There are minimal data assessing the relationship between diabetes and gallbladder, biliary and pancreatic cancer. Recent small studies have suggested an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer only in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). A research article published on November 14, 2009 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team, lead by Dr.

Genzyme Corporation (Nasdaq: GENZ) reported results of a phase 2/3 study of its advanced phosphate binder (APB). The trial met its primary endpoint, which was to show that the APB lowered phosphate levels effectively compared to placebo. However, the APB did not show a significant improvement in phosphate lowering compared to Genzyme's RenvelaŽ (sevelamer carbonate). Based on these results, the company is not planning to pursue further clinical development of the APB.

Indomethacin has been proved by epidemiological and experimental studies to be closely associated with peptic ulcer development. Vardenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor and its effects on the gastric mucosa have not been reported. A research article published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this problem. The research team, led by Dr.

Over 300 million patients use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the world to treat pain, arthritis, fever and other diseases. Nearly 30% of the users suffer from gastric lesions and bleeding. To mitigate NSAIDs' adverse effects on the stomach, misoprostol, a non-selective prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analogue, has been prescribed as the first choice for prevention of NSAID-induced injuries, but often induces severe adverse effects.

CytRx Corporation (NASDAQ: CYTR), a biopharmaceutical company, today announced plans to initiate an open-label, multinational Phase 2 clinical trial with its doxorubicin prodrug INNO-206 as a second-line treatment in patients with advanced gastric (stomach) cancer. CytRx President and CEO Steven A. Kriegsman said, "This planned clinical trial is a key step forward in our plans to build a commercial oncology franchise for CytRx.