| Go Time for Biotech ETFs? Tom Lydon submits: The biotechnology sector kicks off its version of a "Super Bowl" today. While it doesn’t involve cocktail weiners, gallons of beer or the wave, it’s a major event that could have an impact on biotech exchange traded funds. Today kicks off the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which will run through June 8. This is the most important meeting for the biotech sector, attended not just by doctors and leaders in the biotech industry, but by biotech investors, as well.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Doctors Focus on Kids' Blood Pressure Hypertension is increasing among children, putting them at risk of heart attack and stroke in adulthood. online.wsj.com |
Jazz FDA Panel Meeting: Leaning on the Positive Outcome Side Kaushik Paul submits:Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Arthritis Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee are expected to jointly review the marketing application of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s (JAZZ) JZP-6 (sodium oxybate), designed for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). FMS, a condition which affects the muscles of the body, is characterized by chronic and widespread pain, severe fatigue, sleep disturbance and depression. FMS affects approximately 4 - 5 million people in the U.S., with women accounting for approximately 70% - 95% of all FMS cases. The U.S. therapeutic market for FMS currently stands at approximately $2 billion. Initial treatment protocols for this condition include pain relievers, sleeping aids and exercise. However, each of these options yield very limited efficacy. Currently, there are three approved drugs specifically indicated for FMS: Lyrica (approved in June 2007) from Pfizer, Inc. (PFE), Cymbalta (approved in June 2008) from Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) and Savella (approved in January 2009) from Cypress Bioscience, Inc. (CYPB) and Forest Laboratories, Inc. (FRX). However, all the three drugs are associated with several side effects. Lyrica causes dizziness, somnolence (drowsiness), breathing difficulty, dry mouth, headaches, tremors, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and blurred vision. Cymbalta is associated with side effects like nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, decreased appetite, diarrhea, insomnia (sleeplessness), fatigue, agitation, painful or difficult urination and constipation. Savella is linked to side effects such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, constipation, hot flushes, insomnia, vomiting, palpitations, and dry mouth. Thus, there exists a need for a safer drug to treat FMS. In clinical trials, JZP-6 has demonstrated a good side-effect profile, promising efficacy in reducing pain and fatigue associated with FMS, and improving the daily functioning of patients. All these factors could enable the drug to become the preferred treatment option in the FMS market. If eventually approved by the FDA, we estimate the peak U.S. revenues of JZP-6 to reach approximately $300 million. (For details of the drug's clinical trial history, you can access the full event report here.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Nanotechnology Could Heat Up Again StreetAuthority submits: By David StermanSoon after the tech bubble burst in 2000, investors searched for a new industry that could replicate some of the massive gains seen by investors just a few years earlier. The major investment magazines helped to boost the hype into the stratosphere. The hot technology? Nanotechnology. The premise was simple. Scientists had found ways to develop ultra-tiny particles that could be used in a range of biotech, industrial and cosmetic applications. We're talking smaller than "micro." Smaller than "milli." You have to go down below the width of a human hair, or one millionth of a meter to get a sense of just how tiny nano particles are. Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
The Avon Foundation for Women Gala Celebrates Champions Who Change Women's Lives - Video NEW YORK, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th annual Avon Foundation for Women Gala tonight honored exceptional women and men for their efforts to end breast cancer and violence against women. The event, held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, has raised more than $20 million for Avon philanthropy in the decade since it launched. The event was hosted by Reese Witherspoon, award-winning actress and Honorary Chair of the Avon Foundation for Women, and Andrea Jung, Chairman and CEO, Avon Products Inc., with a special musical performance by Melissa Etheridge. To view the multimedia as feedproxy.google.com |