February 13, 2012

Long, Long Time to Come

I just wrote a couple of weeks ago about long acting factor: Biogen Idec’s clinical studies have been in the works for a while, and CSL Behring just announced that they are starting a global phase II/III, multi-center study.

On January 5, Baxter announced that they are launching a Phase I clinical study of “BAX 855,” a longer-acting (PEGylated) form of a full-length recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) protein, based on Advate’s manufacturing process. BAX 855 leverages Nektar Therapeutics’ proprietary PEGylation technology, which is designed to extend the duration of activity of proteins and larger molecules.

This means, if the trials go as hoped, longer acting factor in the bloodstream, requiring fewer infusions to get the job done.

So that’s three companies in clinical trials for longer-acting factor! More great news for our children’s future.

Great Book I Just Read
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (Kindle version)
Stymied by a nagging injury, McDougall questions his doctors, and sets out to find a way to continue running, which leads him to the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons. These people living in near isolation, are able to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. McDougall shares his adventure of traveling to meet them, interspersing chapters with the history of ultra running and introduces all its quirky characters, the history of the Tarahumara, and making a good case for running barefoot! The book has stirred some controversy–has he done a disservice to the Tarahumara, ruined Nike’s reputation and exalted barefoot running without citing his studies? Whatever he has done, it is a joy to read due to his crackling style, which is witty, colorful, funny and has great cultural references–this guy knows how to write! I’m not sure I buy everything he’s selling, but I did go running today, and loved it. Three star/four.

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