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MPN Research Foundation and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Partner to Spur Innovation in Fibrosis Research

Chicago and White Plains, New York (PRWEB) January 23, 2012

Applicants for this concept grant program (titled the MF Challenge) will have until April 1, 2012 to submit their proposal for funding in the amount of up to $ 100,000 per grant. The grant review will take place in June 2012 in Chicago.

“Concept grants” are used to identify innovative and novel approaches to an issue. Since the objective is to identify and fund new approaches to this problem, applicants are not required to have preliminary data. Success for a grant is defined as proving an idea is worth pursuing further.

Fibrosis is the formation of excessive fibrous connective tissue in place of healthy tissue. The disease myelofibrosis (one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms) is characterized by fibrosis in the bone marrow. Prognosis for sufferers of myelofibrosis varies. A small proportion of MF patients can transform to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood and bone marrow cancer that progresses rapidly.

MPN Research Foundation President Barbara Van Husen feels that this grant program is timely: “Myelofibrosis is the deadliest of the MPNs, and patients of both polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia have the potential to convert to myelofibrosis. Despite that, we have never received a request for funding based purely on research into fibrosis. We are going to change that with this grant program.”

“LLS takes an aggressive and proactive approach to identifying areas of critical unmet need and funding research in those areas in order to improve the outcomes for patients with particularly urgent diagnoses and myelofibrosis is such an area,” said Richard C. Winneker, LLS senior vice president, research. “LLS looks forward to working with the MPN Research Foundation to meet the challenge for patients with myelofibrosis.”

About The Myeloproliferative Research Foundation

The MPN Research Foundation was started in 2000. Founded by patients, for patients, terms on every research grant are negotiated to maximize the dollars invested in actual research. The Foundation’s esteemed Scientific Advisory Board utilizes a rigorous selection process to ensure donations are allocated to the most innovative research projects. To date, the Foundation has awarded over eight million dollars for MPN research. While the priority remains on funding innovative and accountable MPN research, the mission also includes educating and empowering the MPN community.

MPN Research Foundation

180 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1870

Chicago, IL 60601

Office: 312-683-7249

Fax: 312-332-0840

http://www.mpnresearchfoundation.org

Twitter: @MPN_RF

Blog: http://www.mpnrf.blogspot.com

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit http://www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. http://www.lls.org. Media contact: Andrea Greif, (914) 821-8958, andrea.greif(at)lls(dot)org.

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Columbus Research Center Testing New Drug Treatment For Female Sexual Dysfunction

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) October 31, 2011

Columbus Center For Women’s Health Research (CCWHR) has begun enrolling women in Palatin Technologies, Inc. Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of bremelanotide (previously called PT-141), an on-demand, first-in-class melanocortin agonist being developed for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

The multicenter study is a placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel group, dose-finding trial that will test three dose levels of subcutaneously administered bremelanotide in premenopausal women diagnosed with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) and/or hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

The study is expected to enroll 400 premenopausal women across 40 sites, including CCWHR, within the U.S. and Canada, with a target of randomizing 100 patients to each of three treatment arms and a placebo arm. Patients will undergo 16 weeks of treatment.

The objective of the Phase 2b trial is to measure safety and efficacy of subcutaneous doses intended for on-demand, home use. The primary efficacy endpoint is change from baseline to end of study in the number of satisfying sexual events (SSE).

“We are very excited to be involved in this study of bremelanotide,” stated DR. David Portman, MD, Director and Principal Investigator of CCWHR. “FSD is a common, yet under-diagnosed problem in women with no currently-approved therapy; we believe bremelanotide holds the potential to treat it unlike anything available to this point.”

Results from this study are anticipated in the second half of calendar year 2012 and will guide the final design of anticipated Phase 3 studies. For more information on the clinical trial, please visit http://www.ccwhr.com.

About Female Sexual Dysfunction

Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) is a multi-factorial condition that has anatomical, physiological, medical, psychological and social components. FSD includes four disorders: hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), sexual pain disorder and orgasmic disorder. To establish a diagnosis of FSD, one or more of these disorders must be associated with personal distress, as determined by the affected women. Approximately 40 million American women are affected by FSD. The National Health and Social Life Survey, a probability sample study of sexual behavior in a demographically representative cohort of United States adults ages 18 to 59, found that approximately 43% of women suffer from some form of FSD. There are no drugs in the United States approved for FSD indications.

Bremelanotide for Sexual Dysfunction

Palatin is developing subcutaneously administered bremelanotide for the treatment of FSD in premenopausal women in patients non-responsive to current therapies. Bremelanotide, which is a melanocortin agonist (a compound which binds to a cell receptor and triggers a response) drug candidate, is a synthetic peptide analog of the naturally occurring hormone alpha-MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone).

About Columbus Center For Women’s Health Research

Founded in 1997 by Principal Investigator Dr. David Portman, The Columbus Center for Women’s Health Research is an independently run and operated research site specializing in contraception, treatments for vaginal health, sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and hormone replacement therapies and their alternatives. CCWHR is located on the east side of Columbus, approximately one mile east of I-270 and Broad Street on North Brice Road.

About Palatin Technologies, Inc.

Palatin Technologies, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted, receptor-specific small molecule and peptide therapeutics. Palatin’s strategy is to develop products and then form marketing collaborations with industry leaders in order to maximize their commercial potential. For additional information regarding Palatin, please visit Palatin Technologies’ website at http://www.palatin.com.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Medicare Hospice Cap: Critical Questions about a Critical Decision, Hospice Market Research Provider Healthcare Market Resources’ Analysis Holds the Answers

Dresher, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) September 16, 2011

The clock is ticking for hospices to decide on what method they want to implement to calculate their annual Medicare cap.

Healthcare Market Resources, (HMR) a leading provider of custom market data for hospices and home health agencies, conducted a hospice claims data analysis recently to examine the impact of both the current and proposed calculation methods. Its data offers insight for hospices now charged with the task of deciding which methodology to utilize to calculate their Medicare cap before an October 1 deadline.

Until recently, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursed hospice services according to a cap which calculates the value of the services rendered per newly admitted beneficiary, during a given accounting year. If hospices exceed the cap, they must repay Medicare.

The Medicare program currently imposes a yearly aggregate payment limit on hospice providers that equals the number of beneficiaries newly enrolled in the benefit each fiscal year, multiplied by an amount that changes each year based on inflation. In FY 2009, that amount was $ 23,014.50, according to CMS.

Hospices have recently challenged the validity of the current aggregate annual cap for hospice reimbursement, arguing for a “fairer” calculation method. CMS responded by allowing hospices to have their cap determined by a new proportionate method. This new method proportions the admission based on the patient’s time of service, during the given “cap year”.

“This critical decision could have implications for years to come,” explained Rich Chesney, Healthcare Market Resources’ CEO. “Hospices who elect to use the new patient-proportionate method on any cap year determination are not permitted to return to the current calculation method in subsequent years.”

HMR used 2006-2008 claims data to simulate the cap year determination for all Medicare certified hospice for calendar year 2007 using the current method and a patient proportionate method for patients who began service in either 2006 or 2007. Included in the analysis are the hospices who submitted claims prior to Jan 1, 2006 – a total of 2719 hospices.

The analysis revealed that 260 hospices (9.5%) were above the 2007 hospice cap of $ 2100 per admission using the current method, and 305 hospices (11.2%) were above this figure when admission was portioned between 2006 and 2007.

“Our analysis may have some hospices thinking that the reform they wished for may not be in their best interests,” Chesney said.

One hundred and seventy six hospices were over the cap regardless of the calculation method used. Eighty-five hospices would have benefited from the proportionate calculation, while 129 were “trapped” above the cap with this new approach. Some states fared much better than others. For example, 12 more hospices were projected to be subject to the cap under the new method in Louisiana, while 6 more hospices escaped it in New Mexico than before. For a state-by-state look, visit http://www.HealthMR.com/HospiceCap.

“We suspect that, in the case of the later hospices, they have historically been close to the cap –going over it in some years and being under it in others.” Chesney explained. “The “smoothing” effect of the multi-year method snares those hospices that have been dancing close to the edge and makes them pay for past sins.”

Smaller hospices with less than 25 patients per year may be more vulnerable to get snared by the current method if they have several long-stay patients.

Healthcare Market Resources, cautions against hospices sitting idly and doing nothing, which would make them subject to the patient-proportionate method for 2012 and beyond.

“Hospices need to calculate their hospice cap retrospectively and prospectively to see if they will approach it at some time in the future, under different scenarios,” recommended Chesney.

“While further study over several years is warranted to determine the net financial impact, it is incumbent for every hospice to study this situation carefully and make active choices about its cap methodology.”

About Healthcare Market Resources

Healthcare Market Resources, Inc. (http://www.HealthMR.com) is a leading provider of reliable home healthcare market data. The company’s customized local market and industry reports enable home health agencies and hospices to make market decisions based on data and not perceptions. These reports give healthcare executives a competitive edge for business development and strategic planning initiatives.

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Schizophrenia: NAMI Offers Public Education; Discusses New Research on Fish Oil and Marijuana

Arlington, VA (PRWEB) March 31, 2011

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has launched a new website on schizophrenia and published a new brochure on the medical condition which affects more than 2.4 million American adults each year.

Onset of schizophrenia often strikes men in their late teens or early twenties, while appearing in women in their late twenties or early thirties. The cause and course of treatment are different for each individual.

“NAMI has launched the new schizophrenia website and published the new schizophrenia brochure to provide up-to-date information to individuals, families and others,” said NAMI Executive Director Michael Fitzpatrick.

“Everyone should know the nature of schizophrenia and its symptoms. Everyone should know the latest medical thinking on prevention, triggers and treatment.”

The schizophrenia brochure can be downloaded from the website at http://www.nami.org/schizophrenia or ordered in packets of 25 copies each for local groups, physician offices, health fairs, conferences or workplace education.

The website highlights two areas of recent research relating to onset of schizophrenia:

    “Fish oil” supplements may help prevent psychosis during critical years of brain development. Further studies are needed, but NAMI Medical Director Ken Duckworth advises individuals in their teens or twenties with early symptoms of psychosis to take Omega-3 fatty acids—available in supermarkets and pharmacies. There appear to be few risks compared to the potential benefit.

    Smoking marijuana is increasingly seen as a causal factor that can trigger onset of schizophrenia in some people. NAMI cites three studies published in February and March 2011. As an environmental factor, marijuana is believed to “trigger” genetic factors, increasing the risk of psychotic incidents and ongoing experiences.

The schizophrenia web site includes discussion of anosognosia, more commonly known as a lack of insight. Individuals may lack awareness of their own illness—believed to be the result of problems with neurological processes in the frontal lobe of the brain. The condition can lead to tension within families and complicate treatment.

NAMI offers education and support programs to individuals and families confronting schizophrenia.

About NAMI

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness .NAMI has over 1,100 state and local affiliates that engage in research, education, support and advocacy.

http://twitter.com/namicommunicate

http://www.facebook.com/officialNAMI

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Research and Markets: Tropical Defense Segment Estimated to Provide an Additional $ 2.6-2.9 Billion over the Next 7-10 Years

(PRWEB) June 17, 2005

Dublin – Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c19281) has announced the addition of Tropical and Defense Vaccines – The Scared, the Weak and the Poor to their offering

Tropical diseases account for around 5 million deaths per year (WHO, 2002). Major contributors to these numbers are the mosquito borne diseases, which include West Nile Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever, Dengue and Malaria. Small pox, caused by the Variola virus, although officially eradicated since 1980, still poses a distinct threat as part of bioterrorist attack.

This report provides a comparative analysis of epidemiology, current disease management and unmet needs analysis in five selected tropical diseases. It includes characterization of existing vaccines and demand drivers for newer generation products in smallpox, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis and provides a critical overview of the need for preventative vaccination in malaria, dengue and West Nile River virus. Ball park estimations of selected vaccine revenue potential per target segment are also provided.

Despite their enormous impact on global health, preventative vaccination in the five major tropical diseases is either non-existent or outdated. The increased incidence and geographical spread of tropical diseases coupled with elevated international travel, urbanization and the threat of bio-terrorism demands for increased levels of preventative action.

Bearing in mind existing revenues, smallpox stockpiling and maintenance and newer vaccines, it is estimated that the tropical defense segment can provide an additional $ 2.6-2.9 billion over the next 7-10 years.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c19281

Laura Wood

Senior Manager

Research and Markets

press@researchandmarkets.com

Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles to Deliver Updated Epilepsy Research Findings at Fourth Annual Brain Storm Summit

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 25, 2006

The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles announced today that it will host its fourth annual Brain Storm Summit on November 4, 2006 at the Cathedral Plaza Conference Center in downtown Los Angeles. In addition to offering presentations on updated research findings and new topics in epilepsy, this year’s summit will kick off the Foundation’s 50th year of serving people with epilepsy in the greater Los Angeles region.

“Despite some advances in epilepsy research, individuals with epilepsy and their loved ones still face an often devastating diagnosis and many challenges,” said Susan Pietsch-Escueta, the executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. “What better way to launch our 50th anniversary than to ensure that individuals with epilepsy and their loved ones have the information and the ability to improve their quality of life and advocate on their own behalf.”

Despite its prevalence, epilepsy remains one of the least understood neurological diseases. Thirty to forty percent of people with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite treatment. In a recent nationwide survey of people with epilepsy, 54% of the respondents who were still in school reported that epilepsy had a negative impact on their academic performance, citing difficulties with memory, thinking, concentration, language, problem-solving and more. Furthermore, pregnant women with epilepsy face a double-edged sword as both seizures and the drugs taken to prevent them may negatively affect their developing child. The association between epilepsy and depression is also especially strong – more than one of every three persons with epilepsy is also affected by this mood disorder.

The Brain Storm Summit is designed to address these issues and others by bringing those with epilepsy and their loved ones together with nationally-recognized, English- and Spanish-speaking doctors and presenters. This year, Dr. William Theodore from the Epilepsy Branch of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke will present an overview of the latest epilepsy research findings. In addition, specialists in epilepsy and other experts will share the latest research and therapies, and answer questions to address the more common challenges.

This year’s Brain Storm Summit will also launch the Foundation’s 50th anniversary of service in this region. Initially established as the Los Angeles County Epilepsy Society (LACES) in 1957, the Foundation gradually expanded to include the counties of Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura in its services, and has since changed its name to the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles. To commemorate the event, the Epilepsy Foundation will host a special luncheon to recognize its “Partners for Real Progress”: regional medical epilepsy programs, key volunteers; nationwide Epilepsy Foundations, National Institutes of Health, the International Bureau of Epilepsy and the International League against Epilepsy.

Advanced registration by October 31st, 2006 is strongly recommended. Prior to October 31st, the seminar fee is $ 20 for individuals and $ 30 for a family of two. Additional family members are $ 10. The fees increase to $ 25, $ 35 and $ 15 respectively after October 31st. The fee will help to cover refreshments, syllabus materials and parking. For detailed information and to register, visit http://www.epilepsy-socalif.org or call (800) 564-0445.

About Epilepsy

When a person has two or more unprovoked seizures, they have epilepsy. There are over 20 types of seizures and 40 epilepsy syndromes affecting approximately 2.7 million people in the U.S. and 50 million people worldwide. This year, another 200,000 people in our country will be diagnosed; an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 will die of seizures and related causes. To date, there is no known cure.

About the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles

Established in 1957, the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is the only non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated solely to serving the estimated 150,000 to 180,000 people living with epilepsy in this region. Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy by promoting care, prevention, research and cure through education, support services, programs, advocacy and awareness. The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles is affiliated with the Epilepsy Foundation of America in Landover, Maryland.

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Pancreatic Cancer Research Finds an Unexpected Ally in Upscale Online Boutique

Jupiter, FL (PRWEB) May 21, 2006

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Nearly 32,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year alone, and all but a few hundred will not survive. It is one of the least funded researched cancers known today, but one woman and her sophisticated online boutique is trying to change all that.

The owner of Pitney Manor, an online boutique specializing in fine home décor, Susan Reichey lost her husband to pancreatic cancer in 2001. Since then, she has been doing everything she can think of to increase pancreatic cancer awareness.

“Following the death of my husband, Michael, I was determined that the best way for me to honor his memory would be to strive to increase pancreatic cancer awareness,” said Reichey. “It was therefore incumbent upon me that I become involved in fostering a platform that would allow me to make a living, and at the same time, contribute to further private donations for the early detection, treatment, and cure [for pancreatic cancer].”

Reichey began distributing information packets at local hospitals and doctors’ offices. Each November, declared Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month by Congress in 2003, she encourages people to educate themselves about pancreatic cancer and to wear purple ribbons in support. Now through PitneyManor.com, Susan Reichey is contributing a portion of every sale to The Michael J. Reichey Foundation, to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.

“I am undaunted by the fact that I do not have the influence of a widely recognized name in society. I am confident that I can gain modest attention to this dreaded disease by my instilled strength and resolve to offer hope for a better tomorrow for those that will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. By intertwining my business and its success with my direct participation in this cause, I will remain focused on the importance of giving back to humankind in my own personal way.”

Pitney Manor offers sophisticated, rare, and unique home décor and apparel, including:

     Kashwere Robes, recently discovered by Oprah Winfrey and highlighted in her 2005 Christmas Favorites Show

    Madiera Harvest Stoneware

    Murano Glass Stemware and Figurines

Other novel gifts and home décor items sold in her online boutique to benefit pancreatic cancer research include scented shoe stuffers, sachets, fine linen placemats, small imported leather goods, decorative pillows, candles, and an extensive assortment of baby gifts.

Please help to advance research on the diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of pancreatic cancer. The funds contributed to the Michael J. Reichey Foundation are donated to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Visit http://www.PitneyManor.com to browse their extensive selection of fine home décor and gifts and help increase their donations. Pitney Manor’s new Gift Registry is available now for users to create wish lists of items they want from the website.

For more information regarding pancreatic cancer, please contact The Lustgarten Foundation by visiting their web site at http://www.LustgartenFoundation.org or calling 866-789-1000.

About Pitney Manor

Susan G. Hartl Reichey founded the Pitney Manor online boutique as a vehicle to support Pancreatic Cancer Research while providing a diverse selection of fine, upscale home décor products that are both traditional and contemporary, all selected to appeal to even the most discriminating tastes.

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Current Advances in the Field of Synthetic Biology to be Addressed at Synthetic Biology: Transforming Life Science Research & Discovery Conference & Exhibition

Westborough, MA (PRWEB) February 14, 2007

Beachhead Consulting and Informa Learning have created the Synthetic Biology Conference and Exhibition. This forum is designed for researchers and executives working in synthetic and systems biology technology and product development to discuss how their research can be applied to life sciences.

The Synthetic Biology keynote presentation will cover advances in technologies of biological information:

Keynote Speaker:

Noubar B. Afeyan, Ph.D., Flagship Ventures

Engineering Biological Systems:

Advances in Technologies for Reading, Modeling, Simulating and Writing of Biological Information.

Sessions will cover current advances in the field of synthetic biology and how these can be applied to benefit pharmaceutical and biotechnical manufacturers at many different levels.

Major Sessions:

    Foundational Technology

This session will cover how synthetic biologists change the behavior of the cell by designing and rewiring the complex networks of genes inside the cell.

     Protein Engineering

This session will discuss a few of the many different aspects of protein engineering.

    Metabolic Engineering

This session discusses modeling efforts and technologies involved in programming and controlling metabolic pathways to produce biological substitutes for less desirable chemical processes.

    Therapeutic Engineering

This session will present modeling efforts and cellular engineering efforts to develop better methods for drug development and delivery.

    Cellular and Tissue Engineering

This session presents methods to model cellular behavior for successive synthetic biology approaches.

    Government, Business and Regulatory Issues

This session will present current efforts within the synthetic biology community to produce standards for development and guidelines, centered around the efforts of a newly established international consortium on polynucleotide synthesis.

Synthetic Biology exhibit hall includes 5 companies in the field of synthetic biology. They are: sponsor and exhibitor Codon Devices & exhibitors BlueHeron Biotechnology, DNA 2.0, GENEART, and The Mathworks.

For questions contact IBC Life Sciences, 800.390.4078 or visit the website at http://www.IBCLifeSciences.com/synthetic.

To review the agenda, visit http://www.IBCLifeSciences.com/synthetic

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.