The first-in-human clinical trial for a vaccine to treat opioid use disorders has enrolled its first patients. The vaccine, developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School, aims to selectively prevent the euphoric and toxic effects of oxycodone.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new drug discovery technology to screen billions of compounds for potential treatments against viruses. They identified an inhibitor of the viral protein Mpro, which is needed for virus propagation, and demonstrated its potential in preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a mechanism where breast cancer cells use cholesterol to develop tolerance to stress, allowing them to resist ferroptosis and proliferate. This finding highlights the importance of lowering cholesterol in preventing cancer progression and offers new approaches for treatment.
A new study uses viruses to induce mutations in cancer-driving proteins, shedding light on drug resistance. The LentiMutate approach could aid in developing drugs that circumvent resistance and validate new targets.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that ketamine's long-term antidepressant effects are linked to the gene MeCP2 and synaptic adaptability. The study reveals how repeated exposure to ketamine strengthens synaptic plasticity, leading to cumulative and prolonged antidepressant effects.
Martin Thornhill, a renowned professor at the University of Sheffield, has received the 2021 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research. He is recognized for his sustained contributions to dental and medical research, covering topics such as oral mucosa conditions.
Researchers analyzed all relevant COVID-19 studies to determine if cardiovascular drugs affect disease severity, hospitalizations, and deaths. The study found that patients with COVID-19 should continue taking their prescribed cardiovascular medications.
Researchers found that LSL60101 improved cognitive deficit and biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease in animal models. The compound acts on I2 imidazoline receptors, which are altered in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
A naturally occurring peptide in sunflower seeds has been identified as a potential drug for treating abdominal pain or inflammation. The peptide selectively activates pain transmission pathways without causing opioid side effects, reducing the risk of dependency and overdose.
Women using hormonal contraceptives face a 2-fold higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to non-users. Women with more than four prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives in the past two years had an even higher risk.
Scientists identified conolidine's interaction with ACKR3/CXCR7, a novel opioid receptor, to increase analgesic activity and block pain relief-dampening effects. A synthetic analogue, RTI-5152-12, was developed to enhance pharmacological properties.
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that potentially inappropriate prescribing is associated with functional decline, falls and hospital admissions. Decision support tools can help reduce medication-related harm, but comprehensive assessment of medication use during care transitions is crucial.
A recent study analyzing 156,570 hospitalized patients found that anti-infective agents, cancer medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most toxic to the liver. Voriconazole, an antifungal medication, was associated with the highest incidence of drug-induced liver injury.
A novel CBD analog, KLS-13019, has been shown to effectively alleviate pain and reverse sensitivity in mice with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The study suggests that KLS-13019 may have an additional mechanism of action beyond pain relief, potentially disrupting opioid-seeking behavior.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati discovered that some BPA-free drinking bottles can contain traces of BPA, a chemical linked to heart health issues. The study found that multiple cycles through the dishwasher effectively removes BPA from these bottles.
Pharmacist-led programs have been shown to prevent medication-related harms such as cognitive impairment and falls in older adults. Medication reviews and education for healthcare professionals were the most common interventions.
Researchers at CU Cancer Center have discovered that tumor-suppressing genes MAP3K7 and CHD1 deletion increases androgen receptor signaling, making patients less responsive to anti-androgen therapy. This knowledge could lead to personalized treatment approaches for men with aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers discovered that itraconazole and fluoxetine effectively block SARS-CoV-2 virus production in laboratory cells. Combining these with remdesivir resulted in synergistic effects, inhibiting the virus by over 90%.
The April edition of SLAS Discovery features research on PROTACs, targeting protein degradation, and kinase family profiling. Authors apply the Four Pillars Framework to expedite PROTAC development and inform pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic understanding.
The Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation has awarded a $1 million challenge grant to the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology. The grant will support recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty, as well as bridge funding for promising early-stage research.
A new approach has led to the discovery of a small molecule that may help regulate cholesterol levels in the brain, making it a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Increasing the activity of ABCA1 is expected to positively influence insulin signaling and reduce inflammation in the brain.
Researchers at Medical University of Vienna have found a previously unknown molecular connection between an inflammatory signalling molecule and one of the main oncogenes, c-Myc. This interaction causes slower degradation of c-Myc, leading to higher cell division rates and resistance to chemotherapeutics.
A team of chemists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University and Saint Petersburg State University identified the necessary conditions for successful synthesis of small molecules. They found that differences in electronic properties of substituent groups determine the reaction speed, with electron-accepting substitutes reacting fast...
A recent study published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that diabetics taking goldenseal while on metformin may struggle to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. The study showed that goldenseal reduced metformin's concentration by 25% after six days of use, highlighting the risk of unwanted drug interactions.
The study provides a rigorous scientific validation of Opertech Bio's TāStation technology, enabling the quantification of human taste discrimination. The findings are consistent with receptor occupancy theory and demonstrate remarkable test-to-test repeatability.
Research by University of Bristol scientists shows neonicotinoid insecticides disrupt bees' and flies' ability to get a good night's sleep, affecting daily behavioral rhythms. The pesticides also impair memory and circadian behavior in these insects, leading to potential decline in pollinator populations.
Pharmacists helped identify and solve drug-related problems, improving measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study found pharmacist-led medication therapy management services reduced medication costs for patients.
Researchers have identified a promising new compound that activates bitter taste receptors to promote airway relaxation. The most potent compound, T5-8, demonstrates marked effectiveness in human airway smooth muscle cells.
Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial from the silk of the Tetranychus lintearius mite, which has promising biomedical properties. The material is biocompatible, biodegradable, and able to penetrate human cells without damage, making it ideal for use in pharmacology and biomedicine.
The study highlights a need for standardized terminology to distinguish between medicine misuse, abuse, and medication errors. A clear taxonomy is required to accurately identify situations involving medicine misuse, ensuring better public health outcomes.
Two Luxembourg Institute of Health researchers have been recognized with the prestigious 2019 Galien Prize in Pharmacology for their groundbreaking research on atypical chemokine receptors. Their work has significant implications for understanding various physiological and pathological processes, including immune responses and cancer.
Insilico Medicine introduces Molecular Sets (MOSES), a benchmarking platform for generative chemistry models, enabling easy comparison and evaluation of new models against existing approaches. The platform provides a curated dataset, metrics, and baselines for assessing model performance.
Researchers have identified the molecular mechanism by which tarantula venom traps voltage sensors on sodium channels, effectively immobilizing nerve signals. This finding may lead to the development of new pain therapeutics that target the Nav1.7 channel, a key player in pain transmission.
Researchers found that triclosan disrupts metabolism and the gut microbiome, leading to accelerated development of fatty liver and fibrosis. The study provides new insights into risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans.
Researchers at UTHSC identified three drugs with antiviral properties that may improve efficacy when combined with remdesivir. The study proposes zuclopenthixol, nebivolol, and amodiaquine as potential candidates for clinical trials to combat COVID-19.
Researchers developed an AI-based prediction model for early diagnosis of opioid use disorder using commercial claim data from 2006-2018. The tool led to average diagnoses 14.4 months earlier than clinical diagnosis.
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a mechanosensitive ion channel in an endolysosomal system of macrophages. This channel is activated by mechanical stimuli and alterations in osmolarity, regulating the secretion of signaling molecules that control the immune system.
Researchers identified a genetic signature in localized prostate cancer that can predict metastasis and treatment response. The signature, called META-16, was highly effective at predicting time to metastasis and response to anti-androgen therapy.
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplementation improved clinical outcomes for children with severe atopic dermatitis. The study involved 86 patients who received either oral daily vitamin D or placebo for 12 weeks.
New analysis shows HPV vaccines are safe for males, with similar side effects to females. The study evaluated reports of adverse events from the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System between 2006 and 2018.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna's Institute of Pharmacology have isolated a beetroot peptide that inhibits prolyl oligopeptidase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of protein hormones in the body. The study suggests that this peptide could be a promising drug candidate for treating neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers will investigate cardiovascular risk factors on Alzheimer's pathology and examine effects of hypertension, homocysteine, and other biomarkers on cognitive decline. The project aims to identify preventative strategies for Alzheimer's disease by maintaining cardiovascular health.
A recent analysis found that hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular problems, including life-threatening heart rhythm events and heart failure. The study highlights the need for caution when prescribing these drugs for off-label indications, especially in patients with cardiac disorders.
A research team led by Prof. Dr. Robert Grosse has found that bundled fibers of actin play a crucial role in the expansion of cell nuclei after division. This process is essential for reorganizing genetic information and processing chromatin.
Researchers at UIC have discovered that blood vessel cells play a crucial role in programming macrophages to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. The study found that Rspondin3, a protein released by blood vessels, helps guide the programming of macrophages.
A recent study published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science found that COVID-19 does not directly damage taste bud cells, contradicting previous studies. Instead, the researchers suggest that taste loss is likely caused by events induced during COVID-19 inflammation.
Researchers at UArizona aim to reduce devastating effects of acute ischemic stroke by developing therapeutic treatments for acute stroke using statins. The study focuses on delivering statins to the brain, where their neuroprotective properties may save damaged tissue.
Researchers identified three antidepressant dispensing trajectories during pregnancy: continued treatment, interrupted and resumed, and stopped. Women on continuous treatment had more frequent complications and postpartum psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at CeMM developed a scalable strategy to discover novel molecular glue degraders, which can eliminate disease-causing proteins by targeting the cellular protein quality control system. The study identifies a set of novel compounds that induce the degradation of cyclin K, essential in many cancer types.
The Center for Substance Abuse Research at Temple University has received a $7.2M NIDA grant to continue critical research on drugs of abuse. The grant renewal will enable the continuation of high-quality, innovative research in addiction biology and the development of new treatments.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have identified a new class of proteins that protect synapses from destruction. These proteins, called complement inhibitors, may offer a novel therapy for managing Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
Researchers have developed a method to label and image cell surface receptors on live cells with two different colors, allowing for the study of receptor dynamics and pharmacology in their native setting. This innovation expands the possibilities for studying G-protein coupled receptors and other important drug targets.
The review found that low-dose aspirin significantly lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 17% and increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and intracranial bleeding. The benefits should be weighted against the risks in formal decision analyses to guide aspirin use.
Researchers created a way to study and map intercellular signaling to understand cell movement mechanisms in healthy cells and disease states like cancer metastasis. The new tool uses microscopy tools and mathematical methods to visualize protein activity and quantify regulation of signaling networks.
A team of researchers argues that repurposing existing medicines for COVID-19 treatment could be a rapid alternative to vaccine development. The focus is on targeting key proteins on cell surfaces, such as ACE2 and TMPRSS2, with approved or clinical trial drugs like remdesivir.
NAFLD affects 5.7% of adults in the US, progressing to cirrhosis in 39% over 8 years, with risk factors including cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
Scientists at Temple University Health System are exploring the molecular mechanisms of heart injury and repair. They aim to identify new paths to developing innovative heart therapies. The study focuses on understanding the role of molecules known as G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) in heart function and disease.
Researchers used network pharmacology to analyze Zhichan powder's effects on Parkinson's disease, identifying 18 major active components. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of action of Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions.
A first-in-human study of a drug candidate targeting brain inflammation has shown promising results, supporting its further development for treating acute brain injuries. The study, conducted by a team from the University of Kentucky and other institutions, found that MW189 was safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers.
Women with IBD had higher rates of Caesarean section and intrauterine growth retardation compared to those without IBD. Those with mild Crohn's disease did as well during pregnancy as women without IBD, but those with more severe disease experienced increased miscarriage and low birth weight.