MDNews - Central New York

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++ ++++++ ++++++ ++++++ ++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THAT'SNEWS New Medication Promising for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis A NEW CLASS of drugs that reduce inflammation in the brain could eventually become a treatment option for chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, and speed healing for patients with traumatic brain injuries. Under development at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, this class of medication would aim to prevent the formation of beta amyloid plaques in the brain, which are thought to lead to Alzheimer's disease. The drugs suppress brain inflammation and keep the brain from overproducing cytokine molecules. Currently known as MW151 and MW189, the drugs have already been put through the first phase 1 clinical trial stage. In a study conducted by Northwestern's Feinberg School and the University of Kentucky, mice that were given MW151 experienced a delay in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. s Cancer-Killing Viruses Utilize Blood Cells A NEW STUDY conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds and The Institute of Cancer Research in the United Kingdom has found that when cancer- killing viruses are injected directly into the bloodstream, they are able to get around the body's natural antibodies by hitching a ride on red blood cells to reach tumors and break them down. Common viruses that cause colds and mild stomach upset are actually prone to destroy cancer cells and can encourage the immune system to go after malignant tumors. While these viruses appear to travel well in the bloodstream, they can also be directly injected into tumors close to the surface of the skin. Published online in Science Translational Medicine, the study monitored 10 patients in advanced stages of colorectal cancer. Participants were administered as many as five doses of reovirus, a type of virus that contributes to fever and mild gastrointestinal illness. When tumors were later examined, the virus was present. s 22 | Central New York MD NEWS s MDNEWS.COM APPROVES HIV HOME TEST KIT FDA IN JULY 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of the first over-the-counter test kit for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Developed by OraSure Technologies and presented as a screening option for people who otherwise would not be tested, the OraQuick In-Home HIV test allows people to test for both HIV type 1 and HIV type 2 in the comfort of their homes. Using an oral swab, users take a sample of skin cells from the inside of their mouths, then place it in a special vial containing a developing solution. Within 20 to 40 minutes, they obtain results indicating the presence (or lack) of antibodies to HIV. Because the test can produce false positive results, the FDA strongly urges consumers to follow up with a health care provider. In addition, people who have had the virus for fewer than three months — or, in some cases, longer periods of time — may not exhibit the antibodies that would yield a positive result, making follow-up care paramount. s ADVERTISERS' INDEX Bryant & Stratton College ....................... Inside Back Cover CRA Medical Imaging ............................... 15 Infusacare ......................................................17 Maico Hearing Aid Service ............... Inside Back Cover Operation Walk Syracuse ..........................9 Pyramid Brokerage Company ................ 11 St. Joseph's .................. Inside Front Cover

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