December 2015

Quantum Pharma Plc, the growing service-led niche pharmaceutical manufacturer, developer and supplier to the health and care sectors, is pleased to announce a further three out-licensing deals in Germany, though Lamda (UK) Limited, Lamda Laboratories SA and Lamda Pharmaceuticals SA (collectively ‘Lamda’), part of its Niche Pharmaceutical division.  These agreements form part of the core strategy for this division.

PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company and leader in the field of biopolymer-based drugs, focused on developing treatments for metabolic and specialty cardiopulmonary disorders, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to Vasomera (PB1046) Injection for the treatment of cardiomyopathy associated with dystrophinopathies: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) and X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy (XL-dCMP).

Cellceutix Corporation, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies with oncology, dermatology, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic applications, is pleased to announce that on November 30, 2015 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation to Kevetrin for the treatment of retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer that begins in the retina, the light sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye.

Researchers have developed two antibodies to potentially treat or prevent pertussis, the highly contagious respiratory tract infection that affects millions of infants and results in an estimated 200,000 child deaths every year.

Indian scientists have developed a cheap, easy and ultra-sensitive blood-based strip test for kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the second largest parasitic killer in the world after malaria. Having been validated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Brazil, the technology will now be tested in Africa to enable nations fight the ravages of the disease that is lethal if untreated.

he sprouting "free health check-up camps" in India are just a tactic of pharmaceutical companies to push their products and are in violation of Medical Council of India guidelines, says a special investigative report in the British Medical Journal.

For those who do meditation regularly, here is another good news. Researchers report that apart from reducing blood pressure and heart disease risk, Transcendental Meditation technique and lifestyle changes can slow cellular death too.

French fry lovers, beware! A chemical in your favourite snacks - more commonly associated with heavy industry than crispy fried potatoes - may put you at severe health risk in the long run.

Outdated tuberculosis (TB) policies and practices are risking the further spread of drug-resistant TB globally, warns a 24-country survey, urging a phase-out of mandatory hospitalisation and re-treatment regimens that contribute to drug resistance.