BioSpace.com

August 29th, 2010 Scientists in the UK have shown that genetic variations in the Y chromosome affect a male's risk of coronary heart disease. It is well known that males have a higher incidence of coronary heart disease than females due, in part, to the Y chromosome they inherit from their fathers. To investigate the role of the Y chromosome further, a team from the University of Leicester carried...

(Reuters Health) - Biopsies taken to diagnose prostate cancer commonly cause temporary erectile dysfunction and, in some cases, lingering urinary problems, according to a new study.

STOCKHOLM -- The latest European Society of Cardiology guidelines for revascularization in myocardial infarction patients recommend the use of ticagrelor (Brilinta) -- an antiplatelet agent that has not yet been approved by any regulatory agency -- as a recommended antithrombotic treatment.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN--(Marketwire - August 30, 2010) - Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced results from the Phase 2 INNOVATE-PCI study of its investigational antiplatelet drug, elinogrel, the only competitive, reversible direct-acting P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist. Results in patients undergoing non-urgent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) showed that an...

Wall Street Journal -- Genzyme Corp. on Monday confirmed that its board had unanimously rejected an $18.5 billion all-cash offer from Sanofi-Aventis SA, raising the prospect of a hostile takeover attempt from the French pharmaceutical company.

Pharmalot -- Just how useful are non-inferiority trials? For the uninitiated, such trials compare a drug being developed with one that is already approved by the FDA. Drugmakers, of course, pursue such studies so they can show their new med is no worse than another, and may even show some benefits.

(AP) -- With Johnson & Johnson's once-golden reputation tarnished by 11 recalls of medicines, contact lenses and hip implants in as many months, its chief executive says he knows the company let consumers down.

STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Meda has signed an agreement to acquire the US specialty pharmaceutical company Alaven. The acquisition will significantly enhance Medas marketing capabilities in the US and expand the therapeutic focus to include both gastroenterology and womens health; areas that Meda already operates in outside of the US.

In addition, Alaven has a strategic OTC platform that...

MedPage Today -- HIV-positive mothers may be more likely to infect infants via breast milk if they take vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements, researchers have found.

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Gene testing is shaping up to be a marketing battleground for new blood thinners like AstraZeneca's Brilinta, underscoring the power and limitations of genetics as a tool to predict medical outcomes.

Bloomberg -- Gedeon Richter Nyrt., Hungarys largest drugmaker, said that the Phase II clinical trial of Cariprazine for bipolar depression produced no statistically significant result compared with placebo treatment.

OSLO, NORWAY--(Marketwire - August 30, 2010) - Highlighted Links

 

BionorPharma corp site Bionor Pharma (OSLO: BIONOR) today announced that Henrik Lund MD Ph.D, will take over the position...

ScienceDaily (Aug. 25, 2010) Oxytocin (OT) is a hormone that plays an important role in social behaviorit has even been nicknamed the love hormone and liquid trust. Increased levels of OT have been associated with greater caring, generosity, and trust. But does OT increase peoples trust in just anybody or does it act more selectively?

STOCKHOLM -- Adding margarine enriched with omega-3 fatty acids as a dietary intervention did not prevent second heart attacks in older men and women at risk for worsening heart disease, researchers said here.

STOCKHOLM, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Japanese drugmaker Eisai's (4523.T) experimental blood clot preventer E5555 may have the potential to reduce heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths without increased serious bleeding risks, Japanese researchers said.

STOCKHOLM -- A third of patients on lipid-lowering therapy received inadequate doses of generic simvastatin after being switched from atorvastatin (Lipitor), an analysis of a large pharmacy database showed.

Live Science -- Spouses don't become more alike in their personalities as their marriage progresses, contrary to perceptions.

LONDON, Aug 30 (Reuters) - AstraZeneca's MedImmune biologics unit has been asked by U.S regulators for more information on its infant lung drug motavizumab after drug regulatory advisors recommended against approving it in June.

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Otonomy, Inc. announced today that it has closed a $38.5 million Series B financing co-led by Novo Ventures and RiverVest Venture Partners, and joined by Domain Associates and TPG Biotech. This financing...

WebMD -- Aug. 27, 2010 -- Middle aged and older adults are interested in sexual activity, but diabetes impairs libido and can result in erectile dysfunction, a new study shows.