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HIV/AIDS Vaccine Coalition Urges Continued Funding For Research Amid Economic Crisis
A recently released AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition report says that although there has been a renewed focus on discovery, innovation and basic science in vaccine research, action is needed to ensure that research funding continues during the economic downturn, VOA News reports. AVAC executive director Mitchell Warren said the report is "about putting all the pieces together ... not just the search for an AIDS vaccine, but in fact the entire HIV prevention response." He added, "[T]he good news is we have some new pieces of the puzzle, and we"re expecting additional new pieces of understanding through research this year." Warren said that AVAC believes HIV/AIDS vaccine research is in "one of the most exciting times," with "new energy, new commitment to unlocking some of the basic scientific roadblocks that have impeded our ability to find a vaccine." For example, a study released earlier this week examined efforts to produce a vaccine through genetic transfer. Regarding the study, Warren said, "It doesn"t mean we have an AIDS vaccine, but it means we have an entirely new approach to trying to deliver protection." Warren said that the field of HIV/AIDS vaccine research has shown a renewed commitment since Merck canceled its vaccine trial in 2007. According to Warren, the new AVAC report examines knowledge gained from the Merck study, which has provided "an unimaginable amount of information." Meanwhile, the effect of the economic crisis on research funding is concerning, Warren said, adding, "I believe that every dollar spent is going to be held up to a greater scrutiny as budgets tighten and as funders have to re-examine their priorities." According to Warren, without renewed funding commitments, "we will not only incur a much greater public health catastrophe, but I would argue that the economic catastrophes to come, if we don"t respond aggressively to HIV, will actually have repercussions that will ... make the economic crisis pale in comparison" (DeCapua, VOA News, 5/18).

Spring Cleaning: Out With The Allergens And Mold
Spring cleaning? While clearing out cobwebs and boxing up old clothes, don"t forget an invisible but crucial component of your home: the air you breathe. Even in the spring, people spend most of their time indoors-as much as 90 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For those with allergies or asthma, having clean indoor air is crucial to managing symptoms.
News of the day
Survey Finds Australian Men Risk Being Lonely And Isolated In Retirement
Men are planning for their financial security in retirement but not for their happiness, according to a survey revealing that more women than men plan for their health and leisure interests before they stop working.
Sexual Health

Quintiles Advances Cancer Treatment Through New Genetic Tests

Targeted Molecular Diagnostics (TMD), a Quintiles Central Laboratory, announced the availability of two new laboratory tests used to develop more effective cancer treatments. These new tests are now being used in the clinical development of targeted therapies more likely to succeed in treating patients with cancer related to gene mutations. The lab tests, known as mutation assays, identify the genomic changes that occur in each patient"s cancer and help researchers find the optimum individual treatment plan. This type of personalized medicine supports therapies that are safer, more effective and efficient, and minimize unnecessary or potentially harmful treatments. "The availability of these new assays is evidence of TMD"s dedication to advancing personalized medicine and targeted therapies," said TMD founder Dr. Sarah Bacus, Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer of Translational Medicine for Quintiles, which acquired TMD in November 2008. "TMD is one of the leading central laboratories to offer these assays for clinical development of oncology therapies." TMD"s new mutation assays, known as BRAF and PI3KCA, identify solid tumor mutations. Studies have shown a correlation between changes to BRAF and PI3KCA genes and individual responses to certain cancer treatments. In many cancers, the BRAF gene may be mutated, which can increase the growth and spread of cancer cells. TMD"s BRAF assay detects the most commonly occurring mutation in this gene. Similarly, PI3KCA gene mutations have been found in various solid tumors, such as breast, colon, lung, ovarian, liver and stomach cancer. TMD"s PI3KCA assay detects the four most common mutations in this gene. As assays are increasingly used to help in cancer treatment, TMD already offers a test for colorectal cancer related to KRAS gene mutation. Recently, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended that all patients with metastatic colorectal cancer be tested for mutations to the KRAS gene. "TMD was among the first laboratories to offer the KRAS test for the clinical development of treatments," said Christopher Ung, Vice President Strategic Business and Operations for Quintiles" TMD lab. "Using mutation assays is likely to become the standard of care in the future. Today, we are among the first to offer BRAF and PI3KCA assays, as these solid tumor mutations are on the leading edge of cancer research and personalized treatment options." About TMD TMD, a Quintiles Central Laboratory, is dedicated to improving the survival and quality of lives of cancer patients by using biomarker technologies to support the development of targeted therapies. Located in Westmont, Illinois, near Chicago, TMD supports the development of numerous targeted therapies in oncology such as EGFR, HER2, SRC, MEK, PI3K, HDAC and VEGF inhibitors. For more information, please visit http://www.tmdlab.com. Quintiles Transnational Corp.


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