Throughout the world, 10 million breast cancer survivors have a lifetime risk for developing lymphedema, a chronic condition that involves swelling of the limbs and impacts physical and psychosocial health.
The study, "Post-Op Swelling and Lymphoedema Following Breast Cancer Treatment," was published in the Journal of Lymphoedema, Vol. 3, No. 2.

Link:http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/uom-oil121808.php
Source:EurekAlert

Testing patient's blood for two proteins or biomarkers, -- lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) that occur when inflammation is present could help doctors identify which patients are more likely to have a stroke.

Link:http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/bcom-bii121808.php
Source:EurekAlert

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has issued a positive opinion for the marketing authorization of CELVAPAN, the first cell culture-based H5N1 (avian flu) pandemic vaccine, in the European Union.

Link:http://www.centredaily.com/business/technology/story/1023600.html
Source:Centredaily

An update on its auction rate securities and continued progress in the ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 3 study of Riquent (abetimus sodium), its drug candidate for systemic lupus erythematosus ("SLE" or "lupus") was announced.
Riquent specifically reduces circulating levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies and is also designed to specifically suppress the B cells that make these antibodies.

Link:http://www.ljpc.com/pressrelease/121808.htm
Source:La Jolla

Plans to amend the ongoing ACT III clinical trial involving the investigational compound, CDX-110. ACT III is a randomized open-label, two-arm, Phase 2b/3 trial comparing CDX-110 combined with temozolomide to temozolomide alone in patients with newly diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) were announced.
CDX-110 is an investigational immunotherapy vaccine that targets the tumor specific EGFR mutant EGFRvIII.

Link:http://ir.celldextherapeutics.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=93243&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1237898&highlight=
Source:Celldex

In an early-stage trial involving patients with melanoma that had spread to other sites in the body, a biological drug dubbed ipilimumab was generally well tolerated and showed signs of attacking the malignancy.
It is published in Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Link:http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE4BG6YC20081217
Source:Reuters

The recommendation from the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) that is overseeing the Company's Phase 3 clinical investigation of elesclomol in metastatic melanoma, the SYMMETRY trial was announced. Based on a review of the safety data and a non-futility analysis, the DMC has recommended that the trial should continue.
Elesclomol is an investigational first-in-class oxidative stress inducer that triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

Link:http://ir.syntapharma.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=147988&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1237546&highlight=
Source:Synta

Top-line results from a Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating the safety of CK-1827452 in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and angina were announced.
CK-1827452 is a cardiac myosin activator.

Link:http://www.cytokinetics.com/press_releases/release/pr_1229560969
Source:Cytokinetics

Successful top-line efficacy results from a Phase 2b clinical trial testing the safety and efficacy of its oral anti-arrhythmic therapy, ATI-2042, in patients with atrial fibrillation was announced.
ATI-2042 is an oral anti-arrhythmic therapy modeled on amiodarone, the "gold standard" anti-arrhythmic therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Link:http://investors.aryx.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=354909
Source:ARYx

An update on the timing for the submission of the New Drug Application (NDA) for APF530, the company's lead product, which is being developed for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is provided.
APF530 is delivered by a single subcutaneous injection and contains the 5HT3 antagonist granisetron.

Link:http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=115565&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1237505&highlight=
Source:A.P. Pharma