New data from an extended follow-up study show that GlaxoSmithKline PLC.’s cervical cancer candidate vaccine, Cervarix, generates sustained high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the two most common cervical cancer-causing virus types for up to 6.4 years. This is the longest duration of sustained neutralising antibody levels reported against both virus types HPV 16 and 18 with a cervical cancer vaccine to date. Experts believe that neutralizing antibodies are essential for protection against cervical cancer.

According to an article published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, lower rates of asthma are found in children who live on tree-lined streets. The pattern held constant, even changes were made in sources of pollution, levels of affluence, and population density, all of which would be considered likely to influence the results. The authors note that asthma rates in children can thus be curbed by encouraging them to play outdoors more, or by improving the quality of the air.

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Grazax, the allergy immunotherapy developed by Schering-Plough and ALK-Abello, showed a 28% reduction in hay fever symptoms during its Phase III pediatric trial. According to Denmark-based ALK-Abello, the therapy led to a 64% reduction in the combined asthma symptom score as well. The previous European trial of Grazax displayed positive clinical effect. A Grazax pediatric registration application is currently under review in Europe.

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HumanZyme has developed HumaXpress™ to produce active recombinant human proteins in a human HEK-derivative cell line in serum-free and chemically defined media. Using this technology, the company’s scientists have produced a large number of active and authentic human cytokine and kinase reagents, designed to meet the needs of researchers for preclinical and clinical work. Comparative studies indicate that these recombinant human proteins from human cells are superior to those produced in non-human cell systems.