Veterinary Medicine

Biotechnology Company Provided Advance Warning of Mexican H1N1 "Swine Flu" Virus Outbreak

Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning in April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics. The April 2008 announcement, attached below as published on the Web, stated that in H1N1 the company had then detected the highest concentrations of these specific regions ever seen, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics. A synthetic H1N1 Replikins Vaccine is available for testing, and related products are described below and on the company's website.

(PRWEB) April 25, 2009 -- Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning in April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics.

The April 2008 announcement, attached below as published on the Web, stated that in H1N1 the company had then detected the highest concentrations of these specific regions ever seen, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics.

Replikins, Ltd. published a FluForecast® warning on April 7th, 2008, a year before the recent Mexico and California H1N1 cases. The company was able to state the likelihood of H1N1 outbreaks based on its patented Replikin Count™ genomics technology, which examines specific regions in virus genes which have been linked with past epidemics.

A synthetic H1N1 Replikins Vaccine is available for testing. A similar synthetic Replikin Vaccine has been shown to successfully block the entry of H5N1 virus into, replication in, and excretion from chickens. Another synthetic Replikin Vaccine has been shown to protect 91% of shrimp from the lethal Taura Syndrome Virus. The company is able to produce these vaccines in as little as 7 days, rather than the many months needed for traditional vaccines, because they are synthesized at the peptide level.

The following is the text of the April 2008 release in which Replikins was able to pinpoint the high risk of H1N1 outbreaks:

"H1N1 Influenza Virus with Highest Replikin Count™ Since the 1918 Pandemic Identified in the U.S. and Austria

Boston, MA (PRWeb) April 7, 2008 -- Replikins, Ltd. has found that the Replikin Count™ of the H1N1 strain of influenza virus has recently increased to 7.6 (plus/minus 1.4), its highest level since the 1918 H1N1 pandemic (p value less than 0.001). A rising Replikin Count of a particular influenza strain, indicating rapid replication of the virus, is an early warning which has been followed consistently by an outbreak of the specific strain. The current increase appears to be specific to H1N1; there was a concurrent 80% decline in the Replikin Count of H3N2, for instance.

The current H1N1 appears to be rapidly replicating simultaneously in the U.S. and Austria. It may succeed H5N1 as the leading candidate for the next expected overdue pandemic. However, the same virus replikin structures detected by FluForecast® software in all three previous pandemics, namely 1918 H1N1, 1957 H2N2, and 1968 H3N2, as well as in H5N1, have not yet been detected in the currently evolving H1N1.

There is evidence that many factors, including virus structure, host receptivity, and the environment, together with infectivity and rapid replication, need to converge for a pandemic to occur. For H5N1, the high human mortality rate, which peaked at over 80% in 2006-07 in Indonesia, as well as current low infectivity, both appear to limit H5N1's ability to produce a pandemic. Furthermore, the H5N1 rapid replication cycle which began in 1996 now appears to be over. The H5N1 virus produced less than 300 World Health Organization confirmed deaths over the past 10 years.

On the other hand, H1N1, with an estimated human mortality rate of only 2.5 to 10%, but with much higher infectivity, produced an estimated 50 million deaths in the 1918 pandemic. A number of countermeasures exist today which did not exist in 1918, however. Among these is Replikins' ability to manufacture synthetic vaccines based on current sequences, with a seven day production turnaround. (end of 4/2008 release)

In the April 2008 announcement above, as published on the Web, Replikins stated that it had detected the highest levels of its specific genome regions ever seen in any virus samples, except for those from the 1918 pandemic which killed tens of millions of people. Today, the company is actively pursuing licensing partnerships to apply its groundbreaking technology not only to early warning systems, but also to the development of synthetic vaccines to prevent or slow future epidemics.

The original release can be found at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/103052.php and http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-technology-1/H1N1-Influenza-Virus-With-Highest-Replikin-Count-28TM-29-Since-the-1918-Pandemic-Identified-in-the-U-S--and-Austria-4432-1/, among other sites.

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Infrared Sciences Corp., Manufacturer of the Sentinel BreastScan, a Non-Invasive Breast Cancer Detection System, is Seeking Strategic Acquirer

Infrared Sciences Corp., manufacturer of the Sentinel BreastScan, is seeking a strategic acquirer for the possible sale of the company or the sale of the company's assets. ISC also announced that it has completed the clinical study of the Sentinel BreastScan at Cornell Weill Medical College, and the Study results were published in the American Journal of Surgery.

Bohemia, NY (PRWEB) April 25, 2009 -- Infrared Sciences Corp., the manufacturer of the Sentinel BreastScan breast cancer detection system, announced today it is aggressively seeking a strategic buyer for the Company, and invites all interested parties to contact the company as soon as possible. Thomas DiCicco, ISC's President and CEO, said, "Due to the current economic climate and the general lack of investment capital, ISC was unable to secure the necessary investment funds to sustain the operation and growth of the company. This will result in the company being forced to cease operation in the next few months. In order to preserve this valuable technology, we have decided to seek a strategic acquirer for the company. ISC has all the necessary ingredients that make an excellent healthcare investment opportunity including; tremendous market need, FDA clearance and CE Mark. The Sentinel BreastScan™ is currently generating revenue, it has completed clinical studies,and has published results in a major peer review medical journal."

The Sentinel BreastScan, an adjunctive non-invasive breast cancer detection system, has undergone clinical testing at the Cornell Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. The results of the study were published in the American Journal of Surgery this past October 2008. Thomas DiCicco commented that "that the results were excellent, with sensitivities approaching 97%, and reinforced the tremendous potential of this non-invasive technology". He added "that the Cornell study was the only recent study conducted in a prestigious academic institution of breast cancer detection utilizing state-of-the-art digital infrared imaging, and will be a major factor in the acceptance and expansion of the Sentinel BreastScan within main-stream medicine". The Sentinel BreastScan is unlike any other infrared system; being a fully automated dynamic test, employing artificial intelligence software, and a providing a fully interpreted real-time test report to the doctor. DiCicco added, "All women of any age stand to benefit from this technological leap forward, by providing their doctor with physiologic breast health data with a low cost, painless, non-invasive test; data that is not available from any other breast cancer test today."

Interested parties are invited to contact Mr. DiCicco as soon as possible.

About Infrared Sciences Corp.

Infrared Sciences Corp. is a New York-based technology company focused on the early detection of breast cancer. Its FDA-cleared and CE Mark approved, Sentinel BreastScan system has undergone more than 9 years of testing at several leading medical facilities. For more information contact Infrared Sciences Corporation, at 1650 Sycamore Ave. Suite 4, Bohemia, NY 11716. TEL: 631 240-9106, FAX: 631 750-3396, 516 317-9637 mobile, or visit www.infraredsciences.com.

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Dr. Khanna to be Featured on Front Cover of YHC Magazine

Dr. Khanna is featured in YHC magazine. He disscusses his practice, his procedures and his inspiration to get him where he is today.

Westlake Village, CA (Vocus) April 25, 2009 -- This month Dr. Rajesh Khanna M.D. and founder of the Khanna institute of Lasik, was honored to be featured on the front cover of Your Health Connection magazine. Dr. Khanna found his profession early in life. He became inspired by friends and family's devotion to helping the less fortunate, and then in medical school he developed a unique interest in the eyes. Now he continues to devote all of his efforts toward helping others retain the best vision possible. He strives to help all individuals regardless of race, sex, age, or financial status. The Khanna institute continues to stay on top and dominate the LASIK and PRELEX market, by following a common practice put forth by Dr. Khanna. "Great costumer service, that's what this whole institution is based on." With loyal costumer service and exceptional skills the Khanna institute continues to grow and excel, expanding their practice with a new location in Beverly hills to be opened in the near feature. Dr. Khanna also discussed the unique procedures he performs. While he is an experienced wave front LASIK surgeon, and has preformed thousands of LASIK procedures. His newest procedure PRELEX is helping struggling individuals regain their vision once again. Remarkably with this procedure Dr. Khanna has restored vision to legally blind patients. PRELEX is an advanced vision procedure that restores vision to a far more youthful age, giving you optimum vision in both eyes and allowing you to see far, middle, and near in each eye. This is performed one eye at a time in the AAACH certified Khanna surgery center, and typically takes 10-15 minutes. Dr. Khanna has been featured on Beverly Hills times, Life after 50, Valley life magazine, and is excited to now add YHC. He will continue to help others with their vision working toward his ultimate goal, "giving optimum vision to all, and helping anyone in need of vision care."

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Employees Can Get Their Kicks (and Steps, Laps, Miles) as They Get Fit on Route 66

Health Enhancement Systems Launches All-New Version of Popular Online Workplace Wellness Program (www.HealthEnhancementSystems.com)

(Vocus) April 25, 2009 -- From the shores of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean, Health Enhancement Systems' corporate wellness program, Get Fit on Route 66 (http://www.getfitonroute66.com/?from=pr9415), takes participants on a fun, nostalgic journey to better health — turning exercise minutes into miles along the legendary Mother Road.

The program includes a team competition, interactive highway with over 95 virtual sightseeing destinations, pacesetter feature, and other motivating tools. “We took one of our most popular campaigns, freshened the look and content, then added slick new features,” notes Dean Witherspoon, President and founder of Health Enhancement Systems, a company that creates award-winning workplace wellness programs. “Whether organizations have run this campaign before or it’s their first time, Get Fit on Route 66 is a proven and fun way to help participants create sustainable fitness habits.”

By cultivating a more energetic workforce and putting participants on the road to better health, organizations also benefit — through higher productivity and lower medical costs. “Studies show that regular physical activity can help prevent weight gain, build strength, relieve stress, reduce metabolic risk factors, and manage or prevent many chronic conditions,” adds Witherspoon.

To learn how to participate in this corporate wellness program or sign up for a free online demonstration (http://www.getfitonroute66.com/welcome/demo?from=pr9415), go to www.GetFitonRoute66.com or call 800.326.2317.

Get Fit on Route 66 is one of a family of Health Enhancement Systems workplace wellness programs that help create a health culture. Others include Great American Fitness Adventure, 10K-A-Day, healthy2009, Green Planet Wellness, Spring Into Motion, and many more. Health Enhancement Systems has been developing corporate wellness solutions for companies, health plans, health systems, hospitals, government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofits, associations, and other groups since 1992.

For more information about Health Enhancement Systems, call 800.326.2317 or visit www.HealthEnhancementSystems.com.

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Unigen Awarded Third US Patent for Novel Joint Health Ingredient

Unigen received a new US utility patent for Univestin, a proprietary joint care product, with claims for alleviating joint discomfort and stiffness, and improving mobility, range of motion, flexibility and physical function.

Lacey, WA (PRWEB) April 25, 2009 -- Today, Unigen (http://www.unigen.net) received a new US utility patent for Univestin, a proprietary joint care product, with claims for alleviating joint discomfort and stiffness, and improving mobility, range of motion, flexibility and physical function.

The new patent (7,514,469) is the third US patent for Univestin and its claims cover compositions that comprise an extract derived from Scutellaria enriched for free-B-ring flavonoids, combined with an extract derived from Acacia enriched for flavans. The novel compositions were discovered by screening Unigen's proprietary Phytologix collection of medicinal plant extracts to identify natural substances that inhibit the pro-inflammation enzymes cyclooxygenase ("COX 1 and COX 2") and 5'-lipoxygenase ("LOX"). The claims associated with the newly issued patent also cover formulations of bioflavonoid extracts from Scutellaria and Acacia in combination with other well-known joint care ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin D, and calcium.

Unigen's Chief Science Officer and the patent's lead inventor Dr. Qi Jia said "The synergistic effects of the distinct bioflavonoid mixture derived from two well-known medicinal plants are truly remarkable. We utilized extensive in vitro and in vivo testing to demonstrate that Univestin provides rapid and long lasting relief of both joint discomfort and impaired physical function through modulating the COX and LOX pathways as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokine system".

Unigen and its commercial partners have conducted multiple human clinical trials to demonstrate the significant joint health benefits of Univestin. The proprietary composition is currently used in a number of leading nationally distributed dietary supplement joint care products.

Recognizing growing consumer demand for natural solutions for improved joint health, Dr. Ed Cannon, CEO and President of Unigen stated that "Unigen will continue to expand Univestin geographically into new global markets and to further develop Univestin and other related compositions for additional benefits, including oral care, metabolic disorders, and animal joint health". The new patent will further strengthen Univestin's position in the joint health market as a leading provider of effective, safe and affordable natural solutions for the dietary supplement, food, cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceutical industries.

About Unigen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (http://www.unigen.net)

Unigen is a global leader in the discovery and development of proprietary natural ingredients for the dietary supplement, food, cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceutical industries. The company has one of the most extensive medicinal plant collections in the world and utilizes a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical discovery approach to identify the most safe and effective botanically-based proprietary ingredients. The efficacy of Unigen's natural product ingredients is established through human clinical trials, and unlike synthetic drugs, Unigen's natural substances have a legacy of safe human consumption without the undesirable side-effects that limit the use of pharmaceuticals. Unigen protects its discoveries through patents and commercializes its products through alliances with partners that possess distribution and marketing capabilities in each of Unigen's target markets.

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