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Pipex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: PP) (”Pipex”), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing innovative late-stage drug candidates for the treatment of neurologic and fibrotic diseases, announced the presentation of preliminary results using its lead anti-copper drug candidate, COPREXA (oral tetrathiomolybdate), in the most commonly utilized transgenic pre-clinical murine model of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) at the 2007 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting on November 4th in San Diego, CA. These studies were funded by a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Joseph Quinn, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and primary investigator of this study commented, “These preliminary results of a significant reduction in central nervous system copper (p < 0.05) and a 40% reduction in insoluble amyloid beta (p < 0.05) are encouraging from a standpoint of COPREXA’s ability to be a potentially disease modifying therapy for AD. These preliminary results need to be replicated and expanded before we proceed to clinical trials.”

Steve H. Kanzer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Pipex, commented, “Since the serendipitous finding of Dr. Larry Sparks in 2003 that free copper in the drinking water of high cholesterol-fed animals plays an important role in the formation of Alzheimer’s-like disease, the last four years has witnessed a tremendous body of collaborating evidence implicating free copper in the pathogenesis of AD. These studies have taken the form of human dietary copper epidemiological studies in the elderly, post-mortem pathology studies of human amyloid plaques and their co-localization with copper, comparative human studies finding elevated levels of serum free copper in AD patients compared to age-matched controls, as well as many molecular studies establishing free copper’s high binding affinity and oxidizing effects on the majority of recognized AD-related proteins, including, amyloid beta, tau, amyloid precursor protein (APP), beta secretase, and apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotypes 2/3/4. References (1-9). Taken together, this mounting body of evidence implicates elevated free copper levels in the central nervous system as a consistent and prominent cause of the characteristic copper-containing insoluable amyloid beta plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration that defines AD. As a society in which 50% of our population over the age of 75 are already afflicted by AD and countless others at risk of developing AD, AD is the disease of our time, and it is high time that we pay attention to the risks that free copper poses to our susceptible elderly population (especially those at genetic risk for AD) and pursue with vigor potential therapeutic interventions such as those that our company is developing that specifically aim to lower the central nervous system copper burden of already affected patients. The experiments conducted and results presented by Dr. Joseph Quinn and colleagues at Oregon Health & Science University represent the first prospectively defined controlled therapeutic intervention study in mice or man that is specifically targeted to lower free copper levels in the central nervous system for the purpose of treating AD and the results demonstrate that lowering such free copper can lower insoluable amyloid beta levels by 40%.and thus a disease modifying effect in AD. OHSU’s efforts and results would not have been achieved without the support of the National Institute on Aging to whom Pipex would like to take the opportunity to thank. We look forward to the further results of Dr. Quinn’s group regarding their ongoing additional cohorts of transgenic Tg2576 animals currently being tested pursuant to a protocol in which COPREXA is being administered to animals after the typical apparent onset of disease at 10-12 months of age.”

Dr. George Brewer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan and inventor of COPREXA, said, “The strength of the association between copper’s causative relationship and Alzheimer’s disease parallels my experience in treating neurologic Wilson’s disease, a disease of similar neurodegeneration. While a different form of disease, in COPREXA treated neurologic Wilson’s disease, we have seen a reversal or improvement in the neurologic scores of these patients. Currently, there are no adequate approved or disease modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s and these results represent an important step forward for the 4.5 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s.”

PARIS (AFP) — British animal rights radicals claim to have contaminated dozens of vials of contact lense solution in France and antiseptic cream in Britain to protest against animal testing, Paris prosecutors said Friday.

Ciba Vision, a subsidiary of Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, issued a health warning Friday telling consumers to return any vials brought in the last five days due to a “possible malevolent act.”

The contamination claim was made on the US-based animal rights website Bite Back and signed “Animal Rights Militia,” a British radical movement.

“On August 25-27, 85 bottles of ‘Solo Care, Aqua’ made at Novartis were infected across France,” said a statement in broken English dated August 28, which claimed to have targeted half a dozen opticians’ chains across France.

“Each bottle was added hydrogen peroxide with small needle. CIBA Vision and Novartis must feel the pain of the animals …

The change will boost West Valley City Animal Services’ coverage to more than 180,000 residents. The partnership requires three additional animal control officers, bringing the total to seven. Also, a new call dispatcher has been added, and shelter technicians are being hired.

Officers assigned to Taylorsville and West Valley City will be cross trained to understand differences in the two city codes, enabling them to respond to emergencies in both municipalities.

“Our goal is to improve the quality of life in our community by providing safety to the citizens and animals, preserving the health of the citizens and the care of animals,” said Kelly Davis, chief administrator for West Valley City Animal Services. “We see this as a great partnership.”

Wellness Care Endorsement on the Company’s Protect 4 Pet Health Insurance Plan Covers Holistic, Homeopathic Consultations, Treatments, or Herbal Supplements

LOS ANGELES — Vsurance, Inc. (OTCBB:VSUR), a leading provider of pet health insurance, announced today that it is the first and only pet health insurance provider to cover holistic treatments in the prevention of illness of dogs and cats.

Holistic medicines & care is an alternative way of healing companion animals. It is the art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole animal - body, mind, and spirit. The practice of holistic medicine integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health and to prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors. In addition to not only using the normal drugs and medicines, the attending veterinarian might prescribe remedies brought to us through natural sources.

The American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) founded in 1978 is a membership organization for physicians seeking to practice a broader form of medicine than what was (and is) currently taught in allopathic (MD and DO) medical schools. For 25 years the AHMA has nurtured and educated physicians making this transition.

“We are very excited to provide health insurance coverage for this growing treatment option for companion animal owners,” stated Russell Smith, CEO of Vsurance, Inc. “This is an important and defining difference in what makes our pet health insurance plans the best in the marketplace today.”

About Vsurance

Vsurance is a leading provider of pet health insurance and other pet health-related services in the United States. Programs include its Get HIP(TM) Pet Health Insurance for Pets program, the most comprehensive full-coverage pet health insurance plan in the industry. Vsurance provides pet and horse resource centers through the Internet including VetpetMD(TM), Spot the Pet(TM), and Purrfect Pet Club(TM). Programs include life, liability and health insurance for pets, horses and other companion animals.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release includes forward-looking statements which describe the Company’s business strategy, outlook, objectives, or goals, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. This is an informational release and is on corporate awareness with product sales in those licensed states in accordance with applicable insurance regulations. This is a corporate awareness release and is not a solicitation for insurance coverage or benefits. Pet health insurance plans are issued and delivered as a surplus line coverage pursuant to Michigan insurance statutes to club association members only.

David “The Animal” Henderson, a well known certified strength and conditioning specialist, became the newest member of the Planet Nutrition (PINKSHEETS: PNHL) team. Not only has “The Animal” trained celebrities, Professional and Top Amateurs, Athletes, he himself was a World Champion weight lifter. Henderson is skilled in all areas of health, nutrition, exercise and rehabilitation. David has won awards for helping people overcome extreme injuries.

Henderson has been Director of Strength Training Inc. which has 11 state of the art strength and rehab facilities in the greater Phoenix Arizona area. David has developed strength and conditioning programs for the severely disabled, world class athletes and everyone in between. He is also an expert on patient care from physical therapy to strength training to functional rehabilitation.

“The Animal” won the World Bench Press Title in 1995. He was a two time All-Conference NCAA II Football Selection for New Mexico Highlands University in 1988 - 1989. He was the New Mexico Highland offensive lineman Most Valuable Player in 1988 - 1989. David also holds a Master’s of Art Degree in Exercise Physiology and Human Performance.

Dan Starczewski, CEO and President of Planet Nutrition, stated, “We are lucky to have someone with David ‘The Animal’ Henderson’s impressive credentials joining the Planet Nutrition Team. Not only is David a top trainer, he is also a world class athlete.”

SAFE HARBOR: Statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the company’s plans, beliefs and estimates as to projections are “forward-looking statements.” Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including factors listed from time to time in the company’s SEC filings, and actual results could differ materially from expected results. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s judgment as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake to update, revise or correct any forward-looking statements.

Byline: Patrick Webb, DVM Director of Swine Health Programs, National Pork Board

Exposure to a foreign animal disease could have devastating effects on the U.S. pork industry. It is important to understand how such an animal disease disaster would unfold. Advanced preparation and swift action are the keys to minimizing the impact.

The average pork producer probably doesn’t spend a lot of time thinking about foreign animal diseases. But it is important to have a basic understanding of what occurs during an animal disease disaster and the roles individuals would play in such …

Velcera Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced its formation last week as a new animal health company focused on improving pet medications using unique and proprietary drug delivery technologies.

Dennis Steadman, president and chief executive officer, said, “Velcera is dedicated to breaking through the administration barriers in veterinary medicine to bring new convenience, improved compliance and therapeutic benefits to veterinarian medicines.”

As an example of that dedication, the company separately announced a worldwide license that will provide the technological underpinnings of its current product development program.

“Velcera has combined recognized world-class animal health expertise with a novel, patented drug delivery technology and solid …

Animals are more than our partners in research. They are, in a sense, our clients, too.

Across the nation, in Agricultural Research Service laboratories from Pullman, Washington, to Brooksville, Florida - wherever animal scientists are at work - that statement is a constant. Just as we serve American consumers and farmers, we also serve farm animals with one of the most complex animal health programs in the world.

The goals of ARS animal research, in addition to developing the best food animals for the consumer, are disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for animals.

Sometimes this research yields extra dividends when vaccines and technologies for farm animals also prove useful to companion animals, or when biomedical advances benefit human beings.

For example, ARS studies with pigs offer valuable insights for improving not only their health, but also the quality of the food they provide to humans. At the same time, swine can be invaluable models for diverse biomedical studies. Their digestive system is similar to that of humans, and since their hearts and blood vessels are about the same size and shape, they are very useful to heart surgeons interested in developing new techniques.

Most people know that experiments using small, fast-growing laboratory animals are conducted before clinical trials are run to test a new drug or vaccine destined for human use. Few may know that the same principle applies to animal health research.

Laboratory animal model experiments frequently precede the use of farm animals in clinical trials of a new drug or vaccine developed for the farm animal.

Models - whether cells in culture or laboratory animals - provide more rapid and economical insights before undertaking final studies on the farm animal species expected to benefit from the drug or vaccine.

Whether the research goal is a proposed new animal vaccine, diagnostic test, or treatment, at some point its efficacy and safety must be tested on the animals for which it is intended. This is where unexpected side effects and possible interactions with other treatments, or even with certain feeds, are discovered. These are the animal scientist’s “clinical trials,” and it is important to note that the same rules govern the testing of new animal remedies as are required for those proposed for human use.

Dogs and cats have been domesticated for thousands of years. They have eaten file residue of man’s diet, which, since the inception of fire, has been cooked. In the past 15 years, a number of purported natural diets for dogs and cats have grown in popularity. Although the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet is cited most often, many variations exist. Basically, the diet is composed of raw meat, bones, vegetables and, sometimes, grains.

How safe are these diets? In 1995, I began researching them and sought opinions from veterinarians, breeders and people who had, or were, feeding this diet to their animals. I also consulted research studies. What I found convinced me that I wouldn’t be feeding a raw diet to any of my pets.

Pets are just as susceptible to the bacteria and parasites in raw meat as humans arc. Sahnonella, E. coli, campylobacter and trichinosis can cause severe illness and death. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that a high percentage of meat and poultry contains at least one strain of bacteria. Hence, the agency advises that you thoroughly cook meat and poultry. Toxoplasma, a parasite found in warm-blooded animals, can also be transmitted from raw or undercooked meat. David T. Roen, DVM, writes, “A veterinary neurologist told me the other day that they have seen au increase in seizure disorders in dogs and cats caused by toxoplasmosis, especially in areas where raw meat diets are trendy.”

When I asked Geoff Stein, DVM, he wrote: “The problem with these ‘natural’ diets is the misguided assumption that ‘natural’ is better. It’s ‘natural’ for wolves to die of salmonella once in awhile.” He added that wolves would probably be healthier if they ate cooked meat.

Many raw food proponents theorize that freezing meat will kill bacteria. Not so. Laboratories preserve bacteria and viruses by freezing them. Cooking meat is the best way to eliminate the potential for illness.

Proponents also theorize that bacteria is destroyed by stomach acid. But Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, from the National Animal Poison Control Center, disagrees. “Pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, clostridium and campylobacter have evolved ‘coats’ that protect them in their transit through the stomach, and this allows them to take hold in the intestines,” she says. This could be the cause of the severe diarrhea some raw food people attribute to “detoxing.”

Each October, when the mountain wind begins to carry a hint of winter chill, Lyle Johnston of Rocky Ford, Colo., loads hundreds of wooden boxes containing a special cargo onto flatbed trucks. He wants those trucks and their valuable cargo–30 million honeybees per truck–to be well down the road on their way to California before the season’s wintry blasts sweep through the Rockies.

The bees are destined to be put to work pollinating the almond fields of California, the source of more than half of the world’s almond. Johnston relies on the almond industry, and the almond industry relies on him and his fellow beekeepers. “Without the bees, the growers get only 300 to 400 pounds of almonds per acre,” says Johnston. “With good hives, they get 2,200 to 2,800 pounds per acre.”

American farmers rent honeybees to pollinate almonds, apples, melons, and more than a dozen other crops, raising the value of agricultural production more than $14 billion per year, say entomologists at Cornell University.

Even so, the honeybee industry is dwindling. “It’s a tough game right now,” says Johnston, a third-generation beekeeper whose grandfather started the business in 1908. Bees are declining in number, largely because of the destructive efficiency of parasitic mites and American foulbrood, a bacterial disease that infects the young bee larvae and is killing off bee colonies across the nation.

Currently, there are no drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat the blood-sucking Varroa mites or the suffocating tracheal mites, and the one FDA-approved drug to treat American foulbrood is more than 40 years old. “Consequently, the bacteria have become resistant to treatment across large parts of the United States,” says Mark Feldlaufer, Ph.D., research leader at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Bee Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Md.

But through the efforts of the Beltsville Bee Research Lab, the FDA, and a national research program called the USDA Minor Use Animal Drug Program, two more antibiotics to treat foulbrood may soon be available, and studies of a drug to treat Varroa mites will soon begin.