University Of Southern California Archives

Small molecule could make a big difference for arthritis patients

February 7, 2018 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

Will there come a time when a patient with arthritis can forgo joint replacement surgery in favor of a shot? Keck School of Medicine of USC scientist Denis Evseenko, MD, PhD, has reason to be optimistic. In a new publication in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, Evseenko’s team describes the promise of a new molecule […]

Weaponizing oxygen to kill infections and disease August 19, 2018
The life-threatening bacteria MRSA can cripple a medical facility since it is resistant to treatment. But scientists report that they are now making advances in a new technique that avoids antibiotics, instead using light to activate oxygen, which wipes out bacteria. The method also could be used to treat other microbial infections, and possibly even […]
Insight into development of lung cancer August 18, 2018
Lung cancer results from effects of smoking along with multiple genetic components. A new study identifies two main pathways for the role of chromosome 15q25.1 -- a leader in increasing susceptibility to lung cancer -- in modifying disease risk. One pathway is implicated in nicotine dependence. The other plays a part in biological processes such […]
Like shark attacks and the lottery, unconscious bias influences cancer screening August 17, 2018
Study shows that doctors with personal experience of cancer are more likely to act against established guidelines to recommend that low-risk women receive ovarian cancer screening.
Exploring the relationship between fever and cancer incidence August 17, 2018
In a new paper, researchers propose a mechanistic hypothesis that focuses on the potential impact infectious fever has on a particular subset of T cells, known as gamma/delta T cells.
New CRISPR technique skips over portions of genes that can cause disease August 16, 2018
In a new study in cells, researchers have adapted CRISPR gene-editing technology to cause the cell's internal machinery to skip over a small portion of a gene when transcribing it into a template for protein building. Such targeted editing could one day be useful for treating genetic diseases caused by mutations in the genome, such […]
New approach to fight tuberculosis, a leading cause of death worldwide August 16, 2018
A group of researchers used a systematic approach to get an entirely new look at the way tuberculosis infects people. Their study uncovered interactions between tuberculosis and human proteins that could provide new approaches to combat infection.
Diagnosing cancer with malaria protein: New method discovered August 16, 2018
Researchers have discovered a method of diagnosing a broad range of cancers at their early stages by utilizing a particular malaria protein, which sticks to cancer cells in blood samples. The researchers hope that this method can be used in cancer screenings in the near future.
Retinoic acid may improve immune response against melanoma August 16, 2018
Clinical trial results describe a promising strategy to remove one of melanoma's most powerful defenses: By adding retinoic acid to standard-of-care treatment, researchers were able to turn off myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that turn off the immune system, leading to more immune system activity directed at melanoma.
Trigger, target, trigger: Scientists explore controlled carbon monoxide release August 16, 2018
Scientists have developed flavonoid-based, organic carbon monoxide-releasing molecules that exhibit CO release only when triggered by visible light. Using fluorescence microscopy, the researchers demonstrate targeted CO delivery by the photoCORMs to human lung cancer cells, as well as the ability of the molecules to produce anti-inflammatory effects.
Childhood exposure to secondhand smoke may increase risk of adult lung disease death August 16, 2018
A new study suggests that long-term exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) death in adulthood.

Cannabis stocks in Canada recover after a whirlwind week; Canopy Growth up 8.6% on Friday August 17, 2018
Cannabis stocks stabilized in Canada on Friday after doing significant drops and bumps this week on the back of a host of news in the country that is nearing recreational legalized marijuana in Oct.
Small-Cap Snapshot: Investors smile as Evolus wins approval to market its Botox-like treatment in Canada August 17, 2018
Small cap names on the move are: Evolus Inc (NASDAQ:EOLS), Zoë's Kitchen Inc (NYSE:ZOES), America’s Car-Mart Inc (NASDAQ:CRMT), Zion Oil & Gas Inc (NASDAQ:ZN).
Callitas Health ropes in BFS Innovations and Pure Leaf Group to launch CannaStrips globally August 17, 2018
The Cincinnati-based company has developed a novel delivery technology that helps achieve more precise dosing — a tricky undertaking when it comes to medical cannabis
Antares stock surges on FDA approval of VIBEX auto injector August 17, 2018
Auto injector drug device combination approved by the FDA
Collagen Solutions looks to have put last year’s difficulties behind it with strong start to current year August 17, 2018
Since reporting its full-year results on July 10, the AIM-listed shares have rallied over 38% in the past month to 3.65p currently, taking year-to-date gains to a third
Arix sees significant potential as it ups stake in cancer treatment developer Artios August 17, 2018
Jonathan Tobin, investment director at Arix Bioscience Plc (LON:ARIX), discusses with Proactive's Andrew Scott their decision to increase their stake and in doing so becoming the largest shareholder in Artios Pharma. Artios is developing DNA damage response technology to treat cancer. Tobin says the new funds will help Artios advance its portfolio of small molecule […]
Tumour Trace device 'just makes sense' - Lancor's chief medical officer August 17, 2018
Lancor Scientific's chief operating officer Gopal Rao and chief medical officer Roland Schlesinger discuss with Proactive Investors some of the upcoming milestones for their Tumour Trace technology. Roland Schlesinger's a specialist in health technology assessment - essentially analysing pharmaceuticals or medical technologies for efficiency and efficacy. ''The great thing about the technology is that we're […]
Sensyne Health makes solid start on AIM debut August 17, 2018
Sensyne issued shares at 175p as part of its initial public offering, and those shares are already trading at 187.5p – a gain of 7%
Motif Bio to present iclaprim data at microbiology conference in Portugal next month August 17, 2018
Chief medical officer David Huang will give a presentation on Motif’s next-generation antibiotic on September 5 at the conference, which is being held in Lisbon
Medlab Clinical substantial shareholder Farjoy demonstrates confidence in medical research strategy August 17, 2018
Sydney-based investor has increased its interest to 10.51% through on-market purchases and placement participation.

STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings August 17, 2018
Hired someone new and exciting? Promoting a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot?
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: Trump wants opioid makers to cut production quotas; Purdue looks to restructure August 17, 2018
Purdue Pharma has hired the Davis Polk & Wardwell law firm for financial restructuring advice.
STAT Plus: Senators challenge Azar over his comments about PBMs and price cuts August 17, 2018
“Congress cannot appropriately fix the problem of high drug prices unless we have correct information about what is causing them and who is responsible.”
STAT Plus: China takes action against numerous officials for allowing vaccine scandal to erupt August 16, 2018
The scandal emerges while the Chinese government is trying to grow its domestic pharmaceutical industry.
STAT Plus: An 8-year-old boy puts Vertex on the defensive over the price of its drugs in the U.K. August 16, 2018
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) is facing pushback from cystic fibrosis patients and their families as it plays hardball with the U.K. government over the cost of its medicines. In a highly…
STAT Plus: Pfizer resumes full production at a troubled plant, but don’t expect shortages to suddenly end August 16, 2018
"Things are going to unfortunately be ugly on the drug-shortage front for a long time," said Erin Fox, of the University of Utah Health Care.
STAT Plus: Never mind the rebates. Maybe behind-the-scenes fees are boosting drug prices August 16, 2018
The fees constitute a complicated but little-understood piece of the opaque pricing system.
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: EpiPen shortage may cause back-to-school crisis; Mylan kept mum about a half-million dollar deal August 16, 2018
Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? We are just fine, thank you, especially since a bright, shiny sun and cool breeze are enveloping the Pharmalot campus. Our short…
STAT Plus: As Gilead plans a C-suite succession, the rash of top-level departures continues August 15, 2018
“Lots of their proteges are sharpening their pencils, updating their resumes, and getting ready to leave.”
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: More turnover at Gilead Sciences; EMA scales back its transparency policy August 15, 2018
The European Medicines Agency scaled back a landmark clinical trial data policy.