PET for dementia drug test

Article Abstract:

A group of four Japanese pharmaceutical companies and three companies with related interests, including Nihon Medifix, which is owned by Hoffmann-La Roche, are joining together in a venture to develop and test antidementia drugs. The group will be supported by a fund set up by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare to provide relief for patients who suffer adverse reactions to drugs. The fund has over $20 million in unused assets, and the ministry is plowing some of the funds into research. The consortium will not only develop drugs, but also the radioactively labelled derivatives suitable for PET scanning. It is hoped that PET images of drug localization within the brain will aid in the process of developing antidementia drugs. One of the first drugs to be evaluated in this way will be Spiperone, marketed by Janssen, which binds strongly to dopamine receptors in the brain. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Usage, Dementia, PET imaging, Positron emission tomography, Medical imaging equipment

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Bias alleged in Japanese university awards

Article Abstract:

Critics charge that the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science's Research for the Future program is biased towards certain institutions and individuals. The program awards grants based on the recommendations of several committees instead of conventional peer reviews. Many believe that the program's system of hierarchical committees unduly favors entities which enjoy strong connections with panel members.

Management, Research grants, Research funding

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Earthquake prediction 'likely to grow' after new review

Article Abstract:

The unforeseen occurrence of the recent Kobe earthquake has forced Japan to establish a review of its massive earthquake prediction program. The review will put forth suggestions to improve and strengthen the program. However, seismologists participating in the review opine that the review will only recommend the expansion of the program budget without proposing operational changes.

Evaluation, Natural disasters, Kobe, Japan, Earthquake prediction

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