EIN Presswire: Pharmaceuticals Live Feed Press Releases

Recombinant Data Named Finalist in Personalized Medicine World Conference 2012 "Most Promising Company" Competition

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:38:00 +0000

Clinical Data Warehousing and Intelligence Solutions Provider Only Software Company Selected

Recombinant Data, a healthcare data warehousing and clinical intelligence solutions provider, today announced that it was a finalist in the Most Promising Company Competition at the Personalized Medicine World Conference 2012 (PMWC). The award is presented by PMWC and Prescience International. Recombinant was selected from among 31 entrants and was the only software company among the top three finalists which included biotech companies Auxogyn and Epizyme. Winners were selected by a panel of judges and attendee voting.

According to Tal Behar, co-founder of PMWC, the Competition showcases some of the world's most promising personalized medicine innovations. "Customization of treatment, with all decisions and practices being tailored to the individual, will be a revolution of the current healthcare cycle. We look forward to seeing how the companies highlighted during this year's Competition will define the next generation of personalized medicine," said Behar.

The PMWC 2012 Most Promising Company award is conferred to companies with technology, products or services that are disruptive and innovative to the current standard-of-care, both in cost and effectiveness; strength of team and ability to execute; barriers to competition and strength of intellectual property; and expected financial returns for investors.

"Being a finalist in the Most Promising Company Competition highlights Recombinant Data's success in providing critical data infrastructure and analytics solutions to leading pharma and biotech companies, academic medical centers and healthcare delivery systems," said Peter Emerson, CEO of Recombinant Data. "Linking data from patient care, clinical research and basic life science research and having the ability to analyze and interpret that data is essential to advancing personalized medicine. Recombinant Data is committed to this goal."

"We congratulate Recombinant Data and all of the companies competing this year," said Melinda Richter, founder and CEO, Prescience International. "The quality of entries demonstrates that personalized medicine will play an increasingly significant role in delivering high-quality, cost-effective healthcare and it will continue to grow in importance as scientific breakthroughs are translated into a new generation of targeted therapeutics."

About Recombinant Data Corp.
Recombinant provides leading-edge data warehousing and clinical intelligence solutions to healthcare providers, academic medical centers and life science researchers to deliver higher quality outcomes, accelerate personalized medicine, and lower costs. Our team of industry veterans is focused on improving the flow of reliable data to power clinical and research applications in a secure, compliant environment. For more information about Recombinant's products and services, visit www.recomdata.com.

About Personalized Medicine World Conference
The Personalized Medicine World Conference, a two-day business and educational conference that provides real-world insights on how to succeed in producing and implementing personalized medicine, is produced by PMWC International is dedicated to transforming healthcare through the global adoption of personalized medicine.

About Prescience International
Prescience International is dedicated to accelerating the commercialization and global adoption of science and technology. With industry expertise in the future of technology markets, Prescience International creates and manages centers of excellence in the form of research parks, innovation centers, research foundations, research institutes and emerging companies.

Contact:
Chas Kielt
Corporate Marketing and Communications
617-243-3700 X366
ckielt@recomdata.com

Bill Stetson
Marketing Manager
617-243-3700 X229
wstetson@recomdata.com

Cardiac Science AEDs Now Available for Airbus Aircraft

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Cardiac Science AEDs Now Available for Airbus Aircraft

Powerheart AEDs included in Airbus offerable vendor catalog

PR Newswire

BOTHELL, Wash., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardiac Science Corporation, a global leader in automated external defibrillator (AED) and diagnostic cardiac monitoring devices, announced that it will partner with Germany-based Innovint Aircraft Interior GmbH to distribute Cardiac Science AEDs on aircraft worldwide. Innovint is a leader in the global aircraft interior and equipment market and an approved Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) supplier for Airbus.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080306/AQTH510LOGO)

"We wanted a company that provides products that exceed the rigorous standards common in the aerospace industry for emergency equipment," said Manfred Groening, Innovint chief executive officer. "Cardiac Science was our first choice because of their extensive self-tests and their ability to deliver a globally standardized product and service in over 100 countries."

The partnership has already achieved a major milestone: inclusion in the global Airbus Buyer Furnished Equipment catalog. Cardiac Science AEDs successfully completed the rigorous evaluation process required to be offerable by Airbus.

"We are confident airlines and flight crews will value our easy-to-use Powerheart® AED," said Dave Marver, Cardiac Science chief executive officer. "Our RescueCoach™ voice prompts and fully automatic operation allow rescuers to respond effectively in even the most stressful situations."

According to its latest Global Market Forecast, Airbus foresees by 2030 some 26,900 passenger aircraft (above 100 seats) be required to satisfy future robust market demand. Leveraging its presence in the Airbus catalog, Cardiac Science now has an opportunity to outfit each new plane with a Powerheart AED.

The Powerheart AED features RescueCoach voice prompts and CPR metronome that help untrained adults deliver CPR of a quality similar to that of trained professionals (as shown in a University of Pennsylvania simulated rescue study). The fully automatic Powerheart AED analyzes the heart rhythm and delivers the shock automatically, with no button to push and no human intervention.

About Cardiac Science

Cardiac Science, a wholly owned subsidiary of Opto Circuits (India) Ltd., develops, manufactures, and markets a family of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic cardiology devices and systems, including automated external defibrillators (AED), electrocardiograph devices (ECG/EKG), cardiac stress treadmill and systems, PC-based diagnostic workstations, Holter monitoring systems, hospital defibrillators, vital signs monitors, cardiac rehabilitation telemetry systems, and cardiology data management systems (informatics) that connect with hospital information (HIS), electronic medical record (EMR), and other information systems. The company sells a variety of related products and consumables and provides a portfolio of training, maintenance, and support services. Cardiac Science, the successor to the cardiac businesses that established the trusted Burdick®, HeartCentrix®, Powerheart®, and Quinton® brands, is headquartered in Bothell, Washington. With customers in almost 100 countries worldwide, the company has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia. For information, call 425.402.2000 or visit http://www.cardiacscience.com.

For updates and information on worldwide defibrillation and cardiac monitoring, find us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/cardiacscience, the Cardiac Science blog at http://www.cardiacscience.com/blog, Twitter at http://twitter.com/cardiacscience, and YouTube at http://budurl.com/CSonYT

For information, contact (media) Anastasia Mironova amironova@cardiacscience.com+1.425.402.2092 | (investors) ir@optoindia.com | +91.80.2852.8088

About Innovint

INNOVINT Aircraft Interior GmbH was founded in 1977. This was the beginning of a worldwide renowned company in the aircraft interior and equipment market. For half a century now, we have been developing and manufacturing cabin interiors and have established a leading position in the market with innovative product developments. Optimal design, new materials, and light-weight construction fulfill the criteria of a customized cabin interior. Development, verification, production, certification, and customer service are offered from one source.

In constant dialogue with OEMs, airlines, and passengers many acclaimed products have been put successfully into service: convincing both customers and users.

Visit http://www.innovint.de for products and services overview. Safety and comfort come first in everything we do – for every single person on board. Innovint Aircraft Interior GmbH Dipl.-Ing. Manfred Groning Holzmuehlenstrasse 84-86 22041 Hamburg, Germany Mobile: +49 (0) 172 400 54 56 Phone: +49 (0) 40- 69 69 86-0 Fax: +49 (0) 40- 69 32 02-6

SOURCE Cardiac Science Corporation

Miraculins Announces Grant of Options

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:55:10 +0000

Miraculins Inc. (TSX VENTURE:MOM), a medical diagnostic company focused on developing and commercializing diagnostic tests and risk assessment technologies for unmet clinical needs, announces that it has granted an aggregate of 2,455,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share, to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company. The options are set to expire ten years from the date of grant and are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the terms of Miraculins' stock option plan. In accordance with securities regulatory requirements, any shares issued pursuant to the exercise of such options will be subject to a resale restriction for a period of four months from the date of grant of the underlying option.

About Miraculins Inc.

Miraculins is a medical diagnostic development company focused on acquiring and advancing non-invasive tests for unmet clinical needs. The Company's PreVu test is a revolutionary new coronary artery disease (CAD) risk assessment technology that measures cholesterol levels in a patient's skin non-invasively, painlessly and without the need for fasting. PreVu has previously been successfully test marketed in North America on a limited basis. Miraculins additional programs include a research use only ELISA kit for the detection of PSP94; and a suite of biomarkers to aid in the early detection of the devastating disease of pregnancy known as preeclampsia. The Company's preeclampsia program is being advanced in partnership with Alere, Inc. (NYSE:ALR) (formerly known as Inverness Medical Innovations), one of the world's largest diagnostic companies. For more information on Miraculins please visit www.miraculins.com. PreVu Non-Invasive Cholesterol Test technology is not currently licensed for sale in Canada.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our objectives, goals, targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and outlook, including, without limitation, our anticipated future operating results, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may" and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.

These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations include, among other things: Miraculins' early stage of development, lack of product revenues and history of operating losses, uncertainties related to clinical trials and product development, rapid technological change, uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product liability, additional financing requirements and access to capital, unproven markets, supply of raw materials, income tax matters, management of growth, partnerships for development and commercialization of technology, effects of insurers' willingness to pay for products, system failures, dependence on key personnel, foreign currency risk, risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to intellectual property and other risks detailed from time to time in Miraculins' filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, as well as Miraculins' ability to anticipate and manage the risks associated with the foregoing. Additional information about these factors and about the material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements may be found in the body of this news release. Miraculins cautions that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on Miraculins' forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Miraculins investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events.

These risks and uncertainties should be considered carefully and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Miraculins cannot provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Miraculins undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Miraculins Inc.
Christopher J. Moreau
President and CEO
204-477-7599
204-453-1546 (FAX)
info@miraculins.com
www.miraculins.com

The Myelin Repair Foundation and ENDECE Neural Form Collaboration to Develop Myelin Regenerative Compounds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:49:00 +0000

The Myelin Repair Foundation and ENDECE Neural Form Collaboration to Develop Myelin Regenerative Compounds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment

PR Newswire

SARATOGA, California and MEQUON, Wisconsin, February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) and ENDECE Neural, LLC have formed a partnership to expedite the advancement of myelin regeneration drug candidates for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients through pre-clinical studies and into Phase I clinical studies.

Through this unique collaboration, the newly launched MRF Translational Medicine Center will assess the myelin regenerating capabilities of proprietary small molecule compounds from ENDECE Neural in novel MRF Multiple Sclerosis models for their effectiveness in reversing myelin damage.

These ENDECE Neural compounds will be evaluated at the MRF Translational Medicine Center, which is dedicated to the acceleration of the drug discovery and development process for new MS treatments. This laboratory facility offers a rigorous, industry-leading translational medicine platform, led by MRF personnel with over four decades of extensive biopharma experience moving therapeutic compounds into clinical trials. The goal of the MRF Translational Medicine Center is to advance potential myelin repair treatment targets toward commercialization to benefit MS patients.

"By combining the innovative approach by ENDECE Neural to remyelination and the resources available at the MRF Translational Medicine Center, we can expedite progress towards developing new MS treatments for patients," says Dr. Jay Tung, Ph.D., Vice President of Drug Discovery and Research Operations at MRF. "We are excited to work with ENDECE Neural since we both share a deep commitment to bringing novel therapeutics to MS patients who simply cannot wait for new cures."

"We approached the Myelin Repair Foundation about joining forces because of their expertise in myelin repair models, in addition to their new in-house capabilities at the MRF Translational Medicine Center," says Dr. James Yarger, Ph.D., President of ENDECE Neural. "Unlike current MS therapies, which target immune response and inflammation to slow relapses, our drug compounds are promising candidates for remyelination, with the potential to restore muscle control and mobility. Without remyelination, there can be no cure for MS," states Dr. Yarger.

About the Myelin Repair Foundation

The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) (http://www.myelinrepair.org) is a Silicon Valley-based, non-profit research organization focused on accelerating the discovery and development of myelin repair therapeutics for Multiple Sclerosis. Its Accelerated Research Collaboration™ (ARC™) model is designed to optimize the process of medical research, drug development and the delivery of new patient treatments.

About ENDECE Neural, LLC

ENDECE Neural, LLC is the privately held neurological drug development subsidiary of ENDECE (http://www.endece.com), a biopharmaceutical company located in Wisconsin. As a small molecule drug discovery business, ENDECE was founded on the premise that the ability to control multiple genes within signaling pathways would create opportunities for treating diseases with largely unmet medical needs, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and pain. ENDECE has several late pre-clinical stage programs, including therapeutics for Multiple Sclerosis (ENDECE Neural, LLC) and Cancer (ENDECE Oncology, LLC). The Intellectual Property (IP) surrounding the portfolio of small molecule compounds owned and developed by ENDECE is protected by six composition of matter and use patents; the first has been issued. The management team of ENDECE has previously taken multiple drug candidates from laboratory discovery, through clinical studies, and the FDA approval process to commercial launch.

Cempra, Inc. Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering of Common Stock

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:26:43 +0000

Cempra, Inc. Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering of Common Stock

PR Newswire

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cempra, Inc. (Nasdaq: CEMP), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing antibiotics to meet critical medical needs in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases, today announced that it successfully closed its previously announced initial public offering of 8,400,000 shares of common stock at $6.00 per share. The shares began trading on February 3, 2012 on The Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol "CEMP."

Total net proceeds to the company from the offering, after deducting underwriter discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, were approximately $47.7 million. The company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to develop two of its product candidates, CEM-101 and Taksta.

Stifel Nicolaus Weisel, Leerink Swann LLC and Cowen and Company, LLC served as joint book-running managers for the offering. Needham & Company, LLC acted as co-manager.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained for free by visiting the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at http://www.sec.gov/. Alternatively, a copy of the prospectus related to this offering may be obtained by contacting Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, One Montgomery Street, Suite 3700, San Francisco, California 94104, or by calling (415) 364-2720; Leerink Swann LLC, One Federal Street, 37th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, or by calling (800) 808-7525; or Cowen and Company, LLC c/o Broadridge Financial Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, Attn: Prospectus Department, or by calling (631) 274-2806.

About Cempra

Founded in 2006, Cempra, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing antibiotics to meet critical medical needs in the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases. Cempra's two lead product candidates have both completed oral Phase 2 clinical trials and seek to address the need for new treatments targeting drug-resistant bacterial infections in the hospital and in the community. The company also intends to utilize its series of proprietary lead compounds from its novel macrolide library for uses such as the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, endocrine diseases and gastric motility disorders. Additional information about Cempra can be found at www.cempra.com.

Contacts:

Robert E. Flamm, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
(212) 845-4226
Robert.flamm@russopartnersllc.com

Tony Russo, Ph.D.
Russo Partners, LLC
(212) 845-4251
Tony.russo@russopartnersllc.com

Prabhavathi Fernandes, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cempra Pharmaceuticals
pfernandes@cempra.com

SOURCE Cempra, Inc.

The Myelin Repair Foundation and ENDECE Neural Form Collaboration to Develop Myelin Regenerative Compounds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:19:36 +0000

The Myelin Repair Foundation and ENDECE Neural Form Collaboration to Develop Myelin Regenerative Compounds for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Treatment

PR Newswire

SARATOGA, Calif. and MEQUON, Wis., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) and ENDECE Neural, LLC have formed a partnership to expedite the advancement of myelin regeneration drug candidates for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients through pre-clinical studies and into Phase I clinical studies.

About the Myelin Repair Foundation

The Myelin Repair Foundation (MRF) (www.myelinrepair.org) is a Silicon Valley-based, non-profit research organization focused on accelerating the discovery and development of myelin repair therapeutics for Multiple Sclerosis. Its Accelerated Research Collaboration™ (ARC™) model is designed to optimize the process of medical research, drug development and the delivery of new patient treatments.

About ENDECE Neural, LLC

ENDECE Neural, LLC is the privately held neurological drug development subsidiary of ENDECE (www.endece.com), a biopharmaceutical company located in Wisconsin. As a small molecule drug discovery business, ENDECE was founded on the premise that the ability to control multiple genes within signaling pathways would create opportunities for treating diseases with largely unmet medical needs, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and pain. ENDECE has several late pre-clinical stage programs, including therapeutics for Multiple Sclerosis (ENDECE Neural, LLC) and Cancer (ENDECE Oncology, LLC). The Intellectual Property (IP) surrounding the portfolio of small molecule compounds owned and developed by ENDECE is protected by six composition of matter and use patents; the first has been issued. The management team of ENDECE has previously taken multiple drug candidates from laboratory discovery, through clinical studies, and the FDA approval process to commercial launch.

SOURCE Myelin Repair Foundation; ENDECE Neural, LLC

New Austen BioInnovation Institute-Led Community Health Approach Combats Chronic Disease Epidemic, Empowers Patients and Reduces Costs

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:17:13 +0000

New Austen BioInnovation Institute-Led Community Health Approach Combats Chronic Disease Epidemic, Empowers Patients and Reduces Costs

PR Newswire

Value of Accountable Care Community approach to public health promotion and disease prevention outlined in new paper released today

CDC-funded initiative involves more than 60 local organizations constructing a nationally replicable community model

Chronic disease management pilot program shows early impact

AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new community-wide collaboration to reduce the impact of chronic disease and empower patients is generating impressive early results, leaders of the Accountable Care Community (ACC) initiative said today. The Akron-based Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA) is leading the initiative with its founding institutional members and more than 60 public and private community partners.

The groundbreaking effort supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unites medical, public health and social science professions, nonprofits and faith-based and community organizations for an "all-hands-on-deck" approach to public health. Eventually, communities across the country will be able to apply this new model toward public health, reducing the tremendous negative impact chronic disease has on their economies, said Dr. Janine Janosky, head of ABIA's Center for Community Health Improvement, who is leading the effort described in a white paper released today.

The news comes just weeks after an Institute of Medicine report called for a new public health approach based on "enhanced collaboration among the public health, healthcare and community non-healthcare sectors" to address the challenges of chronic disease. The World Health Organization refers to the growing impact of chronic disease as "a global epidemic" reaching crisis levels. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation estimates that by 2030, half the U.S. population will have at least one chronic condition.

The ABIA, along with national experts and more than 60 Akron organizations, have been collaborating for more than a year on a new, integrated, and measurable strategy to community health that could be replicated in other U.S. communities. The ACC approach detailed in the report "Healthier by Design: Accountable Care Community" utilizes a unique "impact equation" that measures the benefits of a seamless approach to community health, including metrics for a patient empowerment and market value of health, said Dr. Frank L. Douglas, ABIA president and chief executive officer.

"The amount spent on healthcare and health initiatives in the United States should translate into good health for the community and its residents. Unfortunately, America's public health continues to lag behind other nations. Further, we are now in an era of debate about how to reverse the unsustainable cost trends and improve the health outcomes and quality of life for our fellow man," Dr. Douglas said. "The development of this inventive Accountable Care Community model, which not only speaks of the need for collaboration but actually enables all parties to be on the same page with an integrated, measurable strategy, promises to improve the health of millions of patients."

In Akron, the ACC approach uniquely aligns public, private and philanthropic resources in a coordinated fight to improve community health by identifying and closing gaps in health education, access and delivery. The group's initial pilot project focused on diabetes self-management. Ultimately, participants changed their behaviors and took increased control over their disease. Significant results included decreases in blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels, weight loss, decreased body mass, and a decline in emergency room visits. An additional program demonstrated nearly a total of $225,000 of cost savings or cost avoidance for local healthcare institutions through the use of volunteers and community services to monitor and serve low-income, medically underserved patients with diabetes.

The ACC measured the improvements using a unique health and public health-based formula that calculates impact based on changes in patient health, the number of patients affected and the burden of the disease as determined by the cost of care. The Impact Equation outlined in the white paper is a new and crucial way to evaluate community health initiatives, Dr. Janosky said. "The equation is crucial to a sustainable effort that other communities can implement," she said.

The vast majority of cases of chronic diseases are caused by a small number of known and preventable risk factors, including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use, Janosky said. "We are convinced a collaborative approach to enhance patient empowerment and improve personal lifestyles will address the community challenges of chronic disease," Janosky said.

"The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron's Accountable Care Community is taking an important step to improve public health in Summit County by studying the best means of treating and preventing chronic diseases while reducing overall costs. Dr. Frank Douglas, Dr. Janine Janosky, and the sixty partners involved with the ACC are to be commended for their collaborative approach to improve the health and well-being of local residents and communities by uniting public health professionals and the clinical community," said Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

"We believe that our model of an all-inclusive approach to empowering patients and coordinating and improving access can be replicated by any community by first starting the conversation about what priorities matters most to your communities," said Dr. Cynthia Capers, Emeritus Professor and former dean of The University of Akron College of Nursing. "Once you identify your priorities and targets, then performance measurement is an important cornerstone."

In the next phase of the ACC development, organizers will foster community health leadership development, investigate regional health programs, analyze the impact of new health policy such as tobacco-free living, active lifestyles and healthy eating and identify areas of greatest need in Summit County.

"Building a responsible partnership between the clinical care professionals and public health colleagues is a key to success," said Dr. Hugh Tilson, adjunct professor of Public Health Leadership, Epidemiology and Health Policy, University of North Carolina and adjunct professor of medicine, Duke University, who contributed to the white paper. "Particularly exciting for me as a career public health professional is to witness the strong functional collaboration between the local public health agency and the accountable care organization – a true model for the accountable caring community. I know this is the winning formula for our reformed health care system, with the emphasis on health."

According to Dr. William Keck, past president of the American Public Health Association and retired City of Akron Director of Health, "Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, we know that they are also among the most preventable. It is vital that the increasing importance of chronic disease is anticipated, understood and acted upon urgently. This requires a new approach by both medical and community health professionals, and community leaders, who are in a position to strengthen chronic disease prevention and control efforts."

To learn more about the ACC initiative and download the whitepaper, visit www.abiakron.org/acc.

About the Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron
The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA) – an exceptional collaboration of Akron Children's Hospital, Akron General Health System, Northeast Ohio Medical University (formerly Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy), Summa Health System, The University of Akron and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation – is focused on patient-centered innovation and commercialization at the intersection of biomaterials and medicine. The strategic alignment of public and private support, accompanied with Akron's rich legacy in materials science, is working to pioneer the next generation of life-enhancing and life-saving innovation that will transform Akron into a model for biomedical discovery and enterprise and move the region toward a secure economic future by accelerating the creation of more than 2,000 jobs during the next decade. For more information about ABIA, please visit www.abiakron.org.

Media Contact:
Scott Rainone
Office of Communications
Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron
330-572-7581, srainone@abiakron.org

SOURCE Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals to Announce 2011 Year End Financial Results on February 29, 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:05:56 +0000

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals to Announce 2011 Year End Financial Results on February 29, 2012

PR Newswire

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CPIX) announced today that it will release 2011 year-end financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. A conference call and live Internet webcast will be held on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results.

To participate in the call, please dial 877-303-1298 (for U.S. callers) or 253-237-1032 (for international callers). A rebroadcast of the teleconference will be available for one week and can be accessed by dialing 855-859-2056 (for U.S. callers) or 404-537-3406 (for international callers). The Conference ID for the rebroadcast is 50392851. The live webcast and rebroadcast can be accessed via Cumberland's website at http://investor.shareholder.com/cpix/events.cfm.

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the acquisition, development and commercialization of branded prescription products. The Company's primary target markets include hospital acute care and gastroenterology. Cumberland's marketed products include Acetadote® (acetylcysteine) Injection for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning, Caldolor® (ibuprofen) Injection, the first injectable treatment for pain and fever approved in the United States, and Kristalose® (lactulose) for Oral Solution, a prescription laxative. Cumberland is dedicated to providing innovative products that improve quality of care for patients. For more information on Cumberland, please visit the Company's website at www.cumberlandpharma.com.

SOURCE Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Vote for Your Favorite Video! Public Voting Now Open for 2012 Neuro Film Festival

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:04:31 +0000

Vote for Your Favorite Video! Public Voting Now Open for 2012 Neuro Film Festival

PR Newswire

ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- You can now begin voting for your favorite video entry to the 2012 Neuro Film Festival through March 8, 2012, at http://www.NeuroFilmFestival.com. Now in its third year, the Neuro Film Festival is a contest by the American Academy of Neurology Foundation to help raise awareness about why more research is needed to cure brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, autism, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Public voting will close on March 8, 2012, with the winner of the "Fan Favorite" award receiving a certificate and recognition at the 2012 Neuro Film Festival on April 22, 2012, in conjunction with the American Academy of Neurology's 64th Annual Meeting, the world's largest meeting of neurologists with 10,000 attendees.

A jury will determine the Grand Prize winner who will be awarded up to $1,000 and a trip to New Orleans to watch his or her video shown to a live audience at the Neuro Film Festival event. The jury will also select the Runner-Up winner who will receive up to $500 in prize winnings and a trip to New Orleans.

Learn more about the Neuro Film Festival and cast your vote now at http://www.NeuroFilmFestival.com.

The Neuro Film Festival is sponsored by PSAV® Presentation Services.

The American Academy of Neurology Foundation supports vital research into finding cures for brain disease. The Foundation is committed to improving patient care, quality of life and public understanding of brain disease. To learn more or to make a donation to support research, visit http://www.aan.com/foundation.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

SOURCE American Academy of Neurology Foundation

Elsevier Announces New Editor-in-Chief for Materials Science and Engineering: A

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Elsevier Announces New Editor-in-Chief for Materials Science and Engineering: A

PR Newswire

AMSTERDAM, February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Elsevier, a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, today announced the appointment of Dr. Enrique J. Lavernia as Editor-in-Chief of Materials Science and Engineering: A. He has been a principal editor of the journal since 1998.

Dr. Lavernia is Dean and Distinguished Professor at the College of Engineering, University of California, Davis. He holds a Master's Degree and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor's Degree from Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Lavernia is known for his research in the synthesis and mechanical behavior of nanostructured and multi-scale materials as well as for his work on fundamental phenomena underlying spray atomization and other powder processes for a broad range of structural materials, publishing 480 research papers and over 200 conference proceedings. He has been elected Fellow of ASM, ASME and AAAS and was recently named the ASM 2013 Edward DeMille Campbell Memorial Lecturer and honored with the 2013 ASM Gold Medal Award. In 2011, he was also named one of the Top 200 Influential Hispanics in Technology.

"Materials Science and Engineering: A has a long and rich tradition of publishing results from seminal studies related to the interrelationship amongst microstructure, properties, processing and performance. It has been a privilege to be associated with the journal all these years, and I look forward to working with my fellow editors and the journal's community in this new capacity," Dr. Lavernia said of his appointment.

"We are seeing continued growth in submissions to the journal, including some from leading research in structural materials," said Allyn Molina, Publisher at Elsevier. "Enrique's far reaching scientific activities in the academic world have provided an inestimable impact for the journal and we are confident that he will strengthen the position of the journal in the scientific community."

About Materials Science and Engineering: A

Materials Science and Engineering: A provides an international medium for the publication of theoretical and experimental studies related to the load-bearing capacity of materials as influenced by their basic properties, processing history, microstructure and operating environment. Appropriate submissions to Materials Science and Engineering: A should include scientific and/or engineering factors which affect the microstructure - strength relationships of materials and report the changes to mechanical behavior. The journal does not seek or publish papers on concrete and cement-based systems nor on polymeric and polymer-based materials.

About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include SciVerse ScienceDirect, SciVerse Scopus, Reaxys, MD Consult and Nursing Consult, which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite and MEDai's Pinpoint Review, which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC, a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

Media contact
Allyn Molina
Elsevier
+1-212-633-3656
a.molina@elsevier.com

Elsevier Announces New Editor-in-Chief for Materials Science and Engineering: A

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Elsevier Announces New Editor-in-Chief for Materials Science and Engineering: A

PR Newswire

AMSTERDAM, February 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

About Materials Science and Engineering: A

Media contact
Allyn Molina
Elsevier
+1-212-633-3656
a.molina@elsevier.com

SOURCE Elsevier

FDA Deputy Director for Medical Devices to Speak at SEMDA 2012 Conference

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:38:00 +0000

William H. Maisel, MD, MPH, Chief Scientist and Deputy Center Director for Science at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), will be a keynote speaker at the SEMDA 2012 Conference, it was announced today. Dr. Maisel is responsible for providing leadership in the development, implementation, execution, management and direction of the Center's broad national and international biomedical science programs.

The sixth annual SEMDA Conference will be held on March 13-14, 2012, at the Georgia Tech Center for Global Learning. Recognized as the premier gathering for the Southeast medical device industry, the conference balances presentations by medical device companies to investors with educational programs, 1:1 partnering and networking opportunities.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Maisel join us at the SEMDA 2012 Conference," said David Hartnett, SEMDA President and Vice President of Bioscience/Health IT Industry Development at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "The FDA plays a critical role for companies developing medical devices, and Dr. Maisel will be able to provide an unprecedented level of insight into the workings of the organization."

Prior to joining FDA, Dr. Maisel was Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Medical Device Safety Institute, a non-profit organization affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He is a Board-certified cardiologist with more than 15 years of clinical experience.

He is former Chair of the FDA Circulatory System and Post-Market Medical Device Advisory Committees, and is a former member of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Coverage Advisory Committee. Dr. Maisel received his undergraduate degree in biology from MIT, his medical degree from Cornell Medical College, and his Masters in Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. He has published more than 120 research manuscripts, book chapters, and scientific abstracts on regulatory science, device innovation, and medical device safety and effectiveness.

The SEMDA Conference is specifically designed to meet the needs of medical device industry professionals and brings together professionals from throughout the Southeast. Other highlights will include:

Presentations from some of the region's top existing and emerging medical device companies
Workshops on a variety of topics including critical business issues affecting those within the industry
Panel discussions by VCs and business development professionals, as well as a CEO Roundtable
Numerous industry networking opportunities plus structured 1:1 partnering

About SEMDA
The Southeastern Medical Device Association (SEMDA) is a non-profit trade association that supports and promotes medical device companies in the Southeast. Created in 2004, the association provides a unique resource and networking opportunity for medical device companies, inventors, physicians, and investors interested in accelerating the growth of the medical device industry in the Southeast. Through quarterly and members-only meetings, as well as its highly regarded annual Conference, SEMDA meets the needs of members of the medical device community. Learn more at www.semda.net.

Media Contact:
Lyn Hood
Crackerjack Marketing
678-974-2623
Email Contact

Bella Marketing & Promotions Announces Its Collaboration With Code Purple Event NYC

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Bella Marketing & Promotions is proud to announce its participation in Code Purple Event NYC. The Event, which will take place on February 16, 2012 at the USS Intrepid from 7pm-11pm, will benefit the international movement to spread awareness about malaria -- Africa's number two killer.

The event is closing out Fashion Week with an avant garde fashion show featuring exclusive collections from three world-renowned designers, special musical guest performances, and giveaways. Proceeds will benefit production and distribution of a life-changing mosquito repellent garment called MOSKEETO ARMOR. Organizers plan to take the show around the world to spread awareness and raise funds to distribute this product in every environment where malaria is a risk factor.

Bella Marketing & Promotions shall be providing models for fashion designer Barak. Barak's work has been seen in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows of 2010 and 2011, where his shop created several of the lingerie looks along with making the clothes for musical performers Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj. Additionally, the event will be co-hosted by radio personalities Hal and Debi Jackson.

Caterin Romain, CEO of Bella Marketing & Promotions, states, "We are very excited to provide our services for an important event that will bring awareness to raise crucial funding needed to bring this technology to the masses for support, prevention and education to the more than 225 million cases of malaria reported each year worldwide."

Robin Crespo, Founder/CEO of ING activewear and the "Head Butler" at Code Purple Event, states, "I am glad that Caterin Romain of Bella Marketing & Promotions has joined us as we use Fashion to save lives... thank you for helping us give mobility to those living in fear of contracting malaria... with MOSKEETO ARMOR, malaria is: PREVENTABLE."

About Bella Marketing & Promotions.

BELLA Marketing & Promotions is a promotions company that provides attractive, charming and personable models to promote your brands. Bella Marketing & Promotions can also provide an extensive range of multicultural models for the accessibility of targeting all markets. If you need further information about rates and services please call or have your clients 866-936-8241.

For more information about Bella go to www.Bellamarketingpromotions.com

For more information and tickets for Code Purple go to www.codepurpleevent.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bella-marketing-promotions/339387902762181

Contact:
Caterin Romain
866-936-8241

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) - Drug Safety Communication: Clostridum Difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) Can be Associated With Stomach Acid Drugs

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:14:11 +0000

AcipHex (rabeprazole sodium)
Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium)
Omeprazole (omeprazole) Over-the-Counter (OTC)
Prevacid (lansoprazole) and OTC Prevacid 24hr
Prilosec (omeprazole) and OTC
Protonix (pantoprazole sodium)
Vimovo (esomeprazole magnesium and naproxen)
Zegerid (omeprazole and Sodium bicarbonate) and OTC

[Posted 02/08/2012]

AUDIENCE: Gastroenerology, Family Practice, Consumer

ISSUE: FDA notified the public that the use of stomach acid drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be associated with an increased risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD). A diagnosis of CDAD should be considered for patients taking PPIs who develop diarrhea that does not improve. The FDA is working with manufacturers to include information about the increased risk of CDAD with use of PPIs in the drug labels.

FDA is also reviewing the risk of CDAD in users of histamine H2 receptor blockers. H2 receptor blockers are used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and small intestine ulcers, and heartburn.

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are marketed under various brand and generic drug names as prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products. They work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Prescription PPIs are used to treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach and small intestine ulcers, and inflammation of the esophagus. Over-the-counter PPIs are used to treat frequent heartburn.

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea that does not improve. Symptoms include watery stool, abdominal pain, and fever, and patients may go on to develop more serious intestinal conditions. The disease can also be spread in hospitals.

RECOMMENDATION: Patients should immediately contact their healthcare professional and seek care if they take PPIs and develop diarrhea that does not improve. Information for Healthcare Professionals:

A diagnosis of CDAD should be considered for PPI users with diarrhea that does not improve.
Advise patients to seek immediate care from a healthcare professional if they experience watery stool that does not go away, abdominal pain, and fever while taking PPIs.
Patients should use the lowest dose and shortest duration of PPI therapy appropriate to the condition being treated.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[02/08/2012 - Drug Safety Communication - FDA]

Child Health Corporation of America Selects Novation as Its Supply Cost Reduction Partner

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:13:46 +0000

Child Health Corporation of America Selects Novation as Its Supply Cost Reduction Partner

Novation Signs Agreement to be the Exclusive Supply Cost Reduction Partner for Children's Hospital Members of Child Health Corporation of America

PR Newswire

IRVING, Texas, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Novation, the leading health care supply contracting company owned by VHA and UHC, today announced that the Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA) has signed an agreement to utilize and benefit from Novation's contracting and supply chain solutions. The CHCA Board of Directors chose Novation as the best supply cost reduction partner based on due diligence and recommendations by a member-led task force representing CHCA's children's hospital members with more than $2 billion in annual purchases.

"The financial demands placed on our children's hospitals, and the opportunity to apply industry-leading supply chain analytic tools and practices to improve our effectiveness and efficiency, have led us to enter into partnership with Novation as our group purchasing partner," said Ben Melson, Executive Vice President and CFO, Texas Children's Hospital, Chair of GPO Due Diligence Task Force. "The selection of Novation follows a rigorous process that examined the capabilities of the leading national GPOs within the context of the children's hospitals' evolving supply chain needs and expectations. We look forward to a new strategic partnership with Novation that will create a new level of value."

CHCA is a business alliance and part of the Children's Hospital Association, which represents more than 220 children's hospitals and advances child health through innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care.

As part of its new relationship with CHCA, Novation will leverage its experience and supplier relationships to employ innovative and customized contracting strategies that will offer the industry's leading array of pediatric services, including unique approaches to products and commitment, as well as provide additional value to meet the diverse needs of children's hospitals.

"Our proven expertise in uniquely serving a number of specialty health care groups, especially pediatric facilities whose challenges require special attention, makes us the right partner for CHCA's future," said Jody Hatcher, President and CEO of Novation. "Because the member groups we serve are so diverse, Novation is adept at tailoring its programs, analytics and solutions to meet the very specific needs of unique member types and provide supply cost savings that improve their bottom line."

"This relationship highlights the perfect alignment between our organizations' integrity and values," said Hatcher. "We are proud that CHCA chose Novation as its supply cost reduction partner, and we believe this move reinforces Novation's ability to provide unmatched value to health care providers."

About Novation, Winner of the Ethics Inside® Certification

Founded in 1998, Novation is the leading health care supply contracting company for the more than 65,000 members of VHA Inc. and UHC, two national health care alliances, and Provista, LLC. Novation provides alliance members with sourcing services, as well as information and data services. Based in Irving, Texas, Novation develops and manages competitive contracts with more than 600 suppliers. VHA, UHC, and Provista members used Novation contracts to purchase more than $40 billion in 2011. Novation recently earned the coveted Ethics Inside® Certification from Ethisphere Institute, a leading international think tank dedicated to the research and promotion of best practices in corporate ethics and compliance, and is the only health care group purchasing organization to earn this distinction.

About CHCA

Child Health Corporation of America (CHCA) is a business alliance of children's hospitals whose executive and clinical leaders share data, knowledge and buying power to reduce costs and improve clinical and operational performance. CHCA is part of the Children's Hospital Association whose mission is to advance child health through innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care. Representing more than 220 children's hospitals, the Association is the voice of children's hospitals nationally. Formed in 2011, Children's Hospital Association brings together the strengths and talents of three organizations: CHCA, National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and National Association of Children's Hospitals (N.A.C.H.). The Association has offices in Alexandria, VA, and Overland Park, KS. For more information about CHCA, visit www.chca.com.

SOURCE Novation; Child Health Corporation of America