| | TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE ADVANCED CENTRE FOR TREATMENT, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN CANCER Kharghar, Navi Mumbai- 410 210 Phone No : 91-22-27405000 |
| ACTREC/Advt-30/2012 Date:16.07.2012 WALK-IN-INTERVIEW on 25/07/2012 for the post of Ad- hoc Genetic Counsellor
The Cancer Genetics Unit at ACTREC & TMH requires a Ad- hoc Genetics Counsellor to counsel families with inherited cancers and to liaison between the Cancer Genetics Clinic at TMH and the Cancer Genetics Laboratory at ACTREC.
CONSOLIDATED SALARY: ` 15000/- p.m. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION: The candidate should have M. Sc or equivalent in Genetics or Counseling and experience in counseling families with hereditary conditions. Additional experience in bioinformatics for database search / analysis of laboratory findings as relevant to families with inherited cancers will be preferred.
Candidates fulfilling above requirements may walk in for interview on Wednesday, the 25.07.2012 at 11.00 a.m. at Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Khanolkar Shodhika, ACTREC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai alongwith CV with the original and attested copies of all certificates and testimonials etc. Report between: 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.
Asst. Administrative Officer |
30 July, 2012
WALK-IN-INTERVIEW on 25/07/2012 for the post of Ad- hoc Genetic Counsellor AT TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE
Walk in Interview : (Junior Research Fellow /Research Assistant for Research project in Cancer Genetics and Genomics)
TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE
Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education In Cancer (ACTREC)
Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410 210
Walk in Interview
(Junior Research Fellow /Research Assistant for Research project in
Cancer Genetics and Genomics)
Research staff required for 3 posts of JRF/RA for a period of 6 months for the ICMR Centre for Advanced Research in Cancer Genetics and Genomics (Principal Investigator: Prof .Rajiv Sarin)
Qualification : M.Sc in Life Sciences with >60% marks with one year Research experience in molecular biology/ genetics / cancer biology / Genetic Counselling / related fields.
Salary: JRF: Rs. 18,000 + 5400 (HRA 30%) = Total Rs.23,400/- per month.
Research Assistant : Rs. 22,120/- (consolidated)
Walk in interview on 31 July 2012 between 10.00 to 3.00 p.m. in Paymaster Shodhika, Mini-Auditorium, 3rd Floor, ACTREC. Please bring your application with attested copies of certificates and recent photograph.
Selected candidate will have to join at the earliest.
Pre-registration for interviews: Candidates are encouraged to Pre-Register for the interview by sending their application and CV with contact details of 2 referees to director.lab@actrec.gov.in. Any relevant hands on research experience should be specifically mentioned and highlighted in the covering letter / application. For enquiries you may call 022-27405000 extension 5529.
In case of a large number of candidates with required qualification reporting for the Walk-in-Interview, only those who have Pre-Registered would be interviewed.
WALK IN INTERVIEW FOR SCIENTIFIC ASSISTANT AT TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE
| |
TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE ADVANCED CENTRE FOR TREATMENT, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN CANCER KHARGHAR, NAVI MUMBAI – 410210 |
No. ACTREC/Advt./ 27 /2012 13th July, 2012
WALK IN INTERVIEW
| Sl. No. | Position | Title of the Project | Funding Agency | Investigators |
| 1. | Scientific Assistant | Prevalence and Clinical Impact of Human Papilloma Virus in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy. | Department of Biotechnology | PI: Dr. Vedang Murthy and Co-PI : Dr. Tanuja Teni |
Duration of the Project: Three Years from the date of Appointment
Consolidated Salary: `12,000/-
Date & Time: 31st July, 2012, at 10.00 a.m.
Venue: Meeting Room, 3rd floor, Khanolkar Shodhika, ACTREC
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
Scientific Assistant @fixed Rs.12,000/- p.m. B.Sc., DMLT with minimum 55% marks (in both examinations). Priority will be given to the candidates having more than one year’s experience.
Candidates fulfilling above requirements should send their application by e-mail to the ‘program.office@actrec.gov.in’ in the format given below so as to reach on or before 29th July, 2012 up to 17.30 hrs. Applications received after 17.30 hrs of 29th July 2012 will not be taken into consideration.
Application for the post of: “Name of the Post”
| Name & Address | Date of Birth | Whether physically handicapped | Educational Qualification | Experience: Employer/ Post held | (From : To) | |||
| Exam Passed | Class (%) | Univ. | Year |
Only pre-registered candidates should report at 09.30 a.m. on 31st July, 2012 (in Steno Pool), 3rd floor, Khanolkar Shodhika, ACTREC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Candidates reporting after 9.30 a.m. will not be allowed for the interview. No T.A./D.A. will be admissible for attending the interview.
At the time of Interview the candidate should bring all the originals and submit the Xerox copies (attested) of the certificates, with a recent passport size photograph.
Sr. Administrative Officer
Website: http://actrec.gov.in/
WALK IN INTERVIEW AS RESEARCH ASSISTANT AT TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE
| |
TATA MEMORIAL CENTRE ADVANCED CENTRE FOR TREATMENT, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN CANCER KHARGHAR, NAVI MUMBAI – 410210 |
No. ACTREC/Advt./ 32 /2012 13th July, 2012
WALK IN INTERVIEW
| Sl. No. | Position | Title of the Project | Funding Agency | Investigators |
| 1. | Research Assistant | Prevalence And Clinical Impact Of Human Papilloma Virus In Patients With Head And Neck Squamous Cell Cancer Treated With Radiotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy. | Department of Biotechnology | PI: Dr. Vedang Murthy and Co-PI : Dr. Tanuja Teni |
Duration of the Project: Three Years from the date of Appointment
Consolidated Salary: Rs. 20,000/- p.m.
Date & Time: 6th August, 2012, at 10.00 a.m.
Venue: Meeting Room, 3rd floor, Khanolkar Shodhika, ACTREC
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
Research Assistant @ fixed Rs.20,000/- p.m. M.Sc. in Biosciences with minimum one year’s experience in Research lab. and expertise in Hybridization techniques and gel electrophoresis. Appointment will be initially for one year, can be extended depending on the performance, till the expiry of the project.
Candidates fulfilling above requirements should send their application by e-mail to the ‘program.office@actrec.gov.in’ in the format given below so as to reach on or before 2nd August, 2012 up to 17.30 hrs. Applications received after 17.30 hrs of 2nd August 2012 will not be taken into consideration.
Application for the post of: “Name of the Post”
| Name & Address | Date of Birth | Whether physically handicapped | Educational Qualification | Experience: Employer/ Post held | (From : To) | |||
| Exam Passed | Class (%) | Univ. | Year |
Only pre-registered candidates should report at 09.30 a.m. on 6th August, 2012 (in Steno Pool), 3rd floor, Khanolkar Shodhika, ACTREC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Candidates reporting after 9.30 a.m. will not be allowed for the interview. No T.A./D.A. will be admissible for attending the interview.
At the time of Interview the candidate should bring all the originals and submit the Xerox copies (attested) of the certificates, with a recent passport size photograph.
Sr. Administrative Officer
Website: http://actrec.gov.in/
27 July, 2012
ADVERTISEMENT FOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
HLL Biotech Limited (HBL) is a 100% subsidiary of HLL Lifecare Limited, a Mini Ratna Schedule B Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare. HBL is setting up a vaccine complex at Chengalpett, Chennai for manufacturing of Bacterial and Viral Vaccines & developing a strong R&D base for
vaccine technologies within the country
Position
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (IVC) 
Reference No.
HLL/CMO/HBL/HR/02/2012
Published on
18/07/2012
Last date
31/07/2012
Maximum Age
35 Years as on 01/Apr/2012
Pay
For Permanent Post
Scale of Pay
Rs.12,600-32,500
Benefits
As per policy
Job Responsibilities
Research Associate will be responsible for planning and conducting research in specific projects of HBL by collection of data and information from the R&D facilities, institutions, library, archives etc. The job also involves in the proper recording, analysis, evaluation of facts and findings, management reporting on the status and progress of the projects etc. Besides this, the Research Associate will also prepare reports of completed projects for presentation to management, or for use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
Location
Chennai
No. of Positions
3
Qualification
Any of these Qualifications is Essential
B.Tech (Biotechnology) (Full-Time Course Only)
: 60 % of marks
M.Sc. (Biotechnology) (Full-Time Course Only)
: 60 % of marks
M.Sc. (Microbiology) (Full-Time Course Only)
: 60 % of marks
M.Sc. (Biochemistry) (Full-Time Course Only)
: 60 % of marks
Experience
Essential Experience
Persons holding post qualification experience of minimum 1 year. Should have excellent skills in communication and presentation.
25 July, 2012
24 July, 2012
Vacancy as Executive - Regulatory Affairs at Ipca Laboratories Limited
Vacancy Details
Job Description
Company
Ipca Laboratories Limited
Location
Ipca Mumbai
Division
Head Office
Department
EXPORTS
Designation
EXE.-REG.AFFAIRS
Job title
Executive - Regulatory Affairs
No. of Positions
Multiple
Position Type
Full Time
Job Responsibilities
Will be responsible for ANDA filings in US & Formulating the regulatory policies & SOP's
Job Specifications
Age Group
25 to 30 Year(s)
Educational Qualifications
M PHARM
Experience (years)
4 Year(s)
Experience(Job Related)
Less than 5 Years
2 Years as Officer
2 Year(s) in the same function
2 Year(s) in the same industry
Experience Area
Skills/Competencies
Experience in CTD
Work As Product Manager–Hematology at Piramal Health Care
Position: Product Manager - Hematology
Location: Mumbai
Division: Lab Diagnostics
Responsibilities: The person will be primarily responsible for:
- Manage the product range from strategic planning to tactical activities.
Develop the core positioning and messaging for the products.
Suggest an cost effective promo plan to create awareness of the products.
Identify key opinion leaders and mold them into spokespersons for the products.
Work closely with the sales team to develop sales tools and training material.
Provide in-depth market industry and competitive analysis.
Set pricing to meet revenue and profitability goals.
Delivery monthly revenue forecast.
Ensure adequate customer support so that we get good references from customers.
Experience and knowledge: The person will be primarily responsible for:
- Minimum 4-5 years experience in In-Vitro Diagnostics Product Management preferably in Hematology.
- Driving sales across Bio chemistry, Immunology and Haematology range of Products in Mumbai region
- Managing Key Accounts and ensuring Profitability from those accounts
- Should have knowledge of analyzers of leading diagnostic companies and troubleshooting of minor problems
Demonstrated success in managing and growing products/product groups.
?Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Bachelors degree in Microbiology preferably MSc (Microbiology).
Excellent teamwork skills.
Proven ability to influence sales and support team without formal authority.
Must be willing to travel.
Position: State Business Manager - Mumbai
Division: Lab Diagnostics
Role Expectation: The desired candidate should have 6-7 years of dynamic sales experience in Diagnostics Products from the related organizations.
The person will be primarily responsible for:
The Candidate will be responsible for managing a team and therefore should have excellent Man Management and Communication Skills.
Interested candidates may send their CVs on phl.careers@piramal.com
FDA Approves More Than 150 Antiretroviral Drugs for Global HIV/AIDS Relief
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg announced the agency has approved or tentatively approved a total of 152 antiretroviral drugs in association with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to treat those infected with HIV/AIDS in countries that lack the tools needed to fight the AIDS epidemic.
Published by USFoodandDrugAdmin
23 July, 2012
Recruitment For Pharmacist, Laboratory Technician, Nurse In Ammunition Factory Khadki – Pune
Ammunition Factory Khadki
Other details like age limit, educational qualification, application fee details, selection process and how to apply are given below…
Ammunition Factory Khadki Vacancy Details:
Total Number of Vacancies: 17
Names of Posts:
1. Sr. Nurse Grade-II – 04 Posts
2. Pharmacist – 02 Posts
3. Laboratory Technician – 01 Post
4. Midwife – 01 Post
5. Blood Transfusion Assistant – 01 Post
6. Ward Sahayak (Male) – 05 Posts
7. Ward Sahayak (Female) – 03 Posts
Age Limit: Candidate age must be 32 years for Pharmacist, Blood Transfusion Asst posts and 27 years for all remaining posts. (Age relaxations will be extended as per rules).
Educational Qualifications: Candidate must passed 10th class or equivalent for Ward Sahayak post, B.Sc with Biochemistry/Microbiology/Life Science or equivalent for Laboratory Technician post and 10+2 for all remaining posts.
Application Fee Details: Applicants need to pay Rs. 50/- in the form of crossed Indian Postal Order or Demand Draft drawn in favour of the Sr. General Manager, Ammunition Factory, Khadki. (SC/ST/PHP/EXSM candidates are exempted from payment of fee).
Selection Procedure: Candidates will be selected on the basis of performance in Written Test and Skill Test.
How to Apply: Candidates have to send their application form with attested testimonials to Indian Ordnance Factory, Explosives factory, Khadki, Pune 411003 (Maharashtra) within 21 days from the date of publication.
Last Date for Submission of Application: within 21 days from the date of publication
Work as Business Development Executive at LG Life Sciences
Location: Delhi/NCR
Type if Position:Full Time
Job Responsibilities:
Generate sales and revenue.
Monitoring of Stockiest
Patient data management and handling their queries
Market research and feedbach to know about the competitors and their activities
Handling technical paramedic staff
Fllow ups of medical stores, retailers, pharmacies of hospitals
Good feedback system
Invetory management
Regular sales analysis & sakes growth
Maintaing CRMs with doctors
Setting & achieving primary and secondary targets.
Educational Qualifications:
B.Sc, B.Pharma
Experience:
1 - 5 years in Pharmaceutical Industry
Skills:
Good Communication skills, Positive Attitude, Learning Ability
Reporting
Regional Business Manager
Walk-in-Interview for post of One JRF
Walk-in-Interview for post of One JRF
Estimation of oxidative stress in pregnant women on daily versus weekly iron
supplementation: An ICMR Task Force Study
Candidates are invited for walk-in-interview to be held for the post of 01- Junior Research
Fellow (JRF) in the above mentioned project. The candidate should possess an MSc. in Basic
Medical Sciences. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and basic Statistical methods is required.
Please carry your resume with certificates in original for the interview.
Date: 02-07-2012
Timings: 11.30 AM
Place: Genetic Centre
Ground Floor, College Building (Sarai Building)
Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh
22 July, 2012
Opportunity for M.Sc/M.Pharm/ MBBS/ MD/MVSC to work as SCIENTIST level C,D,E,F in Agharkar Research Institute-Govt. Job
Advt./Rec/13/2012
The Institute is interested in appointing Scientists specialized in Agronomy, Anaerobes, Animal Handling and Experimentation, Bioenergy, Community Nutrition, Developmental Biology, Microbial Taxonomy,Nanomedicine, Natural Product Chemistry, Palaeontology, Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Taxonomy, Virology.
Indian nationals with a 1st class Master’s Degree in Science/ Agriculture or M.Pharm/ MBBS/ MD/MVSC and research experience (see table below) in the relevant subject/ area as evidenced by high quality publications in reputed journals and/or Patents, preferably with a Ph.D., may apply in the prescribed application format available on the Institute’s website http://www.aripune.org/af250612.doc by 31.08.2012.
| Name of the Post | Pay-Band & GP (Rs.) | Total Monthly Emoluments (Rs.) | Age limit (years) | Minimum Research experience after acquiring essential qualifications
|
| Scientist F | PB-4 Rs.37400-67000 + GP Rs.8900/- | 96115/- | 50 | 12 Years |
| Scientist E | PB-4 Rs.37400-67000 + GP Rs.8700/- | 90565/- | 45 | 10 Years |
| Scientist D | PB-3 Rs.15600-39100 + GP Rs.7600/- | 59855/- | 45 | 8 Years |
| Scientist C | PB-3 Rs.15600-39100 + GP Rs.6600/- | 52178/- | 40 | 4 Years |
General conditions:
(1) Age limit is relaxable by 3 years for OBC & 5 years for SC/ST candidates & Employees from Govt./Semi Govt./Autonomous Bodies applying through proper channel. Further age relaxation may be considered in case of exceptionally deserving and highly experienced candidates.
(2) Self-attested photocopies or scanned copies of all degree certificates, Caste Certificate issued by competent authority and a Passport size photograph must be attached to the application.
(3) Candidates wishing to be considered for more than one research area, should make separate applications along with set of all documents.
(4) Applicants should clearly indicate the level/s at which he/she should be considered.
(5) The Institute may restrict the number of candidates to be called for interview to a reasonable limit, on the basis of qualifications and experience.
(6) Canvassing in any form and/or bringing in any influence political or otherwise will be treated as a disqualification for the post.
(7) No interim enquiries will be entertained.
(8) Nos. of posts of Scientists to be filled in the grade from Scientist C to Scientist F is 12, subject to availability of qualified candidates. The Institute reserves its right to reduce the number of posts or cancel the entire process of recruitment of any or all posts being advertised without assigning any reason.
DIRECTOR, ARI
Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science
AGHARKAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(An Autonomous Institute of Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India)
G.G.AGARKAR ROAD, PUNE - 411004
Recruitment Manager, Asia Pacific
INC Research - Asia Pacific, Any INC Office (Gurgaon, India)
Job Description
Job SummaryFacilitates and drives recruiting process in meeting and supporting corporate objectives and staffing needs for INCR. Manages recruiting staff.
Core Responsibilities
1. Line management responsibilities for staff members. Approves courses of action on salary administration, interviewing and selection, terminations, professional development, performance appraisals, position description preparation, and employee counseling. Works with and advises staff on administrative policies and procedures, technical problems, priorities and methods.
2. Develops sourcing solutions. Consistently evaluates current and new sourcing opportunities. Develops and maintains effective recruiting network including, but not limited to, college and job fair recruiting, conference and meeting attendance, trade journal use, and relationships with agencies and vendors.
3. Responsible for full range of recruitment activity (sources, screens and secures candidates) for exempt and nonexempt positions for INCR North America.
4. Consults/collaborates with business units to create and implement recruiting plans and strategies and maintains open communication with mangers in determining recruiting needs.
5. Acts in a leadership role either directly or indirectly with recruitment function and hiring managers through guidance and direction setting consistent with INCR principles.
6. Initiates, leads and implements projects of large scope and impact to the recruiting function.
7. Key contact for business units’ recruiting support.
8. Maintains requisition and candidate files.
9. Maintains expense log, recruiting metrics, and other information with respect to recruiting as needed.
10. Prepares reports, memos, and announcements with respect to recruiting processes and/or metrics.
11. Negotiates with and manages third party vendors.
12. Responsible for the supervision and management of staff, including employment, motivation, training, coaching/mentoring, performance evaluation and discipline.
Skills & Attributes
Requires a BA/BS in Business Management, or equivalent education and experience, plus experience in high volume recruiting environment. Experience as a clinical recruiter in CRO, Pharma/Biotech or staffing firm preferred. Management, supervisory, or demonstrated leadership skills experience required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and voicemail is required. Excellent problem solving, influencing, negotiating, facilitation and strong partnership skills required. Teams with business units and HR to accomplish results. The ability to perform several tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines is necessary. Attention to detail, organization and follow up skills are critical. Resourceful, decisive and proactive. Leads by example in supporting change. Able to interact and build relationships with senior management. Ability to deal with unusual or unexpected issues in an independent manner. Ability to work well with others and approach job responsibilities considering all team members within and external to department. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
Tasks, duties, and responsibilities as listed in this job description are not exhaustive. The Company, at its sole discretion and with no prior notice, may assign other tasks, duties, and job responsibilities. Equivalent experience, skills, and/or education will also be considered so qualifications of incumbents may differ from those listed in the Job Description. The Company, at its sole discretion, will determine what constitutes as equivalent to the qualifications described above. Further, nothing contained herein should be construed to create an employment contract.
Occasionally required skills/experiences for jobs are expressed in brief terms. Any language contained herein is intended to fully comply with all obligations imposed by the legislation of each country in which it operates, including the implementation of the EU Equality Directive, in relation to the recruitment and employment of its employees.
INC Research is a company headquartered in the United States and that the personal information collected on its websites may be sent to, stored or processed in the United States or to any other country in which INC Research or its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents maintain facilities. While INC Research is committed to providing your voluntarily disclosed employment application information with a reasonable level of privacy protection, you should know that the general level of protection for personal information in the United States may not be the same as that provided in other countries. By using the INC Research website and/or providing INC Research with personal identifiable information, you fully understand and unambiguously consent to the transfer and the collection and processing of such information in the United States.
Company Description
INC Research is a therapeutically focused contract research organization with a high-performance reputation for conducting global clinical development programs of the highest integrity. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies look to INC Research for a complete range of customized Phase I through Phase IV programs in all therapeutic areas and innovative pediatric and women's health trials. The company's Trusted Process® methodology and therapeutic foresight lead customers to more confident, better-informed drug and device development decisions. INC Research is headquartered in Raleigh, NC. For more information, please visit www.incresearch.com or follow us @inc_research.Additional Information
- Posted:
- July 9, 2012
- Type:
- Full-time
- Experience:
- Not Applicable
- Functions:
- Human Resources, Management
- Industries:
- Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Research
- Employer Job ID:
- 9278
- Job ID:
- 3351210
Vacancy for Human Resources Assistant
Organization Overview
PharmaNet/i3 is recognized as a leading provider of global drug development services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug, and medical device companies, including therapeutically specialized capabilities for Phase I-IV clinical development, bioanalytical services, and staffing from a single clinical professional to an entire functional team. For intelligent solutions needed to accelerate high quality drug development programs of all sizes around the world.
Title: Human Resources Assistant
Job ID
553
Requirements
Should be well versed with HR policies.
Should be a diligent & hardworking person with prior work experience in HR.
Should be well versed with MS Office - Excel, Word etc..
Branch/Location Office
Office
City
Gurgaon
Country
India [IN]
Region
APAC
21 July, 2012
Vacancy for Post of Product Manager Cardio-Metabolic Care
-
Company: 1046 Merck Ltd.
- Location: India
- Date: 03.08.2011
Description
Job Titled : Product Manager
Experience : Minimum 1years experience
in Sales + not less than 3-4 years in Product Management in a reputed pharma company.
Must have handled Specialties products preferably in Cardiac & Diabetic segment Excellent communication skills (Verbal & Written) along with sound analytical ability. Ability to function independently as Product Manager is necessary.
Job Description :
· Design an attractive product package for the respective TA.
· Design 'well to the point' strategies to convey the USPs to the customers and to differentiate from competitors Target the right doctors for maximal penetration of prescription potential Establish sound relationships with our customers, esp. KOL (personal contacts, symposia, meetings etc.).
· Prepare convincing promotional messages and programs based on the strategies.
· Keep the right balance between input (cost) and output (result)
· Keep track on the sales progress and profitability in line with the budgets 'Buy in' the Field Force and get them committed, make them part of a 'winning team'.
· Implement the promotional programs together with the Field Force and follow through.
· Get regular and comprehensive feedback from the Field Force (doctors responses, prescriptions, secondary sales, competitor's activities).
· Conduct regular, comprehensive market research (market developments, competitors, therapeutic changes).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification : B.Pharm with Management Degree
Vacancy for Regional Training Manager Biocare Chennai
-
Company: 1046 Merck Ltd.
- Location: India
- Date: 11.08.2011
Description
Job Titled : Regional Training Manager
Basic intelligence & grasping scientific information.
Job Description :
To give special focus to the Low performance territory and give training to the new representatives
To identify and tabulate the training needs of the field force in the zone.
To develop strong strategies for developing MR in-clinic skills
Location of posting: Biocare at Chennai (Requires experience in specialty products like vitamins)
Qualifications
Minimum Qualification : Graduation
Experience/Requirements : Minimum 4-5 years in Pharmaceutical Sector out of which atleast 2 years as ASM, Currently should be in training function.
FDA approves weight-management drug Qsymia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management.
The drug is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese) or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).
BMI, which measures body fat based on an individual’s weight and height, is used to define the obesity and overweight categories. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the United States are obese.
“Obesity threatens the overall well being of patients and is a major public health concern,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Qsymia, used responsibly in combination with a healthy lifestyle that includes a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, provides another treatment option for chronic weight management in Americans who are obese or are overweight and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition.”
Qsymia is a combination of two FDA-approved drugs, phentermine and topiramate, in an extended-release formulation. Phentermine is indicated for short-term weight loss in overweight or obese adults who are exercising and eating a reduced calorie diet. Topiramate is indicated to treat certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy and to prevent migraine headaches.
Qsymia must not be used during pregnancy because it can cause harm to a fetus. Data show that a fetus exposed to topiramate, a component of Qsymia, in the first trimester of pregnancy has an increased risk of oral clefts (cleft lip with or without cleft palate). Females of reproductive potential must not be pregnant when starting Qsymia therapy or become pregnant while taking Qsymia. Females of reproductive potential should have a negative pregnancy test before starting Qsymia and every month while using the drug and should use effective contraception consistently while taking Qsymia.
The safety and efficacy of Qsymia were evaluated in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials that included approximately 3,700 obese and overweight patients with and without significant weight-related conditions treated for one year. All patients received lifestyle modification that consisted of a reduced calorie diet and regular physical activity.
The recommended daily dose of Qsymia contains 7.5 milligrams of phentermine and 46 mg of topiramate extended-release. Qsymia is also available at a higher dose (15 mg phentermine and 92 mg of topiramate extended-release) for select patients.
Results from the two trials show that after one year of treatment with the recommended and highest daily dose of Qsymia, patients had an average weight loss of 6.7 percent and 8.9 percent, respectively, over treatment with placebo. Approximately 62 percent and 69 percent of patients lost at least five percent of their body weight with the recommended dose and highest dose of Qsymia, respectively, compared with about 20 percent of patients treated with placebo.
Patients who did not lose at least three percent of their body weight by week 12 of treatment with Qsymia were unlikely to achieve and sustain weight loss with continued treatment at this dose. Therefore, response to therapy with the recommended daily dose of Qsymia should be evaluated by 12 weeks to determine, based on the amount of weight loss, whether to discontinue Qsymia or increase to the higher dose. If after 12 weeks on the higher dose of Qsymia, a patient does not lose at least five percent of body weight, then Qsymia should be discontinued, as these patients are unlikely to achieve clinically meaningful weight loss with continued treatment.
Qsymia must not be used in patients with glaucoma or hyperthyroidism. Qsymia can increase heart rate; this drug’s effect on heart rate in patients at high risk for heart attack or stroke is not known. Therefore, the use of Qsymia in patients with recent (within the last six months) or unstable heart disease or stroke is not recommended. Regular monitoring of heart rate is recommended for all patients taking Qsymia, especially when starting Qsymia or increasing the dose.
The FDA approved Qsymia with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), which consists of a Medication Guide advising patients about important safety information and elements to assure safe use that include prescriber training and pharmacy certification. The purpose of the REMS is to educate prescribers and their patients about the increased risk of birth defects associated with first trimester exposure to Qsymia, the need for pregnancy prevention, and the need to discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs. Qsymia will only be dispensed through specially certified pharmacies.
Vivus Inc. will be required to conduct 10 postmarketing requirements, including a long-term cardiovascular outcomes trial to assess the effect of Qsymia on the risk for major adverse cardiac events such as heart attack and stroke.
The most common side effects of Qsymia are tingling of hands and feet (paresthesia), dizziness, altered taste sensation, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth.
Qsymia is marketed by Vivus Inc. in Mountain View, Calif.
Source: FDA
FDA approves Kyprolis for some patients with multiple myeloma
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Kyprolis (carfilzomib) to treat patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least two prior therapies, including treatment with Velcade (bortezomib) and an immunomodulatory therapy.
A form of blood cancer that arises from plasma cells, multiple myeloma usually grows in bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bones. The bone marrow is where normal blood cells are produced. In 2012, an estimated 21,700 people will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma and 10,710 will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.
“The approval of Kyprolis provides a treatment option to patients with multiple myeloma whose disease has progressed despite use of available therapies,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “We are encouraged by the continued progress in the development of drugs for multiple myeloma over the past decade, offering improved treatment of this disease.”
The safety and effectiveness of Kyprolis, which is administered directly into a patient’s vein (intravenously), was evaluated in a study of 266 patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who had received at least two prior therapies, including Velcade and Thalomid (thalidomide).
The study was designed to measure the percentage of patients who experienced complete or partial disappearance of tumor after treatment (overall response rate). The overall response rate was 23 percent. The median duration of response was 7.8 months.
The most common side effects observed in more than 30 percent of the study participants were fatigue, low blood cell count and blood platelet levels, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and fever. Serious side effects seen with Kyprolis included heart failure and shortness of breath. Patients should be monitored closely and treatment withheld if these serious side effects occur.
The drug is being approved under the FDA’s accelerated approval program, which allows the agency to approve a drug to treat a serious disease based on clinical data showing that the drug has an effect on a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict a clinical benefit to patients. The program is designed to provide patients with earlier access to promising new drugs. The company is required to submit additional clinical information after approval to confirm the drug’s clinical benefit.
Krypolis is marketed by Onyx Pharmaceuticals of South San Francisco, Calif.
Source: FDA
FDA approves Afinitor for advanced breast cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Afinitor (everolimus) for use in combination with Aromasin (exemestane) to treat certain postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-receptor positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
The drug combination is intended for use in women with recurrence or progression of their cancer after treatment with Femara (letrozole) or Arimidex (anastrozole).
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. This year an estimated 226,870 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 39,510 will die from the disease.
“This is the first approval from the class of drugs known as mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced hormone-receptor positive breast cancer,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Afinitor is another example of the value of continuing to study drugs in additional types of cancer after their initial approval.”
The safety and effectiveness of Afinitor was evaluated in a clinical study of 724 patients with advanced breast cancer. All patients had experienced menopause, had estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that had spread, and had previously received treatment with Femara or Arimidex. Patients were selected to receive either Afinitor in combination with Aromasin or Aromasin with a placebo (sugar pill). Patients received treatment until their cancers progressed or side effects became unacceptable.
The study was designed to measure the length of time a patient lived without the cancer progressing, or progression-free survival (PFS). Patients who were assigned to receive Afinitor plus Aromasin combination had a 4.6 month improvement in the median time to disease progression or death compared to patients receiving the placebo plus Aromasin.
The most common side effects observed in patients receiving Afinitor for breast cancer were mouth ulcers, infections, rash, fatigue, diarrhea and decreased appetite. Patients aged 65 years and older should be monitored closely as these patients experience a higher rate of serious side effects than younger patients receiving the treatment.
The FDA has previously approved Afinitor to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma that has progressed after treatment with other cancer therapies, in adult patients with progressive advanced neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin, for patients with renal angiomyolipoma and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) not requiring immediate surgery, and for adults and children with subependymal giant cell astrocytoma associated with TSC who require treatment but are not candidates for curative surgery.
Afinitor is marketed by East Hanover, N.J.-based Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Source: FDA
Oral immunotherapy shows promise as treatment for egg allergy
NIH-funded study suggests that egg therapy helps children overcome their allergies
Giving children and adolescents with egg allergy small but increasing daily doses of egg white powder holds the possibility of developing into a way to enable some of them to eat egg-containing foods without having allergic reactions, according to a study supported by the National Institutes of Health. The study results will appear online in the July 19th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
"Children with egg allergy are at risk for severe reactions if they are accidentally exposed to egg-containing foods," said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). "Currently, the only way to prevent these reactions from occurring is for these children to avoid foods that contain eggs. While this relatively small study provides encouraging new information, it is important for the public to understand that this experimental therapy can safely be done only by properly trained physicians."
The study is one of several federally funded trials of oral immunotherapy (OIT), an approach in which a person with food allergy consumes gradually increasing amounts of the allergenic food as a way to treat the allergy. Because OIT carries significant risk for allergic reactions, these studies are all conducted under the guidance of trained clinicians. Symptoms of allergic reactions can range from mild (hives, redness and itchiness of the skin) to severe (swelling of the back of the throat, trouble breathing, drop in blood pressure, and faintness or dizziness).
The trial was conducted by the NIAID-supported Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR) at clinical sites in Baltimore; Chapel Hill, N.C.; Denver; Little Rock, Ark.; and New York City.
The goals of the study were to determine if daily egg OIT reduced or eliminated participants’ allergic responses to egg protein and if it did, whether or not the benefit persisted after therapy was stopped for four to six weeks.
The CoFAR study enrolled 55 children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years who had egg allergy, one of the most common food allergies seen in children. Participants were randomly assigned either to the treatment group, which received egg OIT (40 participants), or to the control group, which did not (15 participants). Both groups were followed for 24 months.
Participants received a daily dose of egg white powder or cornstarch powder (placebo) at home. Researchers gradually increased the dose of egg or placebo powder every two weeks until the children in the egg OIT group were eating the equivalent of about one-third of an egg every day.
Participants came to the clinic to have three oral food challenges, at 10 months, 22 months and 24 months, with the maximum challenge equivalent to one egg. They passed the challenge if they had either no symptoms or only transient symptoms not directly observable by a doctor, such as throat discomfort. Participants failed the challenge if they had a symptom that could be observed by a doctor, such as wheezing.
After 10 months, none of the participants who received placebo passed the challenge, but 55 percent of those on egg OIT did. After 22 months of egg OIT, researchers gave a second oral food challenge to all of the children in the treatment group. At this food challenge, 75 percent of those on egg OIT passed.
"At the beginning of the study, most of the participants were highly allergic to egg, but after months of daily egg OIT, we found that many of them could eat more than a whole egg without having a reaction," said A. Wesley Burks, M.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, one of the study’s lead authors.
"Reducing these kids' allergic response to egg also lessened parental anxiety over how their children might react if accidently exposed to egg at school or at someone else’s house," added Stacie Jones, M.D., professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, another lead author on the study.
To determine if egg OIT had any long-term benefit on treating the children’s food allergy, the participants who passed the 22-month test were completely removed from egg OIT for four to six weeks and then rechallenged at 24 months. Eleven of the original 40 children (about 27 percent) passed this third food challenge. None of the children from the placebo group were retested because they had failed the prior food challenges. The 11 children who passed the third test were allowed to eat egg or egg-containing foods in their normal diets as frequently or infrequently as they chose. At a one-year follow-up, they reported no symptoms.
According to the study authors, these results indicate two types of benefits. First, the majority of the study children could be safely exposed to egg while on egg OIT. Second, a small group of children — approximately one-fourth — were able to eat egg in their regular diets even after stopping OIT for four to six weeks.
"Although these results indicate that OIT may help resolve certain food allergies, this type of therapy is still in its early experimental stages and more research is needed," said Daniel Rotrosen, M.D., director of the NIAID Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation, which oversees CoFAR. "We want to emphasize that food OIT and oral food challenges should not be tried at home because of the risk of severe allergic reactions."
This work was funded by NIAID, NIH, under grant numbers U19AI066738 and U01AI066560, and the National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, under grant numbers UL1RR024128, UL1RR025005, UL1RR025780, UL1RR029887, and UL1RR029884. The clinicaltrials.gov identifier for the study Oral Immunotherapy for Childhood Egg Allergy is NCT00461097.
Source: NIH
"Be Brave" - A Gynecologic Cancer Survivor's Story
This public service announcement from CDC's Inside Knowledge: Get the Facts About Gynecologic Cancer campaign, features gynecologic cancer survivor Jenny Allen. A mother, writer, and performer, she tells her story about noticing symptoms, being diagnosed with uterine and ovarian cancers, and getting treatment. She urges women to pay attention to their bodies and see a doctor if they have symptoms that last two weeks or longer.
Published by CDCStreamingHealth
Employment Notice For Research Fellowships
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Applications are invited from meritorious students for thirteen (13) Research Fellowships
in the subject of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy &
Pharmacology for pursuing Ph.D. Degree in University Institute of Pharmaceutical
Sciences (UIPS) under Research Fellowship for Meritorious Students (RFMS) scheme of
UGC as per the following terms and conditions:
Fellowship: Rs. 16,000/-
Duration: Initially for 2 years (extendable)
Eligibility: B. Pharm. (First Division), M. Pharm. (First Division) in respective
subject, GATE/GPAT qualified.
Desirable: Published work and industrial/research experience
Application on the prescribed format should reach the office of the Chairperson UIPS,
Panjab University, Chandigarh on or before 30.07.2012. The format of application is
available on the PU website at http://jobs.puchd.ac.in or in the office of the Chairperson,
UIPS.
(V.R. Sinha)
Professor & Chairperson
20 July, 2012
Walk in interview Junior Research Fellow
Salary
Rs. 16,000/-p.m.+30%HRA
Requirements
The eligible candidates are invited for the walk-in interview for the post of Junior Research Fellow in the DST sponsored Project under Dr. Madhu Khanna (P.I.) Department of Respiratory Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007. The details of the post are as given below:_
1. Junior Research Fellow (Rs. 16,000/-p.m.+30%HRA)
Essential Qualification: Ist Class M.Sc. Degree in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Microbiology/Life Sciences with NET/GATE qualification.
Desirable: Experience in virology and knowledge of advanced molecular techniques will be preferred.
The interview will be held on 16.07.2012 at 11 a.m. in department office. The candidates must bring their recent bio-data and attested photocopies of all certificates at the time of interview.
Website: http://www.vpci.org.in
Walk in Interview for NACO Project
HLL is on the lookout for dynamic, result oriented, performance driven sales professionals having good track record for marketing/sales function in its NACO Project. Postings shall be done on fixed term contract basis and emoluments will be fixed depending upon qualifications, skills and experience.
Details of posting : Headquarters across Gujarat.
Post: Communication Manager / Sales Officer / Field Officer (Sales Representatives) / MIS Assistant.
See FILE attached below in pdf format for details
Career Opportunity as Research Associate at HLL Biotech Limited
Junior Officer/ Asst. Manager on permanent scale
Job responsibilities :
Research Associate will be responsible for planning and conducting research in specific projects of HBL by collection of data and information from the R&D facilities, institutions, library, archives etc. The job also involves in the proper recording, analysis, evaluation of facts and findings, management reporting on the status and progress of the projects etc. Besides this, the Research Associate will also prepare reports of completed projects for presentation to management, or for use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
Qualifications
B.Tech in Biotechnology/M.Sc in Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Microbiology with minimum 60% marks. Persons holding post qualification experience of minimum 1 year will be given preference. Should have excellent skills in communication and presentation. Age as on 1st April 2012 should not be above 35years.
To apply online visit http://careers.lifecarehll.com
Recruitment For Pharmacist In West Central Railway
Applications are invited for the following posts :
Name of the Post : Pharmacist
Experience : Fresher
Location : Jabalpur
Education : D-Pharm
Desired Candidate Profile : Educational qualification: 10+2 in Science or equivalent with Diploma in Pharmacy and registration with Indian Pharmacy Council or State Pharmacy Council (enclose certificate).
Job Description : No. of Posts: 01
Pay Band & Grade Pay: Rs.5200-20200 + GP 2800
Functional Area: Medical, Healthcare, R&D, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology
Company Profile : West Central Railway (Indian Railways)
Website : http://www.wcr.indianrailways.gov.in
Address : West Central Railway, Jabalpur – 482001
Details will be available at: http://www.wcr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1342414711523-PDF%20file%20-%20Notification%20SRD-PH.pdf
19 July, 2012
Webinar: Modeling Human Malignancy with Patient-Derived Xenograft Cancer Models
26th July - 26th July 2012 | Online
Category: R&D
Address: Online
Organiser: The Jackson Laboratory
Website: CLICK HERE to open.
Webinar: Modeling Human Malignancy with Patient-Derived Xenograft Cancer Models
Wednesday, July 26, 1:00 PM (ET in US)
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cancer models show great promise as preclinical models because they reflect the diversity of human cancers seen in the clinic. The Jackson Laboratory’s PDX program was developed in collaboration with renowned cancer hospitals to advance the course of preclinical drug development. Join our technical information scientists Drs. Andrew Schile and Sheri Kuslak-Meyer and
• Learn how more than 100 “all comers” PDX models have been established in partnership with a consortium of cancer hospitals and clinical trial teams
• Appreciate how the diversity of the PDX program represents current patient demographics
• See how the genetics, pathology, and treatment response of PDX tumors reflect clinical observations
• Understand how patient-derived hematological cancers are modeled in the mouse
• Learn about current advances that take advantage of the immunodeficient NSG mouse host
• Understand how to access PDX models through JAX In Vivo Pharmacology Services
Register for this free webinar today at www.jax.org/jaxmice/news/2012/pdxWebinarJuly
Source:
18 July, 2012
A Better Test for Kidney Function
Kidney function can be estimated more precisely by measuring blood levels of both creatinine and cystatin C than by using either marker alone, a new study found. The technique could help doctors more accurately diagnose chronic kidney disease.
The kidneys filter your blood, removing waste and extra water to make urine. The kidney's filtration rate, called the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), reflects how well the kidneys are filtering. Accurate estimates of the GFR are important for identifying kidney disease, which often has no symptoms until just before the kidneys fail. An estimated 23 million American adults may have chronic kidney disease. They could take steps to protect their kidney function if their kidney disease were detected early.
The standard way to estimate GFR has been to measure blood levels of creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product from the digestion of dietary protein and the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. However, creatinine levels can be affected by several other factors, including diet, muscle mass, malnutrition and other chronic illnesses. One potential alternative is to measure cystatin C, which is produced by cells throughout the body and removed from blood by the kidneys.
A research team led by Dr. Lesley Inker at Tufts Medical Center in Boston aimed to develop better models for estimating GFR by taking into account both creatinine and cystatin C. To test their models, the researchers gathered data on a diverse group of over 5,000 people from 13 studies that measured kidney function. The work was funded by NIH's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
The team reported in the New England Journal of Medicine on July 5, 2012, that GFR estimates based on a creatinine-cystatin C equation provided the most precise and accurate results. The improvement was greatest when estimates of GFR were near 60—the usual threshold for diagnosing chronic kidney disease. Among people whose estimated kidney function was between 45 and 74 based on creatinine, the combined equation correctly reclassified to 60 or greater 17% percent of those who had been estimated to have a GFR under 60. The combined equation also appeared less subject to differences in age, sex or diabetes status.
“The new creatinine-cystatin equation is more accurate over a broader range of kidney function and body size, and less altered by other medical conditions,” Inker says.
Further study will be needed to understand how best to use these tests in the clinic. The addition of cystatin C testing would likely increase laboratory costs. Screening based on creatinine alone might prove sufficient for initial testing.
Source: NIH
Digging a Vegetarian Diet
Plant-Based Eating Can Reap Rewards
Vegetarians miss out on lots of foods. No grilled burgers or franks at picnics. No holiday turkey or fries cooked in animal fat. Strict vegetarians may even forego honey made by bees. But vegetarians also tend to miss out on major health problems that plague many Americans. They generally live longer than the rest of us, and they’re more likely to bypass heart-related and other ailments.
The fact is, eating a more plant-based diet can boost your health, whether you’re a vegetarian or not.
What is it about the vegetarian lifestyle that can protect your health? And are there risks to being vegetarian? NIH-funded researchers are looking for answers. They’re exploring the many ways that diet and other factors affect our health.
Vegetarian meals focus on fruits and vegetables, dried beans, whole grains, seeds and nuts. By some estimates, about 2% of the U.S. adult population follows this type of diet.
People have many reasons for becoming vegetarians. Some want to eat more healthy foods. Others have religious or economic reasons or are concerned about animal welfare. “Vegetarian diets are also more sustainable and environmentally sound than diets that rely heavily on meat, poultry and fish,” says NIH nutritionist Dr. Susan Krebs-Smith, who monitors trends in cancer risk factors.
Most people think of vegetarian diets as simply eating plant foods and not eating meat, poultry and fish. “But in fact, there are many different types of vegetarian diets,” Krebs-Smith explains. “Some are more restrictive than others.”
Strict vegetarians, or vegans, eat plant foods and reject all animal products—meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and sometimes honey. Those who also eat dairy products are called lacto vegetarians. Vegetarians who eat both dairy and eggs are called lacto-ovo vegetarians.
Some vegetarians eat fish but not meat or poultry. They’re called pescatarians (pesce is Italian for fish).
“Then there are the so-called flexitarians, or semi-vegetarians. These are people who eat a mostly vegetarian diet, but they occasionally eat meat,” says Jody Engel, a nutritionist and registered dietitian at NIH. “They might say ‘I’m a vegetarian, but I need to eat my burgers every Sunday.’ People tend to follow their own rules, which is one reason why it’s hard for researchers to study vegetarians. There’s so much variance.”
Despite the different definitions, “there’s tremendous agreement among nutrition experts and health organizations that a more plant-based diet is beneficial, whether you’re a true vegetarian or not,” says Krebs-Smith. “Most Americans don’t eat enough fruit, vegetables, legumes or whole grains. There’s a huge consensus that eating more of these foods would be a good idea for everyone.”
Vegetarian diets tend to have fewer calories, lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, and more fiber, potassium and vitamin C than other eating patterns. Vegetarians tend to weigh less than meat-eaters, and to have lower cancer rates. “Evidence also suggests that a vegetarian diet is associated with a lower risk of death from certain heart diseases, and that those who follow a vegetarian diet tend to have lower LDL [“bad”] cholesterol levels,” says Engel.
In some cases, though, it’s unclear if certain health benefits come from plant-based eating or from the healthy lifestyle of most vegetarians. “Vegetarians are generally more physically active and have healthier habits than non-vegetarians. They also typically have a higher socioeconomic status, at least in the United States,” says Krebs-Smith.
To tease out the effects of diet, scientists have to conduct large, carefully controlled studies that account for other factors. One of the world’s largest studies of plant-based diets is now underway at Loma Linda University in California. Cardiologist Dr. Gary Fraser is leading an NIH-funded team of scientists to analyze data on 96,000 Seventh-day Adventists in all 50 states and in Canada. Members of this religious group have unique dietary habits and a generally healthy lifestyle.
Adventists are encouraged to follow a vegetarian diet, but about half the population sometimes eats meat. These variable eating patterns allow scientists to compare a wide range of dietary habits and look for links between diet and disease.
To date, the researchers have found that the closer people are to being vegetarian, the lower their risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome (a condition that raises your risk for heart disease and stroke). “The trend is almost like a stepladder, with the lowest risks for the strict vegetarians, then moving up for the lacto vegetarians and then the pescatarians and then the non-vegetarians,” Fraser explains. Earlier studies found that vegetarian Adventists also tend to live longer than both meat-eating Adventists and non-Adventists. The vegetarians also have less coronary heart disease and lower rates of some cancers.
Because vegetarians by definition don’t eat meat, some people jump to the conclusion that simply cutting meat from your diet will lead to health benefits. “But it’s actually more complicated than that,” says Fraser. “Differences in life expectancy and other health matters might be related to the extra fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes—including soy—that vegetarians tend to eat. You can’t necessarily conclude it’s based on the absence of meat,” he says.
Experts generally agree that vegetarians who eat a wide variety of foods can readily meet all their body’s needs for nutrients. “At any stage of life, you should be able to eat a healthy diet by consuming vegetarian foods. But it does take a little planning,” says Rachel Fisher, a registered dietitian involved in nutrition research at NIH.
Vegetarians need to be sure they take in enough iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12. Studies show that most vegetarians do get enough, in part because so many cereals, breads and other foods are fortified with these nutrients. “Vegans in particular need to be certain to get enough vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids,” says Fisher. Omega-3—found in fish, flax seed, walnuts and canola oil—is important for heart health and vision.
Some vegetarians take dietary supplements to make sure they’re getting everything they need. It’s a good idea to talk to a registered dietitian or other health professional if you’re a vegetarian or thinking of becoming one.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, Fisher says, you can benefit from the high fiber, low fat and rich nutrients of a vegetarian diet. “Vegetarian foods can be so delicious, and they’re so good for you,” she says.
Try using a variety of spices and herbs to make things interesting. And make sure not to overcook your vegetables, or they might lose some of their valuable nutrients.
Source: NIH
NIH tools facilitate matching cancer drugs with gene targets
A new study details how a suite of web-based tools provides the research community with greatly improved capacity to compare data derived from large collections of genomic information against thousands of drugs. By comparing drugs and genetic targets, researchers can more easily identify pharmaceuticals that could be effective against different forms of cancer.
The newly updated software, called CellMiner, was built for use with the NCI-60, one of the most widely utilized collections of cancer cell samples employed in the testing of potential anti-cancer drugs. The tools, available free, provide rapid access to data from 22,379 genes catalogued in the NCI-60 and from 20,503 previously analyzed chemical compounds, including 102 U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs.
Cell plate with cell lines from the NCI-60.
The study, written by the scientists that developed the tools at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, appeared in the July 16, 2012, issue of Cancer Research.
"Previously you would have to hire a bioinformatics team to sort through all of the data, but these tools put the entire database at the fingertips of any researcher," explained Yves Pommier, M.D., Ph.D., of the NCI'sCenter for Cancer Research. "These tools allow researchers to analyze drug responses as well as make comparisons from drug to drug and gene to gene."
Genomic sequencing and analysis have become increasingly important in biomedicine, but they are yielding data sets so vast that researchers may find it difficult to access and compare them. As new technologies emerge and more data are generated, tools to facilitate the comparative study of genes and potentially promising drugs will be of even greater importance. With the new tools, available at http://discover.nci.nih.gov/cellminer, researchers can compare patterns of drug activity and gene expression, not only to each other but also to other patterns of interest. CellMiner allows the input of large quantities of genomic and drug data, calculates correlations between genes and drug activity profiles, and identifies correlations that are statistically significant. Its data integration capacities are easier, faster, and more flexible than other available methods, and these tools can be adapted for use with other collections of data.
Screen shot from the CellMiner software.
Researchers looking at a particular drug can use the tools to access data from previous experiments done on that drug and analyze how the drug relates to other drugs and various gene profiles. As a case example for this study, the researchers compared drug activity levels and gene expression patterns from previous research to identify an investigational compound, called NSC732298, which is not currently being studied for colon cancer, but could be a potential therapy for the disease based on a CellMiner gene-drug match. In the same exercise, the researchers were able to identify that a second investigational drug that is being tested for colon cancer, called selumetinib, might also be effective against melanoma.
"We're looking forward to seeing how other people are going to use this tool to look at gene co-regulation, regulation of gene expression, and the relationship between gene expression and cancer," said Pommier.
This work was supported by NCI’s Center for Cancer Research and Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis under intramural project number ZIA BC 006150.
NCI leads the National Cancer Program and the NIH effort to dramatically reduce the burden of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI Web site at www.cancer.gov or call NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
Source: NIH
FDA approves new colon-cleansing drug for colonoscopy prep
On July 16, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Prepopik (sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and citric acid) to help cleanse the colon in adults preparing for colonoscopy.
One dose of Prepopik consists of two packets of powder, each dissolved in cold water and taken at separate times. Patients should take Prepopik the night before colonoscopy and the morning of colonoscopy (Split-Dose regimen). If this is not possible, patients may take Prepopik in the afternoon and evening before the colonoscopy (Day-Before regimen).
As part of this colon-cleansing regimen, patients taking Prepopik must consume additional fluids during and after use. Additional fluid intake is also important to reduce the risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The most common side effects reported in adult patients taking Prepopik include nausea, headache and vomiting.
“The choice of a bowel cleansing regimen for colonoscopy should be based on a patient’s health and personal preferences,” says Victoria Kusiak, M.D., deputy director of the Office of Drug Evaluation III in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval provides a new treatment option for patients and doctors to consider.”
The safety and effectiveness of Prepopik were established in two clinical studies with about 1,200 adult patients scheduled to have a colonoscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to take the Prepopik Split-Dose regimen, the Day-Before regimen, or a control preparation consisting of polyethylene glycol plus electrolytes (PEG+E) solution and two 5-milligram bisacodyl tablets.
The studies were designed to measure the number of patients whose colons were cleansed successfully. In both studies, Prepopik was as effective as the control preparation in cleansing the colon. In the study in which Prepopik was administered in the Split-Dose regimen, it was superior to the control preparation in cleansing the colon. In the Split-Dose regimen, Prepopik is administered on the day before colonoscopy and on the morning of colonoscopy. The control preparation of the study was administered entirely the day before colonoscopy.
As a condition of approval, Prepopik’s manufacturer Ferring Pharmaceuticals must conduct studies to determine if the drug can be used safely and effectively in children.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals is based in Parsippany, N.J.
Source: FDA
FDA Approves First Medication to Reduce HIV Risk
People diagnosed with HIV—the human immunodeficiency virus that without 
Now, for the first time, adults who do not have HIV but are at risk of becoming infected can take a medication to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of the virus.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the new use of Truvada—to be taken once daily and used in combination with safer sex practices—to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in adults who do not have HIV but are at high risk of becoming infected. (HIV-1 is the most common form of HIV.)
In two large clinical trials, daily use of Truvada was shown to significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection
- by 42 percent in a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of about 2,500 HIV-negative gay and bisexual men and transgender women, and
- by 75 percent in a study sponsored by the University of Washington of about 4,800 heterosexual couples in which one partner was HIV positive and the other was not.
Debra Birnkrant, M.D., director of the Division of Antiviral Products at FDA, explains that Truvada works to prevent HIV from establishing itself and multiplying in the body. She notes that while this is a new approved use, Truvada is not a new product. It was approved by FDA in 2004 for use in combination with other medications to treat HIV-infected adults and children over 12 years old.
“In the 80s and early 90s, HIV was viewed as a life-threatening disease; in some parts of the world it still is. Medical advances, along with the availability of close to 30 approved individual HIV drugs, have enabled us to treat it as a chronic disease most of the time,” Birnkrant says.
“But it is still better to prevent HIV than to treat a life-long infection of HIV,” she says.
Birnkrant stresses that Truvada is meant to be used as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention plan that includes consistent and correct condom use, risk reduction counseling, regular HIV testing, and treatment of any other sexually-transmitted infections. Truvada is not a substitute for safer sex practices, she says.
Person Must Be HIV Negative
Truvada, produced by Gilead Sciences Inc., is a combination of two antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV—tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. When Truvada is used as a treatment for HIV rather than a preventive, the patient also takes a third drug, Birnkrant says. Which of the other approved HIV drugs is added depends on the needs of the patient.
Before this medicine is prescribed, Birnkrant says there are several factors that a person and his or her health care professional must consider in weighing the risk versus the benefit:
- The person must be tested to ensure that he or she is HIV negative.
- Flu-like symptoms—such as fever or muscle aches—are a red flag because they could indicate the presence of early, acute HIV infection, even if test results are negative. There is a window of four to five weeks with some tests, and up to three months with others, in which the antibodies that indicate HIV infection do not appear in the blood.
- Safety concerns tied to Truvada have to do with its effect on the bones and kidneys. While effects observed in clinical trials were mild and reversible with discontinuation of the medication, people with a history of bone or kidney ailments should be regularly monitored to ensure their continued health.
- It is recommended that the person also be tested for hepatitis B because worsening of hepatitis B infections has been reported in those who have both HIV-1 and hepatitis B when treatment with Truvada was stopped.
Infection Rates Unchanged
To help prescribers and other health care professionals advise uninfected people considering taking Truvada, the medicine is being approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). The goals of the REMS are to inform prescribers and potential users of Truvada of the importance of taking the medication every day, the importance of regular HIV testing and the importance of using Truvada in combination with other measures known to reduce the risk of HIV infection. As part of the REMS, a voluntary training and education plan will be made available to potential prescribers. This program includes a medication guide and safety brochure for the prospective Truvada users that would detail the risks, recommended screening tests and key information to share with a health care professional.
About 1.2 million Americans have HIV. The body’s immune system is devastated by AIDS, leaving those who have it vulnerable to deadly infections. Each year, about 50,000 adults and adolescents in the U.S. are newly diagnosed with HIV.
The overall rate of HIV infection has remained stable at least since 2004. “The rates of new HIV infections have not significantly changed for a long time,” says Birnkrant. “From FDA’s standpoint, this is not acceptable for a serious disease.”
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.
Source: FDA
14 July, 2012
Medical Affairs Pharmacist - Excellent Opportunity
Medical Affairs Pharmacist - Excellent Opportunity
A Fantastic opportunity has arisen in a pharmaceutical company for a pharmacist with industry experience. With a smaller department your role will be very broad encompassing many current desirable skills to develop including final signatory duties and an abundance of Medical Information, Medical Affairs and commercial responsibilities.
Based in a desirable location close to London this is an incredible opportunity to develop and excel your pharmaceutical career.
This position is responsible for the overall supervision of the company Pharmacy and Medical Information accountabilities including final signatory for the ABPI code compliance systems and the provision of high quality medical information services for both internal and external stakeholders.
You r responsibilities will include the following:
*Acting as final signatory for promotional material
*Advise on compliance related issues;
oDevelop and manage procedures relating to Promotional Practices and manage the promotional system.
oAudit against relevant policies and procedures and identify gaps to improve business processes.
*Act as Superintendent Pharmacist for the pharmacy
*Ensuring all Medical Information, FAQs, literature and information sources for the products are updated on a regular basis with current best knowledge.
*Mentoring and training junior medical information staff on medical information processes as and when required and product training to internal and external staff according to company SOPs and guidelines.
*Act as a Departmental Ambassador. Establish close working relationships with other departments both local and global e.g. Sales, Marketing
*Deputising for the Head of Medical Affairs
Suitable applicants must be UK registered pharmacists with prior experience in the industry coupled with a good knowledge of the ABPI
For a confidential discussion and to find out more information about this role please contact Harriet Maidman on 0207 234 0550 or by e-mail to h.maidman@nonstop-pharma.com
NonStop Recruitment are committed to best practice, we abide by the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003; we are Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) members and follow the REC Code of Professional Practice and Code of Ethics 2003.
Vacancy Summary
- Job Type
- Permanent
- Location
- London
- Start Date
- ASAP
- Duration
- Salary
- £50k - £65k pa
- Ref No:
- 263035-HM57885-466
- Date Advertised
- 12 Jul 2012
- From: jobsite
