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First-Line Nab-Paclitaxel Is Superior To Docetaxel For Metastatic Breast Cancer
CHICAGO, May 26, 2009 - New data show that nab-paclitaxel (AbraxaneR for Injectable Suspension) prolongs investigator-assessed, median progression-free survival (PFS) by almost seven months versus the highest standard dose of docetaxel in women with metastatic breast cancer.

International Workshop: Infant Formula Adulteration With Melamine Underscores Need For Better Detection Methods
Following the recent adulteration of infant formula and other milk products with the industrial chemical melamine, the U. S. Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention is holding an international workshop this week to explore better ways to detect deliberately falsified protein content in food ingredients. The presence of false protein can lead to illness and death, as with thousands of Chinese children in the tragic melamine adulteration of infant formula this year and with pets in the United States in 2007. Vulnerabilities in global supply chains for food and drug ingredients allow such adulteration to affect people worldwide, which is what happened in similar instances where toxic diethylene glycol was substituted for the sweetener glycerin in toothpaste and cough syrup. USP is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets official standards for the identity, quality, purity, and strength of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. USP also sets widely recognized standards for the quality and purity of food ingredients and dietary supplements.
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DOD, VA, Congress Should Take Stronger Steps Toward Eliminating Tobacco Use In Military Populations, VA Medical Centers
Because tobacco use impairs military readiness, harms the health of soldiers and veterans, and imposes a substantial financial burden on the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, these agencies should implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve the Defense Department"s stated goal of a tobacco-free military, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. DOD should gradually phase in a ban on tobacco use in the military, starting at military academies and officer training programs and among new recruits, the report says. DOD should also stop selling tobacco products in Army and Air Force commissaries -- Navy and Marine Corps commissaries already do not sell them -- and should stop selling them at a discount in military exchanges and other stores. In addition, Congress should allow VA to establish tobacco-free medical centers.
Health Insurance

AlphaRx Reports Positive Preclinical Data On GAI-122 Against Liver Disease

AlphaRx Inc. (OTCBB: ALRX) reported positive preclinical results on GAI-122 injectable nano-emulsion in multiple models of acute hepatitis, an inflammatory liver disease. GAI-122 significantly reduced Aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme released into the blood that indicates damage to the liver, following IP administration in three different preclinical models of acute liver injury. Very high levels of ALT are usually due to acute hepatitis or a viral infection. In the a-Fas model of liver injury, GAI-122 markedly reduced ALT levels by 90% from baseline, where control ALT values were ~22,000 IU/L. Significant efficacy was also demonstrated in the rat TNFa/Gln model and in the Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) model. "DILI accounts for more than 50% of acute liver failure and there are no satisfactory treatment options currently available. The excellent efficacy data demonstrated by these studies suggest that GAI-122 may represent a potential first line treatment option for patients with liver disease", stated Dr. Michael Weisspapir, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Scientist of AlphaRx. In October 2008, AlphaRx licensed GAI-122 to Gaia BioPharma. Under the terms of the amended agreement, AlphaRx is eligible to receive milestone payments of up to $50 million for the successful development and commercialization of GAI-122, as well as royalties on worldwide sales. In addition, Gaia BioPharma has assumed all development costs. About AlphaRx Inc. AlphaRx is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing proven therapies by reformulating FDA approved and marketed drugs which through the application of its proprietary site-specific nano drug delivery technology, offers improved medical benefits and a potential for significant commercial product development. About Gaia BioPharma Gaia BioPharma Limited, a privately held, early stage biopharmaceutical company focused on hospital-based injectable therapeutics. Gaia BioPharma seeks to address key unmet therapeutic needs by taking established compounds and changing their administration routes to create patent-protected, value-added products. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning and pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein described, including but not limited to product development and acceptance, manufacturing, competition, regulatory and/or other factors, which are outside the control of the Company. AlphaRx Inc


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