By a GenomeWeb staff reporter

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) Interleukin Genetics today reported that its fourth-quarter revenues increased 13 percent, driven by a partnership with Amway.

The Waltham, Mass.-based genetic test maker had total revenues of $575,339 for the three-month period ended Dec. 31, compared to $510,767 for the fourth quarter of 2010. It said that its revenue came primarily from the sale of its Inherent Health genetic tests through the Amway global sales channel. That partnership dates back to October 2009.

Interleukin's net loss for the quarter was $1.4 million, or $.04 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million, or $.03 per share, for Q4 2010.

Its R&D spending increased to $387,106 from $354,051 year over year, while its SG&A spending declined to $1.1 million from $1.3 million.

For full-year 2012, Interleukin's revenues climbed around 45 percent to $2.9 million from $2 million in 2011.

"Our genetic testing revenue has grown by more than forty percent this year over last year as we added new partnerships for distribution of our tests," Interleukin Genetics CEO Lewis Bender said in a statement. "In addition, our collaboration with Stanford University continued with an extension study whose results showed that the genetic patterns identified by our Weight Management Test can help individuals lose more weight when diets are selected based on genotype."

The firm also is developing a genetic test for periodontal disease risk.

Interleukin posted a net loss of $5 million, or $.14 per share, compared to a net loss of $6 million, or $.17 per share, for 2010.

Its R&D spending for the year was $1.4 million, flat with 2010, and its SG&A expenses declined to $4.7 million from $5.5 million.

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Interleukin Genetics' Revenues Rise

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AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (Euronext: AMT - News), a leader in the field of human gene therapy, announced that the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of shareholders was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, today in accordance with the EGM Notice of February 17, 2012. At the EGM, shareholders approved all the resolutions proposed for the substantial corporate restructuring and financing transaction, which will result in the assets and certain liabilities being acquired by a newly formed private company, uniQure BV, and the AMT legal entity being liquidated.

The shareholders in uniQure previously included a condition to the transaction that meant an additional 1.0 million of investment was to be secured by AMT prior to completion. This condition has been waived. Completion of the uniQure transaction is expected to occur in early April 2012. Further details on timing on the uniQure transaction are set out on the company's website.

The resolutions put to the EGM convened in accordance with the Notice were passed by a majority in excess of 99 percent. The detailed voting information and results pursuant to Section 2:120 paragraph 5 of the Dutch Civil Code will be posted on the website http://www.amtbiopharma.com.

About Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics

AMT is a world leader in the development ofhuman gene based therapies.AMT has a product pipeline of gene therapy products in development for hemophilia B, acute intermittent porphyria, Parkinson's disease and SanfilippoB. Using adeno-associated viral (AAV) derived vectors as the delivery vehicle of choice for therapeutic genes, the company has been able to design and validate probably the world's first stable and scalable AAV manufacturing platform.This proprietary platform can be applied to a large number of rare(orphan) diseases caused by one faulty gene and allows AMT to pursue its strategy of focusing on this sector of the industry. The assets of AMT are subject to a proposed acquisition by uniQure BV. AMT was founded in 1998 and is based in Amsterdam. Further information can be found at http://www.amtbiopharma.com.

About uniQure

uniQure BV is a private company created specifically to acquire specific assets and liabilities of Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics (AMT). The company is funded by Forbion Capital Partners, an existing investor in AMT. uniQure will act as the new holding company for the gene therapy business currently carried out by AMT.

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" including those that refer to management's plans and expectations for future operations, prospects and financial condition. Words such as "strategy," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "will," "continues," "estimates," "intends," "projects," "goals," "targets" and other words of similar meaning are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of AMT only. Undue reliance should not be placed on these statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and can be affected by factors that are beyond the control of AMT. Actual results could differ materially from current expectations due to a number of factors and uncertainties affecting AMT's business. AMT expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by law.

Continued here:
Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics Announces Results of Extraordinary General Meeting

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

By: Mahita Gajanan / Staff Writer

Posted on 30. Mar, 2012 in News

For one Pitt alumnus, a simple cheek swab was enough to begin a process that would eventually help save a childs life.

In 2010, Jenna Tamburro, then a sophomore, registered at Pitts first annual bone marrow drive sponsored by the Nursing Student Association through DKMS, a bone marrow donation center.

The next year, Tamburro found out she was a potential match for a cancer patient, and after some blood work and a physical, discovered that her bone marrow was suitable to be transplanted into a patient.

This year, NSA will hold its third bone marrow drive with DKMS on April 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the William Pitt Union. Nursing students Rebecca Sponberg, Lindsey Pretsch and Jarae Payne organized the event.

At the drive, students who are interested in donating bone marrow will have a nurse swab the inside of their cheek with a cotton swab. The interior lining of the cheek provides a persons human leukocyte antigen, a protein on the bodys cells that allows the immune system to recognize the cells as its own, said Sponberg, the vice president of NSA. This test will allow potential candidates to find out if they are eligible to donate bone marrow.

Its important that the donors HLA matches the recipients HLA so the immune system will accept it, Sponberg, a sophomore, said.

Sponberg said that in the past two years, 604 students have registered as donors. Out of the 604, 19 students have been contacted as actual matches and 6 of the 19 have gone through the marrow donation process. None of the organizers could estimate how many people they are expecting to register this year.

I thought it was so crazy that I got matched, Tamburro, who now works at Phipps Conservatory, said. I was shocked when it happened, but then actually really excited.

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Nursing Student Association hosts bone marrow drive

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LIVINGSTON, NJ--(Marketwire -03/30/12)- Inpatient Medical Associates (www.imahospitalists.com), a provider of hospitalist services, will debut its personalized iPad-based recruiting application at the Society of Hospital Medicine's annual meeting HM12, April 1-4, 2012, at the San Diego Convention Center. The medical group will also showcase its innovative approach in using scribes to support hospitalists' quality of practice.

"We identified the need to develop a personalized solution that quickly and effectively matches providers' practice preferences, recreational interests and geographical preference with available positions," explains Raymond Iannaccone, MD, FACEP, president and chief executive officer of Inpatient Medical Associates. "Through the eco-friendly app, recruiting information is sent electronically to interested providers before they even leave our exhibit booth."

The second innovation to dbut at HM12 is Inpatient Medical Associate's hospitalist-specific scribe program, which is intended to improve physician productivity, patient satisfaction and physician quality of practice. While emergency physician groups have used scribes for years, the practice is still new to hospitalists. The use of scribes has been shown to increase patient satisfaction and enhance physician productivity, which is critical in today's hospitalist practice where up to 34% of a hosptialist's time can be devoted to documentation, even when charting using an electronic medical record.

"Healthcare reform places greater emphasis on reducing lengths of stay, readmissions and supporting value-based purchasing. Our scribe program supports our commitment to achieving exceptional clinical and operational performance while remaining focused on patient satisfaction," states Maninder "Dolly" Abraham, MD, medical director for Inpatient Medical Associates.

Inpatient Medical Associates is exhibiting at Booth 213 at the 2012 Society of Hospitalist Medicine's annual HM12 conference in San Diego.

About Inpatient Medical AssociatesInpatient Medical Associates is an inpatient medicine practice providing hospitalist services at academic medical centers and community hospitals on the east coast. For more information, visit http://www.imahospitalists.com, http://www.twitter.com/IMAHospitalists or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inpatient-Medical-Associates/104876569598099.

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Inpatient Medical Associates to Showcase Personalized Recruiting Application and Scribe Program at HM12 in San Diego

Recommendation and review posted by sam

Eric LeGrand took the stage Wednesday in front of an audience of 70 people at the Busch Campus Center to present his outlook for the future, reflecting the events theme of Dont Stop Believing.

Dr. Wise Young, his physical therapist and mentor, held the microphone for LeGrand as he recalled his injury during the Oct. 16, 2010 Scarlet Knights football game against Armys Black Knights in the Meadowlands Stadium.

When I first got hurt, I was laying on that field, and I felt like I knocked the wind out of myself, LeGrand said. Coach [Greg] Schiano came running up to me and said you just got to keep praying, you just got to fight.

LeGrand said he saw his mother before he was taken off the field and assured her that he would be all right.

After seeing his mother, LeGrand said he blacked out and was unable to remember anything that happened until the following Wednesday, four days after his injury.

The first year, you face things youve never faced in your whole life, LeGrand said.

Young, director of the Unversitys W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience said he first met LeGrand about six weeks after his injury.

Young said he told LeGrand that he was working on therapies for chronic spinal cord injuries and that he wanted LeGrand to feel that he was not alone.

I want to make sure that Eric understands that we are here working for him, Young said. Hes my hero. He always was poised. He always had this confidence that he was able to do this.

LeGrand said he began therapy with a lot of stretching and soon progressed to therapies, such as what he called the standing frame where LeGrand would be able to stand with assistance from a mechanical frame.

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LeGrand expresses hope in research

Recommendation and review posted by sam

VANCOUVER, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - The Rick Hansen Institute (RHI) and Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) today thanked the Harper government for partnering in their vision of an accessible and inclusive society and a cure for paralysis after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Today's Federal Budget announcement will support essential advancements in research for a cure for paralysis after spinal cord injury, and make a positive difference by promoting the translation of promising research discoveries and best practices into real, practical benefits for the more than 86,000 Canadians with spinal cord-related injuries and illnesses.

"The Government of Canada has been a critical partner in my 25 year journey towards a healthier and more inclusive world, and we are extremely grateful for their continued support," said Rick Hansen. "This renewed federal investment will allow us to further advance in our collective goal of achieving a cure for paralysis after spinal cord injury and achieve better medical care and outcomes as we assist SCI patients in becoming more active members of the community. While much has been accomplished, I truly believe our best work is in front of us."

The Rick Hansen Institute and the Rick Hansen Foundation are committed to advancing clinical research studies in such priority areas as reduction of paralysis and secondary complications; the implementation of validated best practice guidelines in SCI care nationally and build capacities for hospitals to adopt these standards; and the expansion of the pan-Canadian SCI clinical research network to enhance collaboration between Canadian and international SCI experts.

"Together we are solidifying Canada's position as a global leader and a world-class SCI centre of excellence," added Hansen. "The path we are taking is reducing hospital visits, readmissions from secondary complications, and the financial burden that comes with the injury, as we work towards a world without paralysis after SCI. We are grateful for not having to take the path alone".

About RHI: The Rick Hansen Institute's goal is creating a world without paralysis after SCI. It works towards this goal by accelerating research and translating clinical findings into practical solutions to develop new treatments, improve care and reduce the cost burden on taxpayers.

About RHF: In 1987, following the Man In Motion World Tour (MIMWT), Rick established the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) to continue his quest for an accessible and inclusive society and a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI). Under Rick's leadership, RHF functions as a social innovator - finding collaborative solutions to challenges in the community and the resources necessary to implement those solutions. RHF has been successful in leveraging the original $26M raised during the MIMWT to more than $245M in support of people, programs and research in pursuit of a healthier and more inclusive world. As part of the 25th Anniversary campaign, the Rick Hansen Foundation has launched a national public fundraising campaign to support ongoing programs and initiatives. For ways to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit http://www.rickhansen.com.

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Renewed Federal Government Investment Gives Further Hope to Canadians living with Spinal Cord Injury

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U.S. researchers say they have developed a lifesaving genetic screening program for families at high risk of contracting colorectal cancer.

Dr. Samir Gupta, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, who is also head of the high-risk colorectal cancer clinic, said colorectal cancer is the second-leading killer after lung cancer -- and while hereditary colorectal cancer is rare, its family impact can be widespread.

Cancer tends to develop rapidly in those with Lynch syndrome, one of the more common inherited conditions. Lynch syndrome accounts for 3 percent to 5 percent of all colon cancers, and often is undiagnosed until the disease is advanced.

Families that have Lynch syndrome usually have more cases of colon cancer than would typically be expected, and at an earlier ages, than in the general population.

Gupta said doctors screen the tumors of colorectal cancer patients younger than age 70 and uterine cancer patients younger than age 55 to determine whether there is a high risk of a genetic cancer predisposition. If so, patients are encouraged to bring in as many family members as possible for testing, Gupta said.

"If we can bring in family members, we have a chance to catch their colon cancer early and even prevent it," Gupta said in a statement.

Patients with Lynch syndrome have an 80 percent risk of contracting colorectal cancer and as much as a 60 percent risk for uterine cancer, and higher than average risks for other cancer types, Gupta added.

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Genetic Screening For Colorectal Cancer

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Published: March. 29, 2012 at 11:18 PM

DALLAS, March 29 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say they have developed a lifesaving genetic screening program for families at high risk of contracting colorectal cancer.

Dr. Samir Gupta, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, who is also head of the high-risk colorectal cancer clinic, said colorectal cancer is the second-leading killer after lung cancer -- and while hereditary colorectal cancer is rare, its family impact can be widespread.

Cancer tends to develop rapidly in those with Lynch syndrome, one of the more common inherited conditions. Lynch syndrome accounts for 3 percent to 5 percent of all colon cancers, and often is undiagnosed until the disease is advanced.

Families that have Lynch syndrome usually have more cases of colon cancer than would typically be expected, and at an earlier ages, than in the general population.

Gupta said doctors screen the tumors of colorectal cancer patients younger than age 70 and uterine cancer patients younger than age 55 to determine whether there is a high risk of a genetic cancer predisposition. If so, patients are encouraged to bring in as many family members as possible for testing, Gupta said.

"If we can bring in family members, we have a chance to catch their colon cancer early and even prevent it," Gupta said in a statement.

Patients with Lynch syndrome have an 80 percent risk of contracting colorectal cancer and as much as a 60 percent risk for uterine cancer, and higher than average risks for other cancer types, Gupta added.

Original post:
Genetic screenings detect at-risk families

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ThermoGenesis Corp. (NASDAQ: KOOL - News), a leading supplier of innovative products and services that process and store adult stem cells, said today that its customer Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Beike) has become the first company in China to receive accreditation from the AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks). AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing nearly 2,000 institutions and 8,000 individuals involved in the fields of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies.

A leading stem cell and regenerative medicine company in China, Beike will be using ThermoGenesis' AXP AutoXpress (AXP) and BioArchive Systems for the processing and storage of stem cells from cord blood. The Company expects the AXP device to receive registration approval in China during the current year.

Beike produces a full line of products derived from umbilical cord tissue, cord blood and bone marrow stem cells. It also operates three stand-alone cord blood processing and storage facilities, 18 specialized laboratories processing cord blood collection, five stem cell banks and two stem cell research laboratories.

"This AABB accreditation represents a major accomplishment for Beike and demonstrates its leadership position in China's regenerative medicine sector. It provides Beike a strong platform from which to further develop what we believe will be an increasingly prosperous cord blood stem cell market in China. We are pleased to be providing them our market leading tools to realize their strategy," said Matthew Plavan, Chief Executive Officer of ThermoGenesis.

"We are delighted to become the first bank in China to receive AABB accreditation for the processing and storage of cord blood and cord tissue. Our adoption of the AXP and BioArchive technologies is a critical component of our market vision to become the country's technology and quality leader in cord blood processing and storage," said Dr. Shengqin Ye, Chief Executive Officer of Beike.

About ThermoGenesis Corp.

ThermoGenesis Corp. (www.thermogenesis.com) is a leader in developing and manufacturing automated blood processing systems and disposable products that enable the manufacture, preservation and delivery of cell and tissue therapy products. These include:

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors including timing of FDA and foreign regulatory approvals, changes in customer forecasts, our failure to meet customers' purchase order and quality requirements, supply shortages, production delays, changes in the markets for customers' products, introduction timing and acceptance of our new products scheduled for fiscal year 2012, and introduction of competitive products and other factors beyond our control could result in a materially different revenue outcome and/or in our failure to achieve the revenue levels we expect for fiscal 2012. A more complete description of these and other risks that could cause actual events to differ from the outcomes predicted by our forward-looking statements is set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K and other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, and you should consider each of those factors when evaluating the forward-looking statements.

ThermoGenesis Corp. Web site: http://www.thermogenesis.com Contact: Investor Relations +1-916-858-5107, or ir@thermogenesis.com

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ThermoGenesis Announces AABB Accreditation for Cord Blood Products Customer in China

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

NEW YORK, March 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE Amex:NBS) ("NeoStem" or "the Company"), a leader in the cell therapy industry, announced today the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 15,000,000 units at $0.40 per unit. Each unit consists of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of common stock with a per share exercise price of $0.51. Maxim Group LLC acted as sole bookrunner. The Company expects to receive $6,000,000 in gross proceeds, prior to deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company. These funds will be used for working capital purposes, including research and development of cell therapeutic product candidates, expansion of business units, strategic transactions and other general corporate purposes. The Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 units to cover over-allotments.

The financing is expected to close on or about April 3, 2012, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

This offering is being made by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov or from Maxim Group LLC, 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10174 or via telephone at (212) 895-3685.

A shelf registration statement relating to the offering was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on June 13, 2011. This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities. No offer, solicitation or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.

Further information regarding the offering is contained in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which may be accessed at http://www.sec.gov.

About NeoStem, Inc.

NeoStem, Inc. ("we," "NeoStem" or the "Company") continues to develop and build on its core capabilities in cell therapy to capitalize on the paradigm shift that we see occurring in medicine. In particular, we anticipate that cell therapy will have a large role in the fight against chronic disease and in lessening the economic burden that these diseases pose to modern society. Our January 2011 acquisition of Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC ("PCT") provides NeoStem with a foundation in both manufacturing and regulatory affairs expertise. We believe this expertise, coupled with our existing research capabilities and collaborations, will allow us to achieve our mission of becoming a premier cell therapy company. Our PCT subsidiary's manufacturing base is one of the few current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMP") facilities available for contracting in the burgeoning cell therapy industry. Amorcyte, LLC ("Amorcyte"), which we acquired in October 2011, is developing a cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Amorcyte's lead compound, AMR-001, represents NeoStem's most clinically advanced therapeutic and has commenced enrollment for a Phase 2 trial to investigate AMR-001's efficacy in preserving heart function after a heart attack. We also expect to begin a Phase 1 clinical trial by 2013 to investigate AMR-001's utility in arresting the progression of congestive heart failure and the associated comorbidities of that disease. Athelos Corporation ("Athelos"), which is approximately 80%-owned by our subsidiary, PCT, is engaged in collaboration with Becton-Dickinson that is exploring the earlier stage clinical development of a T-cell therapy for autoimmune conditions. In addition, our pre-clinical assets include our VSELTM Technology platform as well as our MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) product candidate for regenerative medicine.

For more information on NeoStem, please visit http://www.neostem.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations, as of the date of this press release, and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Forward looking statements include statements herein with respect to the successful execution of the Company's business and medical strategy, including with respect to the development of AMR-001 and other cell therapies and its divestiture of its interest in Suzhou Erye Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. about which no assurance can be given. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward- looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that could cause future results to materially differ from the recent results or those projected in forward-looking statements include the "Risk Factors" described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 19, 2012 and in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company's further development is highly dependent on future medical and research developments and market acceptance, which is outside its control.

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NeoStem Announces Pricing of Public Offering for $6,000,000 in Gross Proceeds

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

28-03-2012 18:37 Plot: Dream Sequence: Melfina had been kidnapped. Taken by Hazanko, a mystic cult leader, bound and determined to use her powers to forward his own ambitions. But, before he can do anymore to her, Gene arrives to her rescue. Gene tries to finish him off quickly with one shot from his caster, but Caster Shell #4 proves insufficient in dealing with Hazanko. Melfina tries to get him to flee, fearing for her friend's life. But Gene remains determined to save her. With one final shot, Gene fires Caster Shell #13 at Hazanko, who responds with a magic attack of his own, resulting in an explosion that ends up killing Hazanko, but also mortally wounds Gene. Before blacking out, he sees Melfina's distraught face, pleading with him to not die... Jim is cooking "Breakfast" for Gene before he goes off to perform in his show. Gene, still hung over from one of his many nights of frivolity, groggily gets ready. Jim notes that Gene was rather restless during his sleep, and mentions that bad dreams can sometimes be caused by feelings of regret. He doesn't say it out loud, but he knows what's bothering Gene. All the better, as far as Jim was concerned. He hadn't yet fully forgiven Gene over what he had done. After his show was over, Gene spends some time alone, thinking back to Melfina. His thoughts are accompanied by a song Melfina used to sing, to help lift Gene and Jim's spirits. She had come to them, seeking protection from Hazanko. She was a healer, an exceptionally talented one, and ...

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[CM] Regrets of the Past (Gene Starwind) - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

29-03-2012 09:34 The mission of Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers is to expand treatment options for all cancer patients through investigational vaccine, gene and cellular therapies. At Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, there is a belief that a paradigm shift is occurring in cancer care, in which personalized molecular medicine will eventually transform the way patients are treated.

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Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers' Mission - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

29-03-2012 12:24 More LXBN TV interviews at: lxbn.lexblog.com While talk this week of course focuses on the oral arguments in the Affordable Care Act case, the Supreme Court last week ruled in a very important and influential intellectual property case. In Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories, Inc., the court ruled that the patent Prometheus had obtained for correlations between blood test results and patient health is not eligible for a patent because it incorporates laws of nature. Not only does this have a big impact on the medical community, but also another major case—the Myriad "gene patenting" case. To explain the background of Mayo v. Prometheus, whether or not these types of patents slow medical research and what this means for the Myriad case, we bring in Foley & Lardner Partner Antoinette Konski, who has covered this case exceptionally on the Personalized Medicine Bulletin-- http://www.personalizedmedicinebulletin.com

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Mayo v. Prometheus and Its Impact on Myriad "Gene Patenting" Case—Antoinette Konski - Video

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Public release date: 29-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Rebecca Scott rebeccas@unimelb.edu.au 61-383-440-181 University of Melbourne

An international team of researchers led by the University of Melbourne has used new technology to fast track the discovery of a breast cancer risk gene and could assist in the discovery of other cancer genes.

Professor Melissa Southey of the Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology at the University of Melbourne, who led the study, said it was a significant discovery and the first breast cancer risk gene to be discovered using the latest genetic sequencing technology.

"The mutations in the newly identified gene XRCC2, although rare, explain another proportion of breast cancers that run in families where there is no known genetic cause and that particularly occur at an early age," she said.

"We identified this gene quite quickly using genetic technology called massively parallel sequencing, which enables sequencing of large amounts of human DNA at high speed.'

"Due to these results and our methodology we believe that further risk genes will be identified at a faster rate than before and potentially for other cancers such as colorectal and prostate cancers," she said.

Professor Southey said the discovery could help manage the risk of breast cancer for families with a strong history of the disease and no known genetic cause.

"This discovery will assist some families to determine individual risk and which family members are at high risk of contracting the disease," Professor Southey said.

"Unaffected relatives of people with a mutation in this gene could also be offered predictive testing, subsequent genetic counselling and ongoing clinical management on the basis of their mutation status.'

The rest is here:
Breast cancer risk gene discovery fast tracked by new technology

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

ScienceDaily (Mar. 29, 2012) Mutations in a gene called XRCC2 cause increased breast cancer risk, according to a study published March 29 in the American Journal of Human Genetics. The study looked at families that have a history of the disease but do not have mutations in the currently known breast cancer susceptibility genes.

Sean Tavtigian, Ph.D., a Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) investigator and associate professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah (U of U) is one of three co-principal investigators on the study, along with David Goldgar, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Dermatology at the U of U and an HCI investigator, and Melissa Southey, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

"We have added to the list of genes that harbour mutations causing breast cancer," said Tavtigian. "This knowledge will improve breast cancer diagnostics and add years to patients' lives. More important, relatives who have not been affected by the disease but carry the mutations will benefit even more. They can find out they are at risk before they have cancer and take action to reduce their risk or catch the cancer early."

XRCC2 may also provide a new target for chemotherapy. "A type of drug called a PARP inhibitor appears to kill tumor cells that have gene mutations in a particular DNA repair pathway. XRCC2 is in this pathway, as are BRCA1 and BRCA2. It's reasonably likely that a breast cancer patient who has a mutation in XRCC2 will respond well to treatment with PARP inhibitors," said Tavtigian.

According to Tavtigian, many breast cancer cases appear in families with a weak history of the disease. Only about 30 percent of the familial risk for breast cancer can be explained by a combination of mutations to and common sequence variation in the known breast cancer susceptibility genes. "So far most of the clinical diagnostic effort has been directed toward the very strong family history set of breast cancer cases and their close relatives," he said. "Our research looks at a population with a weaker family history, and as it turns out, a very rare gene mutation."

The researchers used a technology called exome capture massively parallel sequencing (exome sequencing), which shows the exact order of the nucleotides (the four building blocks of DNA) in all of the protein coding genes in the human genome. The ability of this technology to analyze the DNA of all of the genes in the genome in a single experiment, according to Tavtigian, makes it an amazingly powerful tool for genetic research. "We focused on the genes involved in a particular type of DNA repair, because most known breast cancer genes have been found there. That focused analysis allowed us to identify XRCC2 as a breast cancer susceptibility gene in individuals with a family history of breast cancer," says Tavtigian. "From the exome sequencing data, we found two different types of XRCC2 mutations that occur in breast cancer patients."

He explains that one type of mutation causes the gene to create an incomplete version of the protein. The resulting protein is usually dysfunctional. The other type occurs when a single amino acid in the protein is changed.

"It's a subtle change to the protein, but the resulting change in function could range anywhere from innocuous to even worse dysfunction than the incomplete protein causes," says Tavtigian. "Our sequence analyses suggest that we may have found the full spectrum of results in our study."

Further research is underway. "A worldwide effort has already been launched to figure out what fraction of breast cancer is due to mutations in this gene and how high the risk conferred by these mutations actually is," he says.

The article lists 30 co-authors from HCI, the U of U, and other research organizations based in North America, Australia, and Europe. The study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (R01CA155767 and R01CA121245) plus several other worldwide research foundations. The study also benefited from resources gathered by the Breast Cancer Family Registry, the Kathleen Cuningham Foundation Consortium for Research into Familial Breast Cancer, and several other breast cancer research efforts taking place around the world.

Original post:
New breast cancer susceptibility gene

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The expression of a gene, when an organism's DNA is transcribed into a useable product, requires activation via a promoter or an external trigger. Plant research to be published in Science helps to show that later stages of transcription are just as important. This is likely to apply to other organisms, including humans.

Termination is the final stage of transcription. Successful termination is dependent on DNA being transcribed into RNA with the correct sections, including a certain length tail.

Scientists at the John Innes Centre on Norwich Research Park have found that where effective termination through the normal mechanisms has not occurred, DICER-LIKE 4 (DCL4) steps in to tidy up. Without termination, transcription continues down the chromosome unchecked.

In this way, DCL4 plays a crucial and previously unknown role in transcription termination. It helps formation of the gene product. DCL4 is more commonly known to play a part in the opposite effect, gene silencing.

"DCL4 is a back-up to termination processes, helping a gene to be successfully expressed," said lead author Professor Caroline Dean from JIC, which is strategically funded by the BBSRC.

The findings may help explain why gene silencing happens so often with transgenes. It was not known that so much attention should be given to the tail end of a gene.

"Our research shows that for successful expression the end of a gene is just as important as its beginning," said Dean.

When termination fails a lot of aberrant RNA is made this is degraded as part of a cell's quality control mechanism. This can have consequences for other sequences in the genome that match the aberrant RNA.

"If a gene ends badly, aberrant RNA will trigger silencing pathways," said Dean.

DCL4's ability to step in to rescue poor termination makes it important for both successful gene expression, a previously unknown role for it, and gene silencing.

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Plant research reveals new role for gene silencing DICER protein

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

ScienceDaily (Mar. 29, 2012) A DICER protein, known to produce tiny RNAs in cells, also helps complete an important step in gene expression, according to research on Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression of a gene, when an organism's DNA is transcribed into a useable product, requires activation via a promoter or an external trigger. Plant research to be published in Science helps to show that later stages of transcription are just as important. This is likely to apply to other organisms, including humans.

Termination is the final stage of transcription. Successful termination is dependent on DNA being transcribed into RNA with the correct sections, including a certain length tail.

Scientists at the John Innes Centre on Norwich Research Park have found that where effective termination through the normal mechanisms has not occurred, DICER-LIKE 4 (DCL4) steps in to tidy up. Without termination, transcription continues down the chromosome unchecked.

In this way, DCL4 plays a crucial and previously unknown role in transcription termination. It helps formation of the gene product. DCL4 is more commonly known to play a part in the opposite effect, gene silencing.

"DCL4 is a back-up to termination processes, helping a gene to be successfully expressed," said lead author Professor Caroline Dean from JIC, which is strategically funded by BBSRC.

The findings may help explain why gene silencing happens so often with transgenes. It was not known that so much attention should be given to the tail end of a gene.

"Our research shows that for successful expression the end of a gene is just as important as its beginning," said Dean.

When termination fails a lot of aberrant RNA is made -- this is degraded as part of a cell's quality control mechanism. This can have consequences for other sequences in the genome that match the aberrant RNA.

"If a gene ends badly, aberrant RNA will trigger silencing pathways," said Dean.

DCL4's ability to step in to rescue poor termination makes it important for both successful gene expression, a previously unknown role for it, and gene silencing.

Go here to read the rest:
Plant research reveals new role for gene silencing protein

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

A plan by Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory to merge its energy labs into a major new research facility in Richmond where scientists would work to develop biofuels through genetic engineering came under fire Wednesday by activists who fear that dangerous new microbes would be created there.

And even if the venture succeeds in transforming plants into biofuels by altering the genes of microbes, the activists argued, the Richmond lab could become an unregulated front for corporate interests and turn millions of acres of croplands used to grow food in underdeveloped countries into huge plantations for energy production.

Their protests reflect deep concerns about the dramatic new science called "synthetic biology," an unfamiliar term that in part involves engineering the genes of microbes to transform worthless plants like switchgrass into potentially unlimited sources of energy. The controversy also recalls an epic time in science nearly 40 years ago when manipulating genes was in its infancy and the public was deeply fearful that some genetically altered "Andromeda Strain" microbe might escape and imperil the world with unknown diseases.

That fear was largely ended when, after a 1975 conference at Asilomar near Monterey, biologists, lawyers and physicians agreed on enforceable guidelines for proceeding with genetic engineering projects.

It marked the first time that scientists agreed to be regulated and led to the public start of recombinant DNA research and what would become the huge international biotech industry.

Concerns about engineering "synthetic biology" are arising anew among activists.

On Wednesday, they gathered at the Center for Genetics and Society in Berkeley to express their concerns that the new research lab would be a poorly regulated entity with ties to unknown energy companies, that the work there would expose employees to dangerous microbes and, if successful, ultimately rob undeveloped nations of their croplands.

"This is a wild, wild, dangerous world," said Becky McClain, a onetime molecular biologist at a Pfizer lab in Connecticut who claimed that she had been sickened by a genetically engineered virus and was fired for speaking out about it.

"We can't afford to leave it to the corporations to self-regulate," said McClain, who won a $1.37 million lawsuit against Pfizer as a whistle-blower.

Gopal Dayaneni, an Oakland organizer, argued that the entire project - with so many engineered microbes - should never be built where earthquake hazards are high.

Originally posted here:
Plan to merge labs for biofuel research criticized

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

ScienceDaily (Mar. 29, 2012) Developed in Canada and conducted by researchers from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), in partnership with Spartan Bioscience, the world's first bedside genetic test has received acknowledgment by The Lancet.

The article "Point-of-care genetic testing for personalisation of antiplatelet treatment (RAPID GENE): a prospective, randomised, proof-of-concept trial," reports on the use of a simple cheek swab test, the Spartan RX CYP2C19, performed by nurses at the patient's bedside. This revolutionary technology allows doctors to rapidly identify patients with a genetic variant known as CYP2C19*2. Cardiac stent patients with this variant are at risk of reacting poorly to standard anti-platelet therapy with Plavix (clopidogrel).

The study demonstrated that tailored drug treatment therapy made possible by the genetic testing successfully protected all of the patients with the at-risk genetic variant from subsequent adverse events, while 30 per cent of patients treated with standard therapy did not receive adequate protection.

"For the first time in medicine, nurses were able to perform DNA testing at the patient's bedside. This is a significant step towards the vision of personalized medicine," said Dr. Derek So, Interventional Cardiologist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), and principal investigator of the RAPID GENE study.

Study Details

The RAPID GENE study enrolled 200 patients who were being treated with cardiac stenting for an acute coronary syndrome or stable angina. Patients were randomized to a treatment strategy of rapid point-of-care genotyping and Effient (prasugrel) for CYP2C19*2 carriers, or to standard therapy with Plavix (clopidogrel). The Spartan RX CYP2C19 bedside DNA test was performed by nurses who received a 30-minute training session, but had no prior laboratory training. The test had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.4% compared with DNA sequencing. For CYP2C19*2 carriers, treatment with prasugrel completely eliminated High on-treatment Platelet Reactivity (HPR). HPR is a marker for patients at risk of complications after stenting. In contrast, 30.4% of carriers receiving clopidogrel had HPR at 1 week.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

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World's first bedside genetic test

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Public release date: 29-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Elizabeth Lynch elynch@marchofdimes.com 914-997-4286 March of Dimes Foundation

CHARLOTTE, NC -- A long-time clinician and researcher on Marfan syndrome who helped identify the syndrome's genetic cause and a potential treatment will be honored by the March of Dimes.

Harry (Hal) Dietz, MD, the Victor A. McKusick Professor of Institute of Genetic Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, will receive the March of Dimes/Colonel Harland Sanders Award for Lifetime Achievement in the field of genetic sciences. Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, senior vice president for Research and Global Programs of the March of Dimes, will present the award to Dr. Dietz today during the annual Clinical Genetics Meeting of the American College of Medical Genetics at Charlotte Convention Center.

Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder that affects about 1 in 5,000 people. The syndrome is caused by a genetic defect which causes overgrowth of the body's long bones and affects the tissue that strengthens the body's structures, including the skeletal system, cardiovascular system, eyes, and skin.

Those who have the syndrome tend to be tall with arms and legs much longer than expected for their height. Also, in those with Marfan syndrome, the aorta, the main blood vessel that takes blood from the heart to the body, may stretch or become weak, leading to an aneurysm.

In 1991, Dr. Dietz was a member of the team that identified the gene for Marfan syndrome. In 2006, his team's research showed that an FDA-approved high blood pressure medication, losartan, prevented and reversed aortic enlargement in mice with Marfan syndrome.

Dr. Dietz received his medical degree from the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in 1984. He joined Johns Hopkins University Hospital in 1984 as a pediatric resident, became a Fellow in Cardiology there 1988, went on to pursue his post doctorate work at John Hopkins as wells and continues his research there today.

He was named the Richard Starr Ross Research Scholar, he received the Richard D. Rowe Award for outstanding research in Pediatric Cardiology, the Young Investigator Award, Society for Pediatric Research, and the Antoine Marfan Award, from the National Marfan Foundation. Dr. Dietz also is a member of the Board of Governors, National Human Genome Research Institute, a member of the American Society for Pediatric Research and the American Society for Clinical Investigation.

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Researcher who identifed genetic cause and possible treatment for Marfan syndrome honored

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

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AKESOgen and London Genetics International Alliance to Enhance Drug Development Through Pharmacogenetics and Related ...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

AMES, Iowa, March 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NewLink Genetics Corporation (Nasdaq:NLNK - News), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics, today reported financial results for its quarter and year ended December 31, 2011, and provided an update on the progress of its clinical development programs.

"2011 was a pivotal year for NewLink," commented Dr. Charles Link, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NewLink. "By successfully completing our initial public offering and raising additional private money, we raised adequate capital to allow us to complete patient enrollment in our pivotal Phase three pancreatic cancer clinical trial as well as advancing four other cancer immunotherapies into or further into clinical trials addressing patients with significant unmet medical needs."

Full Year 2011 Financial Results

Financial Guidance

NewLink expects to end 2012 with about $20 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. NewLink anticipates that this capital should allow it to fund its operations through 2013 based on its current operating plans.

2011 Key Accomplishments and 2012 Goals

Upcoming Activities

NewLink expects to present at the following investor conferences:

NewLink expects to present at the following oncology and pharmacology meetings:

Today's Conference Call and Webcast Reminder

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NewLink Genetics Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2011 Financial Results

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Interleukin Genetics,Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU.PK - News) today issued financial and operational results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

We continued to develop our business in 2011. Our genetic testing revenue has grown by more than forty percent this year over last year as we added new partnerships for distribution of our tests. In addition, our collaboration with Stanford University continued with an extension study whose results showed that the genetic patterns identified by our Weight Management Test can help individuals lose more weight when diets are selected based on genotype, said Lewis H. Bender, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. Most importantly, we have advanced our large, clinical program with our partners the University of Michigan and Renaissance Health and completed enrollment of over 5,400 patients in a landmark pivotal study. Positive results from the study would set the PST Genetic Test as a key determinant of periodontal disease risk. This study has the potential to create new insurance benefit programs for insurers and lead to reimbursement for the test.

2011 Financial Highlights

The Company reported revenues of $2.9 million and a loss from continuing operations of $5.2 million, or $(0.14) per basic and diluted common share, for the year ended December31, 2011, compared to revenues in 2010 of $2.0 million and a loss from continuing operations of $6.5 million, or $(0.18) per basic and diluted common share. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to sales of the Companys Inherent Health brand of genetic tests through the Amway Global sales channel.

Research and development expenses were $1.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease is primarily attributable to decreases in compensation, product development, promotion and consulting expenses, and is partially offset by increased sales commissions paid to Amway Global as part of our Merchant Network and Channel Partner Agreement.

Fourth Quarter Results

Revenue for the quarter ended December31, 2011 was $0.6 million, compared to $0.5 million for the same period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to genetic testing revenue as a result of sales through the Amway Global sales channel.

Research and development expenses were $0.4 million for the quarters ended December31, 2011 and 2010.

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Interleukin Genetics Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2011 Financial Results

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The Catholic Church has never had a particularly easy relationship with science. After all, this is the institution that sentenced Galileo Galilei as a heretic for his theories on the universe during the Roman Inquisition. Two thousand years later, the church forgave Galileo and called the whole misunderstanding a tragic mutual incomprehension but it remains safe to say the Vatican doesnt have a great track record when it comes to empirical open-mindedness.

So onlookers were surprised when the Vatican announced it would be hosting a global conference on the highly controversial issue of stem-cell research in Rome over four days in late April. The church held a similar conference in 2010 and 2011, which focused on its recommendation that stem-cell research should be limited to adult cells that can be harvested from live donors, not embryonic cells that destroy the source. But this years conference schedule featured some of the worlds foremost experts in embryonic research as keynote speakersleading some scientists to think that the Vatican might actually be looking for enlightenment on the topic.

That was not exactly case. Instead, the Vatican seems to have hoped that by including embryonic researchers in the program, it would appear that these scientists actually endorsed the Vaticans stance.

It might have worked to some extent, but after some of the speakers declined to censor their speeches, the Vatican abruptly canceled the conference altogether. According to the conference website, the event was canceled due to serious economic and logistic-organizational reasons that have completely jeopardized the success of the 3rd International Congress on Responsible Stem Cell Research. The scientists who were planning to attend say they are being stifled instead. I think the only interpretation is that we are being censored, Alan Trounson, president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine in San Francisco, said in a statement. It is very disappointing that they are unwilling to hear the truth.

Just what was the Vatican thinking? Inviting embryonic stem-cell researchers to a conference and then denying them the right to talk about their field of expertise was a major gamble. Had the speakers agreed to avoid reference to embryonic research, it would have given the disingenuous impression that they endorse the Holy Sees recommendation on adult stem-cell research only. Did the Vatican really think they could control the scientific community? Apparently so. Father Scott Borgman of the Pontifical Academy for Life, which co-organized the conference, had reportedly asked the speakers to limit their discussions to adult stem-cell research only. George Daly, a leading embryonic researcher with the Childrens Hospital in Boston, says he was actually told not to make embryonic researchhis field of expertisea focal point of his talk. When he told Borgman that he would still be touching on the topic in a historical context, higher-ups in the Vatican reportedly panicked. I had been encouraged to think that the Congress would be a forum for discussion of many areas of common interest to the Vatican and stem cell scientists, regardless of the disagreements over embryonic stem cells, Daly told The Daily Beast. We should all agree that clinical trials of new medical treatments based on stem cells should proceed according to rigorous principles to ensure patients are kept as safe as possible and free from exploitation. And we should all agree that premature claims of therapeutic efficacy and direct marketing of unproven interventions to vulnerable patients is a threat to legitimate attempts to develop experimental stem cell medicines.

Pope Benedict looks on during the mass in solemnity of the chair of St. Peter with new Cardinals in St. Peter's basilica at the Vatican on February 19, 2012. The Vatican stands by its decision to cancel the controversial conference as having a purely business motive. , Alberto Pizzoli, AFP / Getty Images

With the cancelation of the event, discourse between the two diverse entities will not have a venue. One Vatican official told the Catholic News Service that many of the Vaticans leaders were secretly glad the conference failed. I am infinitely relieved that the church has avoided a major blunder which would have confused the faithful for decades to come, the unnamed source said. The Holy Spirit has certainly shown to be present through those faithful members who drew attention to the ambiguity of the choice of speakers. I hope and pray that a review will be affected of the basis on which these congresses are planned.

Some stem-cell researchers are also relieved the conference wont go on. I personally am very uncomfortable with a scientific meeting run by a church, and one at which only certain types of science and scientists are allowed to attend, blogged Paul Knoepfler, an associate professor of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy at UC Davis School of Medicine who blogs about stem cell research at IPCell.com. Also I cant help but wonder, what would be the reaction if someone like Daley spent a few minutes of his talk discussing his embryonic cell research in a very nonconfrontational way? Would he be tasered or drop through some trap door straight to Hell?

Still, Knoepfler was hopeful. I view the canceled Vatican stem-cell meeting as a missed opportunity for a very much needed, open dialogue about stem cells, he told The Daily Beast. More specifically, I believe the reasons for the cancellation reflect an anti-scientific attitude by the highest level of Vatican leaders. More simply put, the attitude might be summed up by the phrase If you do not think like us, you are not welcome at our meeting, and well go so far as to cancel the whole thing to avoid your presence.

Inviting embryonic stem-cell researchers to a conference and then denying them the right to talk about their field of expertise was a major gamble.

Read more from the original source:
Stem Cells: Galileo 2.0?

Recommendation and review posted by simmons

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, March 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

After witnessing a downtrend for several years, revenues in the U.S. nuclear medicine and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging systems market finally pivoted in 2010. New radiotracers and technologies are expanding the clinical scope and customer base of nuclear medicine and PET imaging. As a result, declines in retrenching areas of the market are poised to be offset by strong growth in emerging end-user market segments.

Nuclear medicine and PET are molecular imaging modalities, providing data pertaining to molecular alterations, which are the origin of disease. In contrast, classical imaging modalities, such as X-ray, reveal only the changes in anatomy, which are essentially the end effects of disease and its associated molecular alterations.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivans (http://www.medicalimaging.frost.com [http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/svcg.pag/HCIM ]) U.S. Nuclear Medicine and PET Imaging Systems Market research finds that the market earned revenues of $552.4 million in 2010 and estimates this figure to reach $841.8 million in 2017.

If you are interested in more information on this research, please send an email to Britni Myers, Corporate Communications, at britni.myers@frost.com, with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country.

"The unique ability of nuclear medicine and PET to enable characterization of biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels is bringing increasing attention to these imaging modalities as medicine evolves toward more personalized forms of treatment, " said Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Roberto G. Aranibar. "This powerful capability of nuclear medicine and PET will become increasingly relevant as personalized healthcare becomes mainstream practice in modern medicine."

Recognizing this advantage, industry participants are gravitating toward this area of imaging. As a result, nuclear medicine and PET imaging systems market revenues experienced a growth upsurge in 2010, and they are expected to continue growing for the next several years.

Molecular imaging has been a key enabling factor for treatment that is selected according to a patients unique disease state. For example, in cancer treatments, numerous chemotherapy options are available, and a patients response to a particular treatment can vary considerably based on the specific molecular characteristics of the cancer. With molecular imaging, however, clinicians can determine which characteristics are present in a cancer and use this information to make the most appropriate treatment decision on a patient-by-patient basis.

Ongoing challenges surrounding the state of the economy as well as changes in healthcare policy and reimbursement are forcing more private practice physicians and independent imaging centers to opt for affiliation with larger provider organizations. This shift in the healthcare provider landscape has led to rapidly diminishing revenues within the private practice cardiology market, which formerly accounted for a significant proportion of revenues in the more mature and established nuclear medicine segment of the market.

Naturally, the evolving healthcare provider landscape has led to changes in the types of imaging systems that are being demanded in the marketplace. For example, the need for dedicated cardiac scanners appears to be diminishing, as more cardiologists become affiliated with larger institutions that often benefit more from general-purpose scanners with a broader scope of clinical application.

Original post:
Frost & Sullivan: U.S. Nuclear Medicine and PET Imaging Systems Market Witnessed a Rebound in 2010, With PET Blazing ...

Recommendation and review posted by sam