Earlier unknown molecular-level mechanism may contribute to the growth rate of breast cancer
Researchers at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the University of Turku and the University of Oslo have discovered a previously unknown molecular-level mechanism that may partly explain the increased growth of cancer cells. The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, showed that high levels of miRNA-378a-5p molecule cause cell division anomalies. This renders the number of chromosomes in cancer cells abnormal, which is known to promote growth and the spread of cancer.
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Novalik-Pharm and Pharmplanet signed international manufacturing contracts
Ukrainian pharmaceutical company Novalik-Pharm and its official distributor Pharmplanet took part in the international exhibition in Paris. This year, CPhI Worldwide celebrates its 25th anniversary. Specifically to this date the organizers arranged a competition "Top 25 Success Stories". According to the decision of the jury, Pharmplanet was included in the list of 25 most successful pharmaceutical world's companies for most dynamic development of the market.
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4th European Code Against Cancer launched today
Today sees the launch of an updated European Code Against Cancer - the fourth edition of the Code since its creation in 1987. With the knowledge that the risk of having cancer can, to a certain extent, be reduced by adopting healthier lifestyles, and outcomes greatly improved if cancer is detected early on, the Code aims to arm citizens with key information through its 12 recommendations.
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Nanoparticle research could enhance drug delivery through skin
Scientists at the University of Southampton have identified key characteristics that enhance a nanoparticle's ability to penetrate skin, in a milestone study which could have major implications for the delivery of drugs. Nanoparticles are up to 100,000 times smaller than the thickness of a human hair and drugs delivered using them as a platform, can be more concentrated, targeted and efficient than those delivered through traditional means.
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Discovery helps to spot what makes a good drug
The test will help determine which drugs are unlikely to work at an early stage, speeding up the time it takes to make safe and effective medicines available. The findings are published online in the journal Metabolomics. The Pharmaceuticals industry is worth billions of pounds a year. The main source of prescription medicines comes from what are known as 'small molecule' drugs, such as statins and antibiotics. The main problem for those who would benefit from new medicines, and for the industry, is that most new small molecule drugs never make it out of the door of the drug companies, because - despite early promise - they either do not work or because they show toxicity.
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Small molecule antibodies for cancer immunotherapy: ImmuSmol raises 500 000 euros for in vivo proof-of concept
ImmuSmol, a Bordeaux-based biotechnology company specialized in the development of antibodies targeting small molecules, is announcing today it has raised 500 000 euros to progress its cancer immunotherapy program to in vivo proof-of-concept. This initial financing was supported by the Aquitaine Regional Council, Bpifrance, as well as private investors. ImmuSmol CEO Alban Bessede commented: "Small molecules have not yet been exploited as drug targets in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Our first in vivo results have confirmed the potency of our antibodies. With this additional funding, our goal is to establish a solid preclinical proof-of-concept, to set up new industrial or financial partnerships in 2015."
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Eating is addictive but sugar and fat are not like drugs, study says
People can become addicted to eating for its own sake but not to consuming specific foods such as those high in sugar or fat, research suggests. An international team of scientists has found no strong evidence for people being addicted to the chemical substances in certain foods. The brain does not respond to nutrients in the same way as it does to addictive drugs such as heroin or cocaine, the researchers say. Instead, people can develop a psychological compulsion to eat, driven by the positive feelings that the brain associates with eating.
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