FIND PHARMACY AND DRUG REALTED POSTS

DRUGS AND MEMORY

2009-02-08T21:29:00.006+05:30

In recent years, attemts have been made to develop
new drugs for improving memory in the treatment
of cognitive deterioration such as that observed in Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a steadliy progressive, neuro-
some specific anatomical and neurochemicallesions have
been observed in patients suffering from this disease. There
appears to be a deficiency of choline acetyltransferase,
an enzyme responsible for the formation of acetylcholine
from choline and acetyl coenzyme A. A selective loss of
cholinergic neurons in the septal diagonal band of ദ
Broca's nucleus basalis system has been demonstrated in
patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Various vasodilators
and metabolic enhancers (Nootropics) have been used
in this condition with doubtful results. Tetrahydroaminoacridine
is a potent, centrlly acting, anticholinergic drug, which has
been recently tried in Alzheimer's disease with equivocal results.

Reference : TEXT BOOK OF PHARMACOLOGY AND PHARMACOTHERAPEUTICS(Revised Thirteenth Edition) By R.S.SATOSKAR AND S.D BHANDARKAR

Reason Behind Chemotherapeutic Drug-Induced Hearing Damage Uncovered

2009-01-26T09:17:00.001+05:30

Scientists at a leading European medical university have found out why chemotherapy using cisplatin often lead to hearing problems, but a treatment with oxaliplatin rarely does, despite both drugs being platinum compounds.

A research team led by Dr. Victoria Hellberg, of Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, measured the amount of cisplatin and oxaliplatin that reached the cochlea in guinea pigs following intravenous dosing of each drug.

The researchers observed that the total platinum concentration in the cochlea was more than five-fold higher with cisplatin than with oxaliplatin following intravenous injection.

They said that the perilymphatic drug concentration was also higher in the cisplatin-treated animals than in those exposed to oxaliplatin.

"The differences in cochlear kinetics and cellular uptake that we found in the hearing end organ are sufficient to explain the difference in ototoxicity (drug-induced hearing damage) between cisplatin and oxaliplatin," the authors conclude.

The study has been reported in the Journal of National Cancer Institute.

Source-www.medindia.net

Pneumococcal Meningitis Prevented Effectively By Pediatric Vaccine

2009-01-19T22:32:00.002+05:30

A standard paediatric vaccine for preventing common life-threatening infections can also be effective against pneumococcal meningitis in both children and adults, say researchers.

Pneumococcal meningitis is an infection in the brain and spinal cord membranes caused by the pneumococcus - a bacterium that also causes pneumonia and other serious infections.

While reviewing 1,379 cases of pneumococcal meningitis from 1998 through 2005, study authors found rates of the disease decreased in children and adults after the introduction of pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in 2000.

PCV7 protects against seven of the most common pneumococcal types, which account for over 80 percent of pneumococcal disease in young children.

The incidence rates for pneumococcal meningitis in all age groups declined 30.1 percent from 1998-1999 to 2004-2005.

After PCV7 was made available, the incidence of meningitis decreased by 64 percent in children, and by 54 percent in older adults.

"When you immunize children, they are much less likely to carry pneumococcal strains covered by the vaccine in the back of the throat," New England Journal of Medicine quoted Dr. Lee Harrison, senior author of the study and professor of medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

"When vaccinated children don't carry these virulent strains, they don't end up transmitting them to other children, their parents and grandparents.

"PCV7 has been highly successful in preventing pneumococcal meningitis, but it remains a very serious and deadly disease," he added.

Source-www.medindia.net

Reason Behind Chemotherapeutic Drug-Induced Hearing Damage Uncovered

2009-01-15T07:03:00.003+05:30

The researchers observed that the total platinum concentration in the cochlea was more than five-fold higher with cisplatin than with oxaliplatin following intravenous injection.

They said that the perilymphatic drug concentration was also higher in the cisplatin-treated animals than in those exposed to oxaliplatin.

"The differences in cochlear kinetics and cellular uptake that we found in the hearing end organ are sufficient to explain the difference in ototoxicity (drug-induced hearing damage) between cisplatin and oxaliplatin," the authors conclude.

The study has been reported in the Journal of National Cancer Institute.

Source-www.medindia.net
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Novel Drug To Treat Angina And Other Cardiac Pathologies

2009-01-10T08:14:00.002+05:30

A compound, designed to prevent chest pains in heart patients, could act as a drug to treat angina and possibly other cardiac pathologies, according to a study on animals.

Researchers from the Centre de Recherche Pierre Fabre in France have shown that the novel compound F15845 has anti-angina activity and can protect heart cells from damage without the unwanted side effects often experienced with other drugs.
As F15845 does not interfere with heart function, like some conventional drugs such as beta blockers, it could be given as part of a combination therapy.

"It's completely different from other anti-angina drugs which directly interact with the function of the heart. So the idea is to do a co-administration with conventional heart drugs such as beta blockers," said lead author of the study, Bruno Le Grand from the Centre de Recherche Pierre Fabre in Castres, France.

The drug works by blocking excess influxes of sodium into heart cells through 'gate' proteins called sodium channels.

High levels of sodium in heart cells are linked with low oxygen levels, which cause angina and can in turn lead to the build up of toxic concentrations of calcium that are lethal to cells.

While many drugs that target sodium channels can block the influx, but they act universally on heart cells and can sometimes cause further heart irregularities.

However, F15845 specifically targets the sodium channels that are thought to cause the most damage.

These channels also control what is known as the persistent sodium current, which causes a permanent excess sodium influx.

The study confirmed the drug's anti-angina activity in laboratory animals.
According to the researchers, the drug is absorbed well when given orally and represents a novel therapeutic opportunity for treating angina and possibly other cardiac pathologies.

"We know that in animals, we have acceptable bioavailability, but with the data that we have in human volunteers following phase I clinical trials we are very confident that it is above 70 per cent," said Le Grand.

The study is published in the second issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology.

Source-www.medindia.net

Heart Failure Drug May Be Effective In Treating Cancer Too: Study

2009-01-08T14:08:00.002+05:30

Scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say that digitalis-based drugs like digoxin, which have been used to treat patients with irregular heart rhythms and heart failure for centuries, may prove helpful in treating cancer too.

The researchers came to this conclusion while researching into existing drugs that might slow or stop cancer progression.

"This is really exciting, to find that a drug already deemed safe by the FDA also can inhibit a protein crucial for cancer cell survival," says Dr. Gregg L. Semenza, director of the vascular program at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering and a member of the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine.

Semenza and his team have long studied the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) protein, which controls genes that help cells survive under low-oxygen conditions.

HIF-1 turns on genes that grow new blood vessels to help oxygen-starved cells survive. Regions of low oxygen are common within the environment of fast-growing solid tumors.

"Oxygen-deprived cancer cells increase their HIF-1 levels to survive in these unfavourable conditions. So turning down or blocking HIF-1 may be key to slowing or stopping these cells from growing," says Semenza.

For their study, the researchers relied upon the Johns Hopkins Drug Library, a collection of over 3,000 drugs that are either FDA approved or currently being tested in phase II clinical trials, assembled by Hopkins pharmacology professor Jun O. Liu.

hey tested every drug in the library, and identified top 20 candidates that were able to to reduce HIF-1 in cancer cells by more than 88 percent.

The researchers said that more than half of the 20 drugs belonged to a class of drugs already commonly used for treating heart failure, and included digoxin.

During the study, the researchers treated prostate cancer cells grown at normal and low-oxygen levels with digoxin for three days, and counted the number of cells each day.

They found that cells treated with digoxin significantly slowed their growth, with fewer total cells after three days and increased numbers of cells that had stopped growing when compared to untreated cells.

Many drugs may appear promising when used to treat cancer cells in a dish in the lab, but may have little or no effect on tumors in living animals," says Dr. Huafeng Zhang, a research associate in the Department of Oncology and the Institute for Cell Engineering at Hopkins.

The researchers also administered daily injections of digoxin to mice with tumours for determining whether the drug had the same effect on cancer cells in the physiological context of a whole animal.

They observed that tumours were large enough to be felt within nine days in untreated mice, tumours could first be felt only after as long as 15 to 28 days in treated mice.

Upon examining tumours from the mice that had been treated, the researchers observed that their HIF-1 levels were lower than tumours from untreated mice.

They then went on to show that it is digoxin specifically reducing HIF-1 that leads to the anti-tumour results they saw.

Zhang, however, cautions that a great deal of work remains to be done to understand in detail how drugs like digoxin inhibit HIF-1 and slow or stop tumour growth.

Given that this class of drugs acts by both strengthening and slowing down the rhythm of the heart, she says that patients can safely tolerate them in only a limited dosage range-a range that is lower than the concentrations of digoxin used in this study.

"We're trying to kill a tumour. We don't want to stop a heart," she says.

The study has been reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Source-www.medindia.net

An 80-year old drug, once used to treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders, may help slow down the aging process, say researchers.

2009-01-08T13:24:00.006+05:30

Recent animal studies have shown that the drug, clioquinol, can reverse the progression of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.

However, scientists had a variety of theories to attempt to explain how a single compound could have such similar effects on three unrelated neurodegenerative disorders.

Now, researchers at McGill University have discovered that clioquinol acts directly on an aging gene called, CLK1, often informally called 'clock-1.'

"Clioquinol is a very powerful inhibitor of clock-1," said Dr. Siegfried Hekimi, McGill's Strathcona Chair of Zoology and Robert Archibald and Catherine Louise Campbell Chair in Developmental Biology.

"Because clock-1 affects longevity in invertebrates and mice, and because we're talking about three age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases, we hypothesize that clioquinol affects them by slowing down the rate of aging," Hekimi added.

Hekimi said that the exact mechanism of how clioquinol inhibits CLK-1 is till under investigation.

"One possibility is that metals are involved as clioquinol is a metal chelator," he said.

Chelation is a type of binding to metal ions and is often used to treat heavy metal poisoning.

Hekimi said he is optimistic but cautious when asked whether clioquinol could eventually become an anti-aging treatment.

"The drug affects a gene which when inhibited can slow down aging. The implication is that we can change the rate of aging. This might be why clioquinol is able to work on this diversity of diseases that are all age-dependent," he added.

The advance online edition of the study was published in Oct. 2008 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Source-www.medindia.net

2009-01-06T17:37:00.000+05:30

12/31/08 - Labopharm Announces FDA Approval of Once-Daily RYZOLT(TM) (Tramadol HCL Extended Release Tablets) for Management of Moderate to Moderately Severe Chronic പിന്‍

LAVAL, QC, Dec. 31 /CNW/ - Labopharm Inc. (TSX: DDS; NASDAQ: DDSS) today announced that RYZOLT(TM) (tramadol HCl extended release tablets), Labopharm's once-daily formulation of the analgesic tramadol, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). RYZOLT is indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults who require around-the-clock treatment of their pain for an extended period of time.

"The approval of our first product in the United States is a major milestone for our Company and we look forward to our product's launch in the world's largest market for pain medications," said James R. Howard-Tripp, President and Chief Executive Officer, Labopharm Inc. "We believe that RYZOLT offers physicians and patients an excellent option for the treatment of pain with the benefit of once-daily dosing. We look forward to the launch of our product by our marketing partner for the U.S., Purdue Pharma."

RYZOLT is a centrally acting analgesic composed of a dual-matrix delivery system with both immediate-release and extended-release characteristics. Labopharm's marketing partner for its product in the United States, Purdue Pharma L.P., anticipates launching RYZOLT tablets in 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg dosage strengths in the second quarter of 2009.

The approval of RYZOLT is the first U.S. FDA approval that Labopharm has obtained for a medication using its patented Contramid(R) controlled-release technology for oral administration of solid dosage medications. Labopharm believes that its Contramid technology can be applied to a wide range of complex, small, highly water soluble molecules to control their release over a 24-hour period with a desired pharmacokinetic profile.

Pain is a potentially debilitating condition that affects an estimated 75 million Americans - more than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. The United States is the world's largest market for tramadol products with sales for the 12-month period ended September 2008 of more than US$650 million resulting from more than 25 million prescriptions, which have grown at a compounded annual rate of 11% over the last five corresponding periods. Labopharm believes, however, that RYZOLT will compete not only with other tramadol products, but also with other medications indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe chronic pain in adults who require around-the-clock treatment of their pain for an extended period of time.

"In a society where people with pain are increasingly demanding simplified dosing regimens, this once-daily formulation of tramadol should be embraced by physicians and patients alike," said Nicholas J. Messina III, MD, with Vista Medical Research Inc., Mesa, AZ, who was a principal investigator in the U.S. clinical studies on RYZOLT.

Labopharm will host a conference call on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 to discuss this announcement. Additional details for the conference call will be provided via separate news release shortly.

    <<
   About the Global Commercialization Program for Labopharm's Once-Daily
   Tramadol Product
   >>

Labopharm's once-daily tramadol product is being commercialized globally and to date has been launched in 14 countries, including Canada and the five largest individual markets in Europe. In addition, it has received regulatory approval or is under regulatory review in 29 countries and the Company has established marketing partnerships for its product in 38 countries. Labopharm is continuing to pursue regulatory approval and marketing partnerships for its once-daily tramadol product for other markets around the world in support of its global commercialization program.

About Labopharm Inc.

Labopharm is an emerging leader in optimizing the performance of existing small molecule drugs using its proprietary controlled-release technologies. The Company's lead product, a unique once-daily formulation of tramadol, is being commercially launched in key markets globally and its second product, a novel formulation of trazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder, is under regulatory review by the FDA. The Company also has a robust pipeline of follow-on products in both pre-clinical and clinical development. Labopharm's vision is to become an integrated, international, specialty pharmaceutical company with the capability to internally develop and commercialize its own products. For more information, please visit www.labopharm.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors, including the uncertainties related to the regulatory process in various countries for the approval of the Company's products and the successful commercialization of the products throughout the world if they are approved. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

At Labopharm: Mark D'Souza, Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Tel: (450) 686-0207; At The Equicom Group: Jason Hogan, Media and Investor Relations, Tel: (416) 815-0700, jhogan@equicomgroup.com; French: Joe Racanelli, Tel: (514) 844-7997, jracanelli@equicomgroup.com

2009-01-04T17:36:00.000+05:30

PHARMACIST CODE OF ETHICS

Pharmacists are health professionals who assist individuals inmaking the best use of medications. This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly theprinciples that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on moralobligations and virtues, are established to guide pharmacists in relationships with patients, health professionals, and society.

I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.

Considering the patient-pharmacist relationship as a covenant means that a pharmacist has moral obligations in response to thegift of trust received from society. In return for this gift, a pharmacist promises to help individuals achieve optimum benefitfrom their medications, to be committed to their welfare, and to maintain their trust.

II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in acaring, compassionate, and confidential manner.

A pharmacist places concern for the well-being of the patient atthe center of professional practice. In doing so, a pharmacist considers needs stated by the patient as well as those defined byhealth science. A pharmacist is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the patient. With a caring attitude and a compassionate spirit,a pharmacist focuses on serving the patient in a private and confidential manner.

III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity ofeach patient.

A pharmacist promotes the right of self-determination andrecognizes individual self-worth by encouraging patients to participate in decisions about their health. A pharmacistcommunicates with patients in terms that are understandable. In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural differencesamong patients.

IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity inprofessional relationships.

A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act withconviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids discriminatorypractices, behavior or work conditions that impair professionaljudgment, and actions that compromise dedication to the bestinterests of patients.

V. A pharmacist maintains professionalcompetence.

A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and abilities asnew medications, devices, and technologies become available and ashealth information advances.

VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities ofcolleagues and other health professionals.

When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation ofcolleagues or other health professionals or refers the patient. Apharmacist acknowledges that colleagues and other healthprofessionals may differ in the beliefs and values they apply tothe care of the patient.

VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, andsocietal needs.

The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to individualpatients. However, the obligations of a pharmacist may at timesextend beyond the individual to the community and society. In thesesituations, the pharmacist recognizes the responsibilities thataccompany these obligations and acts accordingly.

VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution ofhealth resources.

When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist is fair andequitable, balancing the needs of patients and society.

*adopted by the membership of the American Pharmacists Association October 27, 1994.

PHARMACIST'S OATH

2009-01-04T17:29:00.001+05:30

At this time, I vow to devote my professional life to the service of all humankind through the professionof pharmacy.

I will consider the welfare of humanityand relief of human suffering my primary concerns.

I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal drug therapy outcomes for the patients I serve.

I will keep abreast of developments and maintain professional competency in my profession of pharmacy. I will maintain the highest principles of moral, ethical and legal conduct.

I will embrace and advocate change in the profession of pharmacy that improves patient care.

I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.

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2008-06-22T00:22:00.009+05:30

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2008-05-08T08:42:00.005+05:30

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