FDA approves Vismodegib for basal cell carcinoma

Vismodegib (see structure) under trade name Erivedge from Roche has been approved by FDA for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer. The drug is intended for the treatment of adults with metastatic basal cell carcinoma, or with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma who are not candidates for surgery and radiation. The drug works by inhibiting the hedgehog pathway, a pathway active in most basal cell cancers. It is the first FDA-approved drug for BCC that inhibits the hedgehog pathway. 

Novel drug for Alzheimer's Disease?

Researchers have reported the novel compound with neurotrophic activity for cognitive enhancement and alzheimer's disease (AD). They previously found pyrazole derivative of curcumin called CNB001 (structure 1) with broad neuroprotective effects (J. Neurochem, 2008, 105, 1336). Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in aromatic ring, the compound was believed to be modified by sulfation and carbohydrate addition in vivo which limits the brain penetration.

Happy new year 2012 and popular posts of 2011

I wish all medchemblog readers a very very happy and healthy new year 2012. I hope this year brings a lot of success in your life. In this post I would like to take an opportunity to share the top 10 posts and the top 10 countries to visit the medchemblog in 2011.

Top 10 posts
1. Angiogenesis and anti-angiogenic foods
2. Simple method of recording TLC data
3. Hydrogenation demonstration
4. Mitomycin, mode of action and synthetic approach
5. Purification technique-Column chromatography
6. Broccoli as a source of anticancer agents
7. Rotary evaporator vial adapter
8. Green tea: role in cancer prevention
9. Voreloxin: DNA intercalating topoisomerase II poison
10. Top 200 pharmaceutical products

Top 10 countries
United States
South Korea
Japan
India
Germany
United Kingdom
Canada
Russia
France
Netherlands

Source: Blogger stats