Category Archives: Biotechnology

VALENCIA, Calif., Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Sanguine BioSciences, a biotechnology company enabling personalized medicine research, today announced a distribution partnership with AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) to make its products and services available to researchers in Europe.

Sanguine collects and de-identifies biospecimen, medical history and other data from patients diagnosed with severe and chronic diseases for use in biomarker research. Researchers traditionally obtain biospecimen through hospitals, but this process often proves inefficient as the focus for physicians and staff is on diagnosis and treatment, not facilitating research efforts. By connecting directly with patients, Sanguine can meet the needs of researchers and offer timely turnaround of biospecimen and medical data with diverse ranges for age, race, disease state, gender and treatments underway. The patient engagement tactics used by the company have led to a 95 percent retention rate, which also allow for follow-up draws for longitudinal studies.

"There is no denying that personalized medicine has become a significant area of interest for drug discovery, but there exists a gap between researchers who require biospecimen respective medical data, and patients who want to be a part of research efforts," said Brian Neman, founder and chief executive officer of Sanguine. "We have engaged hundreds of patient subjects, and built a library of specimen and data that can effectively bridge this gap. We look forward to partnering with AMSBIO to make this service accessible to researchers around the world working in different therapeutic areas."

Added Phillip Pridham-Field of AMSBIO, "Sanguine's patient retention efforts allow researchers to collect the data they need with better turnaround time and with the potential for longitudinal studies. We believe they will be an excellent addition to our current product offerings for researchers in life sciences."

Sanguine is able to meet, review disclosures and collect blood samples in a patient's home with its own phlebotomists in multiple major U.S. cities. Patients are also able to track how their de-identified biospecimen and data are used through the donor web-portal. The company is able to collect and process blood from patients with any disease and has already built large libraries in multiple chronic and severe conditions, including Huntington's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and others.

In order to maintain appropriate confidentiality, all samples are de-identified immediately upon collection. Sanguine maintains and reviews internal ethical guidelines for the procedures under high scrutiny from an independent review board.

About Sanguine

Sanguine BioSciences is a biotechnology company bridging the gap between patients and researchers developing personalized medicine. The company engages patients in biomedical research by delivering transparency throughout the research process. Sanguine collects and de-identifies patient-derived data in the form of biospecimen, and physician and self-reported information. These data are generated and then made available to researchers involved in drug and biomarker research and discovery with leading academic laboratories and companies, such as Vertex. (http://sanguinebio.com)

About AMS Biotechnology

Founded in 1987, AMS Biotechnology (AMSBIO) is recognized today as a leading company contributing to the acceleration of discovery through the provision of cutting-edge life science technology products and services for research and development in the medical, nutrition, cosmetics and energy industries. With a range of molecular detection reagents and a significant Biorepository AMSBIO offers tissues, DNA, RNA, protein and tissue microarray products. Key research areas for AMSBIO include: Oncology, Regenerative Medicine, Environmental Analysis, Cytotoxicity Screening, Glycomics and Stem Cell Biology.

Read more:
Sanguine BioSciences Announces Distribution Partnership with AMS Biotechnology

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BetaStem Therapeutics, Inc., a pre-clinical biotechnology company focused on a curative treatment for diabetic retinopathy and diseases related to vascular damage, has retained Conditas Biotechnology Group, LLC for its services in the area of business development and corporate strategy.

Conditas, a boutique firm specializing in biotechnology outsourcing and business development for lean startups, is joining BetaStem as it moves toward pivotal clinical trials utilizing proprietary BetaStem technology.

Dr. Stephen Bartelmez, Founder and CEO of BetaStem Therapeutics said, "After our initial meeting, we knew that Conditas methods and professional connections would substantially assist BetaStem in our path to clinical trials. We look forward to working with Conditas to strengthen the BetaStem team.

Leland L. Johnson, Jr., Founder and Principal at The Conditas Group, commented, The BetaStem approach to treating diabetic retinopathy is compelling and achievable. It is our goal to engage the pharmaceutical industry and the investment community, as well as disease foundations, in order to accelerate BetaStems well-defined development plans and clinical milestones for its lead program.

Leland continued, Conditas utilizes our biotech business development model for the benefit of our collaborators, and in this case, for patients with diabetes living with serious complications from the disease.

Dr. Bartelmez added, Conditas is knowledgeable, friendly and easy to interact with. We see the BetaStem-Conditas partnership central to successfully developing our stem cell therapy programs.

About Conditas Biotechnology Group, LLC A specialty firm, we represent lean startups for science, business development and strategy in the areas of biotechnology, medical technology, IT, and social media. In another area of focus, Conditas represents small-niche biotechnology Contract Research Organizations (CROs) to their current and potential future customers from academia, biotech, and pharma. Conditas exercises professional networks for the benefit of clients, their customers, and ultimately, for patients and the public. Conditas was founded in 2010 and is based in Brookline, Massachusetts.

About BetaStem Therapeutics, Inc. Our fundamental vision is to cure diabetic retinopathy by repairing and regenerating damaged blood vessels in a patient's eye. The treatment is based on stem cells taken from a patient's own blood, bone marrow or cord blood, and then "activated" through a proprietary process. These activated CD34+ stem cells are the most potent of all cells, giving rise to millions of daughter cells capable of bringing about repair when brought into contact with the patients injured tissue. BetaStem was founded in 2006 and is based in Sausalito, California.

More:
BetaStem Therapeutics Retains Conditas Biotechnology Group for Business Development and Corporate Strategy

Alzheimer’s Disease is a critical health condition that cannot be defined in a specific way.It is a very common form of Dementia. Dementia in itself is not a disease. Rather, it is a group of symptoms that start occurring due to occurrence of some other disease or medical condition.Person suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease can face difficulty in remembering even the most recently happened events. This is the initial stage. The disease can lead to death of a person too! The disease starts to occur in people who have crossed 65 years of age or more. Those who get diagnosed with this difficult disease, a good doctor needs to be consulted at the earliest. There are certain questions that need to be placed before the doctor related to the disease. Some of the most important questions are listed below:

What is the usual course of the Alzheimer’s disease?

Life long.

What type of new treatments are available?

Since it is not a disease, there is no particular treatment available. However, some medicines are available but that too works at the early stages.

Are the drugs used to treat the AD symptoms effective?

Yes, at times and mostly during the early stages.

Does these drugs have any sort of side effects?

At time, yes. It can cause poor eyesight problem, gaining weight, as well itching problems.

Does the AD affects a person for the remaining part of his/her living days?

Yes, definitely.

What is the total time period for a person to act in a very normal way post Alzheimer’s diagnosis?

The first and middle stages are still OK with the patients. Although slight changes start taking place but still the behavior doesn’t get completely out of the mark. But, once the patient reaches advanced stage, scenarios tend to become more complicated.

Can a patient of Alzheimer’s Disease be a threat to other or themselves?

The Patient can be a real threat to him/herself. At advanced stage, the patient can even forget her/his own address, name, etc. Scenarios can get real complicated when the patient fails to identify his/her relatives, family members and friends.

Is home or nursing home the best place to take care of the person suffering from AD?

No, there is no such a thing. A lonely person with no one to take care of can stay best in a nursing home. But a person with good family and friends can easily stay in the home. Alzheimer’s is a not a disease but a syndrome that can be as deadly as any other disease. But, there is no specific treatment for it. So, there is no need to spend unnecessary money booking a bed in the nursing home.

What are the necessary precautions to take in order to make the home surroundings safe for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?

A clean surrounding can definitely help. The person suffering from AD should be kept stress free. The patient should have more interaction with family members and friends. However, by no means the patient should be made excited or furious. It can provide extra stress on the brain. This can cause some negative repercussions.

What are the best available support and services are available in the local area related to Alzheimer’s disease?

This is a very important question to ask the doctor. Remember, if local medicinal help can be availed, then much of worries are eliminated.

Is Alzheimer’s considered a hereditary disease?

Yes, definitely. But it is only a small part of the bigger process. AD can develop due to several factors, most important being strong stress.

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/entry/questions-doctor-alzheimer-disease/

Alzheimer’s Disease is a critical health condition that cannot be defined in a specific way.It is a very common form of Dementia. Dementia in itself is not a disease. Rather, it is a group of symptoms that start occurring due to occurrence of some other disease or medical condition.Person suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease can face difficulty in remembering even the most recently happened events. This is the initial stage. The disease can lead to death of a person too! The disease starts to occur in people who have crossed 65 years of age or more. Those who get diagnosed with this difficult disease, a good doctor needs to be consulted at the earliest. There are certain questions that need to be placed before the doctor related to the disease. Some of the most important questions are listed below:

What is the usual course of the Alzheimer’s disease?

Life long.

What type of new treatments are available?

Since it is not a disease, there is no particular treatment available. However, some medicines are available but that too works at the early stages.

Are the drugs used to treat the AD symptoms effective?

Yes, at times and mostly during the early stages.

Does these drugs have any sort of side effects?

At time, yes. It can cause poor eyesight problem, gaining weight, as well itching problems.

Does the AD affects a person for the remaining part of his/her living days?

Yes, definitely.

What is the total time period for a person to act in a very normal way post Alzheimer’s diagnosis?

The first and middle stages are still OK with the patients. Although slight changes start taking place but still the behavior doesn’t get completely out of the mark. But, once the patient reaches advanced stage, scenarios tend to become more complicated.

Can a patient of Alzheimer’s Disease be a threat to other or themselves?

The Patient can be a real threat to him/herself. At advanced stage, the patient can even forget her/his own address, name, etc. Scenarios can get real complicated when the patient fails to identify his/her relatives, family members and friends.

Is home or nursing home the best place to take care of the person suffering from AD?

No, there is no such a thing. A lonely person with no one to take care of can stay best in a nursing home. But a person with good family and friends can easily stay in the home. Alzheimer’s is a not a disease but a syndrome that can be as deadly as any other disease. But, there is no specific treatment for it. So, there is no need to spend unnecessary money booking a bed in the nursing home.

What are the necessary precautions to take in order to make the home surroundings safe for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?

A clean surrounding can definitely help. The person suffering from AD should be kept stress free. The patient should have more interaction with family members and friends. However, by no means the patient should be made excited or furious. It can provide extra stress on the brain. This can cause some negative repercussions.

What are the best available support and services are available in the local area related to Alzheimer’s disease?

This is a very important question to ask the doctor. Remember, if local medicinal help can be availed, then much of worries are eliminated.

Is Alzheimer’s considered a hereditary disease?

Yes, definitely. But it is only a small part of the bigger process. AD can develop due to several factors, most important being strong stress.

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/entry/questions-doctor-alzheimer-disease/

Home pregnancy tests have been practiced for long by women and is quite trusted way of confirming your doubts when it comes to conceiving. Here are certain signs that can tell you that you are probably pregnant.

If you have missed your period or you are having an abnormal or unusual period may be you are pregnant. If you have got frequent urinating tendencies or you throw up (vomit) again and again it is possible that you are pregnant. Generally women tend to lose their control over bladder when pregnant; it is very hard to control excretion of urine. Morning sickness or nausea is a tendency that is observed in pregnant women. They cannot resist throwing up again and again during the second and third months of pregnancy. Enlargement or soreness in breast is also indicates that possibly you are pregnant. Breast starts to grow big and become painful. If your breast is releasing colostrums, uterus is enlarged or you are getting a lot of stretch marks there is a possibility that you may be pregnant. In case you have frequent strange cravings like you have never had in past may be a n indication that you are pregnant.

However, these are not confirmed signs of pregnancy. Some of these symptoms when experienced together increase the probability of one’s pregnancy. You should immediately rush for a pregnancy test if you are even a little doubtful. This will clarify your doubts as it is a reliable way to test your pregnancy by yourself. You can also trace the pregnancy by an ultrasound test but home pregnancy strip test is more handy, cheap and reliable.

In case you are planning to conceive these are some symptoms that might be pointing towards your positive result on a pregnancy strip. Be happy you are experiencing such phenomenon and consult a doctor as soon as possible. Apart from all this reflect on your inner sight you can feel it when you are pregnant and the tests suggested above are just a primary confirmation.

In case you do not want to bear there are ways to get out of the web. Contraceptive pills are available in the market which can be a help in forbidding any pregnancy. There are pills that you can take within 72 hours after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy but its intake again and again can cause side effects. If you detect a positive on the pregnancy strip, you will have to abort it whether it is by an abortion pill or by any other method.

About The Author: Camila is a writer/blogger. She loves writing, traveling and reading books. She contributes on Josh Fink

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/entry/good-home-pregnancy-tests/

Home pregnancy tests have been practiced for long by women and is quite trusted way of confirming your doubts when it comes to conceiving. Here are certain signs that can tell you that you are probably pregnant.

If you have missed your period or you are having an abnormal or unusual period may be you are pregnant. If you have got frequent urinating tendencies or you throw up (vomit) again and again it is possible that you are pregnant. Generally women tend to lose their control over bladder when pregnant; it is very hard to control excretion of urine. Morning sickness or nausea is a tendency that is observed in pregnant women. They cannot resist throwing up again and again during the second and third months of pregnancy. Enlargement or soreness in breast is also indicates that possibly you are pregnant. Breast starts to grow big and become painful. If your breast is releasing colostrums, uterus is enlarged or you are getting a lot of stretch marks there is a possibility that you may be pregnant. In case you have frequent strange cravings like you have never had in past may be a n indication that you are pregnant.

However, these are not confirmed signs of pregnancy. Some of these symptoms when experienced together increase the probability of one’s pregnancy. You should immediately rush for a pregnancy test if you are even a little doubtful. This will clarify your doubts as it is a reliable way to test your pregnancy by yourself. You can also trace the pregnancy by an ultrasound test but home pregnancy strip test is more handy, cheap and reliable.

In case you are planning to conceive these are some symptoms that might be pointing towards your positive result on a pregnancy strip. Be happy you are experiencing such phenomenon and consult a doctor as soon as possible. Apart from all this reflect on your inner sight you can feel it when you are pregnant and the tests suggested above are just a primary confirmation.

In case you do not want to bear there are ways to get out of the web. Contraceptive pills are available in the market which can be a help in forbidding any pregnancy. There are pills that you can take within 72 hours after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy but its intake again and again can cause side effects. If you detect a positive on the pregnancy strip, you will have to abort it whether it is by an abortion pill or by any other method.

About The Author: Camila is a writer/blogger. She loves writing, traveling and reading books. She contributes on Josh Fink

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/entry/good-home-pregnancy-tests/

TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --TaiGen Biotechnology Company, Limited ("TaiGen") today announced that they have submitted New Drug Application (NDA) for the oral formulation of nemonoxacin with the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) and China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). Approval is expected in the first half of 2014. Nemonoxacin is the first pharmaceutical product to fall under the Cross-Strait Cooperation Agreement on Medicine and Public Health Affairs of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) between Taiwan and mainland China. It is also the first new drug from Taiwan to meet the requirements of CFDA's Category 1.1 New Drug. Drugs under this classification have to be new chemical entities (NCEs) that have not been marketed in any country in the world. Nemonoxacin, thus, represents a landmark in the continued development of cross-strait relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies.

Nemonoxacin is a NCE, broad spectrum antibiotic with excellent efficacy and safety profile. The NDA submission for nemonoxacin is supported by a pivotal Phase 3 trial with 532 patients in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The trial was conducted in both Taiwan and mainland China (441 patients from mainland China and 91 patients from Taiwan) that met all primary and secondary endpoints including non-inferiority to the comparator, levofloxacin. TaiGen is currently conducting Phase 2 trial for the intravenous formulation of nemonoxacin in moderate to severe CAP patients. In addition to CAP, nemonoxacin has also shown efficacy in diabetic foot infections in a Phase 2 trial conducted in the US, Taiwan, and South Africa. In the clinical trials conducted to this point, nemonoxacin have demonstrated excellent activity against drug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and quinolone-resistant MRSA as well as quinolone-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. TaiGen owns the worldwide patent portfolio of nemonoxacin that protects composition, use, and processes until 2029.

Dr. Ming-Chu Hsu, President and Chief Executive Officer of TaiGen, said, "Since the founding of TaiGen, we have been focusing on the development of First-in-class and Best-in-class novel drugs. The submission of the NDA for nemonoxacin is the culmination of efforts by our experienced management team and all the staff at TaiGen. I am very pleased with the groundbreaking achievement of using one NDA dossier for submissions to TFDA and CFDA. Not only nemonoxacin is our first product to the market, it is also an indication that a world class medicine can be discovered and developed in Taiwan. TaiGen is well positioned to advance in the world's fastest pharmaceutical market, mainland China."

In June 2012, TaiGen signed an agreement with Zhejiang Medicine Company, Limited ("ZMC") to out-license the exclusive marketing and manufacturing rights of nemonoxacin in China. ZMC is a leading manufacturer and marketer of antibiotics in China and is a publicly listed company in the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This partnership combines TaiGen's R&D expertise and ZMC's antibiotic marketing knowhow to compete in China's US$11 billion antibiotic market.

About TaiGen Biotechnology

TaiGen Biotechnology is a leading research-based and product-driven biotechnology company in Taiwan with a wholly-owned subsidiary in Beijing, mainland China. In addition to nemonoxacin, TaiGen has two other in-house discovered NCEs in clinical development under IND with US FDA: TG-0054, a chemokine receptor antagonist for stem cell transplantation and chemosensitization, in Phase 2 and TG-2349, a HCV protease inhibitor for treatment of chronic hepatitis infection, in Phase 2. Both TG-0054 and TG-2349 are currently in clinical trials in patients in the US.

Disclaimer

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking. 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 TaiGen'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 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 regulatory authority clearances or approvals and noncompliance with regulatory regulations. As with any drugs 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. TaiGen does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

TaiGen Contact:

Peter W. Tsao, PhD, Vice President ofBusiness Development Tel: +886-2-8177-7072 ext 1705 ptsao@taigenbiotech.com.tw

Original post:
TaiGen Biotechnology Announces Submission of New Drug Application for Nemonoxacin in Taiwan and Mainland China

A breakthrough has been achieved in the stream of medical science. An alternative to the metallic stent has been found and is called biodegradable or bio-absorbable stents.

Difference between the two

Metallic stents which are in use for a long time now, had some disadvantages. These stents helps to keep the blocked arteries open to enable the flow of oxygen and blood, but also causes retenosis, that is, it scars up vessel tissue causing the arteries to clog again. Even though drug infused metallic stents have also been used as an alternative, it still does not lower the risks of other complications.

Biodegradable stents, on the other hand causes no such complications. It opens up the blocked arteries and dissolves itself after fulfilling its task, thus, minimizing the occurrence of any complication. It is made up of poly-l-lactide, a naturally dissolving material. It is said to dissolve in a time span of 18 months to three years. Another advantage of this stent is that it does not prevent the detection of other blockages as opposed to the metallic stents which would refract the rays of the scan, making it hard for detection.

Benefits of not having a permanent stent

One of the greatest benefits of not having a permanent stent is that it allows the lumen to expand. When a permanent metallic stent is used it does not allow the lumen to grow, thus hindering remodeling even though it allows the vessel around the stent to develop.

Another benefit is they do not produce any kind of inflammatory reactions as opposed to metallic stents.

How does a biodegradable stent work?

Arteries start getting clogged up due to the accumulation of fatty matter like chlorestol on the inner wall of the arteries that are responsible for providing blood to the heart. As it advances, it reduces the width of the lumen in return diminishing the amount of blood flowing into the heart. This is when a person undergoes a chest pain known as angina.

This disease can be arrested at the initial stage with the help of medication. But a person suffers a heart attack when the precautions are not taken, or when the artery is fully obstructed. That is when the surgical procedure of angioplasty is done. In angioplasty, a balloon is introduced into the artery through a guide wire and is inflated where the blockage is located. After this the stent is introduced so that it keeps the artery open.

The biodegradable stent releases a drug called everolimus which prevents irregular tissue growth.

Researches and studies that classify biodegradable as safe

Kunhiko Kosuga, who has a MD, PhD and is also the director of cardiology at Shiga Medical Center for Adults in Moriyana City, Japan, did a research on these new stents. He and his fellow researchers studied 44 men and 6 women who had undergone angioplasty and had used biodegradable stents to open up the affected arteries. They looked for various complications like clots, deaths, and other causes. The result is as follows:

? for the deaths associated with heart diseases, the survival rate was 98%.

? for death from all causes, the survival rate was 87%.

? there was no main cardiac problems in half the patients.

? Only four patients suffered heart attacks.

? The blood vessel involved had re-narrowed in 16% of the patients, in one year after undergoing the procedure.

? there were two clots that were found within the stent. One was due to the drug-infused stent close to the biodegradable one.

Countries who welcomed biodegradable stents

Nine European countries, Middle East, parts of Latin America and parts of Asia like India, Hong Kong, Philippines and Vietnam are already using these stents. In Europe, Asia-Pacific, Canada and Latin America, over 600 patients have taken part in the trial which aspires to have 1000 patients from over 100 centres present in these counties. Even Singapore has approved of these stents from 20th December, 2012.

However, doctors are still awaiting results for the long term effects on the patients

Even though the cost for manufacturing these stents is very expensive, doctors worldwide are optimistic that they will replace metallic stents eventually.

About The Author: Alia is a writer/blogger by profession. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. She contributes to Hydroxycut

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/entry/biodegradable-heart-stents-safe/

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Piper Jaffray (PJC) today announced that Edward Tenthoff, a senior research analyst covering the biotechnology sector, participated in a historical conference on adult stem cell research held at the Vatican last week.

The International Vatican Adult Stem Cell Conference brought together a select group of scientists, physicians, religious leaders, industry representatives, politicians, the media and students to raise awareness of the therapeutic potential of adult stem cells. The event seeks to reduce misperceptions in cellular research and foster dialogue in order to identify unmet medical needs that can benefit from cell therapy.

Tenthoff was one of just 350 in attendance and was responsible for moderating a cardiovascular medicine panel of leading physicians, researchers and industry representatives.

"This event cemented our view that a revolution is quietly taking place in stem cell medicine. We say 'quietly' because the majority of the public nor investors realize just how close lifesaving therapies using stem cells actually are to the market," according to Tenthoff. "We see several investment opportunities for Piper Jaffray clients as new pivotal data, product approvals and partnerships emerge creating shareholder value."

In addition, Piper Jaffray will be co-hosting RegenMed Investor Day, the first-ever investor event organized specifically for the regenerative medicine sector, on April 17 in New York. Speakers include Jeff Jonas, president of Shire Regenerative Medicine and Kieran Murphy, president and CEO of GE Healthcare Life Sciences. At this event, Tenthoff will be moderating a panel entitled "Regenerative Medicine in Wound Healing and Tissue Engineering."

About Piper Jaffray Piper Jaffray is a leading investment bank and asset management firm serving clients in the U.S. and internationally. Our proven advisory teams combine deep industry, product and sector expertise with ready access to capital. Founded in 1895, the firm is headquartered in Minneapolis and has offices across the United States and in London and Zurich. http://www.piperjaffray.com

Since 1895. MemberSIPCandNYSE. 2013 Piper Jaffray Companies, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-7020

Excerpt from:
Piper Jaffray Biotechnology Analyst Participates in Historical Medical Event at the Vatican

A breakthrough has been achieved in the stream of medical science. An alternative to the metallic stent has been found and is called biodegradable or bio-absorbable stents.

Difference between the two

Metallic stents which are in use for a long time now, had some disadvantages. These stents helps to keep the blocked arteries open to enable the flow of oxygen and blood, but also causes retenosis, that is, it scars up vessel tissue causing the arteries to clog again. Even though drug infused metallic stents have also been used as an alternative, it still does not lower the risks of other complications.

Biodegradable stents, on the other hand causes no such complications. It opens up the blocked arteries and dissolves itself after fulfilling its task, thus, minimizing the occurrence of any complication. It is made up of poly-l-lactide, a naturally dissolving material. It is said to dissolve in a time span of 18 months to three years. Another advantage of this stent is that it does not prevent the detection of other blockages as opposed to the metallic stents which would refract the rays of the scan, making it hard for detection.

Benefits of not having a permanent stent

One of the greatest benefits of not having a permanent stent is that it allows the lumen to expand. When a permanent metallic stent is used it does not allow the lumen to grow, thus hindering remodeling even though it allows the vessel around the stent to develop.

Another benefit is they do not produce any kind of inflammatory reactions as opposed to metallic stents.

How does a biodegradable stent work?

Arteries start getting clogged up due to the accumulation of fatty matter like chlorestol on the inner wall of the arteries that are responsible for providing blood to the heart. As it advances, it reduces the width of the lumen in return diminishing the amount of blood flowing into the heart. This is when a person undergoes a chest pain known as angina.

This disease can be arrested at the initial stage with the help of medication. But a person suffers a heart attack when the precautions are not taken, or when the artery is fully obstructed. That is when the surgical procedure of angioplasty is done. In angioplasty, a balloon is introduced into the artery through a guide wire and is inflated where the blockage is located. After this the stent is introduced so that it keeps the artery open.

The biodegradable stent releases a drug called everolimus which prevents irregular tissue growth.

Researches and studies that classify biodegradable as safe

Kunhiko Kosuga, who has a MD, PhD and is also the director of cardiology at Shiga Medical Center for Adults in Moriyana City, Japan, did a research on these new stents. He and his fellow researchers studied 44 men and 6 women who had undergone angioplasty and had used biodegradable stents to open up the affected arteries. They looked for various complications like clots, deaths, and other causes. The result is as follows:

? for the deaths associated with heart diseases, the survival rate was 98%.

? for death from all causes, the survival rate was 87%.

? there was no main cardiac problems in half the patients.

? Only four patients suffered heart attacks.

? The blood vessel involved had re-narrowed in 16% of the patients, in one year after undergoing the procedure.

? there were two clots that were found within the stent. One was due to the drug-infused stent close to the biodegradable one.

Countries who welcomed biodegradable stents

Nine European countries, Middle East, parts of Latin America and parts of Asia like India, Hong Kong, Philippines and Vietnam are already using these stents. In Europe, Asia-Pacific, Canada and Latin America, over 600 patients have taken part in the trial which aspires to have 1000 patients from over 100 centres present in these counties. Even Singapore has approved of these stents from 20th December, 2012.

However, doctors are still awaiting results for the long term effects on the patients

Even though the cost for manufacturing these stents is very expensive, doctors worldwide are optimistic that they will replace metallic stents eventually.

About The Author: Alia is a writer/blogger by profession. She loves writing, travelling and reading books. She contributes to Hydroxycut

Source:
http://www.biotechblog.org/entry/biodegradable-heart-stents-safe/