MorphoSys AG has announced the successful completion of a new proprietary antibody library, HuCAL PLATINUM. Initial results show that the new antibody library, which is approximately three-times larger than the former version, HuCAL GOLD, can provide a more diverse range of fully human antibodies. In addition, the new technology enables the generation of antibodies having higher affinity as well as improved expression rates. The improvements achieved with this next generation antibody library are expected to significantly shorten timelines from antibody discovery to pre-clinical development and result in antibody drug candidates with improved characteristics.

AFFiRiS has announced the start of the pre-clinical development of its first Parkinson’s vaccine PD01. The vaccine will be investigated for efficacy (”proof of concept”) in Parkinson models. On successful conclusion of this preclinical evaluation, initial clinical testing could start in 2010/11. The Parkinson’s vaccine specifically targets the alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) protein, which is considered to be a key contributory element in Parkinson’s disease. There is clear scientific evidence that the concentration and enrichment of alpha-syn in the brain are contributing factors in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

According to new research from the University of Sydney, Nicotinamide (VitB3), a vitamin found in common foods like meats, nuts, grains and cereals, may provide the next advance in skin cancer prevention. Presenting the results of a trial to the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting, Associate Professor Diona Damian said tests had shown the vitamin prevented damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation by protecting the immune system. The tests on volunteers using nicotinamide both as a lotion and in tablet form offered equally strong protection, against both UVB and UVA.

A new vaccine principle is being developed by scientists at the University of Copenhagen which if it works to its full expected potential could help to save millions of lives and revolutionise current vaccine technology. The ‘InVacc’ platform, as it is known, represents an advance on the original DNA vaccines and generates new vaccines with greatly enhanced properties. The platform consists of a chain of amino acids attached to a gene of the virus being vaccinated against.

www.Everythingantiaging.com has added LimuZ Nei from Immune Tree to their online catalog of nutritional supplements. LimuZ Nei is a blend of 5 all natural ingredients including Colostrum, limu with Fucoidan, zeolite and acetyl-L-carnitine. It is specifically designed to treat the immune, endocrine, nervous and anti-aging systems. LimuZ Nei has the same electrolyte balance as the blood in our bodies. This balance makes LimuZ Nei highly absorbable allowing for immediate delivery into the body systems because it bypasses the digestive process.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval to Cypress Pharmaceutical, Inc.’s abbreviated new drug application for the prescription and over-the-counter versions of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, 1 mg/1 mL. This product is an AA-rated generic equivalent to the Zyrtec® Oral Solution developed by McNeil Consumer Healthcare. While Cetirizine HCl Oral Solution’s over-the-counter version is an antihistamine that relieve from indoor and outdoor allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy throat; the prescription version treats symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children who are 6 to 23 months of age and relieve children up to 5 years of age from chronic urticaria (hives).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded the indication for Tibotec Pharmaceuticals’ PREZISTA (darunavir) tablets once-daily dosing as a part of the HIV combination therapy in adult patients who have not taken medication for HIV before. Also, PREZISTA has been approved as a twice-daily for use in adults with a prior experience of treatment. With this approval, the protease inhibitor when administered with 100 mg PREZISTA/r (ritonavir) and other ARVs (antiretroviral agents) can be used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

After two years of its approval, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has detected no major problems with the safety of the HPV vaccine, Gardasil. The vaccine is used to protect against infection caused by the sexually transmitted virus, the HPV, that leads to genital warts and cervical cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the vaccination of girls at the age of 11 (much before they turn sexually active). No serious side effects have been found.

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have found that alemtuzumab, a drug originally developed for leukemia can curb the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) even reverse some damage caused by the neurological disorder. The drug, a monoclonal antibody, has also been tested for treatment of other immune system disorders. Alemtuzumab targets the cells of the immune system that attack the myelin sheath and the nerve fibers.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison has concluded that wheezing illness in childhood caused by rhinovirus is associated with the development of asthma. The doctors reported that almost 90% of kids who suffered from wheezing related to rhinovirus at 3 years of age developed asthma by the age of 6 years. Also, episodes of rhinovirus wheezing may help in revealing children who are predisposed to the disease.