Boston Biomedical, Inc. and AiRNA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have announced that asymmetrical interfering RNA (aiRNA), a new fundamental RNAi technology discovered by the companies, is being published in the December issue of Nature Biotechnology. The publication titled “Asymmetric RNA Duplexes Mediate RNA Interference in Mammalian Cells” highlights that the smaller 15 bp aiRNA can target a variety of genes with superior efficiency than the standard 19-21 bp siRNA. Furthermore, the new aiRNA structure can target genes more selectively with significantly less off-target effects than the standard 19-21 bp siRNA.

Mayo Clinic researchers have recommended CYP2D6 gene testing for postmenopausal women about to begin tamoxifen therapy. This data confirms that women with an inherited deficiency in the CYP2D6 gene, which is important for the metabolism of tamoxifen, have a nearly fourfold higher risk of early breast cancer recurrence compared to women who have not inherited the deficiency. The research findings, announced jointly by investigators from Mayo Clinic and the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG) confirmed results from a previous study conducted by Mayo Clinic.

Canadian researchers announce the discovery of MEDNIK, a debilitating genetic syndrome, in a study published December 5 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics.  The team demonstrates that this syndrome is caused by a newly found mutation in the human AP1S1 gene. Dr. Patrick Cossette and his team discovered MEDNIK syndrome in a group of families in Quebec that share a common ancestor.  The syndrome is characterized by mental retardation, enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratodermia (MEDNIK).

Invitrogen Corporation production and diagnostics has announced the introduction of its Invivofectamine™ delivery reagent which enables short interference ribonucleic acid (siRNA) experiments in vivo. The study of RNA interference (RNAi) has revolutionized biology by allowing researchers to directly observe the effects of the loss of function of specific genes in mammalian systems. Using proprietary technology, the Invivofectamine™ delivery reagent allows researchers to directly study the effects of siRNA inside a living organism for a variety of applications, including the drug discovery process.

Game Ready and ReGear Life Sciences have introduced ReBound, which is a new and innovative therapeutic warming system. The system is designed by ReGear to treat pain, muscle spasms and joint contractures using radio frequency (RF) diathermy. ReBound will be distributed by Game Ready. ReBound utilizes ReGear Diathermy technology, a revolutionary form of the well-known RF diathermy modality. Diathermy can alleviate pain associated with a variety of conditions such as osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower-back pain, fibromyalgia, soft tissue injuries and others.

Invitrogen Corporation, has launched its NCode™ Human and Mouse non-coding RNA microarray. The product is the first high-density microarray that will be used for the purpose of profiling non-coding RNAs. The same array consists of both messenger RNA and non-coding RNA content. Designed by Invitrogen, these arrays are manufactured by Agilent Technologies Inc., with the use of its proprietary SurePrint technology.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. has presented results from the FLEXX Trial of Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International 2008 World Congress in Rome, Italy. The results show that EUFLEXXA(R), a highly pure non-avian high molecular weight form of intra-articular hyaluronic acid, is superior to intra-articular saline for pain relief in knee OA at the end of six months. The double-blind study had enrolled 586 patients. EUFLEXXA is the first hyaluronic acid derived from non-avian that has been approved in the U.S. for knee OA pain.

Physical activity is beneficial for osteoarthritis patients as exercise keeps the joints in good health. However, osteoarthritis makes even daily activities, challenging. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan Health System has suggested that an approach, led by occupational therapy, called activity strategy training can help such people to live a more healthy and active life. Patients are educated about proper body mechanics, environmental barriers and joint protection.

A meta-analysis carried out by Carsten Moser of the Grönemeyer Institute for Microtherapy and Peter Wehling of the Molecular Medicine Foundation has found out that most of the therapies for knee osteoarthritis (OA) are ineffective, some of them being even risky. Another finding was that often, prescribed anti-rheumatic drugs do no good and have side effects. Not even a single standard treatment was found for the disorder. The researchers emphasize the need for a plan that focuses on individual treatment based on a comprehensive diagnosis of symptoms of each patient.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval to Eisai Corporation’s ONTAK(R) (denileukin diftitox) solution to be used in the form of an intravenous injection for treating patients suffering from recurrent cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) . The supplemental biologics license application is based on findings of a Phase III clinical trial that measured the efficacy of ONTAK in patients with this rare form of malignant lymphoma.