I wonder if XKEM can use this model until full production is up and nicosan available to anyone who wants it. C"mon XKEM people are depending upon you.

Source: Boston University
Date: July 12, 2007

Network Model Predicts Risk Of Death In Sickle Cell Disease
Science Daily — Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) have developed a method to estimate sickle cell disease severity and predict the risk of death in people with this disease. The study appears online in the June issue of the journal Blood.


Sickle cell disease is caused by mutations in the beta-hemoglobin gene (HBB). Individuals having identical pairs of genes for the HBB glu6val mutation (HbS) have sickle cell anemia; individuals with both HbS and HbC mutations have sickle cell-HbC (HbSC) disease. Both of these types of sickle cell-disease have extremely variable characteristics. While the median age of death in the United States was estimated to be in the fifth decade for patients with sickle cell anemia, some individuals die young while others live into their eight or ninth decade.

Using data from 3,380 adult and pediatric patients accounting for all common genotypes of sickle cell disease, researchers developed a predictive model of disease severity, using Bayesian network modeling. This type of network modeling can represent the mutual and hierarchal relationships among many variables using probalistic rules, making it more appropriate for prognostic and diagnostic applications, according to lead author, Paola Sebastiani, PhD, associate professor of biostatistics in BUSPH.

The analysis revealed the complex network of associations between laboratory tests and clinical events that modulate the risk of death in sickle cell disease. Along with previously known risk factors for mortality, like renal insufficiency and leukocytosis, the network identified laboratory markers of the severity of the hemolytic anemia and its associated clinical events as contributing risk factors. Researchers computed the risk of death within 5 years with a disease severity score ranging from zero (least severe) to one (most severe). Patients were followed on average for five years. Sepsis was among the most frequent case of death (14%) followed by cerebrovascular accident (10%).

The reliability of the model was supported by analysis of two independent patient groups. In group one, the severity score was related to disease severity based on the opinion of expert clinicians. In the other group, the severity score was related to the presence and severity of pulmonary hypertension and the risk of death.

"This model can be used to compute a personalized disease severity score allowing therapeutic decisions to be made according to the prognosis," said senior author Martin Steinberg, MD, professor of medicine at BUSM. "The severity score could also serve as an estimate of overall disease severity in genotype-phenotype association studies and provide an additional method to study the complex pathophysiology of sickle cell disease."

Nigeria: Sickle Cell




Daily Champion (Lagos)

1 August 2007
Posted to the web 2 August 2007

Ngozi Okpalakunne
Lagos

Sickle Cell disease is a blood disorder. The disorder is characterized by the presence of blood components (erythrocytes) that contain haemoglobin's (Hb-S), an abnormal gene.

The fact is that you cannot catch the disorder from another person. Either you are born with it or you are not. And so individuals with small amount of Hb-S are referred to as carriers who have a 50 per cent chance of giving their children the sickle cell gene.


Report revealed that about four million Nigerians out of the ten million sicklers worldwide suffer from sickle cell disease and many die needlessly.

According to Chairman, Nigeria sickle cell foundation, Olu Akinyanju no fewer than 150,000 Nigeria children are born annually with the sickle cell anaemia.

Akinyanju who spoke in a press briefly recently also said that the country is ranked 15th, in sickle cell in Africa.

Medical experts, are of the view that sickle cell anaemia occurs because the individual is homozygous for Hb-S, Meaning that he has inherited a gene for the abnormal haemoglobin from each parent.

In this case, a large amount of haemoglobin S is present in the victim. Therefore the victim suffers more crises than carries.

A typical sickle-cell results in excruciating pain in bones and joints crises are unpredictable, they can occur rarely or as often as every month.

Symptoms often appear after the child reaches the age of six months. One of the first signs is painful swelling of the hands or the feet or both. The child may cry frequently and not eat much.

The whites of the eyes may appear yellow. The tongue lips and palms may be paler than normal.

Sickle cells no doubt, increase the sticky nature of the blood thereby hindering the free flow through.

A severe crisis can also disrupt the work of the brain, the lungs, the heart, the kidneys, and spleen - sometimes with fatal consequences.

Leg ulcers in the ankle region may persist for years children risk seizures or strokes.

Those with sickle cell anaemia are especially prone to infections diseases, since the disorder weakens natural defences.

Of course not everyone with sickle Cell anaemia develops all these symptoms.

And some do not experience problems until they reach their late teens.

The fact still remains that there is no cure for sickle cell anaemia, as a result individual with abnormal genes, As and SS should not marry anyone with same kinds of gene, in order not ot propagate the gene.

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Medical experts maintained that AA genotype is normal, while AS indicated the sickle cell trait and makes a person a carrier and the SS makes a person a suffer.

Contrary to the notion that carriers and sufferers have only one chance out of four births, of having a victim, experts revealed that there is a risk of having a dufferer or sickle child in every pregnancy.

They stressed the need for single individuals who want to go into marriage to confirm their genotypes and ensure they don't marry people with risky genotypes.

Possible cure. I beleive VCU is also working with XKEM


New research may lead to future gene therapies for patients with sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia
Medical Research News
Published: Tuesday, 7-Aug-2007

Virginia Commonwealth University researchers studying hemoglobin genes, mutations of which play a role in genetic blood disorders like sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, have identified two proteins that are responsible for regulating overlapping groups of genes during the development of red blood cells.
The findings may point researchers to future gene therapies for patients with sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia.

In an article pre-published online Aug. 3 as a First Edition Paper in the journal Blood, the journal of the American Association for Hematology, researchers reported that a protein called KLF2 coordinates with a related and well-studied transcription factor, EKLF, in the regulation of embryonic globin genes responsible for the development of mouse embryonic red blood cells.

EKLF plays a central role in the developmental regulation of the adult beta-globin gene, and is essential for the maturation and stability of adult red blood cells. KLF2 is a protein crucial for making embryonic red blood cells.

If EKLF and KLF2 can turn on the embryonic globin genes in adult cells we don't know if this is true yet - then these findings may provide a gene therapy approach for treating sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. It is well-established that the expression of embryonic globin genes can help ameliorate these diseases, said Joyce A. Lloyd, Ph.D., associate professor of human genetics at the VCU Massey Cancer Center, and corresponding author for this study.

Lloyd's team studied gene expression and red blood cell development in the mouse embryo. They used mouse embryos missing both the KLF2 and EKLF genes to show that embryonic globin expression is severely reduced, and that the embryos therefore are anemic, compared to mice missing KLF2 or EKLF alone.

This likely means that EKLF and KLF2, which are related transcription factors, regulate overlapping groups of genes in developing red blood cells. In the absence of both factors, they cannot compensate for each other, causing more serious defects in red blood cell development, Lloyd said.

According to Lloyd, the production of blood cells involves a complex differentiation pathway with interactions between many molecular players and proteins.

In humans, there are four globin genes clustered on chromosome 11 in the order in which they are turned on or expressed. These genes include the epsilon-globin gene, two gamma-globin genes and the beta-globin gene. Lloyd said that during fetal development, the embryonic epsilon-globin gene is active first, followed by the gamma-globin genes, and finally the adult form, beta-globin takes control following birth.

Understanding how genes are regulated or turned on and off is critical. In gene therapy, a normal gene can be inserted into cells to correct a genetic defect. However, according to Lloyd, in this case, the goal would be to insert a transcription factor into adult cells that would turn on an existing, silenced embryonic gene.

http://www.vcu.edu

Only one of many besides XKEM. Hope they get that facility built and running soon as well as start and complete phase 3 trials siccessfully


BioMarin starts phase 2a study of 6R-BH4 in sickle cell disease
Medical Studies/Trials
Published: Sunday, 6-May-2007



BioMarin Pharmaceutical has announced that the first patient has initiated treatment in the Phase 2a clinical study of 6R-BH4 (sapropterin dihydrochloride) for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD).
The company expects to announce data from this study in the first half of 2008.

"The sickle cell disease indication fits well strategically with our focus on rare, undertreated genetic diseases. SCD is an orphan disease with 70,000 to 100,000 patients in the United States, according to the CDC. It is well- diagnosed at birth, but there is only one approved drug treatment option currently available which is used by a minority of patients due to toxicity problems," said Jean-Jacques Bienaime, Chief Executive Officer of BioMarin. "6R-BH4 is an essential enzyme cofactor that is involved in the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that has been shown to play a role in the regulation of endothelial function. Studies of SCD patients suggest that endothelial dysfunction may play a role in sickle cell disease, and studies in an animal model of SCD suggest the potential utility of 6R-BH4 in the treatment of the vascular problems found in this disease."

The Phase 2a multi-center, open-label study is designed to assess the safety and biologic activity of escalating doses of 6R-BH4 in patients with SCD. The study will be conducted at approximately six U.S. sites and will enroll approximately 40 subjects. Among other eligibility criteria, to participate in the study, SCD patients must be at least 15 years of age and not receiving hydroxyurea therapy. Study patients will initially receive a low, once daily oral administration of 6R-BH4 (2.5 mg/kg) and will gradually escalate every four weeks to a final dose of 20 mg/kg/day during a 16-week dose-escalation phase. Patients will be monitored for physiological and biochemical markers of endothelial function. After 16 weeks, patients who show improvement in physiological or biochemical markers of endothelial function and/or derive clinical benefit from 6R-BH4 will have the option to continue drug treatment for up to two years. During this long-term treatment period, patients will also be monitored for sickle cell crises and other vasoocclusive events which are the key problems facing SCD patients.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of oral 6R- BH4 administered in escalating doses in patients with sickle cell disease. The secondary objective is to evaluate changes in physiological and biochemical markers of endothelial function which underlie some key aspects of SCD.

6R-BH4, commonly known as BH4 or tetrahydrobiopterin, is a naturally occurring enzyme cofactor that is required for numerous biochemical and physiologic processes, including the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). NO has been shown to play a key protective role throughout the cardiovascular system and produces multiple positive effects, such as relaxing smooth muscle, reducing blood pressure, controlling inflammation and reducing platelet aggregation. Researchers have demonstrated that a deficiency of BH4 can disrupt NO synthesis, resulting in a loss of normal endothelial NO production. This loss of endothelial NO production, commonly referred to as endothelial dysfunction, has been associated with many cardiovascular diseases, including diabetic vascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, coronary arterial disease and pulmonary hypertension, and has been shown to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular adverse events in a number of clinical studies.

6R-BH4 is the same enzyme cofactor currently being evaluated in BioMarin's Kuvan(TM) (sapropterin dihydrochloride) for phenylketonuria (PKU). In March 2006, BioMarin and Merck Serono (a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), BioMarin's corporate partner for the Kuvan and 6R-BH4 programs, announced positive results from the Phase 3 clinical study of Kuvan for PKU. All primary and secondary endpoints of the study were met. The type and incidence of adverse events was similar in the Kuvan and placebo groups. Kuvan was well tolerated and investigators reported that no serious adverse event occurred.

http://www.bmrn.com/

I wonder if XKEM could approach this charitable foundation.


Shands sickle cell program gets $1.1M donation
Jacksonville Business Journal - September 7, 2006

The Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust has donated $1.1 million to Shands Jacksonville for its pediatric sickle cell treatment program.

The donation will fund a new adolescent-adult transition program and a pediatric neuropsychological support program.


The transition program will allow patients age 21-25 to continue to receive treatment at the center. Patients had been seen only until age 21.

The gift will also fund neuropsychological testing for sickle cell patients, 10 percent of whom suffer strokes. The testing will allow doctors to evaluate these patients cognitive levels.

Shands is also hosting an annual Walk-a-thon in tandem with the Northeast Florida Sickle Cell Disease Association Sept. 16.

Sickle cell is an inherited disease that affects the red blood cells. More than 70,000 people are estimated to have the disease in the U.S.

Uganda: Charity Walk Raises Sh1m for Sickle Cell Clinic


New Vision (Kampala)

22 May 2007
Posted to the web 23 May 2007

Rehema Aanyu
Kampala

SICKLE Cell Initiative (SCI) organised a charity recently, to raise funds for the construction of a new sickle cell centre at Mulago Hospital and raise public awareness about the sickle cell disease.

A total of sh300,000 was raised while over sh700, 000 were pledges, at the charity walk, from upper Mulago to the Centennary Park, Kampala.


The proposed Sickle Cell Centre is expected to cost $130,000 (sh227.5m). It will house a pharmacy, treatment rooms, four consultation rooms, a laboratory, reception and blood testing areas.

The new centre will also have an eight-bed care centre for children living with the sickle cell disease.

Prof Christopher Ndugwa, the head of the Sickle Cell Unit at Mulago, first established the clinic in the department of paediatrics as a research project in the 1950s. It became a fully-fledged clinic in 1971.

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Dr. Deborah Nakiboneka, a paediatrician at the clinic, said they have over 5,000 registered patients. "It is supposed to be a paediatric clinic, but we tend to all patients with the disease. The oldest patient we have is 79 years old."

Ndugwa said the proposed centre would strengthen the sickle cell clinical and research facilities at Mulago.

Philip Curtin, an architect with Peatfiled and Bodgener, donated the architectural plans for the proposed clinic.



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More Floods Expected As Emergency Response Struggles
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Does anyone know anything about EXJADE

Last Updated: Tuesday, 7 August 2007, 19:21 GMT 20:21 UK

Sickle cell drug may be cut off

Danny Nwosu's life has been improved by the drug
A group of young sickle cell anaemia sufferers whose lives have been changed by a new drug treatment may have it taken away by health providers.
The course replaces hours of needle treatment with just one daily tablet.

But the trial of the Exjade medicine is due to end because the Southwark Primary Care Trust (SPCT) believes it is outside normal NHS funding.

The south London trust has said it will "reach a decision on funding within the next two weeks".

Sickle cell can lead to blockages in blood vessels, preventing oxygen from getting through to the tissues, and causing severe pain and damage to organs.

One sufferer, Danny Nwosu, had his first stroke at age six - a result of sickle cell anaemia. Now he has regular blood transfusions to try to prevent further strokes.

'Miracle drug'

His treatment used to leave too much iron in his blood, and he had to have a needle in his stomach all night for five nights a week.

"It was hard... I never liked going to bed," he told BBC London.

But the Exjade treatment - one dissolvable tablet once a day - has meant he can get a peaceful night's sleep.

His mother Carol said: "The difference both psychologically, physically for his wellbeing, I just can't describe it. It's a miracle drug."

But the cost has to be met either by the hospital, Kings College or SPCT - and they are reluctant.

South London has the highest number of sickle cell patients in the UK, and the drug will cost £12,000 per patient a year.

SPCT said "to give certainty to patients and their families... we are giving an undertaking to reach a decision on funding within the next two weeks".

Danny's family only have enough of the drug to last him another month and want the decision to be made as soon as possible.

Your absolutely correct. I will do better.

Perhaps. But if he is everything you say I'm sure he won't mind the critique. I'm certain he can defend himself with supporting evidence that ascertains the truth.

I beleive him. I just think his opinions get in the way and influence this board. Just stick to hard facts.

Tis the way with public companies and directors. Show me a company where it is different?

It could have been much worse.

Thanks. and thanks for the conversation.

I don't know. Please update me

Ya I got that dude but go back a couple of weeks and read your own posts about when Swift returns vs your thoughts today.

Show me how he spent the money!!! I would love to believe you. This whole board is dependent upon what a few are told or rumoured to be.

WRONG! Who says? Certainly not the company. Who really has the straight goods here? Who has the TRUTH? The more I read the more back peddalling I see.

Thats a quick lunch drifter. Did she enjoy it??

Belch is no longer a threat He has less than 100 million shares according to some posters.

Pandey was a poor CEO only because some posters have said so.

This company has tremendous potential to make money and help people. Wherever money is involved ...so is greed.

This company cannot even take it to phase 3 completion. It is shortcutting because it is in Nigeria. It is no different than any other North American company that sees an opportunity to benefit at the expense of the sick as well as investors. The job will get done but only the insiders will really benefit.

Most here will be taking profits at the first opportunity....$0.025 - $0.05. I don't blame them. It might be the last chance you get.

My nightmare:

This company is doing well compared to this time last year.It has:
1. received Nigerian approval
2. received financing
3. equipment purchases and construction in progress
4. secured farming and supply contracts
5. securing distribution contracts
6. securing other countries for sales
7.received the full support of the Nigerian Government

My nightmare keeps revolving around the rumoured IPO. What if XKEM Nigeria is divested from XKEM Internatinal. Afterall this drug was discovered by Nigerians and has the full support of the Nigerian Government.What better way than to divest this for a few millions at these low share prices and give it back to Nigeria.

Perhaps Pandey was let go for a reason other than the rumoured bad CEO. Perhaps the Basu group and the BOD and Nigerian insiders see a far less expensive way to make millions for only a few.

All Nigerians will come out winners. Only a few shareholders in XKEM international will lose as the dilution we have will kill any compensation we receive.

My Nightmare.

We can eat those up in a half day of trading on good news. I don't see where they can hurt us any more.

Why are they still a concern to so many?

I wonder if Pandey would consider himself in a position that he would be only too happy to share some of his insight with someone on this board that he has trusted in the past? Even lies hold some truth.

SCDAA 35th Annual Convention
35th Anniversary of the National Sickle Cell Disease Program
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health and the
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.
2007 SCDAA Conference Call for Abstracts

New ! 2007 Online SCDAA Conference Registration

2007 Hotel Information (Online Registration)

2007 Convention At A Glance Revised (Microsoft Word)




September 17-22, 2007
Save The Date!

Washington Hilton and Towers
Washington, DC

CLARICE D. REID, M.D.
Over 30 years ago, Dr. Reid began her impressive national and
international contributions to the advancement of knowledge
about sickle cell disease through programs at the Health
Services and Mental Health Administration (1972), working
with the Screening and Education Clinics. As Deputy Director
of the program, she highlighted the importance of the
community programs in addressing national and local issues
related to sickle cell disease and was instrumental in bringing
together the community-oriented Screening and Education
Clinics programs and the clinical and research oriented
Comprehensive Sickle Cell Centers funded by the NIH. The
Director, NHLBI, NIH, recruited her to the NIH on a detail when
the sickle cell program was in its formative years. A promising
leadership role was enhanced by her experience gained from
clinical practice and from academic clinical and training
programs while serving as Director of the Department of
Pediatrics at the Jewish Hospital and on the faculty at the
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. In 1976, she was
appointed Chief of the Sickle Cell Disease Branch and Coordinator of the National Sickle Cell
Disease Program.
Under her leadership, the national sickle cell program achieved new heights, moving from a
position of promise to prominence, attracting leading scientists to the field of sickle cell
research. Employing her ability to set priorities and assemble competent staff, along with her
clinical and administrative knowledge, she led a period of unparalleled growth in basic and
clinical research. For the first time, a systematic program was developed which prioritized the
study of the patient and the clinical course of sickle cell disease (CSSCD) a 20 year “natural
history” study. During her tenure there were a number of significant advances that impacted the
lives of sickle cell patients, such as, the prophylactic penicillin study and subsequent newborn
screening; the hydroxyurea trail; the stroke study; the successful transplantation of pediatric
sickle cell patients with bone marrow and cord blood stem cells. Dr. Reid championed
innovative scientific initiatives and was always a passionate and strong advocate of
investigators, working tirelessly on their behalf to support excellent research. She was
appointed Director of the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources in 1994 and retired from
the NIH in 1998. She remains actively involved in professional and civic activities.
Noteworthy among the many honors bestowed upon Dr. Reid, are the Presidential Meritorious
Executive Rank Award, the PHS Superior Service and Special Recognition Awards, and the
NIH Director’s Award. She was also honored by Black Enterprise magazine as one of
“America’s Leading Black Doctor’s” and listed among outstanding black women in the
publication “Black Women in the Struggle” for her contributions to sickle cell disease. Dr. Reid
is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

CHARLES F. WHITTEN, M.D.
CO - FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF SCDAA
DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR AND
ASSOCIATE DEAN EMERITUS
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL ACTIVITIES
• Wrote and obtained a grant from the Johnson Foundation that supported a
3 day meeting in 1971 for 13 representatives of sickle cell programs. The
support included travel, lodging, and food. At the meeting he and Dorothye
Boswell presented detailed plans for the purpose, structure, development
etc. of their proposed organization and thereby the two “founded” the
National Association for Sickle Cell Disease. He served as the President or
Chairman of the Board for 19 years.
• Led a delegation of 3 that convinced the National March of Dimes officials that sickle cell programs
must be conceptualized, designed, and implemented by Black leaders. The March of Dimes then
discontinued their plans to establish a sickle cell program in all of its branches and provided some start
–up funds for the national organization.
• Was the author or primary author of a battery of educational materials including fact sheets, booklets,
a multi-component home study kit for families, a 45 minute parent instructional video, and instructional
manuals.
• Was the conceptualizer and primary developer of successful service grants from the NIH (10 – three
day regional workshops for programmers), Pizza Hut (a testing laboratory), Upjohn Co. (How To Do It
Manuals), Scott Paper (Summer Camp), Ronald McDonald (parenting videotape), Gerber Co. (Parent
Workshop).
�� Developed a 3 day trait counseling training program and conducted 10 -3 day training sessions
(7 for all comers, 1 for VA Hospital counselors, 1 in the Bahamas and 1 in the Virgin Islands).
• Was the primary and co-developer of a 3 day – 6 session multidisciplinary sickle cell update
conference covering basic, clinical, and psycho-social sciences entitled Sickle Cell Disease – Current
Perspectives.
There were 38 invited speakers. The over 600 attendees were from a variety of pertinent disciplines.
He obtained funding for the conference from the NIH, the New York Academy of Sciences and
NASCD, He co-authored the proceeding which were published in book form by the New York
Academy of Sciences.
• Conceptualized and developed a pilot program for black high school seniors to spend a summer in the
laboratory of selected researchers in the 10 comprehensive sickle cell centers. The purpose was to
address the dearth of black students preparing for medical research careers by exposing them to
research methodology and attractiveness. The students were paid a stipend by NASCD.
• Conceptualized and developed a pilot program to employ a social worker in an existing agency to
spend one day a week providing social work services for sickle cell clients. 80% of the one day cost
was paid by NASCD. The program was an answer to the fact that the sickle cell populations in the 6
selected communities were too small to justify employing a full time social worker and local funds were
not available for a part timer.
HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS LOCAL SICKLE CELL ACTIVITES
• Founded a sickle cell program in Detroit over 30 years ago and has continuously served as its
president and leader. The organization is one of the original members of SCDAA. The organization is
the only community organization that has the responsibility for a state wide program, It has a budget of
over 1 million, and 24 full and part time employees. The organization employs social workers in 7 key
cities to deliver the out state program. It owns its headquarters which has 12 offices for staff, a
certified testing laboratory, a counseling room, a conference room and a computer room for students.
• Was for 19 years the director of Wayne State University’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center. The
center was one of the 10 comprehensive centers supported by NIH.

This is old but still interesting. We need phase 3 study



Abstract:

The study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of NIPRISAN®, a phytomedicine, developed for the management of patients with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD). The study design is a placebo-controlled double blind cross-over trial. Eighty-two (82) patients with SCD were recruited and randomised into two groups. An initial 4 month pre-trial study was undertaken to determine the similarity of the groups. The main study was conducted over a twelve-month period with cross-over at six months. Safety of the drug was assessed clinically and biochemically.

NIPRISAN® significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the frequency of SCD crisis associated with severe pains. Acute toxicity to the liver assessed by the activities of liver enzymes, indicate that NIPRISAN® is safe. Renal function assessed by the serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen remained normal.

Both the clinical and laboratory results of the present phase IIB (pivot) clinical study suggest that NIPRISAN® is a safe and efficacious phytomedicine for the management of patients with Sickle Cell Disorder.

Keywords: NIPRISAN®; Sickle Cell Disorder; crisis; severe pains; acute toxicity

Language: English

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 2: NIPRD Clinic, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research & Development (NIPRD), P. M. B. 21, Abuja, Nigeria 3: National Hospital for Women and Children, Abuja, Nigeria 4: Army Base Hospital, Yaba, Nigeria 5: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria 6: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 7: Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 8: Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Quality Control, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria 9: Opp. Oyo West Baptist Conference Camp, Abojupa Layout, Eleekan, Ilora Oyo, Box 1901, Oyo, Oyo State

7TH TRAINING COURSE FOR COUNSELLORS. »
OBJECTIVES: To train genetic counselors to help clients in the following ways:

Understand the medical facts, diagnosis, available treatment and probable course of the disorder
Appreciate the mode of inheritance of the disorder and the risk of recurrence in relatives
Understand the options available for dealing with the risk of recurrence
Choose the appropriate course of action, appropriate in view of their risk and family goals
Make the best possible adjustment to the disorder or to the risk of recurrence
This training will enhance or encourage the setting up of Sickle Cell Clinics and other facilities in their localities.





Dates & Duration: July 29 – August 10 2007. Two weeks.

Venue: National Sickle Cell Centre,

Ishaga Road
, Opposite LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

Course Fee: (Subsidized) N40, 000, tea break and launch inclusive. Accommodation exclusive.





For Whom: Preference will be given to nurses, doctors, health educators and social health workers who will be in a position to use the skills acquired.





How to Apply: Applicants should state the following

personal details
postal and email addresses, telephone numbers
educational attainment
occupation and employer
likely sponsor
working experience with SCD and reasons for desiring the training.




All applications should be received by end of June and addressed to

The Project Coordinator (Counseling Course)

Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria


Ishaga Road
, Opposite LUTH, Idi-Araba,


P.O.Box 70970, Victoria
Island, Lagos.

Posted on : 6/1/2007

Hope this bodes well to getting Nicosan known and out to the population that needs it.


South-South Cooperation: 100 Nigerian doctors to return from Cuba
Posted in News Reports by Don Jaide on June 28, 2007.

100 Nigerian doctors to return from Cuba
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

ONE hundred Nigerian doctors are to graduate from Cuban medical schools and return to Nigeria in August.

The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Elio Olivia, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that the students had been studying in Cuba for the past seven years.

He said it had always been the policy of the Cuban government to train people in different fields, especially in the medical profession.

“Nigerian medical students are graduating this August and they are very happy about it,’’ he said.

The ambassador said despite limitations brought about by decades of economic sanctions by the United States, Cuba had sent doctors to 70 countries.

Olivia said Cuba had also provided modest amount of scholarship to some Nigerians in careers such as engineering, sports, telecommunications and agriculture.

On sports, he said about eight Nigerians had benefited from Cuban scholarships with two more to be trained in Physical Education at the Cuban International Sports Institute.

“They are trained as trainers so that when they come back to Nigeria, they can train others from their wealth of knowledge and experience,’’ he said.

Olivia said although Cuba had a population of 11 million, it had emerged as the 10th best in the Olympics.

Nicosan

Nicosan (Hemoxin in US), previously Niprisan or Nix-0699, is a phytochemical (ethanol/water extract of Piper guineenses seeds, Pterocapus osum stem, Eugenia caryophyllum fruit, and Sorghum bicolor leaves) being tested for the treatment of Sickle-cell disease (SCD)

It was developed at the Nigerian National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) (U.S. Patent # 5,800,819 - September 1, 1998). NIPRD has already conducted Phase I, Phase IIa and IIb clinical trials and is currently conducting Phase III clinical trials in Nigeria.

In August 2002, Xechem International (XKEM/OTC:BB), a New Jersey company, acquired the exclusive world-wide rights to Niprisan (later re-named Nicosan/Hemoxin). On July 6, 2006 the drug was officially launched in Nigeria, with the President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, personally in attendance.

The drug has begun with limited production, although it is expected that production will expand to meet demand.

Xechem International is currently in the process of preparing an Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for Nicosan/Hemoxin for submission to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and applicable EU agencies. Nicosan/Hemoxin has received orphan drug status in the USA and Europe.

A Phase IIb trial of Nicosan was conducted at an army base hospital in Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria between 1996 and 1997. Xechem reports that "73% of the 30 patients who participated in the study experienced no crisis during the 12 month trial period and the remaining 27% experienced less frequent and less severe crises."[1]

Main results

Reports of two trials were found, of which only one, including 82 participants, was eligible for inclusion in this review. This Phase IIB (pivotal) trial suggests that a phytomedicine, Nicosan®, was effective in reducing episodes of SCD crisis associated with severe pain over a six-month period. Nicosan® did not appear to affect the risk of severe complications or the level of anaemia. No serious adverse effects were reported.

Authors' conclusions

While Nicosan®, as a phytomedicine, appeared to be safe and effective in reducing crises associated with severe pain over a six-month follow-up period of this trial, further trials are required to assess its role in the management of people with sickle cell disease. The results of Phase III, multicentre trials are awaited. http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab004448.html


The established drug hydroxyurea acts in SCD as an antisickling agent, however not all patients respond to this drug and some experience adverse effects, including myelosuppression. Nicosan with possibly less adverse effects also appears to work through "a strong antisickling effect" .[2]

William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund News
Oprah Winfrey Show's Dr. Robin Comes to Baltimore
BALTIMORE, July 30 PRNewswire-USNewswire — The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund (WEPSCF) is pleased to announce that "Dr. Robin" Smith of the Oprah Winfrey Show and "Oprah and Friends" on Satellite Radio will be the featured speaker at their September 15th fundraiser at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore.

Dr. Robin is one of the most sought after speakers and relationship experts in the country. She has appeared on NBC/The Today Show, worked for ABC News/Good Morning America, and appeared on CBS/The Early Show, MSNBC, and The Fox News Channel.

United States Senators Thomas Carper (Delaware) and Benjamin Cardin (Maryland), U.S. Representative Elijah E. Cummings (Maryland), Maryland State Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, and State Senator Verna Jones are among the honorary chairpersons for the event.

The fundraiser will honor Dr. Sophie Lanzkron of the Sickle Cell Center for Adults at Johns Hopkins and Ms. Jean R. Wadman, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the Sickle Cell Program at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. The WEPSCF will use proceeds from the fundraiser to support sickle cell programs in the Mid-Atlantic region.

"September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and we hope to raise awareness about the devastating impact this disease has on the lives of sickle cell patients and their families," says Dr. Karen L. Proudford, President of the Fund.

Though sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disorder in the United States, few people know about the disease. Honorary Chairperson Mimi Roeder-Vaughan, of Roeder Travel, stresses, "No one wants to see someone, especially a child, suffer. We can really make a difference by gathering around these individuals and their families and letting them know they aren't alone." When: Saturday, September 15th Where: Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Baltimore, Maryland Time: 6:00 PM Cost: $60 per person - General reception; $125 per person - VIP reception Contact: Ms. Kathy Sutton 302.983.8455 (Delaware) or 410.963.5092 (Maryland) Tickets: On sale now; may be purchased via phone or online Sponsorships: May be purchased via phone or online Website: http://www.wepsicklecell.org

The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non- profit organization whose purpose is to promote treatment, research and education about sickle cell disease.

SOURCE The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund

Well put Transam.

Could there be a partnership in the works?

Based on your thoughts my best guess

IPO 40 mm shares at $0.50 = $20mm

Buyback of parent shares at $0.014 = 1.4 B

Outstanding shares = 2 B - 1.4 B = 600mm valued at min $0.50

R/S of 10:1 = 60mm valued at $5/share

That takes this company to the BIG NASDQ

I think you have a good point. Could you put best guess numbers to your scenario to show how it would benefit the shareholder.

After all is accomplished in your scenario what is your best guess on outstanding shares and PPS.

Thanks

I beleive alot of us on this board have put more $ into this stock than we are comfortable with. Some of that money is borrowed. A lot is riding on the success of people in power that we have very little control over. The mixture with our greed thrown in results in emotions that cause some strange behaviours.

Some people play on that for their benefit. That is why good DD is soooo important. Even then it has twists that are unforseen except by the insider.

In the end we all make decisions based on good DD, what others have to say, pure luck/no luck, higher power etc.

Its a maze trying to decipher it all. Can't be certain what my best friend tells me is a lie or not. In the end we all stand before our maker and give an accountability.

Will leave it at that

Why make a statement like that unless you are willing to share? Yo know some will accept it and others will slam you either way.

I don't understand you and a couple of other posters in your hammering of makingaliving.

I find his posts refreshing and objective. It's another viewpoint on what's happening with this company rather than the continual dreamers and pumpers.

I am referring to high end funds.

I agree with most of what you say and would only add that at $0.06 Swift will do a 100:1 reverse and then watch the hedge funds come in and take us to $20.

Just think if they had increased the outstanding shares to 5 billion at the last annual shareholders meeting. Now that with Pandey dragging his feet would have put us all in a bad situation.

Hopefully we are on a straight course now

Will today be capitulation???

TOMORROW

My Guess

Open.....0.0145
Low......0.009
Close....0.0164
Volume...80 million

I can't help but think with all the great DD done by this board that one or two posters have a contact in Nigeria that is able to glean info from construction and plant operators on the progress being made. Surely these workers see and hear tidbits on the issues facing construction........whether itis behind or ahead or if we are indeed working overtime and gangbanging this project.

The same tidbits should be forthcoming from production workers at the pilot facility as to volumes of nicosan being produced, issues plant commissioning etc.

Someone somwhere must be hearing something

Care to share?