Nanotechnology @ MaxInno

Arrowhead Research Subsidiary, Insert Therapeutics, Treats First Patient with Nano-Engineered Anti-Cancer Therapeutic

As I mentioned before, Arrowhead is a very interesting group. We'll keep an eye on them.

Arrowhead Research Subsidiary, Insert Therapeutics, Treats First Patient with Nano-Engineered Anti-Cancer Therapeutic: "PASADENA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—July 19, 2006— Arrowhead Research Corporation (Nasdaq:ARWR), announced today that its majority-own"

(Via NanoTechCafe.com CorpNews.)

Insert Therapeutics have filed a number of patents and with a curious pattern of filing in US Mexico and China?? Below the Mexican patents Click here to see Espace@net's records 

MXPA05003591 Abstract of MXPA05003591 The application discloses cyclodextrin-modified materials for carrying drugs and other active agents, such as nucleic acids. Compositions are also disclosed of cyclodextrin-modified materials that release such active agents under controlled conditions. The invention also discloses compositions of cyclodextrin-modified polymer carriers that are coupled to biorecognition molecules for assisting the delivery of drugs to their site of action. Abstract of

MXPA05002444 The present invention relates to novel compositions of therapeutic cyclodextrin containing polymeric compounds designed as a carrier for small molecule therapeutics delivery and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. These cyclodextrin-containing polymers improve drug stability and solubility, and reduce toxicity of the small molecule therapeutic when used in vivo. Furthermore, by selecting from a variety of linker groups and targeting ligands the polymers present methods for controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents. The invention also relates to methods of treating subjects with the therapeutic compositions described herein. The invention further relates to methods for conducting pharmaceutical business comprising manufacturing, licensing, or distribution kits containing or relating to the polymeric compounds described herein.

Improvements in artificial joint composition

Another implant nano-medicine device

Improvements in artificial joint composition: "CORDIS: In orthopaedic surgery, ceramics offer a fertile land of hope to patients requiring artificial joints. The use of composite materials produces implants of an increased toughness and a longer lifetime."

(Via Nanoforum.org News.)

Arrowhead Research Chairman & CEO to Speak at NanoEquity 2006

Arrowhead is an extremely interesting commercialization organization. It seems to be organized the way Cancer Research Technology in the UK works: a combination of sponsored R&D, prototyping, and an IP portfolio.

Arrowhead Research Chairman & CEO to Speak at NanoEquity 2006: "Arrowhead Research Corporation is a diversified nanotechnology company structured to commercialize products expected to have revolutionary impacts on a variety of industries, including materials, electronics, life sciences, and energy."

(Via Nano Tech Wire.)

IBN in Singapore

Very interesting Institution. I was particularly interested in their recent publication of "Scaffolds for growing cells and tissue" Click to read more)

The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) was established to spearhead the advancement of biomedical sciences in Singapore. Positioned at the interface of two frontiers of engineering, IBN is focused on creating knowledge and cultivating talent to develop technology platforms that will spur the growth of new industries. A member of the A*STAR's biomedical sciences institutes, IBN is a leading national program with an international vision and a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment.

Nano or Drugs Against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Ernst Max writes: Over the last two weeks I have found articles in my special RSS Feed inbox these articles, which more than emphasize how nano may change the world for patients - and large drug companies. Read the following and follow the links:

Decision Resources, Inc., one of the world’s leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, came out with a press release today announcing that that Neurochem’s Alzhemed (tramiprosate) and Myriad Genetics’ Flurizan (R-flurbiprofen) will account for nearly 60% of the market to treat Alzheimer’s disease by 2015. Both drugs have shown promise in early clinical development, and will be the first treatments for Alzheimer’s disease that modify the course of the disease. Both agents will reach the U.S. market in 2008 and the European market by 2010. Click to read more

A powerful but cheap nanotech tool available this year could test for everything from genetic diseases to heart-attack signs.Click to read more

Gold nanoparticles, radiation combo may slow Alzheimer's 
Chemists in Chile and Spain have identified a new approach for the possible treatment of Alzheimer's disease that they say has the potential to destroy beta-amyloid fibrils and plaque -- hypothesized to contribute to the mental decline of Alzheimer's patients. The researchers say the new technique, which they call a type of "molecular surgery," could halt or slow the disease's progress without harming healthy brain cells. The research is scheduled for publication in the Jan. 11 issue of the American Chemical Society's Nano Letters.
Click to read more

Researchers get closer to preventing Alzheimer’s disease
A recent study directed by Mount Sinai School of Medicine identifies a faulty molecule in the brain found in cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) Click to read more

Cancer-causing protein may heal damaged spinal cord and brain cells
Cancer researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that a protein known for driving the growth of cancer also plays a surprising role in restoring the ability of neurons to regenerate, making it an important target for addressing spinal cord damage or neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.Click

Daniel Otzen of Danish Aalborg University has just received a large grant to find a cure for Parkinson's by identifying proteins and biochemical processes responsible for diseases such as Parkinson's Original text in Danish) Work to be made with large US pharma company. (Guess who).Click

Researchers Create New Organic Gel Nanomaterials

Researchers Create New Organic Gel Nanomaterials: "Researchers have created organic gel nanomaterials that could be used to encapsulate pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products and to build 3-D biological scaffolds for tissue engineering."

(Via Brightsurf Science News :: Science News and Current Events.)

Dental stem cells have been characterized for tooth tissue engineering

Tissue  Engineering is the hot thing with nano.Here is another report about progress.

Dental stem cells have been characterized for tooth tissue engineering: "Today, during the 84th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research, a team from The Forsyth Institute (Boston, MA, USA) will report that their research has demonstrated that mixed populations of cultured post-natal tooth bud cells can be used to generate bioengineered dental tissues."

(Via Brightsurf Science News :: Science News and Current Events.)

A BIOCOMPATIBLE MATERIAL AND A PROSTHETIC DEVICE MADE THEREOF FOR THE REPLACEMENT, REPAIR AND REGENERATION OF MENISCUS (WO 2006/064025)

THE APPLICANT IS FIDIA ADVANCED POLYMERS (ITALY)

A BIOCOMPATIBLE MATERIAL AND A PROSTHETIC DEVICE MADE THEREOF FOR THE REPLACEMENT, REPAIR AND REGENERATION OF MENISCUS (WO 2006/064025): "Herein described is a biocompatible material comprising a polymer matrix based on hyaluronic acid derivatives and poly-εCaprolactone, the process for preparing this material, a prosthetic device constituted by this biocompatible material and a reinforcing material, the process for preparing the prosthetic device, and its use for the partial or total replacement of meniscus, and regeneration of the meniscal fibrocartilage."

(Via PatentScope Search: ET/"biocompatible material".)

Spiders Silk and Silica Nanocomposite has Potential in bone tissue

Interesting nanocomposite  which could be used in medical and industrial applications, such as growing bone tissue.

Spiders Silk and Silica Nanocomposite has Potential...: "Spiders Silk and Silica Nanocomposite has Potential Biomedical Applications"

(Via AZoNano.com - Nanotechnology News Feed.)

Implantable Dust-Sized Sensors to Monitor Health

Implantable Dust-Sized Sensors to Monitor Health: "Technology Review: Tiny, multipurpose sensors, based on flash memory, could detect everything from blood pressure to toxic compounds."

(Via Nanoforum.org News.)