Preventing Diseases with Medical Breakthroughs
Article originally from American Chemistry magazine.
A hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup and a box of tissues often do the trick when dealing with a cold. However, other medical ailments require more than a simple home remedy.
Medical breakthroughs and innovative technologies are being developed by the chemistry industry every day. These innovations are providing the tools and information doctors need to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently than ever. The following are just a few examples of how chemistry company innovations are changing people’s lives and the world of medicine.
Targeting breast cancer
Researchers at Bayer are currently developing a new substance that inhibits the growth of breast cancer—an anti-hormone that blocks the receptors for progesterone.
There are many genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer. Sexual hormones do not cause it, but they can promote the growth of existing carcinomas. Research shows suppressing hormone production and blocking hormone receptors are two proven strategies in the fight against cancer.
Laboratory tests conducted by Bayer revealed that tamoxifen, the active ingredient used in anti-hormones for breast cancer therapy, did not just slow tumor cells down, but also caused them to self-destruct.
“What we are looking at now is a novel compound inhibiting a target which has not been addressed in the treatment of breast cancer,” says Dr. Klaus Bosslet, Head of Bayer’s Oncology Therapeutic Research Group. “Based on our data, the progesterone receptor may be of enormous relevance for future therapy concepts for breast cancer.”
The route to this breast cancer therapy initially involves two studies with breast cancer patients who have already been through usual treatment. They have undergone surgery, then received one or more anti-hormone therapies to inhibit the production of estrogen, yet their tumors still returned. If the studies are successful, the active ingredients would be on their way to increasing the number of effectively treated tumors in the future.
Pillow talk
Those who suffer from allergies may no longer need worry about getting a good night’s sleep. Thanks to researchers at DuPont, a new innovation with hybrid membrane technology (HMT) will allow pillow and mattress covers to deliver protection from a range of harmful allergens without sacrificing personal comfort.
Sleep products with HMT reportedly offer the same or better levels of barrier protection compared to other allergen-resistant products on the market, while providing the added benefits of a softer feel and improved comfort.
“For allergy sufferers, getting a full night of uninterrupted sleep can be a real challenge,” says Thomas G. Powell, Vice President and General Manager, DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems.
The technology is incorporated into commonly available fabrics during the manufacturing of bedding products. The material reportedly provides protection against dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold, and fungal spores. The fabric, designed to be both comfortable and breathable, delivers a higher level of protection compared to traditional materials, with 95 percent filtration efficiency of particles. It also promises to be durable and long-lasting, even after repeated washings.
Migraine pain
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| A new treatment helps significantly reduce migrane pain. |
The treatment is an antagonist of the receptor for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a primary neuropeptide involved in the pathophysiology of migraines. CGRP and its receptors are found in areas of the central and peripheral nervous system that are important for the transmission of migraine pain.
During migraine attacks, CGRP activates these receptors and facilitates the transmission of pain impulses. MK-0974 blocks the binding of GRP to receptors within these areas and thereby is believed to inhibit the transmission of pain signals that lead to migraine headaches.
Clinical results from a study by the American Headache Society (AHS) showed the treatment was generally well-tolerated. If approved, MK-0974 may be the first in a new class of migraine treatments since the approval of the first triptan drug in 1991.
Studies show the treatment offers a variety of benefits, including
two hours of freedom from pain and 24 hours of sustained pain relief.
MK-0974 also provides relief from migraine-associated symptoms, including nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, and improved functional disability two hours after dosage, as well as reducing a patient’s need for other sources of medication.
Skin solution
Those living with diabetes have enough to worry about without the additional strain of dry skin. A new line of skin care products has been developed for them and the severely dry skin that often accompanies their disease.
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| A new line of skin creams promises to improve dry hands and feet. |
Developed by 3M, the products are aimed at filling a gap in a much-needed industry.
“People living with diabetes suffer from many complications,
and one of them is dry skin,” says Diane Kock, Marketing Development Manager for 3M’s Protective Materials and
Consumer Health Care Division. “As many as one-third of them have a skin disorder. Their skin is more prone to cracks, chapping, and infection and wounds are slower to heal. Little problems can become big problems fast.”
The line includes a body lotion, a fortifying cream, and a skin balm, among other items. The products also feature natural ingredients, such as aloe, various vitamins, and tea tree oil, to help soothe the skin.
With files from Bayer, DuPont, Merck & Co., and 3M. For more information, visit www.bayer.com, www.dupont.com,www.merck.com, and www.3m.com.