Antibiotics Archives – The Bio Connection

Oral Antibiotics May Raise Risk of Kidney Stones

May 10, 2018May 10, 2018 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

Pediatric researchers have found that children and adults treated with some oral antibiotics have a significantly higher risk of developing kidney stones. This is the first time that these medicines have been linked to this condition. The strongest risks appeared at younger ages and among patients most recently exposed to antibiotics. “The overall prevalence of […]

Antibiotics Infection Control

Could A Rare, Deadly ‘Superbug’ Fungus Be Gaining A Foothold?

February 12, 2018 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

(Kaiser Health News) The number of U.S. patients infected with a rare but dangerous fungal “superbug” called Candida auris has climbed quickly to 200 as of Dec. 31, according to the latest figures from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2016, there were only seven cases of the multidrug-resistant infection on the […]

Pharmaceutical Business News

Forge Therapeutics Raises $15M Series A Financing to Develop First Novel Gram-Negative Antibiotic in Decades

May 11, 2017 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

Forge Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company discovering first-in-class antibiotics using a breakthrough drug discovery platform, announced today the completion of a $15M Series A financing. The round is led by MagnaSci Ventures, with participation from Evotec AG, Alexandria Venture Investments, MP Healthcare Venture Management, Red Apple Group, and WS Investments. Forge has used its enabling […]

Biotechnology rare diseases

Nova Southeastern University Researchers Studying How to Disrupt Bacteria to Treat Infections

April 14, 2017April 13, 2017 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

Bacteria are everywhere. And despite widespread belief, not all bacteria are “bad.” However, to combat those that can cause health issues for humans, there has been an over-reliance on the use of antibiotics – so much so, that many of them are now proving ineffective due to bacteria developing increased resistance to them. “More and […]

Antibiotics Cannabinoid Research Infectious Diseases Prodrug

New Arsenal Against MRSA: New Study Reports Cannabinoids Effective Against Antibiotic-Resistant MRSA

March 29, 2017 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

Researchers have found that cannabinoid-based therapies have unique anti-bacterial properties that fight MSRA and other infectious bacteria. In vitro studies demonstrated that bactericidal synergy was achieved against multiple species of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) utilizing a proprietary cannabinoid-based therapeutic platform. MRSA species tested included community acquired- (CA-MRSA), healthcare-acquired- (HA-MRSA), and mupirocin-resistant (MR-MRSA) strains of MRSA. Researchers […]

Alzheimers and Dementia Antibiotics

Antibiotics Weaken Alzheimer’s Disease Progression Through Changes in the Gut Microbiome

July 21, 2016July 21, 2016 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

Long-term treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics decreased levels of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, and activated inflammatory microglial cells in the brains of mice in a new study by neuroscientists from the University of Chicago. The study, published July 21, 2016, in Scientific Reports, also showed significant changes in the gut microbiome after […]

Deep space radiation treatment reboots brain's immune system May 21, 2018
NASA and private company SpaceX plan to send humans to Mars within the next 15 years -- but need to figure out how to protect astronauts from the dangerous cosmic radiation of deep space. Now neuroscientists have identified a potential treatment for the brain damage caused by cosmic rays -- a drug that prevents memory […]
Are humans causing cancer in wild animals? May 21, 2018
As humans, we know that some of our activities can cause cancer to develop in our bodies. Smoking, poor diets, pollution, chemicals used as additives in food and personal hygiene products, and even too much sun can contribute to an increased risk of cancer. But, are human activities also causing cancer in wild animals? Researchers […]
MR spectroscopy imaging reveals effects of targeted treatment of mutant IDH1 gliomas May 18, 2018
Using a novel imaging method, a research team is investigating the mechanisms behind a potential targeted treatment for a subtype of the deadly brains tumors called gliomas.
A way to prevent pancreatic cancer from spreading post-surgery? May 17, 2018
New research suggests a strategy for lowering the odds of metastasis following successful pancreatic cancer surgery: The post-operative period, suggests a researcher, 'offers a window during which efforts might be made to keep cortisol levels down and T cells strong so the patient's own immune system can kill the cancer cells that have made their […]
Immune cell provides cradle for mammary stem cells May 17, 2018
Researchers have made new discoveries about how an immune cell known as the macrophage, which normally fights infection by swallowing foreign invaders, nurtures mammary gland stem cells through a chemical signaling molecule. The study may provide important clues about the roles of macrophages in breast cancer progression.
Single surface protein boosts multiple oncogenic pathways in acute myeloid leukemia May 17, 2018
Researchers have discovered that a signaling protein elevated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) plays a much wider role in the disease than previously thought. The study raises hopes that current efforts to target this signaling protein could be a successful strategy to treat AML and other blood cancers.
How immune cells kill bacteria with acid May 17, 2018
The first line of immune defense against invading pathogens like bacteria are macrophages, immune cells that engulf every foreign object that crosses their way and kill their prey with acid. However, it is not yet entirely understood how the acidification process is established. In their quest to systematically study proteins that transport chemicals across cellular […]
Use of mobile and sensor technology lowers symptom severity for people with head and neck cancer May 17, 2018
A randomized clinical trial of 357 people receiving radiation for head and neck cancer, using mobile and sensor technology to remotely monitor patient symptoms, resulted in less severe symptoms related to both the cancer and its treatment (both general and cancer-related).
New regimens improve survival for children and young adults with T-cell cancers May 17, 2018
In a federally funded, randomized phase III clinical trial, 90 percent of children and young adults with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) or T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LL) were alive four years after starting treatment regimens on this trial, and 84 percent were cancer free. These are the highest survival rates for these T-cell malignancies reported […]
Shorter trastuzumab treatment for HER2+ breast cancer can be as effective, with fewer cardiac side-effects May 17, 2018
A phase III randomized clinical trial of 4,088 women with HER2-positive, early-stage breast cancer found that taking trastuzumab (Herceptin) for 6 months was non-inferior to the current standard of 12 months. The disease-free survival rate at four years was 89.4 percent with 6 months of therapy and 89.8 percent with 12 months of therapy. In […]

Daily CryptoCann Report: Mosque to accept crypto alms for Ramadan; Oregon’s retail marijuana price slashed in half May 21, 2018
The Shacklewell Lane Mosque in London will begin accepting crypto donations
Callitas Health bolsters cannabis products business by hiring industry expert as advisor May 21, 2018
Dr Gregory Smith has become the firm's chief medical cannabis advisor, said Callitas
Avenue Therapeutics shares soar on rosy results from Phase 3 clinical trial May 21, 2018
The pain killer IV tramadol reduces the pain in patients who undergo bunionectomy surgery
IPO Roundup: Fintech lender GreenSky, 7 more companies pricing shares this week May 21, 2018
Online lender GreenSky offers quick decisions on home improvement loans and will trade on Nasdaq with ticker 'GSKY'
ChemioCare plans IPO and raise funds to bring 'transformative' drug to the market May 21, 2018
ChemioCare CEO Pedro Lichtinger tells Proactive Investors the biopharmaceutical company is focused on treating the side effects of chemotherapy. Founded about a year ago, Lichtinger says the company's transdermal patch technology will help cancer patients going through chemotherapy to experience significantly less side effects of the drug including less nausea and vomiting. Lichtinger says the […]
Allergy Therapeutics readies grass pollen treatment for Phase III trial after “extremely positive” mid-stage results May 21, 2018
The Phase II study of Allergy Therapeutics’ PQ Grass immunotherapy – an aluminium-free, ultra-short course hay fever treatment – evaluated dose response and safety
Allergy Therapeutics on track for phase III grass pollen trial in 2019 May 21, 2018
Manuel Llobet, chief executive of Allergy Therapeutics plc (LON:AGY), spoke to Proactive Investors after reporting “extremely positive results” from the phase II trial of their grass pollen-induced hay fever immunotherapy. Llobet says PQ Grass met its primary endpoint, with those taking the drug showing “a highly statistically significant” reduction in symptoms compared to patients in […]
OptiBiotix scoops award for Weight Management Ingredient of the Year May 21, 2018
Per Rehne, commercial director at OptiBiotix Health plc (LON:OPTI), caught up with Proactive's Andrew Scott after their weight management ingredient SlimBiome won the award for Weight Management Ingredient of the Year at the Vitafoods European tradeshow in Geneva. The award is given to the product identified by a panel of scientific, regulatory and industry experts […]
Third time lucky for AstraZeneca and its Lokelma hyperkalaemia treatment May 21, 2018
The US Food and Drug Administration had twice rejected AstraZeneca’s applications for Lokelma due to issues at the manufacturing plant in Texas
Midatech Pharma starts dosing of sustained release tumour treatment in equivalence study May 21, 2018
Midatech wants to demonstrate that Q-Octreotide can achieve safe and effective growth hormone levels while also highlighting the advantages of its release system

STAT Plus: A tip from the FDA: don’t use the same equipment to make drugs and pesticides May 18, 2018
Sometimes the FDA “says things it just should not have to.”
STAT Plus: Aetna pressures whistleblower who alleged CVS Caremark ripped off Medicare May 18, 2018
A whistleblower might help pull the curtain back on the practices of pharmacy benefit managers, yet the federal government has so not gotten involved in the case.
STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings May 18, 2018
From new hires to departures and promotions, the latest comings and goings in the pharmaceutical industry.
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: Amgen migraine drug costs less than expected; J&J halts development on Alzheimer’s drug May 18, 2018
The FDA released a list of drug makers that are potentially blocking generic drug makers from accessing samples of their products.
STAT Plus: FDA admonishes big data provider over error concerning opioid prescriptions May 17, 2018
The FDA plans to brief members of Congress for potential public health implications.
STAT Plus: McCaskill urges two government agencies to rethink purchases of Teva medicines May 17, 2018
McCaskill urged the DOD and VA to “evaluate whether (they) should contract with an entity that has refused to respond to requests during a Senate investigation.”
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: Breast cancer patients need less of a Roche drug; China extends patent protection May 17, 2018
China will lengthen patent protection on pharmaceuticals to up to 25 years from 20 starting this month, in a move that appears aimed at deflecting U.S. criticism over intellectual property…
Novartis outlines more steps to contain fallout from payments to Trump’s lawyer May 16, 2018
Amid the fallout over the $1.2 million payments to President Trump’s personal attorney, Novartis is trying to move quickly to contain the damage.
STAT Plus: After complaints of favoritism, FDA does an about-face and opens a contract to bidding May 16, 2018
“Sole source contracts by the government are very dangerous,” said bioethicist Art Caplan.
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: Former Novartis CEO regrets Cohen contract as top lawyer resigns; Pfizer wins biosimilar approval May 16, 2018
Pfizer finally got U.S. regulatory approval to sell a biosimilar version of anemia treatments sold by Amgen and Johnson & Johnson.

Alkahest Receives Grant from Michael J. Fox Foundation; Funding Will Support Preclinical Evaluation of ALK4290 for Parkinson's Disease
Alkahest, Inc. ("Alkahest"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies to treat age-related diseases, today announced that it has been awarded a grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) entitled "Development of ALK4290 as a novel PD therapeutic" under the Principal Investigator S. Sakura Minami, Ph.D.
Genentech’s HEMLIBRA (emicizumab-kxwh) Reduced Treated Bleeds by 96 Percent Compared to No Prophylaxis in Phase III HAVEN 3 Study in Hemophilia A without Factor VIII Inhibitors
– In a subset of patients in the HAVEN 3 study who previously received factor VIII prophylaxis, the standard of care, HEMLIBRA reduced bleeds by 68 percent compared to their prior therapy – – Phase III HAVEN 4 results showed HEMLIBRA every four weeks provides clinically meaningful control of bleeding in people with or without […]
FDA Action Alert: 4 Companies with FDA Decisions This Week
There are several companies facing decisions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this upcoming week. However, it should be noted that because the upcoming weekend is the Memorial Day holiday in the United States, some of these decisions may be made before their dates to avoid the holid...
Phase 3 Registration Trial for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Achieves 42% Complete Response Rate at Three Months in Carcinoma in Situ Patients
May 21, 2018 18:15 UTC Phase 3 Registration Trial for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Achieves 42% Complete Response Rate at Three Months in Carcinoma in Situ Patients Sesen Bio (Formally Eleven Biotherapeutics) Reports Positive, Three-Month Data from VISTA Trial of Vicinium™ in High-Grade NMIBC Data Presented During Plenary Session at American Urological Association Annual Meeting […]
Genentech’s Hemlibra Significantly Reduces Bleeding in Late-Stage Hemophilia Studies
Genentech’s hemophilia treatment Hemlibra continues to demonstrate its efficacy in treating patients. New late-stage data presented at World Federation of Hemophilia 2018 World Congress shows the drug significantly reduced treated bleeds in a broad patient population in two separate studies.
MaxCyte Reports Preclinical Results at ASGCT Annual Meeting Showing Efficient Correction of Sickle Cell Mutation in Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC)
MaxCyte, the global cell-based medicines and life sciences company, today announced that Linghong Li, PhD, Director, Cell Engineering, presented pre-clinical data at the annual meeting of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) in Chicago on Friday, May 18, 2018, in which MaxCyte's non-viral cell engineering technology was used for CRISPR-mediated gene-correction of […]
AstraZeneca Finally Scores Approval for Hyperkalemia Treatment Gained from ZS Pharma Deal
The third time is the charm for AstraZeneca and its hyperkalemia treatment that has been dogged by manufacturing issues. After multiple rejections, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally gave its approval for the treatment.
PROCEPT BioRobotics’ Aquablation Meets Primary Endpoints in WATER II Study of 80 to 150 Milliliter Prostates
Procedure Confirmed as a Safe, Effective, Heat-Free Treatment of BPH in a Broad Range of Prostates
Rain Therapeutics Closes on a $18.4 Million Series A
Rain Therapeutics, headquartered in Fremont, California, closed on a tranched Series A financing of $18.4 million.
CEOs, Directors and Other Senior Executives Tapped by Biotech
Pharma and biotech companies across the globe continued to expand and reshape their leadership teams with new hires this past week. BioSpace collected several announced leadership appointments, which includes new chief executive officers, new members to boards of directors and more.