Positive Feedback Loops in Reguatory Networks
To and Maheshri, Science
Researchers report positive-feedback loops in gene regulatory networks which may exhibit bimodal responses as a result of investigations of a synthetic system using budding yeast. The authors show that “a promoter with multiple transcription factor binding sites can induce a steady-state bimodal response without cooperative binding of the TF.” Contrary to common thought, their deterministic models did not predict bistability.
Myriad Assures Investors of Strong Patent Position Despite ACLU Anti-Gene Patenting Lawsuit
According to CEO Peter Meldrum, Myriad’s strong IP position on the BRACAnalysis test and a large internal database of BRCA mutations ensure that "regardless of the outcome of this particular lawsuit, it will not have a material adverse effect on the company … or on the future revenues of our products."
March 03, 2010 / Pharmacogenomics Reporter
Technology Developed by Liotta and Petricoin Used to Test Chloroquine to Treat Breast Cancer
The research will use reverse-phase protein microarray technology developed by Liotta and Petricoin to create a proteomic profile of tissue samples from trial participants in order to show which protein pathways or drug targets are activated, and then determine whether chloroquine has any effect as a treatment.
March 03, 2010 / ProteoMonitor
Abbott, GSK to Develop PCR-Based Molecular Dx to Select Patients for Trial Skin Cancer Therapy
Abbott and GSK will develop and commercialize a PCR test for the MAGE-A3 biomarker using Abbott's m2000 automated real-time PCR system.
March 03, 2010 / PCR Insider
Celera Turns Q4 Profit as Revenues Falter
Celera posted a profit, even though its Q4 revenues declined due to lower sales from its lab services business. The firm also guided for lower 2010 revenues than the market had previously expected due to issues surrounding that part of its business.
March 03, 2010 / GenomeWeb Daily News
Abbott, GSK Pen Melanoma MDx Collaboration
Abbott will develop a molecular PCR-based test aimed at identifying patients who may benefit from a GSK drug for melanoma.
March 03, 2010 / GenomeWeb Daily News
NHLBI Pledges up to $30M for Lung Centers
The CADET programs will support two-year projects for centers to develop diagnostics and therapeutics for lung diseases.
March 03, 2010 / GenomeWeb Daily News
After GINA, Where Do Life Insurance Firms Stand on Using Genomic Information for Coverage Decisions?
A Maryland-based interest group for life insurers is lobbying the state legislature not to pass laws restricting the use of genetic information — an effort that underscores the prevailing view of payors that genetic data is no different than other clinical factors in making underwriting decisions.
March 03, 2010 / Pharmacogenomics Reporter
FDA Chief Commits to Completing Rx/Dx Codevelopment Guidance This Year, Improving Regulatory Science
At a luncheon hosted by the Personalized Medicine Coalition last week, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the agency will release its drug/diagnostic codevelopment guidance this year, and discussed how personalized medicine can be advanced through a new NIH/FDA partnership.
March 03, 2010 / Pharmacogenomics Reporter
Pfizer Taps Medco to Educate Physicians in Wake of Unremarkable Sales of PGx-Guided HIV Drug
Although the collaboration is aimed at increasing physician knowledge of genomic testing associated with all HIV drugs, it appears to have stemmed from lower-than-expected sales of Pfizer's CCR5-antagonist Selzentry.
March 03, 2010 / Pharmacogenomics Reporter
Medco Research Institute to Spearhead PGx Projects; Warfarin Study Results to be Released in March
Pharmacy-benefits manager Medco this week outlined some activities planned for the Medco Research Institute, which is spearheading the company's pharmacogenomics research efforts. Additionally, during the company's 2009 earnings call, officials discussed the acquisition of DNA Direct and the forthcoming release of results from a study looking at PGx-guided warfarin dosing.
March 03, 2010 / Pharmacogenomics Reporter
