Drugs

Study Tracks Effectiveness of Cancer PARP Inhibitors

Researchers at NYU Langone Health say the effectiveness of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in any cancer cell depends on how well the BRAC2 cancer gene works in the cell. The Langone researchers’ study (subscription or purchase required) published in the journal Nature builds on the fact that as human cells divide and grow, DNA damage occurs continuously and must be swiftly repaired to prevent cancer

A Langone Health statement on the research says BRAC2 is a key player in the DNA repair mechanism but mutations occur and accumulate in cells, with some of the mutations sabotaging the gene’s DNA repair role, creating a cancer risk.

“When mutations hinder BRAC2 function,” the statement says, “cancer cells are known to rely on the PARP1 pathway for backup DNA repair, and to continue abnormal growth.i PARP inhibitors were designed to stop this.”

The researchers reportedly used proprietary single molecule biophotonics imaging to determine that BRAC2 functions as a “molecular shield,” physically preventing PARP1 from remaining stuck at DNA repair sites, the mechanism by which PARP inhibitors have their effect.

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA has classified Boston Scientific's recall of its Imager II Angiographic Catheters as Class I because a manufacturing problem could cause catheter tips to degrade and detach, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications. The agency announced the Class I classification 9/25, updating an Early Alert it issued

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome