Tuesday November 24 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Tuesday November 24 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Emerging Drug Discovery Targets "Emerging Drug Discovery Targets" provides a regular summary of some of the most exciting breaking information recently featured by the pharmaceutical analysts, LeadDiscovery. Information includes editorials on recently published journal articles, selected press releases and "intelligence reports". Our target audience includes business development personnel, senior management and researchers within the drug development sector as well as bioscience investors and analysts. To receive a FREE copy by email register here!In this edition:
Editorial comment on selected journal articles MBD2 inhibition identified as a selective strategy for reducing tumor growth: CpG island hypermethylation is known to be associated with gene silencing in cancer. Consequently, methylated DNA binding proteins (MBDs) which recognize methylated DNA are pharmacological targets. MBD2 is one such target and Moshe Szyf’s group at McGill University have now demonstrated that antisense inhibitors of MBD2 inhibit anchorage-independent growth of cancer cell lines in vitro and xenografts in vivo...[more on these findings] ********************** NicOx's NO-ASA, NCX 4040, reduces the development of intestinal tumors: Cancers of the colon and rectum remain responsible for 56,000 deaths every year in the US, second only to lung cancer. The global market for this sub-type of cancer was estimated to be worth approximately US$1 billion in 2001 (for a full analysis of therapeutic and market opportunities for colon cancer click here). In addition to treating diagnosed cancers with agents such as camptosar, chemoprevention of colon cancer is also attractive and aspirin (ASA) has emerged as the prototypical chemoprevention agent. In this edition of TherapeuticAdvances we highlight three reports on the development of NSAIDs for the prevention or treatment of cancer (see below for studies evaluating the use of COX-2 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer cachexia or pain). In the present study NicOx's NO derivative of ASA, NCX 4040 reduced the number of spontaneously developing intestinal tumors in susceptible mice by 59% at doses free of GI toxicity...[more on these findings] ********************** MIF as a target for atherogenesis: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in the US. In 1998, this group of diseases claimed nearly one million lives, which translates to 40% of all deaths (for a detailed analysis of the cardiovascular therapeutics arena access "The Cardiovascular Market Outlook to 2008" [more]). Almost 2 million angioplasty, endarterectomies and bypass procedures are performed each year in an attempt to prevent (re)occurence of myocardial infarction however restenosis caused by vessel injury and accelerated neointima formation is a frequent long-term complication after such procedures. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) neutralization has been shown to reduce the number of macrophages within the neointima and the percentage of foam cells within the neointimal macrophage population in a model of restenosis suggesting that MIF blocking agents may be a therapeutic target for this common problem within the field of cardiovascular disease...[more on these findings] ********************** COX-2 inhibitors limit cachexia as well as tumor progression: The metabolic disorder cachexia represents an important component of oncology. Several lines of evidence suggest that the cyclooxygenase enzymes (specifically COX-2) might be an important molecular target for the intervention of cancer at both early and late stages of some cancers, providing an opportunity for both cancer prevention and therapy. Here we highlight a study from PTC Therapeutics which reports that the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib also prevents cachexia independently of additional effects on tumor growth...[more on these findings] ********************** Dual MMP and TACE inhibition as a treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: An estimated 5 million individuals suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (for further information on the rheumatoid arthritis market click here). Future directions for the development of therapeutics for this disease are ever focusing on disease modifying drug classes (LeadDiscovery's "Rheumatoid arthritis: Emerging drug discovery targets and therapeutic candidates" is recommended for readers requiring a full overview of DMARDs click here). Two molecular targets for DMARDs, which are evaluated in detail in our recent report, are the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the related ADAM (A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease) family. Here we feature the therapeutic activity of TMI-1 a molecule under development by Wyeth and Amgen which inhibits both of these enzymes...[more on these findings] TherapyUpdate Osteoporosis: R&D innovations to drive growth in osteoporosis market - R&D trends in the osteoporosis market are focusing on novel dosing regimens and expanding indications, and forecasts indicate strong growth driven by new market entrants. The late-stage osteoporosis pipeline will soon provide a boost to the number of available treatments, with a flurry of launch activity expected between 2004-8. Six key products should reach the market in this time, including; Roche’s Boniva, Novartis’s Zometa, Pfizer’s lasofoxifene, Wyeth’s bazedoxifene, NPS’s Preos and Servier’s Protos. It is clear that antiresorptives will continue to dominate therapy. Market sales are forecast to reach $10.4 billion by 2011, from approximately $5.0 billion in 2003 (excluding HRT sales). Early stage R&D activity is also feeding a large number of candidates into osteoporosis pipelines and as a result 5 entirely new therapeutic classes are moving towards the market...] A fortnight in Drug Development Our Tour of Industry Press Releases Key press releases selected from recent editions of the tracking service, DailyUpdates.
LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider.
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