A new study published in Nature has identified albumin as a powerful defense against mucormycosis, a rare but often fatal fungal infection. Patients with mucormycosis have lower levels of albumin, which can predict poor outcomes and mortality.
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have identified PTRH2 as a critical gene that protects the maternal heart during pregnancy, shedding light on the causes of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Loss of this gene leads to severe postpartum heart failure, highlighting the urgent need for better treatments.
The Lundquist Institute's second-generation fungal vaccine candidate, VXV-01, is moving forward in development after securing a $40 million NIH/NIAID contract. The vaccine aims to elicit robust immunity against opportunistic and hospital-associated pathogens.
The Lundquist Institute has been awarded $9 million by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to establish a Community Center of Excellence for Regenerative Medicine. This center will expand access to cutting-edge regenerative therapies and create skilled healthcare professionals in underserved communities.
A Phase 2a clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy of an intravenous bacteriophage therapy in treating complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. The treatment showed encouraging results and was safe for patients with this serious bacterial infection.
Dr. Dong Chang has been awarded a prestigious R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a structured communication strategy that utilizes shared-decision making and time-limited trials to improve ICU care. The study aims to reduce non-beneficial treatments for critically ill patients with advanced medical illnesses.
The Lundquist Institute has received a $11 million NIH grant to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis, a deadly fungal infection. The MUCOR-ADVANCE initiative aims to develop rapid diagnostic tests and immune-based therapies to save lives.
Researchers have discovered a key marker, FXYD2, that identifies functional maturity and heterogeneity of stem cell-derived islet organoids. This breakthrough enables quality control for production of transplantable islets, advancing the field toward safer and more effective islet replacement therapies.
A new study from The Lundquist Institute found no association between plaque progression and LDL-C levels, suggesting that high cholesterol is not a marker of cardiovascular risk. Metabolically healthy individuals on a ketogenic diet with elevated LDL-C levels have a unique metabolic profile that requires personalized risk assessment.
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have developed an antibody called VX-01 that targets the fungus Mucorales and prevents it from damaging human cells and blood vessels. Early tests show that VX-01 is safe and effective in fighting mucormycosis, a disease with high mortality rates among those with weakened immune systems.
A landmark clinical trial collaboration has reported significant improvements in neurobehavioral and functional outcomes for children with moderate to advanced stages of Sanfilippo syndrome. The study found anakinra, a recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, to be safe and effective in reducing disease symptoms.
A new study by Dr. Marianne Gausche-Hill reveals that pediatric readiness in emergency departments can decrease child mortality rates by up to 76% while being cost-effective, ranging from $4 to $48 per patient. The research emphasizes the importance of prioritizing pediatric care capabilities in emergency settings.
A novel oral amphotericin B formulation, MAT2203, has demonstrated encouraging results in treating invasive mucormycosis. The study showed MAT2203 was as effective as the current standard treatment, LAMB, in extending survival time and improving overall health.
The Lundquist Institute has been awarded a four-year, $2.6 million grant to develop wearable multiplex biosensors that can monitor exacerbation risk in COPD. The proposed sensors have the potential to revolutionize COPD management and transform chronic disease management by providing real-time, non-invasive monitoring.
Dr. Yoshihara's research focuses on creating functional islet cells using human pluripotent stem cells to treat insulin-dependent diabetes. The goal is to overcome the limitations of current stem cell-derived organoids and accelerate their maturation through cutting-edge transcriptional gene regulation processes.
Researchers found that using chlorhexidine bathing routine and an over-the-counter antiseptic to clean the nose can significantly reduce serious infections and antibiotic-resistant organisms in nursing homes. The study involved nearly 14,000 residents at 28 California nursing homes and showed a substantial reduction in hospital transfe...
Dr. Yeaman will apply state-of-the-art science to understand and solve antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans infections. The new U19 Center program aims to predict individuals at risk of such infections and inform best antibiotic regimens for cures.
A new study published in Nature Genetics sheds light on how humans maintain healthy blood sugar levels after meals and how the process goes wrong in type 2 diabetes. The findings could help inform future treatments of the condition, which affects over 460 million people worldwide.
A new study published in JAMA finds that adding a coronary artery calcium score to traditional risk factor models improves CHD risk discrimination for middle-aged adults. The researchers suggest this non-invasive imaging technique could be a reliable predictor of heart disease, particularly in older adults.
Dr. Matt Budoff will investigate the effects of Colchicine in people with coronary artery disease, comparing it to placebo. The goal is to determine if this anti-inflammatory medication can reduce plaque volume and improve patient outcomes.
A study published in The Lancet Ebiomedicine found that HIV patients who used an ingestible sensor system had better antiretroviral therapy adherence and lower viral loads. The research, led by Dr. Eric Daar, showed the technology to be effective in monitoring medication adherence.
Eiji Yoshihara receives prestigious JDRF Career Development Award for innovative research on type 1 diabetes. The Lundquist Institute investigator has made significant contributions to understanding the disease.
A phase 1/2 clinical trial tested an L-NMMA and taxane combination in patients with chemoresistant TNBC, showing a remodeling of the immune environment in responders. The study's results warrant further investigation in larger trials to identify potential biomarkers for predicting response.
A recent study published in JAMA Open Network evaluates the performance of the EyeArt AI system, detecting diabetic retinopathy with high sensitivity and specificity. The results demonstrate the ability to accurately detect vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy without physician oversight, facilitating efficient diabetic eye exams.
Researchers have created a mouse model of A-T, a disorder characterized by severe motor coordination loss and premature death, to test a promising new therapy. The study demonstrates that the therapy restores ATM production in tissues from A-T mutant mice.
The Lundquist Institute has received an additional $3 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand its Male Contraceptive Efficacy Trial. The trial will recruit over 400 couples globally, including those in the US, Europe, and Africa, to test a new reversible male contraception gel.
The Lundquist Institute has received a prestigious CIRM Scholar Research Training Award to support its PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical fellows in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The grant will enable the institute to create a stem-cell focused program, recruit researchers, and retain talent in the field.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that early administration of convalescent plasma did not prevent COVID-19 disease progression in high-risk patients. Despite the strategy's potential, the study suggests that it is not a viable approach to reduce illness severity.
A global collaboration involving The Lundquist Institute has discovered 24 additional genome-wide loci linked to glycaemic traits in diverse populations. This expansion of genomic research has led to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have solved the long-standing debate on gamete and embryo transport within the Fallopian tube. Motile cilia are essential for oocyte pickup, while disruptions lead to female infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
Researchers at the Lundquist Institute have discovered an antibody that can protect against mucormycosis, a deadly fungal infection with a high mortality rate. The humanized monoclonal antibodies are being manufactured by Vitalex Biosciences and aim to improve treatment outcomes for patients with COVID-19.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that training physicians to use time-limited trials of ICU treatments improves the quality of family meetings. This approach engages families in decision-making, reducing unnecessary ICU treatments for critically ill patients with poor prognoses.
A new synthetic lung surfactant formulation has been licensed by the Lundquist Institute to the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute for development in low- and middle-income countries. The formulation could improve breathing and lung function in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome, potentially saving lives ...
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute have discovered a new compound called triptonide, which exhibits ideal male contraceptive effects in pre-clinical studies. Triptonide can be purified from a Chinese herb or produced through chemical synthesis and induces altered sperm with minimal motility, leading to male infertility in 3-4 weeks.
The Lundquist Institute will conduct a multi-site clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of psilocybin in individuals with severe psychological distress associated with terminal medical illness. The grant will also support education and outreach programs related to the use of psilocybin within the field of palliative care.