Compiled by Bill Beggs Jr.
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The monthly technology column featuring timely tech trends, tips and updates.
Washington University and Pfizer Extend Research Collaboration Agreement
Washington University and Pfizer Inc. have inked a $25 million, five-year biomedical research agreement that could move
discoveries from the laboratory bench to patients’ bedsides more quickly, officials say. The unique academia-industry partnership will enable university and pharmaceutical company scientists to jointly conduct research and develop biomedical researchers through a fellowship program.
The collaboration will focus on immuno-inflammatory disorders, which include
arthritis and related diseases of bone and cartilage, atherosclerosis, asthma and
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Immuno-inflammatory processes can underlie pain, diabetes, obesity, cancer, central nervous system and gastrointestinal
disorders, and eye problems.
While pharmaceutical companies typically have provided funding to academic
institutions, officials say this agreement stresses equality in intellectual input,
commitment and execution.
Orion Identifies DNA Anomalies
That Could Aid in Early Breast
Cancer Detection
Orion Genomics has found more than 50 novel biomarkers individually capable of
distinguishing early stage ductal breast
cancer from normal or benign tissue, company officials announced. The biomarkers may be critical in developing molecular diagnostics to detect breast cancer earlier.
DNA alterations were subsequently
validated in up to 230 independent patient samples. The research additionally revealed insights into the molecular mechanism of tumor development, which may lead to advances in breast cancer treatment.
Orion also has active biomarker discovery programs in cancers of the bladder, lung, ovaries and colon. A biomarker is a cellular or molecular indicator of exposure, disease, or susceptibility to disease.
FDA Grants Mobius Special Designation for Emerging
Glaucoma Therapy
Mobius Therapeutics Inc. has been granted orphan drug designation for Trabomycin, which is being developed to aid in glaucoma surgery. Once the FDA approves its new drug application, Mobius will have seven years of U.S. market exclusivity, company officials say.
FDA grants orphan drug status to motivate innovation in therapies that might be unprofitable due to the rarity of specific medical conditions.
Mobius, an early-stage venture focused on solutions in glaucoma surgery, relocated from Atlanta to St. Louis in July 2007.
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