Plant Compound May Block Tobacco-Induced Lung Cancer
Deguelin, a natural plant product, may interfere with the development of tobacco-induced lung cancer by interfering with the cellular processes that turn normal cells cancerous.
Previous studies have found that deguelin inhibits the proliferation of premalignant and malignant human bronchial epithelial cells by inhibiting the activation of a cellular pathway called P13K/Akt, which helps cancerous cells survive. Ho-Young Lee, Ph.D., of the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and colleagues treated mice with deguelin to determine whether deguelin could block tobacco-induced lung tumorigenesis, which occurs through Akt activation.
They found that deguelin decreased Akt activation and the number of tobacco-induced lung tumors in the treated mice compared with untreated mice with no detectable toxicity. The authors conclude that deguelin should be considered for testing as a chemopreventive agent for early stages of lung carcinogenesis.
In an editorial, Stephen S. Hecht, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center in Minneapolis, points out the difficulties in designing mouse models of tobacco-induced lung carcinogenesis that can then be applied to current and former smokers. That said, he writes, “the work reported by Lee et al., as well as that being carried out in other laboratories, holds some promise for new approaches to lung cancer chemoprevention.”
The Journal of the National Cancer Institute is published by Oxford University Press and is not affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. Attribution to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute is requested in all news coverage. Visit the Journal online at jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org.
Kate Travis
kate.travis@oxfordjournals.org
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
jncicancerspectrum.oupjournals.org
Two National Diabetes-Related Initiatives Coordinated By MCG Bioinformatics Expert
A national effort to develop animal models to study the devastating complications of diabetes is being coordinated by a Medical College of Georgia bioinformatics expert.
Dr. Richard A. McIndoe, associate director of the MCG Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, has received a $15 million, five-year grant – the largest ever received by MCG – to continue operating the Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit for the innovative National Institutes of Health project, Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium.
He also will begin providing the same services for the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Centers, another NIH-funded consortium of centers offering expertise in sophisticated, expensive mouse testing to scientists nationwide for a variety of diseases including diabetes and its complications as well as obesity and related disorders.
The Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium consists of 13 investigators from different institutions generating ideas for creating mouse models, a Mouse Generation and Husbandry Core to generate the mice and the Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit to oversee consortium activities.
“The NIH recognized years ago that there were few good animal models that mimic the complications of diabetes,” Dr. McIndoe says. Even the NOD mouse, a spontaneous model for type 1 diabetes, is inadequate, primarily because complications tend to come with age and mice have a relatively short lifespan, he says.
Complications include cardiovascular and kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy as well as damage to the nerves and bladder. “Diabetic cardiovascular disease is probably the biggest mortality risk for type 1 and 2 diabetes; somewhere around 60 to 70 percent of diabetic mortality can be associated with cardiovascular disease,” Dr. McIndoe says.
Unfortunately, the high risk of model development impeded financial support until several years ago when NIH opted to commit funds to make it happen, he says. Scientists who receive funding agree to make their development data and resulting animal models available to the scientific community.
In 2001, while on the University of Florida faculty, Dr. McIndoe received the first grant to provide administrative and coordinating activities for investigators working on model development. Work includes organizing semi-annual Executive Steering Committee meetings, monthly teleconferences, workshops and training sessions and organizing activities for the External Advisory Boards.
A major task was developing a computer system that could take the huge amount of data generated by investigators, store it, analyze it in a flexible way and enable scientists all over the world to access it through a Web portal, http://www.amdcc.org.
“We have to have a way of storing and capturing all that information in an efficient way so another researcher can go back and do the same experiment or analyze it in real time,” Dr. McIndoe says. “You also need to store information in a way that is very flexible so they can grab the information any way they want. We are constantly adding statistical analysis so data can be analyzed quicker.”
To date, about 70 animal models have been studied, information on about 25 has been deposited in the database Dr. McIndoe developed and about 20 of those models will soon be available for ordering from mouse repositories. Interestingly, there is not necessarily a definitive model for even a single complication, rather an array of models will be necessary as researchers manipulate genes to try and mimic human disease. “They don’t want an animal model that looks like a mouse problem; they want an animal model that looks like a human problem,” he says.
As NIH looked at a second round of funding for the consortium, it took a fresh approach with each investigator proposing two new models and turning them over to a husbandry core for development. “Once created, the models will be sent back to the investigators who will be in charge of understanding the pathology of the complications,” says Dr. McIndoe, noting the operational changes reflect the complexity and magnitude of the work.
NIH also opted to integrate operation of the consortium with the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Centers, which also were up for grant renewal. The centers’ first round of funding didn’t include money for administration and bioinformatics, but it was quickly determined both were needed.
“The centers bring to the general scientific community a low-cost way of doing a variety of metabolic assays on mice that would be cost-prohibitive to set up in your local lab,” he says. “For example, if you don’t have a small-animal MRI unit on your campus, there is no way you can do some of these assays.” For a small fee, centers will characterize mouse metabolism, blood components including hormones, energy balance, eating and exercise, organ function and form, physiology and histology. For more information about services and fees, visit http://www.mmpc.org.
The University of Cincinnati, Vanderbilt University and the University of Washington have been designated as Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Centers. Additional centers are being solicited through the Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit at MCG and will be funded through a subcontract with MCG, Dr. McIndoe says.
The Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium and the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Centers will continue to function autonomously. But Dr. McIndoe has gutted the infrastructure he created for the AMDCC to accommodate the workings of both. “The face of it will be individual, but the underlying software architecturally works together.”
“This grant, the largest award ever received by MCG, is on target with the NIH’s initiatives to accelerate translation of scientific discoveries into improved health care,” says Dr. Frank Treiber, MCG vice president for research. “Dr. McIndoe’s work will speed the process of understanding the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the development of human diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases by enabling investigators across the nation to collaborate more efficiently. The scientific community and ultimately all of us benefit from these collaborations that enable access to such rich data bases and promote quicker scientific breakthroughs resulting in improved public health.”
“The MCG School of Medicine is pleased with this major NIH award to Rick McIndoe, which will greatly strengthen our external competitiveness for other center grants,” says Dr. D. Douglas Miller, dean of the School of Medicine. “It also will help our internal planning efforts in the area of data coordination for clinical translational research, a major strategic focus of the school.”
At MCG, Dr. McIndoe also is the local director of informatics for two major newborn screening studies for type 1 diabetes. The studies are following thousands of patients over many years, collecting detailed data on everything from their infections to what that they eat to their fingernail clippings. He also is co-principal investigator on studies looking for biomarkers for type 1 diabetes.
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Contact: Toni Baker
Medical College of Georgia
Impaired Sleep Quality And Allergic Rhinitis Linked
Patients with allergic rhinitis, such as that caused by hay fever and other allergies, have more difficulty sleeping and more sleep disorders than those without allergies, according to a report in the September 18 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, a theme issue on sleep.
Allergic rhinitis, which occurs when pollen or other allergens irritate and inflame the nasal passages, affects about 20 to 50 percent of the population, according to background information in the article. Allergies have been shown to affect quality of life and several studies have suggested that they may contribute to snoring and breathing problems during sleep, including sleep apnea, a temporary halt to breathing. However, few researchers have closely examined sleep disorders in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Damien Leger, M.D., of Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Paris, and colleagues explored the association between allergic rhinitis and sleep in 591 patients (47 percent men, 53 percent women, average age 34) who had the condition for at least one year and who were being treated by an allergist or by an ear, nose and throat specialist. A control group of 502 individuals who were the same age and sex and lived in the same area, but did not have allergic rhinitis, was also assessed. In 2002, all participants reported sleep disorders and rated their sleepiness; they also provided details regarding demographics, socioeconomic status and smoking habits. For patients with allergic rhinitis, researchers recorded the type of allergies, the duration of the condition, symptoms experienced and treatments used, as well as the presence and treatment of any additional allergic disorders.
All sleep disorders and complaints–including insomnia, waking up during the night, snoring and feeling fatigued when awakening–were more common in those with allergic rhinitis, who also slept fewer hours, took longer to fall asleep and more often felt sleepy during the day. Among the 591 patients with allergic rhinitis, 41.6 percent (vs. 18.3 percent of those without allergic rhinitis) reported difficulty falling asleep, 63.2 percent said they felt they lacked adequate sleep (compared with 25.4 percent of controls) and 35.8 percent (vs. 16 percent of controls) reported insomnia. “The results show a significant impact of allergic rhinitis on all dimensions of sleep quality and, consequently, a lower quality of life as reflected by more somnolence [sleepiness]; daytime fatigue and sleepiness; and impaired memory, mood and sexuality, with a significantly increased consumption of alcohol and sedatives in cases compared with the control group,” the authors write.
The effects of allergic rhinitis on sleep became more pronounced when the condition was moderate to severe. As allergies worsened, individuals slept fewer hours at night, felt sleepy more often during the day, took longer to fall asleep and found it more necessary to take sedative drugs.
All types of physicians, including primary care physicians, pulmonologists and ear, nose and throat specialists, should question patients with allergic rhinitis about their sleep habits and difficulties, the authors conclude. “This could lead to early detection and treatment of sleep disorders in these patients,” they write. “Treating allergic rhinitis or other nasal symptoms may improve dramatically the quality of sleep. In the long term, such a strategy would have positive repercussions on a societal level; for example, the numbers of road and work accidents would be reduced. Considering the high incidence of allergic rhinitis and the high rate of associated sleep disorders, the issue is one of public health.”
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(Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:1744-1748.)
This study was supported by the Department of Epidemiology, GlaxoSmithKline Laboratory. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
Contact: Damien Leger
JAMA and Archives Journals
Biomira’s Phase 2 Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Shows No Safety Concerns
Biomira Inc announced the interim results of a phase 2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) single-arm, multi-centre, open label study of BLP25 Liposome Vaccine (L-BLP25) showing that the new formulation of the vaccine is not different from the previous formulation from a safety perspective. The reformulated vaccine incorporated manufacturing changes intended to secure the future commercial supply of the vaccine.
Though not a head-to-head comparison, the phase 2 trial compared the new formulation of L-BLP25 to the formulation used in the phase 2b trial, which was completed in 2004. A comparison of baseline and post-four vaccination laboratory tests for each trial, and between trials was conducted. For the majority of patients in both trials, the laboratory results were within the normal range for both time points. Also examined, for the same time frame, were adverse events, and injection site reactions. Although the two trials have slightly different patient populations and different sample sizes, based on the information reviewed, there is no clinical rationale to indicate that the two vaccine formulations are different from a safety perspective. The new formulation incorporated manufacturing changes intended to secure the future commercial supply of the vaccine.
In October, Biomira and Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany announced that follow-up of patients enrolled in the phase 2b trial had determined a median survival for the vaccinated subset of Stage IIIB locoregional patients of 30.6 months compared to 13.3 months observed for the same stage patients who did not receive the vaccine, a difference of 17.3 months.
Tests to resolve a contract manufacturing stability issue are ongoing, with results expected in the first quarter of 2006.
The Companies
Biomira is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches to cancer management. Biomira’s commitment to the treatment of cancer currently focuses on the development of synthetic vaccines and novel strategies for cancer immunotherapy. We are The Cancer Vaccine People™.
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with sales of EUR 5.9 billion in 2004, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 28,600 employees in 54 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds a 73 per cent interest and free shareholders own the remaining 27 percent. The former U.S. subsidiary, Merck & Co., has been completely independent of the Merck Group since 1917. Merck KGaA has built a strategic oncology portfolio by developing and in-licensing product candidates in four areas — monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic vaccines, immunocytokines and angiogenesis inhibitors.
EMD Pharmaceuticals Inc., the U.S. affiliate of Merck KGaA, is a fully integrated pharmaceutical company with an initial emphasis on launching new products in oncology. Located in Durham, N.C., EMD focuses on meeting patient and physician needs with pioneering pharmaceutical products and services.
BIOMIRA INC.
2011 – 94 St. Edmonton
AB
Canada T6N 1H1
Tel: (780) 450-3761
Fax: (780) 463-0871
http://www.biomira.com
Are You At Risk For Diabetes? Gold’s Gym Launches National Effort To Fight Diabetes With Fitness
With 65 percent of Americans considered overweight or obese and the epidemic of diabetes continuing to plague our society, Gold’s Gym International, a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), has made a corporate commitment to fight diabetes with fitness.
Starting November 1st, in conjunction with the launch of ADA’s new “I Decide to Fight Diabetes” campaign and American Diabetes Month, Gold’s Gym is unveiling a special online diabetes fitness center that provides free fitness information to anyone affected by the disease. Located at http://www.goldsgym.com/diabetes, its goal is to show Americans how to start an exercise program and incorporate fitness into their lifestyle.
“Diabetes is one of the biggest health crisis’ facing our country today and we are taking action to turn this epidemic around,” said Gene LaMott, president and CEO of Gold’s Gym International. “Even a moderate amount of exercise can control diabetes or prevent type 2 diabetes all together. We’re offering our resources and more than 40 years of expertise to help people develop a simple, easy to follow plan that can save their life.”
At the heart of the new online fitness resource center is a special “Get Started” guide developed by Gold’s Gym that shows consumers how to start an exercise program and stick to it. Whether you’re new to exercise or need a little encouragement to restart a fitness regimen, the guide gives consumers the power to take control of the disease. From goal setting to recommendations on strength training and cardiovascular exercise, the guide offers something for anyone affected by diabetes.
Consumers visiting goldsgym.com/diabetes will also find a link to ADA’s online risk assessment, free passes to their local Gold’s Gym, success stories and a wealth of fitness, motivation and health tips written by the world famous Gold’s Gym Fitness Institute.
“We know from research that 30 minutes of physical activity a day, at least five days a week, can help in delaying or preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes,” said Lynn Nicholas, FACHE, CEO of the American Diabetes Association. “We also know that many people want to start a program for increasing their level of physical activity, but simply don’t know where to begin. This can help provide people with a road map to learn about ways they can increase physical activity every day — whether they are at home, on the road or in a gym.”
In addition to the online resource center, Gold’s Gyms across the country will be opening their doors throughout the month of November to anyone affected by diabetes to offer free fitness education. This includes open houses, free tours of the facilities, free fitness assessments and/or free passes to work out. Consumers are encouraged to visit goldsgym.com or call their local Gold’s Gym to learn what activities they have planned for American Diabetes Month.
The November campaign represents another collaboration between Gold’s Gym and the American Diabetes Association. In 2006, Gold’s Gym became a National Strategic Partner of the Association and sponsors ADA’s signature cycling event, Tour de Cure. This year, Gold’s Gym finished the year as the nation’s top fundraising team by raising over $600,000 in support of the Association’s mission.
More than 75 million Americans are affected by diabetes. It is estimated that nearly 21 million have the disease and another 54 million have pre-diabetes. Even more alarming, recent statistics show that one in three children born today will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
About Gold’s Gym
Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold’s Gym is the largest co-ed gym chain in the world with more than 600 locations in 43 states and 25 countries. For more information about Gold’s Gym, please visit http://www.goldsgym.com.
About the ADA
For more information on American Diabetes Month please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org.
Gold’s Gym
http://www.goldsgym.com
ActoGenix Raises 11.5 Million Euro’s In Series A Stock Financing
ActoGeniX NV, a recently founded biopharmaceutical company, announced the successful closing of its Series A financing round, raising €11.5 million (US$15 million) from a syndicate of leading life sciences investors. The transaction was co-led by GIMV (Antwerp, Belgium) and Life Sciences Partners (LSP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands), with Biotech Fund Flanders also participating. ActoGeniX is a spin-off from the Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology (VIB) and Ghent University and was founded last June with seed capital from GIMV, VIB and individuals of the management team.
This financing will allow ActoGeniX to initiate development of a pipeline of therapeutic products based on its TopActTM technology platform. TopActTM is a proprietary delivery system comprising living non-pathogenic micro-organisms for the oral administration of biopharmaceuticals. VIB and Ghent University, the original inventors of this technology, transferred to ActoGeniX the TopActTM patent portfolio. ActoGeniX’ products will address a broad range of diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases, auto-immunity, allergy and metabolic diseases. The Company’s lead product for the treatment of Crohn’s disease has already been successfully tested in patients.
Dr. Mark Vaeck, who joined the company as CEO, brings considerable experience in the start-up and growth of biotech businesses in Europe and the USA. In his former position, as the co-founder and CEO of Ablynx NV (Ghent, Belgium) he raised €30 million in equity financing and concluded several corporate deals with major pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Bernard Coulie joins ActoGeniX as Vice President Research & Development coming from Johnson & Johnson Europe where he held the position of Therapeutic Area Leader Internal Medicine. Dr. Lothar Steidler, the principal inventor of the TopAct technology, will become Director Technology Development at ActoGeniX.
Commenting on the financing, Mark Vaeck said: ‘I am delighted with the completion of this successful financing round, which provides ActoGeniX from the start with a substantial amount of money from high-quality and knowledgeable biotech investors, which is a clear endorsement of the future potential of this company. ActoGeniX is now well-positioned to execute its ambitious business plan and quickly build a valuable portfolio of preclinical and clinical-stage products based on its proprietary TopActTM platform.’
‘We have built a proprietary position around the TopAct technology and products and we are glad to be able to transfer this platform into the hands of an experienced management team, supported by highly reputed international venture capital funds’ said Rudy Dekeyser, vice-general director of VIB. ‘We strongly believe that Actogenix will successfully apply this platform to develop innovative therapeutics for the benefit of its shareholders and the benefit of patients worldwide.’
Patrick Van Beneden, Director Life Sciences of GIMV added: ‘We see Actogenix as one of the more promising companies that recently have been started here in Flanders. The combination of world class science, experienced management and strong financial backing should be the ingredients for a life sciences company that will develop new medical treatments for large unmet medical needs like Crohn’s disease and other gastrointestinal disorders.’
‘We see ActoGeniX as an interesting investment opportunity in our home market based on excellent science and with broad applicability of the technology platform,’ said Martijn Kleijwegt, Managing Partner of Life Sciences Partners. ‘The availability of clinical data, as is the case for ActoGeniX’ lead program, is something that is rarely seen in such start-up initiatives. We are excited to be part of this venture and look forward to working with the management team to make this a success.’
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Contact: Sooike Stoops
VIB, Flanders Interuniversity Institute of Biotechnology
Hycamtin(R) receives positive opinion in Europe for treatment of patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced that HYCAMTIN(R) (topotecan powder for concentration for solution for infusion) received positive opinion from the European Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP) for the treatment of patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) for whom re-treatment with the first-line regimen is not considered appropriate. HYCAMTIN is the first drug to receive a positive opinion from the CHMP for the treatment of relapsed SCLC. The CHMP’s positive opinion will now be proposed for final marketing approval by the European Commission. The product previously received approval in Europefor the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer after failure of first-line or subsequent therapy.
“HYCAMTIN offers clinicians an important therapeutic option for patients with relapsed SCLC,” said Mikael von Euler, Vice President Europe Oncology Medical Development Centre, GSK. “HYCAMTIN is an excellent example of GSK’s commitment to pursuing new therapeutic options for the compounds in its oncology portfolio.”
The positive European opinion was principally based on three key Phase III studies. The first Study (protocol 090) compared the safety and efficacy of HYCAMTIN to the triple combination cyclophosphomide, doxorubicin and vincristine (CAV) in patients with sensitive SCLC. Median overall survival was comparable between the two arms of the study (25.0 versus 24.7 weeks, p = 0.80).
The second Study (protocol 396) compared the safety and efficacy of an oral formulation of topotecan versus IV HYCAMTIN in patients with sensitive SCLC. Median overall survival was comparable between the two arms (33.0 versus 35.0 weeks, Hazard Ratio = 0.98) and both treatments were generally well-tolerated.
The third Study (protocol 478) was conducted to prove the survival benefit of second-line chemotherapy for relapsed SCLC patients. The study was conducted using oral HYCAMTIN plus best supportive care and compared safety and efficacy to best supportive care (BSC) alone. Median overall survival for HYCAMTIN(R) plus BSC was 25.9 weeks compared to 13.9 weeks for patients who received BSC alone (p = 0.01).
“These studies demonstrate that single-agent HYCAMTIN is active in relapsed SCLC.” said Mikael von Euler. “Furthermore, the HYCAMTIN versus best supportive care study (protocol 478) has proven for the first time that treatment of relapsed SCLC in appropriate patients can offer symptom as well as survival benefit.”
About Small Cell Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Small cell lung cancer accounts for 15 to 18 percent of all cases and is among the most aggressive of all pulmonary tumors.
An estimated 40,000 patients within the EU die of SCLC every year. The natural course of untreated SCLC results in a median survival time of 8 to 16 weeks.
About HYCAMTIN(R)
HYCAMTIN(topotecan HCl for Injection) is a chemotherapeutic agent that belongs to a class of drugs known as topoisomerase I (topo-I) inhibitors. Topo-I is an enzyme essential for the replication of DNA, and therefore cell division, in both normal and cancer cells. Interaction between topo-I and HYCAMTIN results in damage to the cell’s genetic material and the death of dividing cancer cells.
HYCAMTIN is registered in the European Union (EU), and 59 other countries around the world for the treatment of relapsed ovarian cancer following platinum-based therapy. In addition HYCAMTIN is registered for the treatment of sensitive relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in 39 countries worldwide. More than 230,000 patients have been treated with HYCAMTIN since its launch in 1996. More information on HYCAMTINcan be found at http://www.emea.eu.int.
Important Safety Information
HYCAMTINcan suppress the body’s ability to produce blood cells, in particular the white blood cells which fight infection. This condition is known as neutropenia. The clotting elements (platelets) can also be decreased, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. HYCAMTIN is contraindicated in patients who have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to topotecan or any of its ingredients. HYCAMTIN should not be used in patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding, or in those with severe bone marrow depression.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) is one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. GlaxoSmithKline is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling cancer patients to do more, feel better and live longer. For more information, visit http://www.gsk.com.
References:
1. O’Brien MER, Ciuleanu T, Tsekov H, et. al. An open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase III comparator study of supportive care alone or in combination with oral topotecan in patients with relapsed resistant small-cell lung cancer. In press.
2. Maghfoor I. Lung cancer. http://www.emedicine.com. Accessed 10/6/05.
3. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov. Accessed 11/8/05
4. Jemal A, Murray T, Samuels A, et al. Cancer statistics. CA Cancer J Clin 2003 ; 53 : 5-26.
5. Janssen-Heijnen ML, Coebergh JW. The changing epidemiology of lung cancer in Europe. Lung Cancer 2003; 41: 245-58.
6. von Pawell J. Topotecan versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine for the treatment of recurrent small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1999 Feb;17(2):658-67
Drug Could Provide New Treatment Approach For Overweight People With Diabetes
The drug rimonabant, can reduce bodyweight and improve control of blood glucose levels and other cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes, according to an Article in this week’s issue of The Lancet. The findings suggest that this drug could be used as a new approach for treatment of diabetes where other drugs have failed.
Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in adulthood and is treated with either dietary changes alone or drugs. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and often coexists with other risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, unhealthy blood lipid levels, and raised blood pressure. The treatment of these risk factors is central to the management of type 2 diabetes.
In the latest study, Andre Scheen (University of Liege, Belgium) and colleagues investigated the effects of rimonabant on 1047 overweight or obese patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, despite treatment with standard diabetes drugs. The patients were given a diet plan that provided slightly fewer calories than they needed and were advised to be more physically active, to help induce weight loss. They were also given either rimonabant–in a dose of either 5 mg per day or 20 mg per day–or a placebo. The patients followed this regimen for a year.
The investigators showed that after a year, patients given rimonabant lost significantly more weight than those given the placebo. Patients given the placebo lost an average of 1-4 kg compared with a weight loss of 2-3 kg in those given 5 mg per day of rimonabant and 5-3 kg in those given a 20 mg per day dose of the drug. Patients given rimonabant also had greater improvements in waist circumference, blood glucose control, blood lipids, and better appetite control than those given the placebo.
The authors conclude: “These findings support the use of 20 mg per day of rimonabant, in addition to diet and exercise, as a new approach to reduce bodyweight and improve blood glucose control as well as several other cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes that was inadequately controlled by standard treatment.”
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See accompanying Comment.
Professor Andre J Scheen, Department of Medicine, Service de Diabetologie (B35), Nutrition et Maladies Metaboliques, Centre Hospitalier de Liege, CHU Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liege, Belgium.
Contact: Professor Andre J. Scheen
Lancet
Food Allergies An American Obsession?
Food allergies are increasingly top-of-mind for many Americans. In fact, one out of every three people in this country claim to have a food allergy of one kind or another.* But the science doesn’t support these fears. Government and medical association estimates put the actual incident rate at only between one in 25 and one in 70.
Parents are one of the groups most concerned about food allergies, especially as kids go back to school and eat more meals away from home. In many cases, they’re also ill-informed about the differences between allergies and intolerances, and the proper course of treatment for each. A new survey conducted among California parents last month reveals that many are self-diagnosing food allergies and eliminating nutrient-rich foods from their child’s diet without seeing a doctor first.
“Medical self-diagnosis is risky business,” says Dr. Stuart Epstein, Beverly Hills Allergist, Associate Clinical Professor David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Attending Allergist. “Without professional advice, suffering is almost always extended and important foods eliminated unnecessarily.”
And milk is often the “fall guy.” In fact, nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents surveyed in this recent Omnibus Poll admitted to eliminating — or limiting their children’s intake — of milk at the first sign of problems, believing dairy products to be at least partially responsible for their symptoms.
“Parents are sometimes quick to point the finger at cow’s milk when their child comes down with unexplained symptoms like intestinal problems or allergic reactions,” stresses Dr. Epstein. “Eliminating milk from your diet, especially a child’s diet, without talking to your doctor first, is not a smart idea.”
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement last week urging parents not to eliminate dairy foods from their children’s diet for lactose intolerance reasons. Dairy foods like milk are an important source of calcium and other nutrients that facilitate growth during a critical bone building time.
Americans often confuse food allergies with food sensitivities or intolerances. An allergy is a specific condition that involves immune response, where as an intolerance — like lactose intolerance — is very rare among young people. Medical experts like Dr. Epstein recommend seeking medical attention at the first sign of a problem.
From August 14th to 22nd Market Tools surveyed 551 California parents online to gauge food allergy and lactose intolerance awareness and milk allergies as a health concern for their children.
Key Findings:
– Sixty-three percent (63%) of California parents eliminate milk from their child’s diet at the first sign of a food-related health issue.
– Forty percent (40%) of parents do not consult a doctor before eliminating foods from their child’s diet.
About the CMPB
The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of GOT MILK? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. GOT MILK? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. GOT MILK? gifts and recipes can be viewed at http://www.gotmilk.com. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
— National Institute of Health, Food Allergy Citation & Incidence Rates, pp 1-2, http://www.nih.org.
— Paajanen L et al. Cow milk not responsible for most gastrointestinal immune-like syndromes — evidence from a population-based study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 82:1327-1235.
— Heyman, Melvin B., M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, Lactose Intolerance in Infants, Children and Adolescents (Pediatrics, 2006;118:1279-1286).
The California Milk Processor Board
http://www.gotmilk.com
Minimally Invasive Surgery May Increase Options For Octogenarians With Some Lung Cancers
While some patients, including the elderly, may not be good candidates for the physical demands of open chest surgery, a new study suggests that even those between the ages of 80 and 94 may benefit from video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for early stage, localized, non-small cell lung cancer.
Sandy Van
sandy@prpacific.com
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
www.csmc.edu
Health World 