggered by HA-CD44 interaction significantly contributes to HA-induced chondrogenesis and may be applied to ADSC-based cartilage regeneration.
Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid or hyaluronate or HA) is an anionic,nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout connective,epithelial, and neural tissues. It is unique among glycosaminoglycans in that it is nonsulfated, forms in the plasma membrane instead of the Golgi, and can be very large, with its molecular weight often reaching the millions.[2] One of the chief components of the extracellular matrix, hyaluronan contributes significantly to cell proliferation and migration, and may also be involved in the progression of some malignant tumors.
The average 70 kg (154 lbs) person has roughly 15 grams of hyaluronan in the body, one-third of which is turned over (degraded and synthesized) every day.[3]Hyaluronic acid is also a component of the group A streptococcal extracellularcapsule,[4] and is believed to play a role in virulence.[5][6]
- Hyaluronate Sodium in the ChemIDplus database, consulté le 12 février 2009
- Frasher, J.R.E et al’; Laurent, T. C.; Laurent, U. B. G. (1997).“Hyaluronan: its nature, distribution, functions and turnover”(PDF). Journal of Internal Medicine 242 (1): 27–33.doi:10.1046/j.1365-2796.1997.00170.x. PMID 9260563. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
- Stern R (August 2004). “Hyaluronan catabolism: a new metabolic pathway”. Eur J Cell Biol 83 (7): 317–25.doi:10.1078/0171-9335-00392. PMID 15503855.
- Sugahara, K.; N.B. Schwartz and A. Dorfman (1979).“Biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid by Streptococcus“. Journal of Biological Chemistry 254 (14): 6252–6261. PMID 376529.
- Wessels, M.R.; A.E. Moses, J.B. Goldberg and T.J. DiCesare (1991). “Hyaluronic acid capsule is a virulence factor for mucoid group A streptococci”. PNAS 88 (19): 8317–8321.doi:10.1073/pnas.88.19.8317. PMC 52499.PMID 1656437.
- Schrager, H.M.; J.G. Rheinwald and M.R. Wessels (1996).“Hyaluronic acid capsule and the role of streptococcal entry into keratinocytes in invasive skin infection”. Journal of Clinical Investigation 98 (9): 1954–1958. doi:10.1172/JCI118998.PMC 507637. PMID 8903312.
Hyaluronic Acid


EU OKs Lundbeck’s Selincro, Nalmefene to cut alcoholic urges
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Nalmefene
17-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxy-6-methylenemorphinan-3,14-diol
march 1 2013
Lundbeck will be celebrating news that European regulators have issued a green light for Selincro, making it the first therapy approved for the reduction of alcohol consumption in dependent adults.
Selincro (nalmefene) is a unique dual-acting opioid system modulator that acts on the brain’s motivational system, which is dysregulated in patients with alcohol dependence.
The once daily pill has been developed to be taken on days when an alcoholic feels at greater risk of having a drink, in a strategy that aims to reduce – rather than stop – alcohol consumption, which some experts believe is a more realistic goal.
Clinical trials of the drug have shown that it can reduce alcohol consumption by approximately 60% after six months treatment, equating to an average reduction of nearly one bottle of wine per day.
In March last year, data was published from two Phase III trials, ESENSE 1 and ESENSE 2, showing that the mean number of heavy drinking days decreased from 19 to 7 days/month and 20 to 7 days/month, while TAC fell from 85 to 43g/day and from 93 to 30g/day at month six. However, the placebo effect was also strong in the studies.
According to Anders Gersel Pedersen, Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development at Lundbeck, Selincro “represents the first major innovation in the treatment of alcohol dependence in many years,” and he added that its approval “is exciting news for the many patients with alcohol dependence who otherwise may not seek treatment”.
Alcohol dependence is considered a major public health concern, and yet it is both underdiagnosed and undertreated, highlighting the urgent need for better management of the condition.
In Europe, more than 90% of the 14 million patients with alcohol dependence are not receiving treatment, but research suggests that treating just 40% of these would save 11,700 lives each year.
The Danish firm said it expects to launch Selincro in its first markets in mid-2013, and that it will provide the drug as part of “a new treatment concept that includes continuous psychosocial support focused on the reduction of alcohol consumption and treatment adherence”.
Nalmefene (Revex), originally known as nalmetrene, is an opioid receptor antagonistdeveloped in the early 1970s, and used primarily in the management of alcoholdependence, and also has been investigated for the treatment of other addictions such aspathological gambling and addiction to shopping.
Nalmefene is an opiate derivative similar in both structure and activity to the opiate antagonist naltrexone. Advantages of nalmefene relative to naltrexone include longer half-life, greater oral bioavailability and no observed dose-dependent liver toxicity. As with other drugs of this type, nalmefene can precipitate acute withdrawal symptoms in patients who are dependent on opioid drugs, or more rarely when used post-operatively to counteract the effects of strong opioids used in surgery.
Nalmefene differs from naltrexone by substitution of the ketone group at the 6-position of naltrexone with a methylene group (CH2), which considerably increases binding affinity to the μ-opioid receptor. Nalmefene also has high affinity for the other opioid receptors, and is known as a “universal antagonist” for its ability to block all three.
- US patent 3814768, Jack Fishman et al, “6-METHYLENE-6-DESOXY DIHYDRO MORPHINE AND CODEINE DERIVATIVES AND PHARMACEUTICALLY ACCEPTABLE SALTS”, published 1971-11-26, issued 1974-06-04
- Barbara J. Mason, Fernando R. Salvato, Lauren D. Williams, Eva C. Ritvo, Robert B. Cutler (August 1999). “A Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Nalmefene for Alcohol Dependence”. Arch Gen Psychiatry 56 (8): 719.
- Clinical Trial Of Nalmefene In The Treatment Of Pathological Gambling
- http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2000/20459S2lbl.pdf
- “Efficacy of Nalmefene in Patients With Alcohol Dependence (ESENSE1)”. “Lundbeck submits Selincro in EU; Novo Nordisk files Degludec in Japan”. thepharmaletter. 22 December 2011.
- Nalmefene Hydrochloride Drug Information, Professional
Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that its subsidiary, Hawthorn Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has received FDA approval of a NDA for Vituz Oral Solution (hydrocodone bitartrate and chlorpheniramine maleate).
Hydrocodone bitartrate is morphinan-6-one, 4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-, (5α)-, [R-(R*,R*)]-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1), hydrate (2:5); also known as 4,5α-Epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one tartrate (1:1) hydrate (2:5); a fine white crystal or crystalline powder, which is derived from the opium alkaloid, thebaine; and may be represented by the following structural formula:
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Hydrocodone Bitartrate
C18H21N03•C4H606•2.5 H20
Molecular weight = 494.5
Chlorpheniramine maleate is 2-pyridinepropanamine, γ-(4-chlorophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-, (Z)-2-butenedioate (1:1) and has the following chemical structure:
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Chlorpheniramine Maleate
C16H19C1N2•C4H404
Molecular weight = 390.86
Feb 28, 2013 – Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced that its subsidiary, Hawthorn Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a new drug application (NDA) for Vituz Oral Solution (hydrocodone bitartrate and chlorpheniramine maleate). Vituz is indicated for the relief of cough and symptoms associated with upper respiratory allergies or a common cold in adults 18 years of age and older.
Cooper Collins, President and CEO of Pernix, said, “Vituz broadens our cough and cold product line and is our first NDA approved by the FDA, since we closed the acquisition of Hawthorn and Cypress at the end of December 2012. We look forward to the launch of this new treatment option for cough and cold symptoms, which is expected prior to the fall of this year.”
Phase3 Ganetespib, a Unique Triazolone-Containing Hsp90 Inhibitor, Exhibits Potent Antitumor Activity and a Superior Safety Profile for Cancer Therapy

Chemical structure of ganetespib and its co-crystal structure with Hsp90 N-terminal.
A, chemical structure of ganetespib.
B, crystallographic complex of ganetespib in the Hsp90 N-terminal.
C, hydrogen bond interactions between ganetespib with amino acid residues in the Hsp90 N-terminal ATP-binding pocket.
Synta Pharmaceuticals has opened a ClinicalTrials.gov listing for their much discussed GALAXY-2 phase 3 trial of their HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib in second-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in combination with docetaxel. For the moment at least, the phase 2b GALAXY-1 trial is still listed as enrolling patients, but that would be expected to complete soon.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01798485
- CAS Number:
- 888216-25-9
-
3H-1,2,4-Triazol-3-one, 5-[2,4-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-2,4-dihydro-4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-
- Ganetespib
- Molecular Structure:
![Molecular Structure of 888216-25-9 (3H-1,2,4-Triazol-3-one, 5-[2,4-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-2,4-dihydro-4-(1-methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)-)](https://i0.wp.com/www.lookchem.com/300w/2012-2/e100939d-148c-4f54-9b7c-83632fb0d675.gif)
- Formula: C20H20N4O3
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Hsp90, a chaperone essential for the folding of JAK2, is the target of Synta Pharmaceuticals’ ganetespib.

Immune begins Phase II study of ulcerative colitis drug, Bertilimumab
| Monoclonal antibody | |
|---|---|
| Type | Whole antibody |
| Source | Human |
| Target | CCL11 (eotaxin-1) |
phase 2 NCT01671956; C2a/BRT/UC-01
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Designed to Evaluate the Safety, Clinical Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Bertilimumab in Subjects With Active Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
25 February 2013
Immune Pharmaceuticals has started Phase II study of its bertilimumab (iCo-008 or CAT-213) drug, designed for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.
Bertilimumab is a human immunoglobulin monoclonal antibody which targets eotaxin-1, a member of the chemokine family of proteins regulating eosinophilic inflammation.
The double-blind, parallel group, randomized, placebo-controlled 90 patients-based study is designed to demonstrate the safety, clinical efficacy, and pharmacokinetic profile of bertilimumab in subjects with active moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.
60 patients in the study will be treated with bertilimumab 7mg/kg, while 30 patients with placebo every two weeks at days 0, 14, and 28, according to the company.
In addition, the patients will be evaluated for clinical response after six weeks to determine the decrease if any in the full Mayo Clinic Ulcerative Colitis Score.
Secondary and exploratory end points of the study include clinical remission defined as symptom free, fecal calprotectin, a recognized marker of gastro-intestinal inflammation, histopathology improvement and degree of mucosal injury.
The company, which is expecting to follow-up the patients for up to day 90, said the patient enrollment and clinical results are likely to be completed in 2014.
The company has also announced that bertilimumab will be the lead clinical stage development drug for the combined company following completion of the proposed merger with EpiCept in the second quarter of 2013.
Bertilimumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to eotaxin-1, an important regulator of overall eosinophil function.
patent WO00166754
It was discovered by Cambridge Antibody Technology using their phage displaytechnology.[1] Named CAT-213 during early discovery and development by CAT, it was to be used to treat severe allergic disorders.[2]
In January 2007, CAT licensed the drug for treatment of allergy disorders to iCo Therapeutics Inc.[3] iCo Therapeutics Inc. is a Vancouver-based reprofiling company focused on redosing or reformulating drugs with clinical history for new or expanded indications – a so-called ‘search and development company’.[4]
iCo Therapeutics Inc. renamed the drug from CAT-213 to iCo-008 and, at that stage, planned to initiate a Phase II clinical trial in patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.[5]
In March 2008, iCo announced iCo-008 had been in 126 patients in Phase I and II clinical trials. The drug substance had been manufactured by Lonza, in its cGMP facilities inSlough, UK. Subsequently iCo moved the drug substance to a fill-finish site for the final stage of manufacturing. iCo reported that the iCo-008 drug product was within specifications and contained a high antibody yield.[6]
In June 2011, IMMUNE Pharmaceuticals[7] (Herzliya, Israel) in-licensed Bertilimumab from iCo for non-ophthalmic indications. [8]IMMUNE is initiating Phase II clinical trials of Bertilimumab in inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease) in 2012 and 2013.
- http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/319/3/1395
- Bertilimumab Cambridge Antibody Technology Group. 5. November 2004. pp. 1213–8. PMID 15573873.
- http://www.icotherapeutics.com/site/investor-relations/cambridge_antibody_tech_licenses_monoclonal_antibody_treatment_allergy/
- http://www.icotherapeutics.com/site/corporate_overview/overview/
- http://www.icotherapeutics.com/site/pipeline/ico008/
- http://www.icotherapeutics.com/site/investor-relations/ico_therapeutics_provides_ico_008_phase_ii_clinical_update/
- http://immunepharmaceuticals.com/
- http://immunepharmaceuticals.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=32&Itemid=20
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DR ANTHONY MELVIN CRASTO Ph.D , Born in Mumbai in 1964 and graduated from Mumbai University, Completed his PhD from ICT ,1991, Mumbai, India in Organic chemistry, The thesis topic was Synthesis of Novel Pyrethroid Analogues,
Currently he is working with GLENMARK- GENERICS LTD, Research centre as Principal Scientist, Process Research (bulk actives) at Mahape, Navi Mumbai, India.
Prior to joining Glenmark, he worked with major multinationals like Hoechst Marion Roussel, now Sanofi Aventis, & Searle India ltd, now Rpg lifesciences, etc. He has worked in Basic research, Neutraceuticals, Natural products, Flavors, Fragrances, Pheromones, Vet Drugs, Drugs, formulation, GMP etc. He has total 25 yrs exp in this field, he is now helping millions, has million hits on google on all organic chemistry websites.
His New Drug Approvals , Green Chemistry International, Eurekamoments in Organic Chemistry , Organic Chemistry by Dr Anthony, WIX BLOG , are some most read chemistry blogs
He has hands on experience in initiation and developing novel routes for drug molecules and implementation them on commercial scale over a 25 year tenure, good knowledge of IPM, GMP, Regulatory aspects, he has several international drug patents published worldwide .
He has good proficiency in Technology Transfer, Spectroscopy , Stereochemistry , Synthesis, Reactions in Org Chem , Polymorphism, Pharmaceuticals , Medicinal chemistry , Organic chemistry literature , Patent related site , Green chemistry , Reagents , R & D , Molecules , Heterocyclic chem , Sourcing etc
He suffered a paralytic stroke in dec 2007 and is bound to a wheelchair, this seems to have injected feul in him to help chemists around the world, he is more active than before and is pushing boundaries, he has one lakh connections on all networking sites, He makes himself available to all, contact him on +91 9323115463, amcrasto@gmail.com

FDA Approves Generic Suboxone, Buprenorphine HCl and Naloxone HCl Dihydrate SL Tablets
SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film is an orange film, imprinted with a logo identifying the product and strength in white ink. It contains buprenorphine HCl, a mu-opioid receptor partial agonist and a kappa-opioid receptor antagonist, and naloxone HCl dihydrate, an opioid receptor antagonist, at a ratio of 4:1 (ratio of free bases). It is intended for sublingual administration and is available in four dosage strengths, 2 mg buprenorphine with 0.5 mg naloxone, 4 mg buprenorphine with 1 mg naloxone, 8 mg buprenorphine with 2 mg naloxone, and 12 mg buprenorphine with 3 mg naloxone . Each sublingual film also contains polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, maltitol, acesulfame potassium, lime flavor, citric acid, sodium citrate, FD&C yellow #6, and white ink.
Chemically, buprenorphine HCl is (2S)-2-[17-Cyclopropylmethyl-4,5α-epoxy-3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6α,14-ethano14α-morphinan-7α-yl]-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol hydrochloride. It has the following chemical structure:
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Buprenorphine HCl has the molecular formula C29H41NO4 • HCl and the molecular weight is 504.10. It is a white or off-white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water, freely soluble in methanol, soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in cyclohexane.
Chemically, naloxone HCl dihydrate is 17-Allyl-4,5 α -epoxy-3, 14-dihydroxymorphinan-6-one hydrochloride dihydrate. It has the following chemical structure:
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Naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate has the molecular formula C19H21NO4 • HCl • 2H 20 and the molecular weight is 399.87. It is a white to slightly off-white powder and is freely soluble in water, soluble in alcohol, and practically insoluble in toluene and ether.
Feb. 25, 2013 — The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved generic versions of Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare’s Suboxone sublingual tablets. Buprenorphine HCl and Naloxone HCl Dihydrate SL Tablets, 2 mg/0.5 mg and 8 mg/2 mg will be produced by two U.S. based generic manufacturers – Actavis, Inc. and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
Suboxone is indicated for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence.
For the 12 months ending December 31, 2012, Suboxone® tablets had total U.S. sales of approximately $625 million, according to IMS Health data. The generic equivalents are expected to save millions in healthcare costs.
buprenorphine
Chemical Name: (2S)-2-[(-)-(5R,6R,7R,14S)-9α-cyclopropylmethyl-4,5-epoxy-6,14-ethano-3-hydroxy-6-methoxymorphinan-7-yl]-3,3-dimethylbutan-2-ol
Uses: Pain, Opiate/Opioid Abuse Treatment
Routes: Sublingual
Half-Life (H½): 37 Hours
Bioavailability: ~50-60% (Sublingual Tablet)
Protein Binding: 96%
Potency: 30-50x (Oral Morphine)
FDA Approves Stivarga, Regorafenib for Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
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Regorafenib
cas 755037-03-7
4-[4-({[4-Chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]carbamoyl}amino)-3-fluorophenoxy]-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide hydrate
February 25, 2013 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of Stivarga (regorafenib) to treat patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that cannot be surgically removed and no longer respond to other FDA-approved treatments for this disease.
GIST is a tumor in which cancerous cells form in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, part of the body’s digestive system. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 3,300 to 6,000 new cases of GIST occur yearly in the United States, most often in older adults.
Stivarga, a multi-kinase inhibitor, blocks several enzymes that promote cancer growth. With this new approval, Stivarga is intended to be used in patients whose GIST cancer cannot be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) and is no longer responding to Gleevec (imatinib) and Sutent (sunitinib), two other FDA-approved drugs to treat GIST.
“Stivarga is the third drug approved by the FDA to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “It provides an important new treatment option for patients with GIST in which other approved drugs are no longer effective.”
Stivarga was approved in September 2012 to treat colorectal cancer. It is marketed by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, based in Wayne, N.J. Gleevec is marketed by East Hanover, N.J.-based Novartis, and Sutent is marketed by New York City-based Pfizer.
Regorafenib (BAY 73-4506, commercial name Stivarga) is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor developed by Bayer which targets angiogenic, stromal and oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). Regorafenib shows anti-angiogenic activity due to its dual targetedVEGFR2-TIE2 tyrosine kinase inhibition. It is currently being studied as a potential treatment option in multiple tumor types.[1]
Metastatic colorectal cancer
Regorafenib demonstrated to increase the overall survival of patients with metastaticcolorectal cancer[2] and has been approved by the US FDA on September 27, 2012.[3]Stivarga is being approved with a Boxed Warning alerting patients and health care professionals that severe and fatal liver toxicity occurred in patients treated with Stivarga during clinical studies. The most common side effects reported in patients treated with Stivarga include weakness or fatigue, loss of appetite, hand-foot syndrome (also called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), diarrhea, mouth sores (mucositis), weight loss, infection, high blood pressure, and changes in voice volume or quality (dysphonia).[4]
- “Bayer Announces New Data on Oncology Portfolio To Be Presented at the ECCO-ESMO Congress 2009”. Retrieved 2009-09-19.
- “Phase III Trial of Regorafenib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Meets Primary Endpoint of Improving Overall Survival”. Retrieved 2011-10-26.
- “FDA approves new treatment for advanced colorectal cancer”. 27 Sep 2012.
- “FDA Prescribing Information”. 27 Sept 2012.
DRUG APPROVALS BY DR ANTHONY MELVIN CRASTO
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