A group of researchers say that they have uncovered a pathway that modulates cell loss and survival in Parkinson’s. Working with a mouse model of the disease and cell cultures, they found that an accumulation of alpha-synuclein interferes with cells’ recycling of a protein called MEF2D, leading to cell death.
Parkinson’s is characterized by clumps of [...]

Popularity: 4% [?]

The researchers said that this was enough evidence to start considering the possibility of using drugs to reduce this kind of immune response in patients with Parkinson’s, in the hope that this might slow the progress of the disease.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Tricyclics are part of an older class of antidepressants, first used in the 1950s. They carry a higher risk of overdose and death because of the toxic effects they have on the heart and brain.

Popularity: 13% [?]

UCB announced today that it has received a Complete Response Letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its transdermal patch, Neupro(R) (rotigotine transdermal system) to treat the signs and symptoms of advanced Parkinson’s disease, and as a treatment for the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

The [...]

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AstraZeneca and Targacept announced that investigational compound AZD3480 failed to meet the primary endpoints in a mid-stage trial evaluating the drug in cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. As a result, the companies stated that they do not expect to progress into late-stage studies of the compound for the indication.

The HALO trial involved 445 patients between the [...]

Popularity: 12% [?]

In a warning letter to AstraZeneca posted to the FDA website, the US regulator stated that a sales representative recommended the company’s antipsychotic treatments Seroquel (quetiapine) and Seroquel XR to a physician for major depressive disorder (MDD), an unapproved use. “The representative…thus created a new ‘intended use’…for which the products lack adequate directions,” the agency [...]

Popularity: 12% [?]

According to Wolters Kluwer Health, U.S. sales of Wellbutrin® XL 150 mg tablets were approximately $950 million in the 12 months ended September 2008.

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The clinical evaluation of the high dose of ProSavin is progressing. There have been no safety issues to date and the preliminary data from the first patient treated at the high dose are promising.

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It may bring a congratulatory telegram from the Queen but reaching 100 is no guarantee of a happy, contented, old age, US research suggests.
A study by researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia of 244 people aged 100 or over found one in four showed clear signs of depression.
However, fewer than a third of these had [...]

Popularity: 13% [?]

Lead researcher Professor Patricia Salinas said: “The work we are publishing today puts an important piece of the puzzle in place and offers up a new possibility for developing drugs to treat MND and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Popularity: 18% [?]