Biothera to Present Predictive Biomarker Data at ASCO for Cancer Immunotherapy Imprime PGG

Biothera will present research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting linking a potential predictive serum biomarker to the clinical response to Imprime PGG^® immunotherapy in a recent phase 2 study in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The meeting begins today and runs through June 3 in Chicago.

“Establishment of a predictive biomarker for Imprime PGG will enable the enrichment of future clinical trials and, ultimately, provide oncologists with additional tools for evaluating treatment options for their patients”

Biothera’s Imprime PGG is a yeast-derived, soluble ß-glucan that primes innate immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages to kill antibody-targeted cancer cells via a complement receptor 3 (CR3)-dependent mechanism. About Lithobid (Lithium) without prescription In humans, naturally occurring anti-ß-glucan antibodies (ABA) are required for binding of Imprime PGG to CR3 and subsequent activation of innate immune cells.
In a study of healthy volunteers, serum ABA levels above a threshold cutoff level were predictive of higher neutrophil binding of Imprime PGG as well as enhanced functional activities, including complement activation, complement receptor expression, activation marker modulation, and selective chemokine production.
The potential of serum ABA levels as a biomarker for clinical response to Imprime PGG was subsequently evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical trial by retrospectively segregating subjects into populations at or above the independently established ABA threshold (biomarker positive; BM+) or below the ABA threshold (biomarker negative; BM-).
In this randomized, phase 2 study, stage IV NSCLC patients received cetuximab, carboplatin and paclitaxel without (Control) or with Imprime PGG 4 mg/kg on Days 1, 8 and 15 of each 3-week treatment cycle for the first 4 to 6 cycles. About Lopid (Gemfibrozil) without Rx Maintenance treatment with cetuximab alone or in combination with Imprime PGG was continued until disease progression.
Overall, the objective response rate (ORR; primary endpoint) was 23% in the control group (6/26), and 48% in the Imprime PGG group (22/46; p= 0.047 vs. control). Within the Imprime PGG group, ORR was 67% in BM+ patients (10/15; p=0.009 vs. control) and was 39% in BM- patients (12/31; p=0.259 vs. control).
“In NSCLC patients, the addition of Imprime PGG to carboplatin, paclitaxel and cetuximab therapy resulted in significantly improved objective response rate,” said Ada Braun, M.D., Ph.D., Biothera chief medical officer. About Detrol La (Tolterodine) with no Rx “In patients with ABA levels above the pre-specified threshold cutoff, the objective response rate nearly tripled compared to control and there was a trend for improved survival.”
Median overall survival was 11.3 months in the control group, 12.4 months in the entire Imprime PGG group (HR 1.04; p=0.883 vs. control). Within the Imprime PGG group, median survival was 16.7 months (HR 0.70; p=0.365 vs. control) in BM+ patients and 9.4 months in BM- patients (HR 1.28; p=0.433 vs. control).
Serum ABA levels may be a predictive biomarker for Imprime PGG activity. Further research to characterize the predictive significance of the biomarker is ongoing.
“Establishment of a predictive biomarker for Imprime PGG will enable the enrichment of future clinical trials and, ultimately, Buy Acivir with free prescription provide oncologists with additional tools for evaluating treatment options for their patients,” said Dan Conners, president of Biothera’s Pharmaceutical Group.
Biothera ASCO Presentation Details
Biothera’s presentation will be part of the general poster session on Developmental Therapeutics – Immunotherapy. The presentation is scheduled for 8:00-11:45 am on Monday, June 1 in McCormick Place, S Hall A2. The Biothera presentation is #112 and entitled, Cholesterol Medications Customer Reviews “Endogenous Anti-ß-Glucan Antibodies as a Potential Predictive Biomarker for Clinical Response to Imprime PGG Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients.” Abstract ID: 3045.
The research is a collaboration of Biothera and:

• Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
• Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden, Minden, Germany.
• Policlinic of the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Muenchen, Germany.

About Imprime PGG^®
Imprime PGG is a novel cancer immunotherapy that engages and directs the innate immune system to kill cancer cells. This targeted mechanism is synergistic with anti-tumor monoclonal antibodies, with significant therapeutic potential in a wide range of cancer indications. In phase 2 clinical trials, Imprime PGG has been associated with remarkable response rates in multiple clinical trials for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Imprime PGG is currently being investigated in a phase 3 clinical trial for advanced colorectal cancer and in phase 2 studies for NSCLC, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and pancreas cancer. 

About Biothera, the Immune Health Company
Biothera is a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health. The company is a pioneer in the field of cancer immunotherapy and the leader in innate immune modulation.

AHF: Gilead Asks SEC to Block CEO Pay Resolution

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) President and Gilead Sciences stockholder Michael Weinstein has written to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asking the SEC to deny Gilead’s recent request to exclude a shareholder proposal submitted by Weinstein to Gilead that was intended to be included in its Proxy for shareholder vote during Gilead’s 2014 Annual Meeting in May. Dostinex (Cabergoline) pills Late last year, Weinstein submitted a shareholder proposal titled, “Patient Access as a Criterion of Executive Compensation,” for consideration for shareholder vote in conjunction with the 2014 Annual Meeting. The proposal would tie executive compensation to Gilead to the affordability and availability of its lifesaving medications.

“Patient Access as a Criterion of Executive Compensation”

However, Gilead rejected Weinstein’s proposal without any prior consultation with Weinstein to resolve alleged discrepancies in his proposal—as required under SEC regulations. Droxia (Hydroxyurea) tabs Weinstein is now asking the SEC to deny Gilead’s request for the exclusion of his proposal from its Proxy and allow shareholders the opportunity to vote on it during this year’s Annual Meeting.
“The matter addressed in my shareholder proposal is of direct relevance to the shareholders of Gilead: The proposal ties a portion of executive compensation to patient access to Gilead’s medications—a new degree of accountability that recognizes the unique role pharmaceutical companies play both as businesses and in society. Zestoretic (Lisinopril HCTZ) Gilead CEO John Martin’s reported five-year total compensation through 2012 was over $250 million. During some of those same years, as many as 10,000 vulnerable low-income Americans living with HIV/AIDS lingered on waiting lists for access to lifesaving AIDS drugs,” said Weinstein, “In seeking to exclude this proposal from its 2014 proxy, Gilead is attempting to devalue shareholder input on this matter. Buy Vitamins online Moreover, it is doing so without any prior consultation with me to try and resolve any alleged discrepancies in the proposal, and on the basis of erroneous claims regarding the relevance of my role as the President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation.”
Weinstein’s letter to the SEC highlights five areas where he believes Gilead erred in its challenge to his shareholder proposal as submitted. These areas include:
I. Gilead failed to contact Mr. Weinstein at any point to resolve alleged discrepancies or inaccuracies in the Proposal so that it would be eligible to appear on the 2014 proxy.
II. Gilead’s claim that the proposal relates to the redress of a personal claim or grievance against the company and is designed to benefit the proponent is erroneous.
III. Gilead’s claim that the Proposal should be excluded because it deals with a matter relating to the Company’s ordinary business operations is erroneous. Jason Woods's Blog
IV. Despite Gilead’s claim to the contrary, the issues addressed in the Proposal are held by a large contingent of other shareholders.
V. Gilead’s claim that the Proposal is materially false and misleading is unsubstantiated.
For further information on these issues, please see Weinstein’s full letter to the SEC and his original shareholder proposal as submitted to Gilead (both linked above).
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 279,000 individuals in 32 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.fda-approved-rx.biz.

ARIAD Reaches 50 Percent Patient Enrollment in Phase 3 EPIC Trial of Iclusig

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARIA) today announced enrollment of fifty percent of the patients planned in its randomized Phase 3 trial of Iclusig^® (ponatinib) in adult patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The trial, formally known as EPIC (Evaluation of Ponatinib versus Imatinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia), is designed to provide definitive clinical data to support regulatory approval of ponatinib in treatment-naïve CML patients.

“Depending on the outcome of the interim analysis, we may be able to file for regulatory approval of Iclusig in this front-line setting approximately six months earlier than currently planned.”

An interim analysis of efficacy -- focused on the primary endpoint of major molecular response rate (MMR) at twelve months -- will be performed in the third quarter of 2014 based on the patients enrolled to date. Buy Aygestin (Norethisterone Bp) pills online without prescription Approximately 264 patients have been enrolled in the EPIC trial, and full patient enrollment of approximately 500 patients in the trial is anticipated by the end of 2013.
“The EPIC trial is a very important study in the ongoing global development of Iclusig and will inform our clinical understanding of Iclusig in patients with newly diagnosed CML,” said Harvey J. Berger, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer of ARIAD. “Depending on the outcome of the interim analysis, we may be able to file for regulatory approval of Iclusig in this front-line setting approximately six months earlier than currently planned.”
Trial Design and Statistical Analysis
The EPIC trial is a randomized, two-arm, multicenter trial that compares the efficacy of ponatinib with that of imatinib in adult patients with newly diagnosed CML in the chronic phase. Buy Azelex (Azelaic Acid) tabs online without prescription The trial is currently being conducted at approximately 150 investigational sites in more than 20 countries. Patients in the trial must be at least 18 years of age and diagnosed with CML within six months prior to enrollment. Approximately 500 patients are randomized 1:1 to the standard dose of ponatinib (45 mg given orally once daily) or imatinib (400 mg given orally once daily). Increasing the imatinib dose to 600 mg or 800 mg per day is permitted.
As a primary endpoint, the trial is designed to measure the MMR of patients at 12 months of treatment. This endpoint was chosen to support accelerated approval for front-line treatment in the United States. ARIAD also expects results from the EPIC trial to support regulatory approval in the European Union and Japan. All patients are evaluated for molecular response (MR) using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT PCR) at a single central laboratory (Molecular MD, Portland, OR). Buy Tenormin (Atenolol) without prescription To achieve MMR, the ratio of BCR-ABL protein transcripts to ABL transcripts in a patients’ blood must be 0.1% or less, using the International Scale in peripheral blood.
The EPIC trial is designed to have a 90% power to detect a 15% absolute improvement in 12-month MMR rate by ponatinib compared to imatinib. This was based, in part, on the results of the nilotinib (ENESTnd) and dasatinib (DASISION) Phase 3 trials. The 12-month MMR rates for the imatinib arms in these two trials were 22% and 28%, respectively. Using the more conservative estimate of the 12-month MMR rate for imatinib, the upper bound of the 95^th percentile confidence interval for the higher of these two estimates is 34%. Buy Vitamins online The ENESTnd trial was designed to demonstrate a 15% absolute improvement in 12-month MMR rate comparing nilotinib to imatinib. Thus, the EPIC trial is 90% powered to detect a 15% absolute improvement in 12-month MMR rate by ponatinib compared to imatinib (i.e., 49% vs. 34%).
Key secondary endpoints include: MMR at five years, MR at three months
(a reduction in the level of BCR-ABL transcripts to 10% or less), complete cytogenetic response rate at 12 months, progression-free survival and overall survival. Each patient will be followed for up to eight years from the time the last patient is randomized to either treatment arm.

About CML and Ph+ ALL
CML is characterized by an excessive and unregulated production of white blood cells by the bone marrow due to a genetic abnormality that produces the BCR-ABL protein. After a chronic phase of production of too many white blood cells, CML typically evolves to the more aggressive phases referred to as accelerated phase or blast crisis. Cholesterol Medications Customer Reviews Ph+ ALL is a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia that carries the Ph+ chromosome that produces BCR-ABL. It has a more aggressive course than CML and is often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The BCR-ABL protein is expressed in both of these diseases.
About Iclusig^® (ponatinib)
Iclusig is a kinase inhibitor. The primary target for Iclusig is BCR-ABL, an abnormal tyrosine kinase that is expressed in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia-chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Iclusig was designed using ARIAD’s computational and structure-based drug design platform specifically to inhibit the activity of BCR-ABL. All Best Rx : Buy drugs online Iclusig targets not only native BCR-ABL but also its isoforms that carry mutations that confer resistance to treatment, including the T315I mutation, a common mutation which has been associated with resistance to other approved TKIs.
Indication, Usage and Dosing
Iclusig is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic phase, accelerated phase, or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) that is resistant or intolerant to prior tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy or Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) that is resistant or intolerant to prior TKI therapy.
This indication is based upon response rate. There are no trials verifying an improvement in disease-related symptoms or increased survival with Iclusig. The recommended dose of Iclusig is a 45 mg tablet taken once-daily with or without food.
Important Safety Information
Boxed Warning
Arterial Thrombosis: Cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular thrombosis, including fatal myocardial infarction and stroke have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. FDA Approved Rx : Online Pharmacy In clinical trials, serious arterial thrombosis occurred in 8% of Iclusig-treated patients. Interrupt and consider discontinuation of Iclusig in patients who develop arterial thrombotic events.
Hepatotoxicity: Hepatotoxicity, liver failure and death have occurred in Iclusig-treated patients. Monitor hepatic function prior to and during treatment. Interrupt and then reduce or discontinue Iclusig for hepatotoxicity.
Warnings and Precautions
Congestive Heart Failure: Twenty patients treated with Iclusig (4%) experienced serious congestive heart failure (CHF) or left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), with 4 fatalities. Thirty-three patients treated with Iclusig (7%) experienced any grade of CHF or LVD. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms consistent with CHF and treat as clinically indicated, including interruption of Iclusig. Drugs Rx Guide : Buy drugs online Consider discontinuation of Iclusig in patients who develop serious CHF.
Hypertension: Eight patients treated with Iclusig (2%) experienced treatment-emergent symptomatic hypertension as a serious adverse reaction, including hypertensive crisis. Treatment-emergent hypertension (defined as systolic BP≥140 mm Hg or diastolic BP≥90 mm Hg on at least one occasion) occurred in 67% of patients (300/449). Monitor and manage blood pressure elevations.
Pancreatitis: Clinical pancreatitis occurred in 6% of patients (5% Grade 3) treated with Iclusig. The incidence of treatment emergent lipase elevation was 41%. Check serum lipase every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and then monthly thereafter or as clinically indicated. Dose interruption or reduction may be required. In cases where lipase elevations are accompanied by abdominal symptoms, interrupt treatment with Iclusig and evaluate patients for pancreatitis.
Hemorrhage: Serious bleeding events occurred in 5% (22/449) of patients treated with Iclusig, including fatalities. Hemorrhagic events occurred in 24% of patients. The incidence of serious bleeding events was higher in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML, and Ph+ ALL. Most events occurred in patients with grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Interrupt Iclusig for serious or severe hemorrhage.
Fluid Retention: Serious fluid retention events occurred in 3% of patients treated with Iclusig. One instance of brain edema was fatal. Monitor patients for fluid retention and manage patients as clinically indicated. Interrupt, reduce, or discontinue Iclusig as clinically indicated.
Cardiac Arrhythmias: Symptomatic bradyarrhythmias that led to a requirement for pacemaker implantation occurred in 3 (1%) Iclusig-treated patients. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms suggestive of slow heart rate (fainting, dizziness, or chest pain). Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias occurred in 5% of Iclusig-treated patients. Atrial fibrillation was the most common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and occurred in 20 patients. For 13 patients, the event led to hospitalization. Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of rapid heart rate (palpitations, dizziness).
Myelosuppression: Severe (Grade 3 or 4) myelosuppression occurred in 48% (215/449) of patients treated with Iclusig. The incidence of these events was greater in patients with AP-CML, BP-CML and Ph+ ALL than in patients with CP-CML. Obtain complete blood counts every 2 weeks for the first 3 months and then monthly or as clinically indicated, and adjust the dose as recommended.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Two patients (<1%) with advanced disease (AP-CML, BP-CML, or Ph+ ALL) treated with Iclusig developed serious tumor lysis syndrome. Hyperuricemia occurred in 7%(30/449) of patients overall; the majority had CP-CML (19 patients). Ensure adequate hydration and treat high uric acid levels prior to initiating therapy with Iclusig.
Compromised Wound Healing and Gastrointestinal Perforation: Since Iclusig may compromise wound healing, interrupt Iclusig for at least 1 week prior to major surgery. Serious gastrointestinal perforation (fistula) occurred in one patient 38 days post-cholecystectomy.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Iclusig can cause fetal harm. If Iclusig is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking Iclusig, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Advise women to avoid pregnancy while taking Iclusig.
Adverse Reactions
The most common non-hematologic adverse reactions (≥20%) were hypertension, rash, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, dry skin, constipation, arthralgia, nausea, and pyrexia. Hematologic adverse reactions included thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, lymphopenia, and leukopenia. Please see the full U.S. Prescribing Information for Iclusig, including the Boxed Warning.
About ARIAD
ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Lausanne, Switzerland, is an integrated global oncology company focused on transforming the lives of cancer patients with breakthrough medicines. ARIAD is working on new medicines to advance the treatment of various forms of chronic and acute leukemia, lung cancer and other difficult-to-treat cancers. ARIAD utilizes computational and structural approaches to design small-molecule drugs that overcome resistance to existing cancer medicines.
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” including, but not limited to, statements about an interim analysis of efficacy data in the EPIC trial being expected in the third quarter of 2014, full patient enrollment in the EPIC trial being anticipated by the end of 2013, the potential for us to file for regulatory approval of Iclusig in the front-line setting approximately six months earlier than currently planned, our expectation that results from the EPIC trial will also support regulatory approval in the European Union and Japan, and our plans for following patients for up to eight years from the time the last patient is randomized to either treatment arm in the EPIC trial. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcome of events, timing and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully launch, commercialize and generate profits from sales of Iclusig; competition from alternative therapies and acceptance of Iclusig by patients, physicians and third-party payors; our ability to obtain approval for Iclusig outside of the Unites States and Europe and in additional indications; difficulties in forecasting sales or recognizing revenues for Iclusig; our reliance on third-party manufacturers, including sole-source suppliers, and on specialty pharmacies and specialty distributors for the distribution of Iclusig; preclinical data and early-stage clinical data that may not be replicated in later-stage clinical studies; the costs associated with our research, development, manufacturing and other activities; the conduct and results of preclinical and clinical studies of our product candidates; difficulty or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products; the timing of development and potential market opportunity for our product candidates; our reliance on strategic partners, licensees and other key parties for the successful development, manufacturing and commercialization of our product candidates; the adequacy of our capital resources and the availability of additional funding; patent protection and third-party intellectual property claims; our failure to comply with extensive regulatory requirements; the occurrence of serious adverse events in patients being treated with Iclusig or our product candidates; the ability to manage our growth effectively; product liability claims; our operations in foreign countries; future capital needs; risks related to key employees, markets, economic conditions, health care reform, prices and reimbursement rates; and other factors detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and any updates to those risk factors contained in our subsequent periodic and current reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained in this press release is believed to be current as of the date of original issue. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this document to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law.

Foster Wheeler Establishes New JV E&C Company in China

Foster Wheeler AG (Nasdaq: FWLT) announced today that a subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction (E&C) Group has signed an equity purchase agreement with CEFOC (The Fourth Construction Company Ltd. of China Electronics System Engineering) to purchase a 49% share in its Chinese Design Institute, PECHDI.

“This is truly an exciting development for our business in China.”

The co-owned design institute is now a joint venture (JV) named Foster Wheeler (Hebei) Engineering Design Company Limited, through which Foster Wheeler Global E&C Group and CEFOC will execute business in China.
Foster Wheeler (Hebei) Engineering Design Company Limited is fully licensed to engineer, procure and construct process facilities in China under single contracts, and it possesses Class A design licenses in the “Chemical, Petrochemical and Pharmaceutical” industry. Buy Tricor (Fenofibrate) pills online without prescription Under Chinese law, this industry grouping includes other key business sectors for Foster Wheeler: upstream, refining and power.
Foster Wheeler has management control of the new JV company, whose management center is based in Foster Wheeler’s Shanghai office. The existing PECHDI offices in Shijiazhuang, Beijing, Tianjin, and Suzhou have become part of the new JV company; these are well-established operations that have served clients in the refining, chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors for 60 years. Buy Trial Packs ED tabs online without prescription The new JV company also includes Foster Wheeler’s existing Shanghai operations. The combination of PECHDI resources and Foster Wheeler’s Shanghai operations immediately creates a workforce of more than 600 qualified technical personnel.
“This enables us to deliver the full value chain of services that our clients in China are demanding, and represents a key milestone in our growth strategy in China,” said Kent Masters, Chief Executive Officer, Foster Wheeler AG. Buy Ponstel (Mefenamic Acid) without prescription “This is truly an exciting development for our business in China.”
Foster Wheeler AG is a global engineering and construction company and power equipment supplier delivering technically advanced, reliable facilities and equipment. The company employs approximately 13,000 talented professionals with specialized expertise dedicated to serving its clients through one of its two primary business groups. Buy Vitamins online The company’s Global Engineering and Construction Group designs and constructs leading-edge processing facilities for the upstream oil and gas, LNG and gas-to-liquids, refining, chemicals and petrochemicals, power, mining and metals, environmental, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare industries. The company’s Global Power Group is a world leader in combustion and steam generation technology that designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for power stations and industrial facilities and also provides a wide range of aftermarket services. The company is based in Zug, Switzerland, and its operational headquarters office is in Reading, United Kingdom.
Safe Harbor Statement
Foster Wheeler AG news releases may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management’s assumptions, expectations and projections about the Company and the various industries within which the Company operates. Information relating to the Extraordinary General Meeting of Diamyd Medical These include statements regarding the Company’s expectations about revenues (including as expressed by its backlog), its liquidity, the outcome of litigation and legal proceedings and recoveries from customers for claims and the costs of current and future asbestos claims and the amount and timing of related insurance recoveries. Such forward-looking statements by their nature involve a degree of risk and uncertainty. FDA Approved Rx : Online Pharmacy The Company cautions that a variety of factors, including but not limited to the factors described in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the following, could cause the Company’s business conditions and results to differ materially from what is contained in forward-looking statements: benefits, effects or results of the Company’s redomestication to Switzerland, benefits, effects or results of the Company’s strategic renewal initiative, further deterioration in global economic conditions, changes in investment by the oil and gas, oil refining, chemical/petrochemical and power generation industries, changes in the financial condition of its customers, changes in regulatory environments. All Best Rx : Buy drugs online Changes in project design or schedules, contract cancellations, the changes in estimates made by the Company of costs to complete projects, changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies worldwide, compliance with laws and regulations relating to the Company’s global operations, currency fluctuations, war, terrorist attacks and/or natural disasters affecting facilities either owned by the Company or where equipment or services are or may be provided by the Company, interruptions to shipping lanes or other methods of transit, outcomes of pending and future litigation, including litigation regarding the Company’s liability for damages and insurance coverage for asbestos exposure, protection and validity of the Company’s patents and other intellectual property rights, increasing global competition, compliance with its debt covenants, recoverability of claims against the Company’s customers and others by the Company and claims by third parties against the Company, and changes in estimates used in its critical accounting policies. Other factors and assumptions not identified above were also involved in the formation of these forward-looking statements and the failure of such other assumptions to be realized, as well as other factors, may also cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Drugs Rx Guide : Buy drugs online Most of these factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the Company’s control. You should consider the areas of risk described above in connection with any forward-looking statements that may be made by the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are advised, however, to consult any additional disclosures the Company makes in proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K and current reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished with to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Alpha Szenszor Inc. and Technion Announce Joint Venture in Lung Cancer Diagnostics

Alpha Szenszor Inc., a leading provider of carbon nanotube based sensors and the Technion -Israel Institute of Technology have announced a joint venture for the commercialization of advanced lung cancer diagnostics based on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) detection from human breath. The two organizations plan to merge expertise to commercialize an economically viable, non-invasive, digital tool for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

“We look forward to this partnership with Technion as a critical step in the validation of early stage diagnostics through direct digital detection of gaseous biomarkers.”

Alpha Szenszor is an e-nose diagnostics company based on carbon nanotube (CNT) sensor chips. Buy Maxalt (Rizatriptan) pills online without prescription The Company has leveraged decades of consumer electronics integration and an extensive IP portfolio to offer direct digital detection of trace gases in low ppb concentrations using low cost, scalable, manufacturing processes.
Founded in 1912, Technion is the oldest university in Israel and has an outstanding reputation in technology transfer. It has 18 academic departments and 52 research centers. Pilot laboratory and clinical studies through Technion’s Laboratory for Nanomaterial-Based Devices (LNBD) have demonstrated the feasibility to diagnose and classify several diseases (including lung cancer) from exhaled breath using advanced spectrometry techniques as well as array of nanomaterial-based sensors, developed and patented by the same team.
“At Alpha Szenszor, we are excited to be working with one of the world’s premier research institutes in a field where the transformational benefits to human life have been so clearly demonstrated,” says Alpha Szenszor CEO Steve Lerner. “We look forward to this partnership with Technion as a critical step in the validation of early stage diagnostics through direct digital detection of gaseous biomarkers.”
“At Technion, we are excited by this new venture with Alpha Szenszor. The combination of strengths and expertise of both parties will greatly enhance our ability to save human lives,” says lead researcher Prof. Hossam Haick, of the Technion Department of Chemical Engineering. “The Technion's and Alpha Szenszor's strong IP portfolio and experience will enable the fast and effective transition of this valuable technology from the lab to the medical world where it will be of real benefit in the fight against cancer.”
About Alpha Szenszor Inc.
Alpha Szenszor is a provider of advanced e-nose technology for a wide range of life science applications. The Company’s proprietary Carbon Nanotube BioSensor technology has demonstrated direct, digital, state of the art sensitivity and selectivity that rivals most desktop units, but with the added benefit of consumer electronics price points and miniaturization. The ASI CNTnose also eliminates the need for cumbersome optical fluorescence and amplification techniques typically employed in biological testing, thus greatly reducing reagent costs and improving response time and portability.
About The Technion
As Israel's oldest and premier institute of science and technology, the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology has been an active and leading participant in conceiving and shaping the high-tech nation of the State of Israel. Israel is now recognized as one of the world's most prominent high-tech innovators, and has been called the second Silicon Valley. Technology Transfer at Technion is carried out under the auspices of T – the Technion Office for Technology Transfer at the Technion Research & Development Foundation.
 

DaVita Celebrates Extraordinary 2012

DaVita, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.® and a leading provider of kidney care services, released a year-end recap of major milestones and achievements for the company in 2012.

“DaVita’s performance was outstanding in 2012 – from clinical outcomes and patient care to business growth and corporate citizenship”

“DaVita’s performance was outstanding in 2012 – from clinical outcomes and patient care to business growth and corporate citizenship,” said Kent Thiry, chairman and CEO of DaVita HealthCare Partners. Buy Flagyl (Metronidazole) pills online without prescription “Every day, our success relies on the commitment and hard work of more than 40,000 DaVita teammates, and I’m very grateful for their belief in our DaVita community.”
Major initiatives and highlights for DaVita in 2012 included:
Clinical Excellence:

• DaVita Survival Rate Leads Kidney Care Industry – In September, the United States Renal Data System released its 2012 Atlas of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The Atlas covers population and treatment data available in 2010; for that year, DaVita had the lowest standard mortality rate in the industry (along with DCI).¹ According to internal data, in 2011 gross mortality rate at DaVita fell to the lowest level ever, showing a 15% decrease in mortality rate since 2005. This decrease represents thousands of lives saved over a period of years.
• DaVita Clinical Research Presents 13 Abstracts at NKF; 12 Posters at ASN; Seven HEOR Posters at ISPOR- In 2012, researchers from DaVita Clinical Research® (DCR®) and DaVita presented the results from a number of innovative clinical improvement programs and health economic studies originating from DaVita and its research partners. The findings were shared at three premier health care meetings – the National Kidney Foundation Spring Clincal Meeting, the 17^th Annual International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research International Meeting, and American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week. DCR provides a collaborative bridge between DaVita services and the pharmaceutical and biotech research community; DCR also shares DaVita’s dedication to improving the health and well-being of kidney patients.
• DaVita’s CathAway^TM Program Continues to Save Lives - DaVita has made remarkable progress in reducing patient central venous catheter (CVC) rates, a major risk factor for serious infection in kidney patients. In 2008, DaVita established CathAway, the company's seven-step program for reducing the number of hemodialysis patients dialyzing with CVCs. Since the inception of the program, DaVita has witnessed a more than 40 percent reduction in the number of "Day 90+" catheter patients (i.e., those patients who have been dialyzing at DaVita for 90 days or more using a catheter for dialysis access), and the company is now at an all-time low catheter rate of 14.1 percent for this patient population as of November 2012. DaVita leads major dialysis providers in the industry in the use of fistulas, the “gold standard” for dialysis access.
• DaVita Patient Vaccination Rates Top 90% - Two months into the 2012-2013 flu season (as of December 1, 2012), DaVita had vaccinated 91.5% of its patients for influenza and 91.8% of its patients for pneumonia. Vaccinations are critically important for people like kidney patients who are at high risk for complications, helping prevent hospitalizations and even death and supporting quality of life.
• DaVita Launches Social Site NephLink to Connect Nephrologists – DaVita launched NephLink^TM  this year, which is a new online physician community for kidney care. NephLink is designed to allow physicians to discuss difficult patient cases or practice-management issues, share best practices and ideas, and debate the evolving health care landscape. NephLink provides physicians with direct access to their colleagues to engage and collaborate as a group – or one-on-one – with self-service privacy controls. In addition to providing tools to connect and collaborate, NephLink provides access to news, journals, events and resources from many kidney care news syndicates and journal publishers. To register for NephLink.

Patient Service:

• Launch of myDaVita.com – DaVita announced an important update to myDaVita.com to further help dialysis patients manage their health. myDaVita.com is an online patient social networking and virtual support center where dialysis patients can connect with other members of the kidney care community by sharing stories, meeting friends who are going through similar experiences, getting advice, and supporting and inspiring others. Other myDaVita.com resources include the DaVita Diet Helper™, which helps patients navigate nutrition challenges with planned menus and a log to track important nutrients. In the enhanced My Recipes section, patients and caregivers can save and organize favorites from more than 800 kidney-friendly recipes. These online tools allow patients to be proactive about their health, which can lead to improved clinical outcomes and an improved quality of life.
• Launch of Patient Health Portal^TM– In 2012 – in a first among major dialysis providers – DaVita launched the new DaVita Health Portal, allowing patients to securely access their test results and other treatment information. The application is accessible anywhere patients have an Internet connection through a computer, including in DaVita dialysis centers.

Business Growth:

• Merger with HealthCare Partners – On November 1, HealthCare Partners® merged into a subsidiary of DaVita’s parent company. The parent company changed its name to DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. HealthCare Partners, now one of the two main operating divisions of DaVita HealthCare Partners, has leading operations in the Southern California, Central Florida, Southern Nevada and Northern New Mexico areas. HealthCare Partners takes clinical and economic accountability and management responsibility for nearly all of the healthcare needs of a patient population. This includes the provision of professional services rendered by primary care and specialty physicians as well as the coordination of hospital and other services. DaVita, the other main operating division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., will continue to provide comprehensive services for kidney care patients.
• DaVita Rx® - DaVita Rx is the world’s first and largest full-service pharmacy dedicated to serving the unique needs of kidney patients. In 2012, DaVita Rx expanded their services to help manage patient medications and clinical outcomes. DaVita Rx helps patients improve compliance with their required drug regimens with refill reminders, reviews for possible drug interactions and other services, resulting in healthier patients and improved quality of life.
• International Expansion – As of December, 2012, DaVita had 25 clinics operating in six countries outside the U.S., employing more than 400 teammates. DaVita is managing clinics in China, Singapore and Saudi Arabia, and owns and operates clinics in India and Malaysia.
• New Research Facility Opens in Denver Metro Area – DaVita Clinical Research expanded to Colorado this year, opening a new facility in Lakewood. The new facility encompasses 35,000 square feet and is physically connected to St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colo. The 80-bed facility brought more than fifty specialized research jobs to the area and increased DCR’s physical capacity from 42 to 122 beds in North America. The facility supports high-risk studies and has expanded ability to support both patient and healthy volunteer Phase I clinical studies.
• DaVita Team Moves Into New World HQ Building – This summer, more than 500 DaVita teammates moved into DaVita’s new World Headquarters building at 2000 16^th Street in Denver. The building was designed in collaboration with teammates, for teammates, with sustainability and a positive working experience as top priorities. Over 1,000 teammates had input into various design decisions, from outdoor spaces to workspace setup to the visual reminders of the DaVita story. The building is expected to achieve LEED® Gold certification for the environmental concepts utilized during design and construction. One such design concept incorporated into the building provides 98% of teammates with exposure to direct sunlight from their workspaces. More than 75% of total site construction waste was recycled.

Education, Empowerment, Corporate Citizenship:

• DaVita Kidney Rock Walk^TM – More than 1,200 people participated in the DaVita Kidney Rock™ event in August, helping to raise an estimated $500,000 for Bridge of Life Medical Missions, which brings life-saving dialysis treatments to developing countries by supporting the creation of self-sustaining clinics. Hundreds of attendees also received kidney disease screenings from The Kidney TRUST.
• Tour DaVita ® - DaVita’s annual charity bike ride, Tour DaVita, raised $900,000 to support Bridge of Life-DaVita Medical Missions^TM in 2012. The proceeds from Tour DaVita will help fund nine medical missions taking place in 2013 where Bridge of Life volunteers will be able to install or repair 112 dialysis machines. Through these missions, Bridge of Life will bring dialysis treatment to more than 600 people in communities that otherwise would not have access to this life-sustaining care.
• DaVita HQ Expected to Receive LEED® Gold Rating – DaVita expects to receive LEED® Gold certification of its world headquarters building, designed with environmentally responsible materials and energy efficient systems, from the use of 2850 linear feet of beetle kill wood to water efficiency that saves over 1 million gallons of water each year. Flooring throughout the building is comprised of pre- and post-consumer recycled materials; more than 90% of teammates have direct views to the outdoors; and 100% of permanent teammates receive complimentary RTD EcoPasses. DaVita also diverts more than 85% of materials from landfills through internal composting and recycling efforts. DaVita was also recognized as an “EPA Green Power Partner” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• DaVita Jumps in Newsweek’s U.S. Green Ranking List – Newsweek’s 2012 U.S. Green Ranking List placed DaVita at number 209, up 33 spots from 2011. Newsweek U.S. Green Rankings highlight the top 500 companies in America for leadership in environmental performance. This is the fourth year Newsweek has compiled its green rankings; DaVita has been ranked each year so far.
• Community Service - 2012 was DaVita’s best year ever for teammate volunteerism through “Village Service Days.” Village Service Days include any community service performed by three or more teammates at or on behalf of DaVita. As of December 15, 2012, DaVita teammates had participated in over 200 Village Service Days, involving more than 7,000 teammates and more than 11,000 hours of service.

Awards
Healthcare excellence
Renal Dietitian of the Year – DaVita dietitian Chhaya Patel was recognized by the National Kidney Foundation.
100 Most Influential People in Health Care – DaVita CEO Kent Thiry was ranked number 12 among the most influential people in U.S. health care by Modern Healthcare.
National Health Information Awards – DaVita’s Kidney Smart campaign was recognized in the consumer decision-making information category.
Corporate culture & operations
World's Most Admired Companies – DaVita was named one of the World’s Most admired companies by Fortune magazine.
Most Democratic Workplaces – DaVita was ranked among the world’s most democratically operated world places by WorldBlu – the only health care company and the only Fortune 500® company so recognized.
50 Top Performing Companies – DaVita was named a top performer by Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
InformationWeek 500 – DaVita was ranked number 176 among the InformationWeek 500 most innovative users of business technology.
Best Places to Work – DaVita was recognized (through teammate surveys) as a top employer in Denver by the Denver Business Journal and the Denver Post.
2013 Training Top 125 – Training Magazine named DaVita a leading organization that excels at employee development.
Healthiest X-Large Employer in Colorado – DaVita was recognized as the healthiest employer in Colorado – x-large business category, by the Denver Business Journal.
Military recruiting
Top 100 Military-Friendly® Employers – DaVita was recognized as a top 100 military- friendly employer by G.I. Jobs.
Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military® - DaVita was named a most valuable employer for military personnel by Civilianjobs.com.
Best for Vets – DaVita was recognized by Military Times Edge as a “Best for Vets” employer. DaVita was also included on the list for best employers for reservists.
Military Spouse – DaVita was recognized as a top employer for military spouses by Military Spouse Magazine.
Patriot Award – DaVita supervisor David Blank was recognized with the Department of Defense’s prestigious Patriot Award for his support of military personnel (including reservists).
DaVita, HealthCare Partners, DaVita Clinical Research, DCR, Tour DaVita, DaVita Kidney Rock, DaVita Rx, NephLink, CathAway and DaVita HealthCare Partners are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About DaVita
DaVita is the dialysis division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a Fortune 500® company that, through its operating divisions, provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. A leading provider of kidney care in the United States, DaVita delivers dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita strives to improve patients’ quality of life by innovating clinical care, and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services. As of September 30, 2012, DaVita operated or provided administrative services at 1,912 outpatient dialysis centers located in the United States serving approximately 150,000 patients. The company currently operates 25 outpatient dialysis centers located in six countries outside the United States. DaVita supports numerous programs dedicated to creating positive, sustainable change in communities around the world. The company’s leadership development initiatives and social responsibility efforts have been recognized by Fortune, Modern Healthcare, Newsweek and WorldBlu.

McKesson VITAL Care Management Recognized as a Major Player in the U.S. for Care Management

McKesson Health Solutions, a business unit of McKesson Corporation focused on delivering leading technology solutions to the payer, provider and government markets, today announced that IDC Health Insights named it a “major player” in care management. McKesson Health Solutions has been supporting health plans and states nationwide in implementing successful care management programs for nearly twenty years. Buy Aciphex (Rabeprazole Sodium) pills online without prescription

“We are pleased to be recognized by IDC Health Insights as a major player in the care management industry”

The IDC Health Insights report IDC MarketScape: U.S. Care Management Solutions for Healthcare Payers 2012 Vendor Assessment - A Market in Transition to Health Engagement, Document # HI235803, July 2012, examined the capabilities and strategies of nine leading care management vendors and positioned McKesson Health Solutions as a major player. IDC Health Insights’ assessment of care management vendors represents its opinion on which companies are well positioned today through current capabilities and which are best positioned to gain market share in the coming years.
The IDC Health Insights report commended McKesson Health Solutions for its industry market history and clinical and solution depth; breadth of capabilities and solutions, including health and wellness; evidence-based clinical content; provider, network and payment assets; strong history of providing care management services; and dedicated customer base.
Delivered as McKesson VITAL Care Management, McKesson’s offering is comprised of a platform that includes predictive modeling, segmentation, and utilization, disease and case management workflow; engagement tools such as consumer and provider portals and program communications; nurse advice line and support; and business insight tools and consultants. McKesson VITAL Care Management programs are third-party validated in helping to deliver better health to patients and better business health to payers.
Traditional care management is evolving into a strategic health management solution, and successful vendors are expanding functionality and services in response, according to the IDC Health Insights report. “Health plans need care management solutions with the capacity and flexibility to engage and communicate with consumers and providers, deliver disease and case management initiatives, and provide integrated analytics and outcomes analysis,” said Janice W. Young, Program Director, IDC Health Insights' Payer IT Strategies, and author of the report.
“We are pleased to be recognized by IDC Health Insights as a major player in the care management industry,” said Judy Smythe, senior vice president and general manager, McKesson Health Solutions. “This IDC Health Insights report acknowledges our strong market experience and strategic commitment to deliver care management solutions that are easy to use, interoperable with other solutions, and flexible to changing industry demands.”
About McKesson
McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 14th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to making the business of healthcare run better. We partner with payers, hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and others across the spectrum of care to build healthier organizations that deliver better care to patients in every setting. McKesson helps its customers improve their financial, operational, and clinical performance with solutions that include pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management, healthcare information technology, and business and clinical services.
About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor’s position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

 

French Doctors Close In On Dukan Diet Guru, Dr. Pierre Dukan

The French College of Physicians accuses Dr. Pierre Dukan, the creator of the Dukan diet, of practicing medicine "like a business", which goes against the its code of ethics, and not taking enough care in his proposals of engaging in personal promotion. Dr. Dukan, known as the diet expert of celebrities and Royalty, has become extremely rich after his bestselling book was published twelve years ago and translated into 14 languages. Buy Zyvox pills online without prescription
Dr. Dukan is said to have helped the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) get thin enough to fit into her wedding dress, as well as restoring Jennifer Lopez' figure after giving birth.

There is also alarm in medical and non-medical circles in France when Dr. Dukan suggested an anti-obesity test should be introduced to the Baccalaureate exams (equivalent to senior high school in the USA, and A levels in England). Dukan proposes that those with "normal body weights" should be rewarded with extra exam marks. There is concern on what the impact on such a move might be on young girls with tendencies towards eating disorders, or overweight teenage females.

Dr. Dukan, who was a practicing GP (general practitioner, primary care physician), says he discovered his diet when he told a desperate patient, who wanted to lose weight but not stop eating meat, to eat very lean meat and drink plenty of water. Within five days the patient lost 11 pounds (5 kilos) and he says that was when he found his "medical calling". His protein-rich diet was created, and eventually perfected after 20 years, Dukan says.

It is estimated that in France alone, approximately 2 million people follow the Dukan diet. His website has 30,000 subscribers (paying ones). There are dozens of food products with the Dukan Diet label on them - they are available throughout the country in several major retail outlets and pharmacies. Sales are thought to be worth over 100 Euros annually.

The Ordre National des Médecins has reported that several doctors stated that the Dukan diet was a public health hazard. A survey in May, 2011, found that four-fifths of 5,000 Dukan diet followers had put all their lost weight back on within 36 months. According to some French doctors, this kind of body weight fluctuation could raise the risk of developing hypertension, diabetes, and several cardiovascular diseases.

Dr. Dukan dismissed the complaints, saying that such risks already exist in overweight/obese people, and that remaining obese is more dangerous for health.

What is the Dukan diet?

The Dukan diet is a diet based on how primitive humans used to eat; when we were hunter-gatherers. It includes 100 different foods, 72 of which are animal sourced. As long as you stick to those 100 foods, there is no limit on the amount you eat.

The diet has four phases (pillars)

• Attack phase - the aim is to lose weight fast, up to 4.4-6.6 lbs (2-3 kilos) with a few days. Dr. Dukan says it kick-starts the patient's metabolism.


• Cruise phase - 28 vegetables are added to the list of permitted foods. There is no fruit. The aim is to reach target body weight gradually. This phase is supposed to last for 2.2 lbs (1kg) of weight lost per week until target weight is reached.


• Consolidation phase - the aim is to prevent future weight gain. Dieters can eat as much protein and vegetables as they want, and also one piece of low-sugar fruit, one cheese portion, and two slices of whole-grain bread.


• Stabilization phase - the long-term maintenance plan.