August 2009 Archives

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSPT) today announced that it will present at two upcoming healthcare investor conferences.

• Rodman & Renshaw 11th Annual Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at 10:25 am EDT.
• Baird 2009 Health Care Conference on Thursday, September 10, 2009, at 10:00 am EDT.
  

A live audio webcast and replay of the presentations will be available on the investor webpage at www.transcept.com.

About Transcept

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary products that address important therapeutic needs in neuroscience. The most advanced Transcept product candidate is Intermezzo(R) (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet), which is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription sleep aid for use in the middle of the night at the time a patient awakens and has difficulty returning to sleep. October 30, 2009 is the PDUFA target date for the FDA to take action on its review of the Intermezzo(R) NDA. Transcept and Purdue Pharmaceutical Products, L.P. have entered into a collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of Intermezzo(R) in the United States. For further information, please visit the company's website at: www.transcept.com.

About Intermezzo(R)

Intermezzo(R) (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet), the lead product candidate at Transcept, has the potential to be the first prescription sleep aid specifically approved for use in the middle of the night at the time a patient awakens and has difficulty returning to sleep. Intermezzo(R) is a sublingual low dose formulation of zolpidem, the active agent most commonly prescribed in the United States for the treatment of insomnia. Intermezzo(R) uses approximately one-quarter to one-third of the dose of active drug contained in currently marketed zolpidem-based sleep aids, in a formulation designed to promote rapid sublingual absorption. Transcept believes that Intermezzo(R), by combining the reduced zolpidem dose with administration only on those nights when a middle of the night awakening actually occurs, has the potential to reduce unnecessary sedative-hypnotic exposure.

Two Phase 3 clinical studies evaluated 376 patients receiving either Intermezzo(R) or placebo. In the first study, a sleep laboratory trial using an objective polysomnographic endpoint, Intermezzo(R) demonstrated a statistically significant decrease versus placebo in the time it took patients to return to sleep as measured by Latency to Persistent Sleep. In the second study, an outpatient trial, Intermezzo(R) demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in Latency to Sleep Onset, a subjective patient reported endpoint. The most common adverse event seen in these trials was headache (2.7 percent active versus 1.4 percent placebo in the outpatient study).

The FDA has established October 30, 2009 as its target date under PDUFA to take action on its review of the NDA. Transcept is actively pursuing patents to protect Intermezzo(R) in the United States and key non-U.S. markets, and, as part of the NDA submission, has requested that the FDA grant three years of Hatch-Waxman marketing exclusivity to Intermezzo(R).

SOURCE Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Today, Westin Hotels unveils the results of a new global sleep study of more than 12,500 frequent travelers in ten countries - a follow-up to a sleep study the hotel giant conducted a decade ago when it launched its now iconic Heavenly Bed. When Westin debuted its revolutionary all-white bed, it spurred a global hotel bedding war that instantly made Earth tone polyester bedspreads and foam mattresses relics of old. Millions of travelers have benefitted, and today 43% of frequent travelers say the quality of sleep on the road has gotten better, 25% of Road Warriors said they'd pay $100 more for a hotel with a great bed, and more than half would go out of their way to stay in a hotel with their favorite bed.

Forget the Boogie Man; it's Mortgages, Marriage and BlackBerrys That Keep Us Up at Night

While good beds on the road may be easier to find, sleep itself can be elusive and our round-the-clock work life, today's economic woes and good old fashion relationship problems often get in the way of a good night's sleep. To wit:

• 56% of U.S. respondents said that with our 24/7 lifestyles, a good night's sleep is more important than ever, though unfortunately 61% believe that today's technology and constant connectivity impairs sleep. And our beloved BlackBerrys make for dreadful sleep companions.
• 60% said their PDAs have prevented them from getting shut eye.
• 58% of respondents said the biggest worry keeping them up at night is bills and paying the mortgage. Another key culprit that keeps people tossing and turning is problems with their spouse or partner (25%).
  

Honey, I have a headache said HE - the Sex vs. Sleep Gender Debate

In the 10 years since Westin conducted its original sleep study, our desire for sleep has increased, and our sex lives have suffered. Today 51% of frequent travelers in the U.S. prefer a great night's sleep to great sex, compared to just 31% who chose sleep over sex 10 years ago. Contrary to conventional wisdom, its men who are more likely than women to take sleep over sex, with the majority of women saying they prefer sex to snoozing. And Americans are not alone - in nine of 10 countries surveyed, sleep beats sex - only the Canadians prefer seduction vs. slumber.

Other key findings include:

Hotel Beds in a Post-Heavenly Era

• More than half (57%) found that a great hotel bed provides a better sleep experience than at home, and more than one in four strongly agreed that sleeping in a hotel bed while on a business trip is a "luxury" -- a significant change from 10 years ago, when 82% of travelers found something to complain about hotel beds.
• The majority of those surveyed like the hotel mattress (59%) and pillows (54%) better than their bed at home.
  

Sleep Woes Take Their Toll

• 57% of respondents say a bad night's sleep has hurt their business performance.
• The most common side effects of a bad night's sleep? Getting in a fight with a boss or co-worker (29%) or a spouse or partner (25%).
  

A Good Night's Sleep is a Phone Call Away...

There is hope for the weary eyed. As a result of the study findings and Westin's ongoing commitment to wellness, the brand has partnered with the National Sleep Foundation to launch a toll-free sleep hotline. Starting today, the National Sleep Foundation Hotline brought to you by Westin Hotels, (888) TIME-4-SLEEP, will be staffed by sleep professionals during the peak hours when people experience problems sleeping. These medically trained sleep professionals will help callers with common sleep problems and offer advice and healthy tips for getting a good night's sleep. The sleep hotline lines will be open until September 15th, Monday through Friday, 6:00pm to 1:00am Eastern Daylight Time.

Study Methodology

This study is based on a survey conducted by StudyLogic, LLC via telephone through RDD of adults who are executives, professionally employed, and with an average of 2+ business and leisure trips per year. Study results are representative of each country's population of Executives. Twelve countries were surveyed: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emigrates. There were approximately 1,000 people surveyed in each country, with the exception of the United States, which had approximately 1,500 people. Combined percentage breakdowns for all twelve countries based on various categories are available at the end of the report. The survey consisted of thirty-three questions, some of which contained multiple parts. Due to cultural reasons, certain questions were modified or omitted for Japan and the United Arab Emigrates, and any change or omission is indicated in the following report. Interviews were conducted between June 15th and July 15th, 2009. The survey averaged 18 minutes in length and contains a margin of error in the totals of +/-3%.

Source; Westin

REM Medical Corporation, a leader in innovative fatigue management solutions for corporations, today announced that U.S. HealthWorks, the second largest operator of occupational health centers in the United States and one of the nation's leading providers of physical exams for Department of Transportation licensing, has entered into an exclusive agreement with REM Medical to provide sleep apnea solutions to employer groups on a national basis through its network of 123 medical centers.

REM Medical and U.S. HealthWorks will collaborate to provide comprehensive sleep apnea screening, diagnostic, physician evaluation, treatment and compliance follow-up for all drivers that access the sleep apnea program through their employers.

"REM Medical has developed an innovative service delivery program that has been implemented with Gordon Trucking Inc., a major long haul transportation company," said Joe Mallas, Executive Vice President of Operations for U.S. HealthWorks. "We are excited to be partnering with an organization of leading sleep physicians who share our vision of providing high quality, cost-effective solutions to the transportation sector."

"Sleep apnea is a growing concern among regulators and employers," said Andrew Parker, MD, Senior Vice President of Northwest Regional Operations for U.S. HealthWorks. "By providing additional sleep apnea screening services, we can ensure prompt care to get drivers safely back on the road within days. For employers, this is a cost-effective and feasible strategy to address the growing cost and dangers of drivers who are drowsy due to sleep apnea."

"By providing easy access to care, we can be less disruptive to the drivers and employers and more responsive to their need for cost-effective diagnosis and treatment," said Russell Benaroya, CEO of REM Medical. "Our program combines the leadership of U.S. HealthWorks in occupational medicine services and our physician leadership in sleep medicine to meet the needs of customers."

If you are interested in learning more about our Program and whether we are active in your region, please go to www.remmedical.com/occhealth and click on the Request More Information link to have a representative follow-up with you directly.

SOURCE REM Medical Corporation

ResMed Inc. (NYSE: RMD) announced today that they will be presenting at three upcoming investor conferences.

• Kieran Gallahue, President and CEO will be presenting at the Canaccord Adams Global Growth Conference at the Intercontinental Boston Hotel in Boston on August 12, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. US Eastern Time
• David Pendarvis, SVP, Organization Development and General Counsel will be presenting at the Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference at the Grand Hyatt in NYC on September 15, 2009
• David Pendarvis will present at the UBS Global Life Sciences Conference also at the Grand Hyatt in NYC on September 22, 2009
  

Actual presentation times for the latter two conferences will be able to be found on our website in the "Investor" section under "Event Calendar" in the near future as they are confirmed.

The Company's presentations will be webcast. To access the live webcast or the archived webcast of the presentation, please log onto the Company's website at http://investor.resmed.com. Further information can be obtained by contacting Constance Bienfait at ResMed Inc., San Diego, at +1(858) 836-5971 or by visiting the Company's multilingual Web site at www.resmed.com.

ResMed is a leading developer, manufacturer, and distributor of medical equipment for treating, diagnosing, and managing sleep-disordered breathing and other respiratory disorders. We are dedicated to developing innovative products to improve the lives of those who suffer from these conditions and to increasing awareness among patients and healthcare professionals of the potentially serious health consequences of untreated sleep-disordered breathing.

Source: ResMed Inc.

NeuroScience, Inc. has launched a new product -- Avipaxin -- aimed at decreasing elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Avipaxin supports acetylcholine levels by providing substrates for its production and by inhibiting its metabolizing enzyme, acetylcholinesterase. Initial studies at NeuroScience, Inc. revealed a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines after Avipaxin use. These studies also revealed a decrease in the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and an increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Historically, neurotransmitters, cytokines, and hormones were considered signal messengers of the Nervous, Endocrine, and Immune systems, respectively. However, recent evidence shows that those systems are actually part of a single and integrated Neuro-Endocrine-Immune (NEI) Connection(C).

Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels lead to imbalances in neurotransmitter concentrations and raised hormone (cortisol) levels. Neurotransmitters are responsible for people's mood, concentration, sleep, and other mental and emotional functions. Cytokine-induced neurotransmitter imbalances are regularly noticed when people are sad, lethargic, and are unable to focus during an acute viral or bacterial infection. Serotonin, which was increased in the Avipaxin studies, is a particularly important neurotransmitter involved with mood and sleep. Research shows that persistent cytokine elevations lead to numerous physical and emotional symptoms that are difficult to manage.

Avipaxin modulates elevated cytokine levels by supporting acetylcholine-mediated signaling. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway uses the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to down-regulate elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to an indirect normalization of neurotransmitter levels, leading to a positive effect on mood, concentration, sleep, and other emotional and mental processes. Avipaxin should be considered for patients with suspected acute or persistent immune system activation.

Additional information regarding Avipaxin can be found at www.neurorelief.com/avipaxin.

SOURCE NeuroScience, Inc.