�Duke University chemists have got patented an efficient technique for synthesizing a marine algae extract in sufficient quantities to now test its ability to inhibit the development of cancerous cells piece leaving normal cells unaffected.
The researchers likewise deduced that this molecule -- called largazole -- acts on cells through the like chemical mechanics as other anti-cancer compounds on the market or in clinical trials. "It's a very exciting molecule," said Jiyong Hong, a Duke helper chemistry professor.
Hong's graduate bookman, Yongcheng Ying, described the work in a speak in Philadelphia during the 236th national meeting of the American Chemical Society. It has also been described in a report in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS).
Hendrik Luesch, a born product chemist at the University of Florida wHO led the group that discovered largazole, was a corresponding author of the JACS composition along with Hong. Luesch's team low gear extracted and identified largazole from a marine teal algae gathered at Key Largo, Fla.
Guided by grounds of therapeutical benefits from extracts of a related algae, the Florida mathematical group demonstrated that largazole could impede white meat cancer cell growth better than the anti-tumor dose Taxol without causing Taxol-like side personal effects on normal breast tissue.
But Luesch's group "isolated just one mg, a very tiny measure, from natural sources that were identical difficult to grow," Hong said. "We needed to develop a concise and efficient synthetical route to make sufficiency largazole for animal studies."
Winning a race with several other groups, the Duke team devised a method to bring forth gram-sized quantities -- well-nigh 1,000 times more -- by identifying threesome key construction blocks in largazole's annulated molecular architecture.
The scientists were then able to habit commercially useable chemicals to make largazole in eight steps, netting what Hong called a "very, very efficient" 20 percent yield.
"My lab's following task was finding the origin of lagarzole's biological activity," Hong said. The molecule appeared to initiate some signal cascades that could affect inappropriately proliferating cells just not normal ones.
In the process of sleuthing this question, Hong said his group accidentally discovered that largazole was structurally like to some other molecule called FK228. FK228 is known to inhibit histone deacytelases (HDACs), enzymes regulating genetic activity that can foment cancerous electric cell growth.
The Duke team confirmed that, like FK228, largazole also suppressed HDACs. Another HDAC suppresser, marketed as Zolinza, has now been approved for the treatment of T-cell lymphoma, Hong said. Others, including FK228, are undergoing clinical trials as antitumor drugs.
Hong's group is today doing follow-up research aimed at ever-changing largazole's structure to increase its effects on cell growth. "It could be a selfsame good dose candidate for the handling of diverse cancers," he said.
The work on synthesizing largazole was supported by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant Program, the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and Duke University.
Source: Monte Basgall
Duke University
View drug information on Taxol.
More info
Monday 8 September 2008
Friday 29 August 2008
FDA Issues New Rules On Product Warning Label Updates For Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices
�
FDA last week issued new rules that train to ensure medication warning labels bring home the bacon clear and concise information to consumers, the AP/Denver Post reports. The raw rule, which will claim effect succeeding month, states that pharmaceutical and aesculapian device companies must haste out safety updates on products only if in that location is sack evidence of a peril not still reviewed by FDA. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America supported FDA's actions, saying the new rules allow for clarity some drug warning labels, the AP/Post reports. However, consumer advocacy lawyers said the new rules provide legal protection to companies that withhold information on risks associated with their products. In increase, the American Association of Justice aforesaid the fresh rules ask an unneeded standard of scientific evidence before companies must update their labels (Perrone, AP/Denver Post, 8/24).
FDA last week issued new rules that train to ensure medication warning labels bring home the bacon clear and concise information to consumers, the AP/Denver Post reports. The raw rule, which will claim effect succeeding month, states that pharmaceutical and aesculapian device companies must haste out safety updates on products only if in that location is sack evidence of a peril not still reviewed by FDA. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America supported FDA's actions, saying the new rules allow for clarity some drug warning labels, the AP/Post reports. However, consumer advocacy lawyers said the new rules provide legal protection to companies that withhold information on risks associated with their products. In increase, the American Association of Justice aforesaid the fresh rules ask an unneeded standard of scientific evidence before companies must update their labels (Perrone, AP/Denver Post, 8/24).
Editorial Addresses NEJM Commentary on Pre-Emption
A Las Vegas Sun editorial agrees with the editors of the New England Journal of Medicine "who say that taking away consumers' right to sue would also hold away a strong bonus for the FDA and the pharmaceutic industry to be open about a drug's voltage for causing harm." According to the editorial, the NEJM editors "state the obvious" that FDA and the pharmaceutical companies "haven't always been completely open or slump in their labeling, even when the risk of lawsuits has been award." The editorial concludes, "Preserving the right of consumers to eugene Sue will maintain federal agencies and manufacturers more honest -- and the public more protected" (Las Vegas Sun, 8/23).
Reprinted with kind permit from hTTP://www.kaisernetwork.org. You can survey the total Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or signaling up for email delivery at hTTP://www.kaisernetwork.
Saturday 9 August 2008
Jay-z Treated To Special Preview Of U2 Album
JAY-Z received a special treat from his chum BONO when he visited Ireland last month (Jun08) - the rocker gave the rap superstar a special preview of U2's new album.
The 99 Problems hitmaker played a gig in Dublin at the end of June, and he took some time out of his busy agenda to ante up a visit to Bono, who is currently working on the band's approaching LP.
And Jay-Z was flattered when the singer decided to bounce ideas off him.
He says, "I heard about quaternary tracks. And the thing about Bono is, he's in the studio like a kid, excited and singing the lyrics back, asking what I think. That's passion, only love. Trust me. He doesn't have to do it.
"Music is a challenge. Music's like, 'What have you through for me lately?' Don't topic if you make seven-spot, eight enceinte albums. U2 are arguably one of the greatest bands ever so. (But) if their succeeding album is not smashing, people are going to say they're finished! U2!"
More info
Tuesday 1 July 2008
Tuesday 24 June 2008
Get Green with Icelandair, Bjork, and Sigur Ros with a Free Concert in Iceland
COLUMBIA, Md., June 10 -- Icelandair is proud to announce
an event of green proportions; on June 28, Iceland's musical daughter,
Bjork, and groundbreaking band Sigur Ros will play a free outdoor concert
at Laugardalur in the world's northernmost capital city, Reykjavik. The
concert will focus on raising environmental awareness and feature other
acts like Olof Arnalds.
Visit the Icelandair website now to secure your transportation for this
once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book a flight from one of our gateways or
choose our Iceland Getaway package, which offers you round-trip airfare and
hotel plus the opportunity to add tours, car rental, gourmet dining and
more in addition to catching the concert. This is sure to be a monumental
event, and one you don't want to miss -- so make your plans now! Visit
http://www.icelandair.com/bsrconcert in the U.S. or http://www.icelandair.ca/bsrconcert
from Canada for more details on the show.
Icelandair offers service to Iceland from Boston, New York-JFK,
Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal), Orlando Sanford, Halifax and Toronto
(seasonal). Connections through Icelandair's hub in Reykjavik are available
to more than 20 destinations in Scandinavia, Great Britain and Continental
Europe. Additional information about fares and other packages is available
at http://www.icelandair.com, http://www.icelandair.ca or by calling (877) I-FLY-ICE.
See Also
an event of green proportions; on June 28, Iceland's musical daughter,
Bjork, and groundbreaking band Sigur Ros will play a free outdoor concert
at Laugardalur in the world's northernmost capital city, Reykjavik. The
concert will focus on raising environmental awareness and feature other
acts like Olof Arnalds.
Visit the Icelandair website now to secure your transportation for this
once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book a flight from one of our gateways or
choose our Iceland Getaway package, which offers you round-trip airfare and
hotel plus the opportunity to add tours, car rental, gourmet dining and
more in addition to catching the concert. This is sure to be a monumental
event, and one you don't want to miss -- so make your plans now! Visit
http://www.icelandair.com/bsrconcert in the U.S. or http://www.icelandair.ca/bsrconcert
from Canada for more details on the show.
Icelandair offers service to Iceland from Boston, New York-JFK,
Minneapolis/St. Paul (seasonal), Orlando Sanford, Halifax and Toronto
(seasonal). Connections through Icelandair's hub in Reykjavik are available
to more than 20 destinations in Scandinavia, Great Britain and Continental
Europe. Additional information about fares and other packages is available
at http://www.icelandair.com, http://www.icelandair.ca or by calling (877) I-FLY-ICE.
See Also
Wednesday 11 June 2008
Verizon Wireless and Country Music Star Mica Roberts Combine Talent and Resources to Help Raise Awareness About Domestic Violence
Country Artist to Host Cell Phone Collections at Summer Concerts and Make
Store Appearances at Select Verizon Wireless Communications Stores
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 2 -- Verizon Wireless, long
dedicated to domestic violence awareness and prevention, is teaming up with
up-and-coming country songstress Mica Roberts to address this social ill.
Roberts, who is represented by Toby Keith's Show Dog Records label and is
currently on tour with the legendary star, begins this effort at her
upcoming Charlotte concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on June 20.
Roberts first teamed up with Keith in 2003 as a backup singer. Now a
headlining solo act for the 'Biggest & Baddest' summer tour, Roberts'
single "Things A Mama Don't Know" conveys some of the trauma experienced
through domestic violence, an issue of personal interest to the artist.
Roberts will perform during the National Coalition Against Domestic
Violence (NCADV) annual conference in July.
"Domestic violence is a form of abuse felt by women of all walks of
life across the country that often remains unspoken or kept secret," says
Roberts. "I believe in the strong principles behind Verizon Wireless'
pledge to eradicate domestic violence and look forward to contributing to
the company's efforts to bring more attention to this national epidemic."
Verizon Wireless' efforts to help end domestic violence include the
company's longstanding HopeLine(R) phone recycling program that uses
wireless services and equipment to assist victims of domestic violence.
HopeLine(R) collects used wireless phones, regardless of carrier, make,
model, or technology and either refurbishes, recycles or sells these
phones. Verizon Wireless then uses the proceeds from the sale of any
donated phone to fund non-profit agencies and to purchase wireless phones
for victims of domestic violence.
Verizon Wireless' HopeLine(R) program also makes financial grants to
regional and national domestic violence organizations, such as the Family
Violence Prevention Fund, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic
Violence and other select non-profit community interest groups and
agencies. The grants fund workshops, classes and other initiatives to aid
victims and help raise awareness of domestic violence.
Roberts and Verizon Wireless are teaming up to promote domestic
violence prevention and awareness efforts through cell phone collections at
several concerts along the 'Biggest & Baddest' tour and select Verizon
Wireless communications store appearances by Roberts. Local shelters will
receive HopeLine(R) grants in conjunction with Mica's concert stops.
"Verizon Wireless admires artists who use their musical talent to
connect with fans and address the devastating and heartbreaking cycle
domestic violence takes on women, children and families," says Carly
Culbertson, Verizon Wireless' Carolinas/Tennessee region HopeLine(R)
manager. "We are excited about the endless opportunities our collaboration
will bring to this cause."
Today, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 4.5 million old cell
phones and distributed more than 60,000 HopeLine(R) phones with the
equivalent of 180 million minutes of service and other features for use by
victims, survivors and organizations.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and
data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking
Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint
venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE:
VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com . To
preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution
stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless
Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .
About HopeLine(R)
Verizon Wireless encourages customers who are upgrading their wireless
phone to participate in its exclusive HopeLine(R) phone-recycling program.
The national HopeLine(R) program distributes previously owned wireless
phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic
violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method of
recycling phones. Donations are accepted at all 2,300-plus Verizon Wireless
Communications Stores across the country. For additional information,
customers can also visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline .
See Also
Store Appearances at Select Verizon Wireless Communications Stores
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 2 -- Verizon Wireless, long
dedicated to domestic violence awareness and prevention, is teaming up with
up-and-coming country songstress Mica Roberts to address this social ill.
Roberts, who is represented by Toby Keith's Show Dog Records label and is
currently on tour with the legendary star, begins this effort at her
upcoming Charlotte concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on June 20.
Roberts first teamed up with Keith in 2003 as a backup singer. Now a
headlining solo act for the 'Biggest & Baddest' summer tour, Roberts'
single "Things A Mama Don't Know" conveys some of the trauma experienced
through domestic violence, an issue of personal interest to the artist.
Roberts will perform during the National Coalition Against Domestic
Violence (NCADV) annual conference in July.
"Domestic violence is a form of abuse felt by women of all walks of
life across the country that often remains unspoken or kept secret," says
Roberts. "I believe in the strong principles behind Verizon Wireless'
pledge to eradicate domestic violence and look forward to contributing to
the company's efforts to bring more attention to this national epidemic."
Verizon Wireless' efforts to help end domestic violence include the
company's longstanding HopeLine(R) phone recycling program that uses
wireless services and equipment to assist victims of domestic violence.
HopeLine(R) collects used wireless phones, regardless of carrier, make,
model, or technology and either refurbishes, recycles or sells these
phones. Verizon Wireless then uses the proceeds from the sale of any
donated phone to fund non-profit agencies and to purchase wireless phones
for victims of domestic violence.
Verizon Wireless' HopeLine(R) program also makes financial grants to
regional and national domestic violence organizations, such as the Family
Violence Prevention Fund, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic
Violence and other select non-profit community interest groups and
agencies. The grants fund workshops, classes and other initiatives to aid
victims and help raise awareness of domestic violence.
Roberts and Verizon Wireless are teaming up to promote domestic
violence prevention and awareness efforts through cell phone collections at
several concerts along the 'Biggest & Baddest' tour and select Verizon
Wireless communications store appearances by Roberts. Local shelters will
receive HopeLine(R) grants in conjunction with Mica's concert stops.
"Verizon Wireless admires artists who use their musical talent to
connect with fans and address the devastating and heartbreaking cycle
domestic violence takes on women, children and families," says Carly
Culbertson, Verizon Wireless' Carolinas/Tennessee region HopeLine(R)
manager. "We are excited about the endless opportunities our collaboration
will bring to this cause."
Today, Verizon Wireless has collected more than 4.5 million old cell
phones and distributed more than 60,000 HopeLine(R) phones with the
equivalent of 180 million minutes of service and other features for use by
victims, survivors and organizations.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and
data network, serving 67.2 million customers. Headquartered in Basking
Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint
venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE:
VOD). For more information, go to: http://www.verizonwireless.com . To
preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution
stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless
Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .
About HopeLine(R)
Verizon Wireless encourages customers who are upgrading their wireless
phone to participate in its exclusive HopeLine(R) phone-recycling program.
The national HopeLine(R) program distributes previously owned wireless
phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic
violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally safe method of
recycling phones. Donations are accepted at all 2,300-plus Verizon Wireless
Communications Stores across the country. For additional information,
customers can also visit http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline .
See Also
Friday 6 June 2008
Kiefer Sutherland is released from jail
Actor Kiefer Sutherland has been released from jail after serving all of his 48-day sentence.
According to People magazine, a jail spokesperson confirmed that the 41-year-old star left prison at about 12.05am this morning.
The actor spent Christmas Day, New Year's Day and his birthday behind bars. He was serving a sentence imposed for driving while under the influence and violating the terms of his probation.
Prison spokesperson John Balian previously said: "Throughout his stay, he never griped, never complained. He never wanted preferential treatment from the get go, and we respect him for that."
According to People magazine, a jail spokesperson confirmed that the 41-year-old star left prison at about 12.05am this morning.
The actor spent Christmas Day, New Year's Day and his birthday behind bars. He was serving a sentence imposed for driving while under the influence and violating the terms of his probation.
Prison spokesperson John Balian previously said: "Throughout his stay, he never griped, never complained. He never wanted preferential treatment from the get go, and we respect him for that."
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