Public release date: 15-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Dennis Tartaglia dtartaglia@tartagliacommunications.com 732-545-1848 Tartaglia Communications

MetLife Foundation today announced the recipients of its 2012 Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease: Clifford R. Jack Jr., M.D., professor of Radiology and The Alexander Family Professor of Alzheimer’s Disease Research at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN), and Christine Van Broeckhoven, Ph.D. D.Sc., professor and department director of the VIB Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Antwerp (Belgium). In addition, Randall J. Bateman, M.D., associate professor of Neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is recipient of MetLife Foundation’s Promising Investigator Award.

Dr. Jack, an innovator in clinical studies of brain structure in disease, developed and applied imaging methodologies to determine and track the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Van Broeckhoven, a basic scientist and expert in molecular genetics, has made groundbreaking discoveries establishing the genetic basis of inherited Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Dr. Bateman, a neurologist and biochemist, has pioneered the use of measurements of beta-amyloid protein in the brain to better understand the biochemical basis of this illness.

The winners were recognized at a scientific briefing and awards ceremony today in New York.

“MetLife Foundation is proud to present these awards that recognize outstanding achievements in medical research,” said Dennis White, president and chief executive officer, MetLife Foundation. “Doctors Jack, Van Broeckhoven and Bateman have made significant contributions to our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and their dedication helps bring us closer to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.”

About the Awards

Now in their 26th year, the awards provide outstanding researchers with an opportunity to freely pursue new ideas. At the heart of the program is a belief in research as the road to understanding and ultimately treating this devastating disease. Each major award recipient receives a $200,000 research grant for his or her institution to further their work, and a personal prize of $50,000. The recipient of the Promising Investigator Award receives a $100,000 grant to his institution to further his work in Alzheimer’s disease. MetLife Foundation established the awards in 1986 to recognize and reward scientists demonstrating significant contributions to the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

The MetLife Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease are managed by the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR). Founded in 1981, AFAR has championed the cause and supported the funding of science in healthier aging and age-related medicine.

“We have selected these individuals because of their novel and significant approaches to Alzheimer’s disease, which are paving the way for additional discoveries that are important for diagnosis and treatments for this disease,” said Donald L. Price, M.D., chair of the MetLife Awards for Research in Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee, which selected the winners. Dr. Price, professor of Pathology, Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is a previous recipient of the MetLife Award.

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MetLife Foundation recognizes Alzheimer's disease research with prestigious awards

Public release date: 8-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Mary Jane Gore mary.gore@duke.edu 919-660-1309 Duke University Medical Center

DURHAM, N.C. — Advanced high-speed gene-sequencing has been used in the clinical setting to find diagnoses for seven children out of a dozen who were experiencing developmental delays and congenital abnormalities for mysterious reasons.

“I thought if we could obtain even a couple of relatively secure diagnoses out of the 12 patients, that would prove the value of deploying sequencing approaches systematically in patients with unknown but apparently genetic conditions,” said David Goldstein, Ph.D., director of the Duke Center for Human Genome Variation and professor of molecular genetics and microbiology.

“Few sequencing studies have approached the problem as we did, taking a very heterogeneous group of patients,” Goldstein said. “Getting a likely diagnosis about half of the time is quite stunning and strongly motivates next-generation sequencing for all patients that fail to get a genetic diagnosis through traditional testing.”

The research team used next-generation sequencing, a new technology that can rapidly read a person’s entire genome or just their exome, the sections of DNA that make the proteins, which direct physiological activities. The cost of such sequencing is becoming lower, making it feasible to do the study in a clinical setting.

The work was published online on May 8, in the Journal of Medical Genetics.

“There are up to 50,000 live births in America each year with the children having features of developmental delays, intellectual disabilities or congenital abnormalities similar to those we studied,” said Vandana Shashi, M.D., co-author and associate professor of pediatrics in the Duke Center for Human Genetics. “Many of these children remain without diagnoses and we could systematically try to help identify a cause.”

Shashi said families involved with the study often expressed relief just to have a diagnosis, even when a condition remained difficult or impossible to treat.

“Just knowing what was causing the problem took away the mystery, which gives families some comfort,” Shashi said.

Original post:
Sequencing works in clinical setting to help — finally — get a diagnosis

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) A University of Alabama at Birmingham professor has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences.

The Birmingham News reports (http://bit.ly/J0w3oF ) biochemistry and molecular genetics professor Louise Chow is the only person from an Alabama institution listed in the academy’s directory.

The National Academy of Sciences is sometimes called the science hall of fame and has only 2,582 members. Chow was one of 105 people picked this year for distinguished achievements in original research.

Chow is only the second UAB faculty member in history to be elected to the academy. Max Cooper was elected in 1988, but left UAB for Emory University in Atlanta in 2007.

2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Originally posted here:
AL prof elected to National Academy of Sciences

Newswise Bethesda, MD, May 2, 2012: The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) today announced that it has formed a working group that will focus on the oversight of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an intention to abandon its regulatory policy of enforcement discretion toward some laboratory developed tests. The announcement was followed by a two-day meeting that explored the current regulatory paradigm for LDTs, and considered alternatives and options for increased FDA oversight of LDTs. In response, a number of medical and business organizations put forth paradigms, and several legislative proposals have been discussed or introduced for strengthening LDT regulation.

In a published position statement and public comments, AMP has previously asserted that the CLIA program, in combination with laboratory accreditation programs, professional certification and licensure of laboratory directors, provides a rigorous and flexible framework for ensuring high quality laboratory testing in the United States. In light of the complexity of the area and the diverse proposals made, the AMP Working Group, which has been organized by AMPs Professional Relations Committee, will further consider possible approaches to LDTs oversight. The goal of the group is to produce a white paper that will outline the key issues, and provide AMPs recommendations for future LDT oversight.

Andrea Ferreira-Gonzalez, PhD, Director of the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory in the Department of Pathology at Virginia Commonwealth University and a past president of AMP will chair the new working group. Other members of the group include: Stephen P. Day, PhD, Hologic, Inc. Rajyasree Emmadi, MD, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine Robert F. Klees, PhD, New York State Department of Health Elaine Lyon, PhD, ARUP Laboratories and past chair of AMPs Professional Relations Committee Jan Nowak, MD, PhD, Northshore University Health System and a past president of AMP

I am very pleased that our members took the initiative to form this working group and through Dr. Ferreira-Gonzalezs leadership, I anticipate that the white paper will be a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussions around regulating laboratory tests, said Iris Schriver, MD, President of AMP.

The working group expects to complete the white paper by the end of the calendar year. Roger D. Klein, MD, JD, Chair of the AMP Professional Relations Committee stated, Oversight of LDTs raises complicated policy questions the resolution of which must ensure patient safety while allowing for the timely introduction of new assays that will benefit patients. The talented AMP members who have volunteered to complete this project have unparalleled knowledge, insights, and expertise that will enable them to put forth a thoughtful framework for the appropriate regulation of LDTs.

ABOUT AMP: The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) is an international medical professional association dedicated to the advancement, practice, and science of clinical molecular laboratory medicine and translational research based on the applications of molecular biology, genetics, and genomics. For more information, please visit www.amp.org.

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AMP Forms Working Group to Further Consider Oversight of Lab Tests

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It's official: IU hires Johnson

(RTTNews.com) – Molecular diagnostic company Myriad Genetics Inc. (MYGN) Tuesday reported third-quarter net income of $29.6 million or $0.34 per share, compared to $28 million or $0.31 per share last year.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $0.32 per share for the quarter. Analysts’ estimates typically exclude special items.

Revenue for the quarter rose 27% to $130 million from $102.4 million a year ago. Analysts expected revenue of $119.34 million.

Looking ahead, the company raised its expectations for fiscal year 2012. Total revenue is now expected to be $492 million to $496 million, compared to the company’s prior guidance of $445 million to $465 million. The company now expects full year 2012 earnings of $1.29 to $1.31 per share, up from the original guidance of $1.20 to $1.25 per share.

Analysts currently expect earnings of $1.26 per share and revenue of $474.57 million for the full year 2012.

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com

http://www.rttnews.com

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Myriad Genetics Q3 Profit Up, Tops View; Lifts FY Outlook; Stock Up 2.5%

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, is pleased to announce that Thomas J. Musci, M.D. will lead the clinical development and medical affairs of the company.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120326/NY75864LOGO)

Dr. Musci is board-certified in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Genetics and has had an extensive career in academics, private practice and industry. Recognized as a leader in clinical research on prenatal testing, Dr. Musci has served as chair of the Genetics Committee for the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and is currently a member of the Professional Practice Guidelines Committee for the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG). He was co-founder of San Francisco Perinatal Associates, Inc. and retains an appointment as Associate Clinical Professor with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He recently held the position of Director of Clinical Affairs for Predictive Health with Novartis Diagnostics.

“Dr. Musci’s addition to our team will help us maintain our clinical excellence standard with the Harmony Prenatal Test,” said Ken Song, chief executive officer at Ariosa Diagnostics.

Dr. Musci graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. After obtaining his medical doctorate, he completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and fellowships in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Medical Genetics, as well as a post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, all at UCSF.

Speaking of his new appointment, Dr. Musci stated, “The Harmony test developed by Ariosa represents a revolutionary advance in prenatal testing for common fetal trisomies and is supported by an impressive amount of clinical data. I look forward to helping educate providers, patients and other constituents on how the Harmony test can improve and streamline patient care during pregnancy.”

About Ariosa Diagnostics

Ariosa Diagnostics, Inc., is a molecular diagnostics company committed to providing safe, highly accurate and affordable prenatal tests for maternal and fetal health. Led by an experienced team, Ariosa is using its proprietary technology to perform a directed analysis of cell-free DNA in blood. Ariosa’s simple blood test equips pregnant women and their healthcare providers with reliable information to make decisions regarding their health, without creating unnecessary stress or anxiety.

The company began operations in 2010 and is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. For more information, visitwww.ariosadx.com.

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Ariosa Diagnostics Strengthens Management Team with Appointment of Thomas J. Musci, M.D. as Vice President, Clinical …

SAN DIEGO, May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Trovagene, Inc. (Pink Sheets: TROV), a developer of trans-renal molecular diagnostics, announced today that Dr. Carlo M. Croce has joined the Company’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Croce is the John W. Wolfe Chair in Human Cancer Genetics, and Chairman, Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics and also Director of the Human Cancer Genetics Program and the Genetics Institute at Ohio State University (OHSU).

Dr. Croce is globally recognized for his groundbreaking research into the genetic mechanisms involved in the development of cancer. During his career he has discovered and characterized numerous oncogenes and established the role of microRNAs in cancer development and progression.

“We are honored that Dr. Croce will be collaborating with Trovagene,” states Antonius Schuh, Ph.D., Trovagene’s Chief Executive Officer. “His outstanding expertise regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of cancer is highly relevant to Trovagene’s focus in molecular oncology diagnostics,” he continues.

Dr. Croce has authored and co-authored more than 875 peer-reviewed publications and is the recipient of more than 30 prestigious awards. He has played a critical role in the formation and development of numerous successful biotechnology companies, most notably as a co-founder of Centocor Inc. which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1999 for $4.9 billion in stock.

About Trovagene, Inc.

Headquartered in San Diego, California, Trovagene is developing its patented technology for the detection of transrenal DNA and RNA, short nucleic acid fragments, originating from normal and diseased cell death that cross the kidney barrier and can be detected in urine.

Trovagene has a dominant patent position as it relates to transrenal molecular testing. It has U.S. and European patent applications and issued patents that cover testing for HPV and other infectious diseases, cancer, transplantation, prenatal and genetic testing. In addition, it owns worldwide rights to nucleophosmin-1 (NPM1), an informative biomarker for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and mutations in the SF3B1 gene, which have been shown to be associated with chemotherapy response in CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) patients.

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimated” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Trovagene’s current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, substantial competition; our ability to continue as a going concern; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; limited sales and marketing efforts and dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. As with any medical diagnostic tests under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. There are no guarantees that future clinical trials discussed in this press release will be completed or successful or that any product will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. Trovagene does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in Trovagene’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

http://www.trovagene.com

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Dr. Carlo Croce joins Trovagene as Scientific Consultant and Member of the Company's Scientific Advisory Board

As the sun rose over Janss Steps early Sunday, Jeffrey Lin ran past the line framed by two Finish flags in Wilson Plaza and, in the process, crossed an item off his UCLA bucket list.

While Lin did not come in first place at the 13th annual Bruin Run/Walk, the number 1 pinned across his UCLA Quidditch shirt showed his enthusiasm for the event he was the first of more than 900 participants to sign up for the 5K benefiting the Chase Child Life Program at UCLAs Mattel Childrens Hospital.

One of the few runs held at UCLA throughout the year, the Run/Walk has always been on his list of things to do during his time at college, said Lin, a third-year microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student.

This year, he found the time to take part. His girlfriend, Tiffany Chow, is the participants coordinator for the event, which also encouraged him to run in the race.

Given the choice, he would rather run or bike anywhere, Chow, a third-year biochemistry and microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics student, said with a laugh.

After registering, Lin encouraged his Quidditch teammates to form a team, said Alex Browne, Lins friend, teammate and a third-year mechnical engineering student.

At times, (Lin) can be a pretty calm guy, but when you see him stepping up and getting a lot of people to join with him on this cause, you cant help but get excited too, Browne said.

Coming in 45 seconds off his personal record of 18 minutes and 20 seconds for a 5K race, a sweaty Lin said he was a little disappointed in his time, but was glad he participated because he likes running to support a cause.

As a group of kids participating in the Kids Race ran by, Lin broke off the conversation and looked toward the children.

So cute, he said, gazing at them with a fond smile. Theyre all so sweet.

More here:
Bruin Run/Walk cause inspires avid Bruin runner to participate in 5K event

It provides the raw material for liquorice candy, calms the stomach and alleviates diseases of the airways: liquorice root. Chosen as the “Medicinal plant 2012″, the root has been treasured in traditional healing since ancient times. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin have now discovered that liquorice root also contains substances with an anti-diabetic effect. These amorfrutins not only reduce blood sugar, they are also anti-inflammatory and are very well tolerated. Thus, they may be suitable for use in the treatment of complex metabolic disorders.

Natural substances have a surprising and often largely unexploited potential in the prevention and treatment of common diseases. For example, liquorice root Glycyrrhiza contains different substances that help to alleviate disorders of the airways and digestive system. It has been used for millennia in traditional healing and is mainly administered in the form of tea. A team of researchers working with Sascha Sauer from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin has now discovered that the plant from the papilionaceae or leguminous family might also be effective in the treatment of adult (type 2) diabetes. The scientists identified a group of natural substances with an anti-diabetic effect, the amorfrutins, in the plant’s edible root.

The substances, which have a simple chemical structure, are not only found in liquorice root, but are also in the fruit of the Amorpha fruticosa bush. The new anti-diabetic agents were named after this plant, which is native to the US, Canada and Mexico. As the researchers demonstrated using diabetic mice, the amorfrutins not only have characteristics that reduce blood sugar, they are also anti-inflammatory in their effect. Moreover, they also prevent fatty liver a common disease caused by excessively fat-rich nutrition.

“The health-beneficial effects are based on the fact that the amorfrutin molecules dock directly onto a receptor in the nucleus called PPAR,” explains Sascha Sauer. PPAR plays an important role in the cell’s fat and glucose metabolism. The binding of the amorfrutin molecules activates various genes that reduce the plasma concentration of certain fatty acids and glucose. The reduced glucose level prevents the development of insulin resistance the main cause of adult diabetes.

“Although there are already drugs on the market that affect the PPAR receptor receptor, they are not selective enough in their effect and cause side effects like weight gain and cardio-vascular problems,” says Sascha Sauer. In contrast, as demonstrated by the studies carried out to date, the amorfrutins are very well tolerated. “However, drinking liquorice tea or eating liquorice will not help to treat diabetes,” explains the scientist. “The concentration of the substances in the tea and liquorice is far too low to be effective.” The researchers therefore developed special extraction processes to obtain the amorfrutins from the plant in sufficient concentrations. This could be used to produce amorfrutin extracts on an industrial scale.

The newly discovered active substances not only seem to hold great promise for the treatment of complex metabolic disorders, they may also be suitable for prophylactic use. “The amorfrutins can be used as functional nutritional supplements or as mild remedies that are individually tailored to the patient,” says Sascha Sauer. “In view of the rapid spread of metabolic diseases like diabetes, it is intended to develop these substances further so that they can be used on humans in the future.” To do this, the researchers must now test the effect of the substances and the plant amorfrutin extracts in clinical studies on diabetes patients.

More information: Amorfrutins are potent anti-diabetic dietary natural products, PNAS, published online before print April 16, 2012, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1116971109

Provided by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (news : web)

Read more:
Licorice root found to contain anti-diabetic substance

Researchers discover promising anti-diabetic substance in the amorfrutin class of natural substances

It provides the raw material for liquorice candy, calms the stomach and alleviates diseases of the airways: liquorice root. Chosen as the “Medicinal plant 2012″, the root has been treasured in traditional healing since ancient times. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin have now discovered that liquorice root also contains substances with an anti-diabetic effect. These amorfrutins not only reduce blood sugar, they are also anti-inflammatory and are very well tolerated. Thus, they may be suitable for use in the treatment of complex metabolic disorders.

Natural substances have a surprising and often largely unexploited potential in the prevention and treatment of common diseases. For example, liquorice root Glycyrrhiza contains different substances that help to alleviate disorders of the airways and digestive system. It has been used for millennia in traditional healing and is mainly administered in the form of tea. A team of researchers working with Sascha Sauer from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin has now discovered that the plant from the papilionaceae or leguminous family might also be effective in the treatment of adult (type 2) diabetes. The scientists identified a group of natural substances with an anti-diabetic effect, the amorfrutins, in the plant’s edible root.

The substances, which have a simple chemical structure, are not only found in liquorice root, but are also in the fruit of the Amorpha fruticosa bush. The new anti-diabetic agents were named after this plant, which is native to the US, Canada and Mexico. As the researchers demonstrated using diabetic mice, the amorfrutins not only have characteristics that reduce blood sugar, they are also anti-inflammatory in their effect. Moreover, they also prevent fatty liver – a common disease caused by excessively fat-rich nutrition.

“The health-beneficial effects are based on the fact that the amorfrutin molecules dock directly onto a receptor in the nucleus called PPAR,” explains Sascha Sauer. PPAR plays an important role in the cell’s fat and glucose metabolism. The binding of the amorfrutin molecules activates various genes that reduce the plasma concentration of certain fatty acids and glucose. The reduced glucose level prevents the development of insulin resistance – the main cause of adult diabetes.

Read more:
Promising anti-diabetic substance found in liquorice root

April 19, 2012 Matt Paish

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, in Berlin, Germany, have discovered that liquorice root contains substances with an anti-diabetic effect.

The scientists identified a group of natural substances with an anti-diabetic effect, the amorfrutins, in the plants edible root.

According to their research, which was published this week, amorfrutins not only reduce blood sugar, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect. The research also found that amorfrutins can help prevent fatty liver a common disease caused by excessively fat-rich nutrition.

Lead researcher Dr Sascha Sauer said, The binding of the amorfrutin molecules activates various genes that reduce the plasma concentration of certain fatty acids and glucose. The reduced glucose level prevents the development of insulin resistance the main cause of adult diabetes.

However, Dr Sauer pointed out that drinking liquorice tea or eating liquorice will not help to treat diabetes as the concentration of the substances in the tea and liquorice is far too low to be effective.

The researchers developed special extraction processes to obtain the amorfrutins from the plant in sufficient concentrations. They claim this could be used to produce amorfrutin extracts on an industrial scale.

The newly discovered active substances not only hold promise for the treatment of metabolic disorders, they may also be suitable for prophylactic use.

Dr Sauer said, The amorfrutins can be used as functional nutritional supplements or as mild remedies that are individually tailored to the patient.

In view of the rapid spread of metabolic diseases like diabetes, it is intended to develop these substances further so that they can be used on humans in the future.

See the article here:
Liquorice root found to contain anti-diabetic substance

NEW YORK, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

The 2012 US Molecular Diagnostics Market

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0368662/The-2012-US-Molecular-Diagnostics-Market.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=In_Vitro_Diagnostic

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the US molecular diagnostics market, including:

– Infectious Diseases

– Genetic Diseases

-Cancer

– Paternity Testing/HLA Typing

– Forensic Testing

Contains 880 pages and 37 tables

More:
The 2012 US Molecular Diagnostics Market

IRVINE, Calif., April 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CombiMatrix Corporation (Nasdaq:CBMX – News), a molecular diagnostics company performing DNA-based testing services for cancer and developmental disorders, today announced that Ronald J. Wapner, M.D., an internationally renowned physician and researcher specializing in reproductive genetics, has joined the CombiMatrix Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Wapner is the Vice Chair for Research in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Columbia University Medical Center and Director of Reproductive Genetics. He pioneered the development of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and multi-fetal reduction, and has authored more than 250 publications.

Dr. Wapner is also an active investigator in the area of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the principal investigator for the recently completed National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)-sponsored prospective, multi-center study comparing chromosomal microarray testing to karyotyping. The study results indicate that chromosomal microarray testing is superior to karyotyping, and will be recommended as the new standard of care for prenatal diagnosis.

“Dr. Wapner is a key opinion leader in prenatal testing and genetics,” said CombiMatrix CEO Judd Jessup. “We believe that the NICHD-sponsored study of microarray testing may be the single-most important commercial catalyst for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosome abnormalities in the last decade. We plan on becoming a very important player in the reproductive and developmental genetics marketplace and his input on our Scientific Advisory Board will be invaluable.”

Dr. Wapner received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and his M.D. degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He is a member of the editorial board of Prenatal Diagnosis.

About CombiMatrix Corporation

CombiMatrix Corporation, through its wholly owned subsidiary, CombiMatrix Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. (CMDX), is a molecular diagnostics laboratory which offers DNA-based testing services to the prenatal, pediatric and oncology markets. The Company performs genetic testing utilizing Microarray, FISH, PCR and G-Band Chromosome Analysis. CMDX offers prenatal and pediatric testing services for the detection of abnormalities of genes at the DNA level beyond what can be identified through traditional technologies. CMDX was also the first commercial clinical laboratory in the United States to make comprehensive DNA-based genomic analysis of solid tumors, including breast, colon, lung, prostate and brain tumors, available to oncology patients and medical professionals. Additional information about CMDX is available at www.cmdiagnostics.com or by calling 1-800-710-0624.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations, speak only as of the date hereof and are subject to change. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “goal,” “predicts,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projected results of operations and management’s future business, operational and strategic plans, test menu expansion, services and reports development and attracting greater prenatal genetic screening business. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: our ability to successfully expand the base of our customers and strategic partners, add to the menu of our diagnostic tests in both of our primary markets, develop and introduce new tests and related reports, optimize the reimbursements received for our testing services, and increase operating margins by improving overall productivity and expanding sales volumes; our ability to successfully accelerate sales, steadily increase the size of our customer rosters in both developmental medicine and oncology; our ability to attract and retain a qualified sales force; rapid technological change in our markets; changes in demand for our future products; the ability of microarray technology to become the standard of care; legislative, regulatory and competitive developments; general economic conditions; and various other factors. Further information on potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports of Form 10-Q, and in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law.

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Ronald J. Wapner, M.D. Joins CombiMatrix Scientific Advisory Board

02.04.2012 – (idw) Max-Delbrck-Centrum fr Molekulare Medizin (MDC) Berlin-Buch

Cardiomyopathy comprises a deterioration of the heart muscle that affects it’s ability to efficiently pump blood through the body. Forms of the disease were tied to the alternative splicing of titin, a giant protein that determines the heart`s structure and biomechanical properties, but the molecular mechanism remained unknown. Professors Michael Gotthardt and Norbert Hbner of the Max Delbrck Center (MDC), Berlin, Germany, have found that a gene previously tied to hereditary cardiomyopathy, regulates titin splicing. Understanding this mechanism behind heart function and failure, could lead to more efficient diagnosis and therapies for this disease (Nature Medicine, doi: 10.1038/nm.2693)*. The ventricular filling of the heart is regulated by the different protein isoforms of titin which are produced through alternative splicing, a process in which the protein-coding regions of RNA (the exons) are connected in different ways, resulting in multiple mRNAs (messenger RNAs) that give rise to many proteins.

Professor Marion Greaser of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, had recently identified a naturally occurring rat strain deficient in titin splicing, which resulted in an elongated titin protein. “Titin naturally shortens around birth as the blood flow is redirected through the heart,” Professor Gotthardt explained, “but these rats maintained the excessively long embryonic titin isoforms, which suggests a cause for their cardiomyopathy.”

Using genome-wide mapping techniques, the researchers found a loss-of-function mutation in RBM20 (RNA binding motif protein 20)in all the rats that expressed the pathological titin isoform. The rats with this mutation also shared many phenotypic similarities with human patients suffering from RBM20 related cardiomyopathy; specifically, ventricular enlargement, arrhythmia, increased rate of sudden death, and extensive fibrosis.

The researchers also identified a set of 31 genes shared by humans and rats that regulate splicing with RBM20. Included in this group was titin, thus validating the group’s previous findings. Many of these genes have previously been tied to cardiomyopathy, ion-homeostasis, and sarcomere biology and future analysis will help resolve their individual contribution to the progression of the disease.

Towards utilizing these findings in a clinical setting, Professor Gotthardt has developed a technique to characterize the functional consequences of individual RBM20 mutations. “We can help patients learn if their RBM20 mutation will likely result in the severe form of the disease so that their physician can devise an appropriate therapy,” added Professor Gotthardt. “We are currently utilizing this information to develop novel therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from severe forms of cardiomyopathy.”

*RBM20, a gene for hereditary cardiomyopathy, regulates titin splicing Wei Guo1,10, Sebastian Schafer2,10, Marion L. Greaser1, Michael H. Radke3, Martin Liss3, Thirupugal Govindarajan3, Henrike Maatz2, Herbert Schulz2, Shijun Li1, Amanda M. Parrish1, Vita Dauksaite3, Padmanabhan Vakeel3, Sabine Klaassen4, Brenda Gerull4, Ludwig Thierfelder4, Vera Regitz-Zagrosek5, Timothy A. Hacker6, Kurt W. Saupe6, G. William Dec7, Patrick T. Ellinor7, Calum A. MacRae7, Bastian Spallek8, Robert Fischer8, Andreas Perrot9, Cemil zcelik9, Kathrin Saar2, Norbert Hbner2, Michael Gotthardt3

1Muscle Biology Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA 2Max-Delbrck-Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany 3Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Cell Biology, Max Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany 4Cardiovascular Molecular Genetics, Max-Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany 5Institute of Gender in Medicine and Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charit-University Medicine Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany 6Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA 7Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, USA 8Universittsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Charit- University Medicine Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany 9Department of Cardiology (Campus Virchow-Klinikum), Charit- University Medicine Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany. 10These authors contributed equally to this work

Contact: Barbara Bachtler Press Department Max Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch in the Helmholtz Association Robert-Rssle-Strae 10; 13125 Berlin; Germany Phone: +49 (0) 30 94 06 – 38 96 Fax: +49 (0) 30 94 06 – 38 33 e-mail: presse@mdc-berlin.de http://www.mdc-berlin.de/ jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(“fb_share”).attr(“share_url”) = encodeURIComponent(window.location); });

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MDC-Researchers Elucidate Molecular Mechanism Contributing to Severe Forms of Cardiomyopathy

Public release date: 1-Apr-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: bachtler@mdc-berlin.de bachtler@mdc-berlin.de 49-309-406-3896 Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Cardiomyopathy comprises a deterioration of the heart muscle that affects the organ’s ability to efficiently pump blood through the body. Previously researchers have tied forms of the disease to the alternative splicing of titin, a giant protein that determines the structure and biomechanical properties of the heart, but the molecular mechanism remained unknown. Professor Michael Gotthardt and Professor Norbert Hbner of the Max Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, Germany, and colleagues have found that the RNA binding motif protein 20 (RBM20), a gene previously tied to hereditary cardiomyopathy, regulates titin splicing. Understanding this molecular mechanism behind heart function and failure, could lead to more efficient molecular diagnosis and therapies for this sometimes insidious disease*.

The ventricular filling of the heart is regulated by the different protein isoforms of titin which are produced through alternative splicing, a process in which the protein-coding regions of RNA (the exons) are connected in different ways, resulting in multiple mRNAs (messenger RNAs) that give rise to many proteins.

Professor Marion Greaser of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, had recently identified a naturally occurring rat strain deficient in titin splicing, which resulted in an elongated titin protein. “Titin naturally shortens around birth as the blood flow is redirected through the heart,” Professor Gotthardt explained, “but these rats maintained the excessively long embryonic titin isoforms, which suggests a cause for their cardiomyopathy.”

Using genome-wide mapping techniques, the researchers found a loss-of-function mutation in RBM20 in all the rats that expressed the pathological titin isoform. The rats with this mutation also shared many phenotypic similarities with human patients suffering from RBM20 related cardiomyopathy; specifically, ventricular enlargement, arrhythmia, increased rate of sudden death, and extensive fibrosis.

The researchers also identified a set of 31 genes shared by humans and rats that regulate splicing with RBM20. Included in this group was titin, thus validating the group’s previous findings. Many of these genes have previously been tied to cardiomyopathy, ion-homeostasis, and sarcomere biology and future analysis will help resolve their individual contribution to the progression of the disease.

Towards utilizing these findings in a clinical setting, Professor Gotthardt has developed a technique to characterize the functional consequences of individual RBM20 mutations. “We can help patients learn if their RBM20 mutation will likely result in the severe form of the disease so that their physician can devise an appropriate therapy,” added Professor Gotthardt. “We are currently utilizing this information to develop novel therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from severe forms of cardiomyopathy.”

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*RBM20, a gene for hereditary cardiomyopathy, regulates titin splicing

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MDC-researchers elucidate molecular mechanism contributing to cardiomyopathy

FDA Approval of The First Molecular Prostate Cancer Test and Decreased Net Loss

QUEBEC CITY, March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – DiagnoCure Inc. (TSX: CUR.TO – News), a Quebec life sciences company that develops and commercializes high-value cancer diagnostic tests, today reported financial and operation results for the first quarter 2012 ended January31,2012. The Company announced a net loss from continuing operations of $816,164 or $0.02 per share for the first quarter ending January31, 2012, compared to a net loss of $998,439 or 0.02$ per share for the same quarter of 2011. At the end of the quarter, cash, short-term investments and long-term investments stood at $7,832,547. The cash position was impacted by the timing of payments.

First Quarter 2012 Highlights

First Quarter 2012 Results

The Company’ financial statements for the period ended January 31, 2012 have been prepared for the first time in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Comparative unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements for 2011 have been adjusted to reflect the Company’s adoption of IFRS on a retrospective basis, effective November 1, 2010.

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2012 were $556,158 compared with $292,878 for the same period of 2011. In the first quarter of 2012, royalty revenues amounted to $163,791 compared with $161,790 for the corresponding period of 2011. Royalty revenues from Gen-Probe decreased by $16,067 to $145,012 for the first quarter of 2012, from $161,079 for the same period of 2011. Royalty revenues from Scimedx, related to ImmunoCytTM/uCyt+TM, increased by $7,906 to $8,617 for the first quarter of 2012, from $711 for the same period of 2011. Following the agreement signed with Signal Genetics, DiagnoCure recorded PrevistageGCC royalties of $10,162 in the first quarter of 2012. Also, in the first quarter of 2012, DiagnoCure provided Signal Genetics R&D services in support to the PrevistageGCC Colorectal Cancer Staging Test for an amount of $268,567. Pursuant to the amendment agreement signed with Gen-Probe on April 29, 2009, DiagnoCure recorded a portion of the annual payment, that is, $123,800 for the first quarter of 2012, compared with $131,088 for the same period of 2011.

Operating expenses before stock based compensation and amortization increased by $220,506, to $1,081,923 for the first quarter of 2012 from $861,417 for the first quarter of 2011. This increase is mainly attributable to the R&D services performed in support to the PrevistageGCC Colorectal Cancer Staging Test for which revenues of $268,567 were booked as stated above. Total operating expenses increased primarily as a result of the following:

Based on the above, for the first quarter of 2012, DiagnoCure recorded a net loss from continuing operation of $816,164 or $0.02 per share, compared with $998,439 or $0.02 per share, for the same period of 2011.

Conference call with investors

Investors and financial analysts wishing to participate in the “DiagnoCure Q1 2012 Earnings Announcement” conference call to be hold today, March 30, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. (EST) shall dial the toll-free number 1-888-231-8191, and provide the conference ID number: 61577555.

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Diagnocure 2012 first quarter results