Roskamp Institute Reports Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplementation with Anatabine in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 8, 2012 by evan

GLEN ALLEN, Va., May 8, 2012/PRNewswire/ — Star Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGX) through its wholly owned subsidiary, Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals Inc., announces that it has received important new research findings from its research partner, The Roskamp Institute ofSarasota, Florida. The Institute has completed a successful animal study of nutritional supplementation with Rock Creek’s specially formulated anatabine (patent pending), in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. The Roskamp Institute has previously reported on a successful study in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease using nutritional supplementation with a specially formulated version of Anatabloc® (patent pending).

In this report, entitled “Preliminary results of the treatment of a mouse model of Multiple Sclerosis with anatabine,” the researchers at Roskamp describe how they assessed the effects of nutritional supplementation of the animal’s diet with an animal formulation of anatabine in EAE (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis). This condition is induced by vaccinating mice with myelin which induces an autoimmune reaction. As a consequence, there is a severe inflammatory process in the brain, which has the effect of destroying neurons and causing progressive paralysis. In this regard, the disease model looks very similar to that which occurs in human multiple sclerosis. Dietary supplementation with anatabine resulted in a dramatic reduction in the rate of paralysis of hind limbs [see figure 1].
Hind Limb Paralysis

In addition to the better motor performance of the mice, there was evidence of suppression of the normal inflammatory response that accompanies neuronal destruction in this model. In the affected animals that did not receive supplementation with an anatabine formulation, the spleen pro-inflammatory molecules, such as IFN-gamma, IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-alpha (which are all significantly raised by the induction of inflammation), were markedly elevated relative to control animals. In the mice that received the anatabine supplement, these inflammatory molecules were all reduced to normal levels [see figure 2]. These preliminary data all suggest the company’s specially formulated anatabine supplement has a highly beneficial effect in this model of MS.
Comparison of pro-inflammatory molecules

The report is available on the Roskamp Institute website at http://www.rfdn.org/ms_anatabine.html.

“These are encouraging results that show biological activity in a relevant animal model,” said Dr. Curtis Wright, Senior Vice President and Medical Director of Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals. “Roskamp has shown that supplementing the diet of the test mice with an animal version of our specially formulated human anatabine product interfered with the myelin injections triggering the autoimmunity and inflammation that cause the paralysis. Not only did they show a reduction, prevention or delay in paralysis, but they showed a reduction in pro-inflammatory markers as well. The placebo mice rapidly developed inflammation and paralysis; the mice receiving anatabine dietary supplementation were less severely affected.”

Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals and the Roskamp Institute have worked collaboratively on research relating to the company’s anatabine compound for a number of years, occasioned by the Institute’s interest in the effect of the compound on immune system support and inflammation in the nervous system. Inflammation and the proper or aberrant functioning of the immune system is a critical factor in a number of neurological disorders studied by the Institute, and using nutritional means in helping the immune system regain its natural balance is one path toward supporting current medical treatments for such conditions.

Paul L. Perito, Rock Creek’s Chairman and CEO stated, “We continue to be impressed by the creative scientific insights and progress of the research team headed by Michael Mullan MD, PhD, along with his colleagues Drs. Crawford and Paris at the Roskamp Institute. We look forward to the development of this encouraging hypothesis and the initiation of human clinical trials when appropriate.”

———————————————————————————————————————

Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to statements identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “projects” and similar expressions. The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, including the continued development and market acceptance of our nutraceutical and low-TSNA tobacco products, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and/or regulation, including with respect to our nutraceutical and low-TSNA tobacco products, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement or any information contained in this press release or in other public disclosures at any time.

About Star Scientific
Star Scientific is a technology-oriented company with a mission to reduce the harm associated with tobacco at every level. It is engaged in the development of dissolvable smokeless tobacco products that deliver fewer carcinogenic toxins, principally through the utilization of the innovative StarCured® tobacco curing technology. Its subsidiary, Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is involved in the development of nutraceuticals as well as products to address neurological and mood disorders. Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals has scientific and research offices in Gloucester, MA, and a regulatory office in Washington, DC. Star Scientific has a Corporate and Sales Office in Glen Allen, VA, an Executive, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs office in Bethesda, MD, and a manufacturing facility in Chase City, VA.

Contact:

Talhia T. Tuck
Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
Star Scientific, Inc.
(301) 654-8300
ttuck@starscientific.com

Curtis Wright, IV, MD/MPH
Medical/Clinical Director and
Sr. Vice President of Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(978) 283-1372

Inflammation and the Runner- A passion and a problem

Posted on April 27, 2012 by evan

Gayle Barron Avid runners are perhaps the most passionate of all athletes. All one has to do is talk with a runner for a few minutes to get a flavor of their love of the activity. The sense of euphoria commonly known as “runner’s high,” or the feeling of urgency that overwhelms the enthusiast after a few days without running, are concepts that only the true runner can fully appreciate. This passion becomes ingrained into the runner’s being- almost a defining factor.

While running gives so much satisfaction to the athlete, over time, the repercussions of such hard training can take their toll on one’s body. Constant strain on the body can lead to soreness, injuries and even chronic conditions, some of which can be attributed to excess inflammation. Gayle Barron, five-time winner of the Peachtree Road Race and winner of the 1978 Boston Marathon, recently began to experience these effects. After years of intense training, she was experiencing hip pain, bulging discs and sciatica flare-ups. Struggling with these issues, Gayle turned to her massage therapist, who suggested she try Anatabloc to help keep the inflammation under control.

Here’s what Gayle had to say:

“Since I have been taking Anatabloc, the tingles have diminished and so has the hip pain on my left side of the body. I do think this product works wonders and would encourage anyone who has aches and pains to try this instead of over the counter anti-inflammatory products. I will continue to take it because my desire is to be active for the rest of my life. This product is the BEST!!!”

Gayle is just one of the many runners who have reached out to share their stories about Anatabloc. Her story is inspiring and encouraging. She is now running pain-free. If you have your own Anatabloc story to share, we encourage you to send it to us at testimonial@anatabloc.com

Announcing Anatabloc® Unflavored Tablets

Posted on April 12, 2012 by evan

Anatabloc Unflavored We are happy to announce that the new Unflavored Anatabloc is now available for purchase at www.Anatabloc.com. Unflavored Anatabloc is a wonderful option for individuals who have issues digesting artificial sweeteners, or who simply dislike the minty flavor of the original Anatabloc. The new version offers all of the benefits of original Anatabloc, without the sweetener.

If you have any questions about the new Unflavored Anatabloc, feel free to contact us at customerservice@Anatabloc.com. You can also share your thoughts and experience with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Differentiating Anatabloc from Other Nutritional Anti-inflammatory Supplements

Posted on March 14, 2012 by evan

Many common pain complaints are associated with some type of inflammation.

Inflammation in injured tissue is caused by local host defense cells (white cells) and antibodies reacting with foreign material such as bacteria or damaged tissue, activating those white cells to produce chemicals (Nuclear Factor-kappa B [NF-kB], cytokines) that send an inflammatory signal to the body’s host defenses.¹

That signal can be likened to someone detecting the presence of smoke, and pulling the fire alarm to call the fire department. Just like a fire alarm, the signal can be real (a real fire or in the case of the body, a real infection or injury) or it can be a false alarm (abnormal inflammation or an auto-immune disease). Some individuals have host defense systems that are slow to react and lower in sensitivity, others have systems that are over-reactive and hyper-sensitive. In some cases, the body can be so hyper-sensitive as to develop inflammation in the absence of external causes (auto-immune disease).

Normal inflammation is healthy, useful, and an important part of the defenses that protect the body from infection, repair the body after strenuous exercise, or strengthen the bones, joints and ligaments as part of the conditioning process. Studies of astronauts in space and individuals at bed rest have clearly shown that normal activity and normal inflammatory responses are needed to maintain healthy tissue, metabolism and strength.^2,3

Abnormal inflammation, which occurs when the body over-reacts or sends the equivalent of a false alarm, can result in pain, swelling, and redness, which is called inflammation. If excessive, recurrent or unchecked, abnormal inflammation can damage bones, joints, or blood vessels, and result in loss of strength, joint deformity and ultimately physical disability or illness.

Inflammation starts when white blood cells (lymphocytes and some kinds of leukocytes) detect the presence of foreign bodies or activated antibodies, leading to activation of a specialized protein within these cells known as NF-kB. Activation of NF-kB within these specialized host defense cells results in the secretion or release chemical messengers such as cytokines and chemokines which activate white blood cells, signaling the need for an inflammatory response, analogous to pulling a fire alarm when you smell smoke. Just as when you smell smoke, which can mean either a fire or burned toast, this cellular signaling can represent either the need for a real response, or can be a medical “false alarm”.¹

The inflammatory signals act to trigger enzyme systems (phospholipase, cyclooxygenases) that convert normally “safe” chemicals in the cell membranes (arachidonic acid and phospholipids) into active inflammatory compounds (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, bradykinin). These chemicals act to promote clotting, swelling, tissue damage and sensitization of pain fibers. An analogy is the arrival of the fire department after pulling a fire alarm. The engine rolls up, the firemen unroll the hoses, and they start chopping holes in the roof and begin pouring water into the house. In normal healthy inflammation responding to a real infection this is a needed and proportional response. In abnormal inflammation from a “false alarm” this causes damage to normal, healthy tissue. Inflammation requires both “signal” steps (pulling the fire alarm) and “action” steps (chopping a hole in the roof and pouring in the water).¹

Active inflammatory reactions can not only cause tissue damage and swelling, but also act to sensitize pain fibers, causing the increased pain common to inflamed tissue, such as commonly seen with a splinter or burn. The presence of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and bradykinin causes pain fibers to alter their rate of discharge (rate of sending pain signals) and causes pain signals and sensitivity to be amplified. In the worst cases, repeated or long-lasting inflammation can cause significant, long-lasting, abnormal pain sensitivity…¹

Continue reading this article at www.HealthyInflammation.com. Once on the page, take a look around and you will find a link titled “White Paper: Differentiating Anatabloc™ from Other Nutritional Anti-Inflammatory Supplements [PDF]“.

PGA TOUR PROFESSIONAL FRED COUPLES NAMED BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR ANATABLOC®

Posted on February 15, 2012 by evan

Couples Says Breakthrough Product for Anti-inflammatory Support
Makes Him Feel Better

Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Star Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGX), today announced that PGA Tour professional, Fred Couples, is the company’s first Brand Ambassador for Anatabloc®, its breakthrough product for anti-inflammatory support. Couples is a 32-year veteran of the PGA Tour, with over 50 professional tournament wins including the Masters (1992), and has been twice named the PGA Tour Player of the Year (1991, 1992).

Fred Couples, Anatabloc Brand Ambassador “I started taking Anatabloc®, and within a few days, I simply started feeling better,” said Couples. “There has been a difference in how I feel, both when I wake up in the morning and throughout my day. Anatabloc® was an amazing find for me and I continue to feel better.”

Introduced in August 2011, Anatabloc® is a dietary supplement that assists the body’s natural process for regulating inflammation using an alkaloid found in plants and vegetables, combined with Vitamins A and D3 to assist in maintaining healthy levels of inflammation. Excessive inflammation is associated with a variety of autoimmune conditions, as well as athletic and work-out injuries. Anatabloc® is now available through GNC.com.

“We discovered from golf legend Fred Couples that he had been taking Anatabloc® and we were delighted to hear he was feeling great and seeing real results,” said David Dean, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Star Scientific. “Given his stature and popularity on and off the course, it made absolute sense to ask him to join our team as a Brand Ambassador. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Couples’ win at the Masters and he will be playing in the Tournament. To be in the game at this level and playing this long is an amazing accomplishment.” Dean added. Couples will wear the Anatabloc® logo on his sleeve at all tournaments going forward.

Couples announced his partnership with Anatabloc® and his use of the anti-inflammatory supplement at the Northern Trust Open—a tournament he almost won in 2011—at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA.

“Anatabloc® should enable millions of Americans, like Fred, to be more active by maintaining a healthy level of inflammation,” said Jonnie Williams Sr., Chief Executive Officer, Star Scientific. “Other professional athletes such as NFL All-Star Jeremy Shockey and tennis stars Jimmy Arias, Aaron Krickstein, Rob Seguso and legendary coach Nick Bollettierri are already using Anatabloc™ and talking about how it is changing their careers as well. We want everyone to know there is a new way to deal with the aches and pains associated with excessive inflammation, and the answer is Anatabloc®,” he added.

“I hope my story will let millions of Americans know that Anatabloc® may be an answer in helping them return to an active lifestyle,” said Couples.

Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to statements identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “projects” and similar expressions. The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, including the continued development and market acceptance of our nutraceuticals, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and/or regulation, including with respect to our nutraceuticals, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement or any information contained in this press release or in other public disclosures at any time.

About Star Scientific

Star Scientific is a technology-oriented company with a mission to reduce the harm associated with tobacco at every level. It is engaged in the development of dissolvable smokeless tobacco products that deliver fewer carcinogenic toxins, principally through the utilization of the innovative StarCured(R) tobacco curing technology. Its subsidiary, Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is involved in the development of nutraceuticals as well as products to address neurological and mood disorders. Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals has scientific and research offices in Gloucester, MA, and a regulatory office in Washington, D.C. Star Scientific has a Corporate and Sales Office in Glen Allen, VA, an Executive, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs office in Bethesda, MD, and a manufacturing facility in Chase City, VA.

Anatabloc® is Now Available Through GNC’s Online Retail Platform

Posted on February 1, 2012 by evan

GLEN ALLEN, VA–(Marketwire – Feb 1, 2012) – Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Star Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: CIGX), today announced a new partnership with GNC, the global health and wellness retailer that specializes in premium, value-added nutritional products. Beginning today, customers will be able to purchase Anatabloc® through GNC’s Internet storefront: http://www.gnc.com. Anatabloc® assists the body’s natural process for regulating inflammation using an alkaloid found in plants and vegetables, in combination with Vitamins A and D3, to help maintain healthy levels of inflammation. Anatabloc® was introduced in August 2011 through a dedicated product website.

Rock Creek believes that GNC’s continually expanding Internet presence, together with Anatabloc’s® online sales model, will create a unique opportunity for both companies. David Dean, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Star Scientific, stated, “The GNC partnership aligns our business model and pricing structure so that it is consistent with customer feedback on retail price. It also maximizes opportunities for success with the current GNC platform, and the potential for broadening our companies’ relationship. We believe this partnership will be a game-changer for us.”

GNC Gold Card members, under the new partnership with Rock Creek, will be able to purchase Anatabloc® for $79.99 during the first seven days of every month. Anatabloc® Advantage Club members also will receive Anatabloc® automatically shipped at a cost of $79.99. Rock Creek CEO, Paul L. Perito, commented, “The large volume of testimonials we have received since August, which describe real changes in customers’ lifestyle quality, leads us to believe that Anatabloc® will be a valuable addition to the GNC product line. We look forward to a successful partnership for both companies.” A selection of videotaped testimonials from individuals who have been using Anatabloc®, including former #5-ranked tennis professional Jimmy Arias, can be viewed athttp://anatabloc.com/anatabloc-athletes/

Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to statements identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “projects” and similar expressions. The statements in this release are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the our company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences, including, but not limited to, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives, including the continued development and market acceptance of our nutraceutical, our ability to license and protect our intellectual property, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, changes in government policy and/or regulation, including with respect to our nutraceuticals, as well as other risks discussed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. We undertake no duty to update any forward-looking statement or any information contained in this press release or in other public disclosures at any time.

About Star Scientific

Star Scientific is a technology-oriented company with a mission to reduce the harm associated with tobacco at every level. It is engaged in the development of dissolvable smokeless tobacco products that deliver fewer carcinogenic toxins, principally through the utilization of the innovative StarCured® tobacco curing technology. Its subsidiary, Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is involved in the development of nutraceuticals as well as products to address neurological and mood disorders. Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals has scientific and research offices in Gloucester, MA, and a regulatory office in Washington, D.C. Star Scientific has a Corporate and Sales Office in Glen Allen, VA, an Executive, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs office in Bethesda, MD, and a manufacturing facility in Chase City, VA.

Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals Announces Completion of Medical Conferences on Anatabloc™ Research, Comments on Research Presentation at American Thyroid Association Annual Meeting

Posted on November 3, 2011 by evan

GLEN ALLEN, Va., Oct. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ:CIGX – News) today announced the second presentation of research findings related to its Anatabloc® dietary supplement. A poster presentation, titled “Anatabine, a Tobacco Alkaloid, Ameliorates Disease in a Mouse Model of Thyroiditis”,was made at the 81st annual meeting of the American Thyroid Association in Indian Wells, CA. The four authors, all researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, includedPaul W. Ladenson, MD and Patrizio Caturegli, MD. The presentation described the positive effect of anatabine supplementation in decreasing the incidence and severity of thyroiditis in animal models of the human disease. Anatabine is an alkaloid found in plants in the Solinacea family, such as green peppers, green tomatoes and eggplant.

Rock Creek also commented that research underlying the October 27 presentation has been one of the topics at three recent medical conferences hosted by the company for physicians and allied healthcare practitioners. The first, held on October 18 in Richmond, VA featured presentations by Drs. Ladenson and Caturegli on their experimental research on autoimmune thyroiditis, followed by discussion. Michael Mullan, MD, Ph.D., CEO of the Roskamp Institute, also presented on his research on anatabine in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, which was published recently in the European Journal of Pharmacology.

Two other conferences have been held during the past week: the second conference was hosted in Flint, Michigan on October 22. Dale Wilson, MD, one of the principal investigators in the clinical trial being conducted in the Flint area, summarized the design of the ongoing study in Michigan after presentations on the research described above. There also was general discussion of the safety profile of anatabine, the presumed mechanism of action, and ongoing clinical research. The third conference, held October 27 in Newport Beach, California, also summarized the research to date, the status of the ongoing human studies, and the emerging safety profile of Anatabloc®. Approximately 150 physicians and allied health practitioners from southern California attended this conference.

Curtis Wright, MD, MPH, Senior Medical Officer for Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals said, “The response to Anatabloc from the healthcare community has been quite positive, as evidenced by robust participation in question-and-answer sessions during the conferences. In addition, requests for samples, products and research support are increasing. The research presentations make clear that exciting potentials lie ahead as we continue to explore the relationship between anatabine and inflammation.”

Certain statements in this press release other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives, and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have tried, whenever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “continues,” “likely,” “may,” “opportunity,” “potential,” “projects,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, whether in the negative or the affirmative. These statements reflect our current beliefs and are based on information currently available to us. Accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such statements. These risks, uncertainties, factors and contingencies include, without limitation, the challenges inherent in new product development initiatives through Star Tobacco and Rock Creek, the uncertainties inherent in the progress of scientific research, our ability to raise additional capital in the future that is necessary to maintain our business, potential disputes concerning our intellectual property, risks associated with litigation regarding such intellectual property, uncertainties associated with the development, testing and regulatory approvals of our low-TSNA tobacco, related tobacco products and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products , market acceptance of our new smokeless tobacco products and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products, competition from companies with greater resources than us, our dependence on key employees and on our prior strategic relationships with Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation in light of its combination with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Inc.

Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. See additional discussion under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2011, and other factors detailed from time to time in the Company’s other filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. All information in this release is current as of this date, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or advise upon any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

About Star Scientific

Star Scientific is a technology-oriented company with a mission to reduce the harm associated with tobacco at every level. It is engaged in the development of dissolvable smokeless tobacco products that deliver fewer carcinogenic toxins, principally through the utilization of the innovative StarCured® tobacco curing technology. Its subsidiary, Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is involved in the development of nutraceuticals as well as products to address neurological and mood disorders. Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals has scientific and research offices in Gloucester, MA, and a regulatory office in Washington, D.C. Star Scientific has a Corporate and Sales Office in Glen Allen, VA, an Executive, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs office in Bethesda, MD, and a manufacturing facility in Chase City, VA.

Star Scientific Reports First Peer-Reviewed Article on Anatabine and Alzheimer’s Disease by Roskamp Institute

Posted on October 5, 2011 by evan

GLEN ALLEN, Va., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Star Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: CIGX) reports today the publication of the first peer-reviewed article on the in-vitro and in-vivo activity of anatabine in Alzheimer’s Disease. The article is authored by scientists at the Roskamp Institute and is electronically published in the European Journal of Pharmacology (2011 Sept 19). It states that anatabine lowers Alzheimer’s A-beta production in-vitro and in-vivo.

In the article the authors describe the accumulation of an abnormal substance, called A-beta, the substance that leads to amyloid formation and damage to brain tissue. They studied the formation of A-beta and showed how anatabine lowers levels of two forms of A-beta (1-40 and 1-42) in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by preventing or reducing formation from the precursor protein. After showing the activity in the test tube, the researchers went on to show that when anatabine is given to mice vulnerable to accumulation of amyloid, treatment with anatabine lowers brain levels of both A-beta (1-40) and A-beta (1-42), postulated to be due to effects on NFKB activation. Michael Mullan, MD, Ph.D., Roskamp Institute co-director and one of the article’s authors, commented, “This paper demonstrates anatabine’s potential as an anti-inflammatory agent and shows it may have broad applications including for disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Anatabine citrate is one of the active ingredients in Anatabloc®, a dietary supplement developed by Star Scientific’s subsidiary Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals. Anatabloc®, which entered the market on August 30, is designed to provide anti-inflammatory support (www.anatabloc.com). Curtis Wright, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President of Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, expressed his opinion of the Roskamp findings. “While we were aware that Roskamp was conducting studies of the effects of dietary supplementation with anatabine in Alzheimer’s Disease, it is gratifying that external peer review validated the work they have done. The research confirms that this natural plant compound shows an interesting regulatory effect on brain immune responses. It is one thing to believe your own results; it is quite another to have them accepted by your peers in the scientific community.” Anatabine for the Roskamp research was provided through Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals.

Ongoing human clinical studies of anatabine citrate and the commercial product Anatabloc® are examining the potential role of nutritional supplementation in regulating low-level inflammation controlled by the NFκB system.

About Star Scientific Star Scientific is a technology-oriented company with a mission to reduce the harm associated with tobacco at every level. It is engaged in the development of dissolvable smokeless tobacco products that deliver fewer carcinogenic toxins, principally through the utilization of the innovative StarCured® tobacco curing technology. Its subsidiary, Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is involved in the development of nutraceuticals as well as products to address neurological and mood disorders. Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals has scientific and research offices in Gloucester, MA, and a regulatory office in Washington, D.C. Star Scientific has a Corporate and Sales Office in Glen Allen, VA, an Executive, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs office in Bethesda, MD, and a manufacturing facility in Chase City, VA. See Star’s website at: http://www.starscientific.com.

Contact:
Sara Troy Machir
Vice President, Communications & Investor Relations
smachir@starscientific.com
301-654-8300

SOURCE Star Scientific, Inc.

From Alzheimer’s breakthroughs to aquaculture advances, these 20 dynamos are changing our world.

Posted on September 24, 2011 by admin

(This is an excerpt from the recent Biz(941) article- For the full article, visit http://www.biz941.com/ARTICLES/Current-Issue/People-to-Watch.aspx)

Author:Forest Balderson, David Ball, Susan Burns, Graham Clark, Kay Kipling, Molly McCartney and Hannah Wallace

Photographer: Barbara Banks

“We are partnered with Star Scientific, which will sell this compound as a dietary supplement.”

Dr. Michael Mullan

For 25 years, Dr. Michael Mullan has been a pioneer in Alzheimer’s research. He is also the director of the nonprofit Roskamp Institute, devoted to finding causes and cures for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and addictions. More recently, he’s the CEO of Archer Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a for-profit company built on Roskamp research. One of Archer’s products, Nilvadipine, an Alzheimer’s drug developed at Roskamp, has just received $8.4 million for a Phase III clinical trial—a significant achievement. The drug may act on the cause and not just the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. And this fall, Archer will help launch a new anti-inflammatory compound called ANATABLOC that could help in a range of diseases, including Alzheimer’s. “We are partnered with Star Scientific, which will sell this compound as a dietary supplement,” says Mullan, 54.

Read the full article at Biz(941)- http://www.biz941.com/ARTICLES/Current-Issue/People-to-Watch.aspx

The Science of Inflammation

Posted on August 19, 2011 by admin

Modern medical research is beginning to reveal that excessive inflammation may be the triggering factor for many chronic conditions. A normal level of inflammation is necessary for the body to fight infections and maintain health, but scientific evidence suggests that excessive chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, coronary artery disease, Diabetes, Asthma & COPD, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions.

Being able to maintain a healthy level of inflammation is believed to be a positive step in addressing conditions that effect millions every day.

For more information on inflammation, visit www.Anatabloc.com. We would also love to hear from you! Feel free to leave your feedback here on the blog.

Follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anatabloc/117546904991794
Connect with us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/anatabloc