Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.
Armida Labs, a UCR-founded pharmaceutical company, has received a $400,000 NIH Small Business Innovation Research grant to develop its breakthrough pancreatic cancer therapy Targefrin. The grant will enable the company to gather industry-standard data for human clinical trials.
NUTRITION 2024 will convene in Chicago to explore the latest nutrition research and share findings on diet and disease, artificial intelligence, and precision nutrition. The event promises to be a knowledge-packed experience with scientific symposia, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.
A research team from USC Keck School of Medicine has developed a more rigorous system for conducting preclinical research on stroke treatments, identifying the strongest candidate for further study. The system uses a network of laboratories and animal models that resemble typical stroke patients to test new therapies.
A nationwide study found that early treatment with plasma from recovered COVID patients can reduce the risk of developing post-COVID conditions. The research also suggests that elevated cytokine levels, particularly interleukin-6, may contribute to long COVID symptoms.
Researchers have identified novel therapeutic targets using single-cell and spatially resolved omics, including cannabidiol for colorectal tumors, Cux1 as a potential target for dry skin diseases, and microglia communication for Alzheimer's disease. These studies offer hope for future treatments.
Researchers discovered a gene called FOXM1 that plays a crucial role in repairing blood vessels and improving survival rates. A low-dose repurposed drug, decitabine, was found to reactivate the gene and promote vascular repair in aged mice. An alternative approach using endothelium-targeted nanoparticle gene delivery also showed promise.
A study published by UCI researchers found that N-acetylglucosamine reduced multiple inflammation and neurodegeneration markers in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The dietary supplement also improved neurological function in 30% of patients, suggesting a potential new treatment for the condition.
A phase I clinical trial shows that transplanting P63+ lung progenitor cells can repair damaged lung tissue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving breathing and quality of life. The treatment increased lung function, reduced symptoms, and even repaired mild emphysema in some patients.
Scientists have extended a powerful molecule-building method to the broad class of chemicals known as alcohols, enabling the transformation of simple alcohols into useful molecules. The new approach uses weak interactions between ligands and starting molecules, similar to those used by enzymes in nature.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases who developed long COVID were more likely to have expanded, pro-inflammatory antibodies specific to a coronavirus that causes the common cold. The team identified OC43 as a potential biomarker for long COVID.
A novel ACE2 receptor decoy, 3N39v4-Fc, effectively neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 variants in monkeys, offering a potential therapeutic option. Inhalation administration demonstrates significant dose-sparing benefits and exceptional efficacy.
Researchers at UCLA have found that embedding study recruitment in pre-appointment check-in pages can increase participation rates up to 40 times higher than traditional methods. The new technique, called preCheck-in recruitment, resulted in a socio-demographically representative patient population without financial incentives or staff...
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio will leverage the funding to translate scientific discoveries into therapeutic benefits, with a focus on reducing health disparities among Mexican Americans, active military personnel, and veterans. The research aims to push ideas along toward national application in the clin...
Neuroscientists at Scripps Research have identified a specific cluster of neurons that work as a 'switch' for cold-related food-seeking behavior in mice. The discovery could lead to potential therapeutics for metabolic health and weight loss by targeting this brain circuitry.
Researchers found that sequential vaccinations given in the same arm generated a stronger immune response than those administered in different arms. This is particularly true for cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A study found that longer duration of type 2 diabetes is associated with decreased brain structure and increased white matter hyperintensities. Despite this, cognition was not affected, highlighting the need for early screening for cognitive disorders in diabetic patients.
A new machine-learning method, BigMHC, can accurately predict cancer-related protein fragments that may trigger an immune system response. By leveraging massive data through transfer learning, BigMHC enables scientists to develop personalized immunotherapies and vaccines by identifying the most likely to provoke an immune response.
LSU Health researchers found combining an investigational oral drug with standard-of-care medications reverts hormone resistance and increases effectiveness in experimental models of ER+ and TNBC. The study's findings suggest a new approach for treating treatment-resistant breast cancers.
A new antibiotic strategy has been found to defeat gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli by interfering with the outer lipid layer of the bacteria. The compound, LPC-233, is a small molecule that works fast and is durable in animal tests, with potentially vital applications against stubborn urinary tract infections.
Researchers developed innovative techniques to treat challenging cancers and manage therapy side effects. Inhibitors targeting PRMT5, a histone-modifying enzyme, alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss, while nano-pills delivered combination drugs to liver cancer cells.
A human antibody that targets carfentanil, fentanyl, and related opioids has shown promising results in reversing overdose effects in a preclinical study. The antibody, developed by Scripps Research, binds tightly to the potent opioid variants and reverses respiratory depression caused by carfentanil.
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers have discovered two major mechanisms that contribute to the high risk of complications from lung infections in individuals with Down syndrome: poor ciliary function, which impairs the respiratory tract's ability to clear mucus and viral particles, and immune hyper-reactivity, which leads to an overactive immune response. Th...
Researchers developed a novel vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 by selecting antigen variants with low binding affinity, resulting in higher neutralizing antibody concentrations. This design strategy may also improve vaccine efficacy for other coronaviruses and herpes viruses.
A preclinical study found that the drug ADX106772 reduced oxycodone intake and relapse in animal models of opioid use disorder without disrupting other reward responses. The therapeutic was tested in rats trained to self-administer oxycodone and showed significant reduction in oxycodone intake for up to 12 hours.
Researchers discovered GDF-15 blocks LFA-1 dependent T cell recruitment into the tumor microenvironment, impairing immune responses to anti-PD-1 treatment. Visugromab improved T cell infiltration and increased tumor clearance with a synergistic effect
A Scripps Research study has developed a method to analyze T cells in blood samples to detect early signs of autoimmune disease that could lead to type 1 diabetes. This approach has shown 100% accuracy in identifying at-risk patients and may be used for personalized treatment.
Researchers have made key discoveries in a new stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease, using patients’ own cells to replace lost neurons. The approach, called an autologous therapy, has shown promise in reversing symptoms of the disease in rat models and holds potential for clinical trials with improved success rates.
A new study led by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers shows that primary care clinicians who receive specialized training can make accurate autism diagnoses for over 80 percent of young children referred with developmental delays. The EAE Hub system, a statewide network providing training and collaborative learning, has ...
The Hastings Center's Institutional Review Board (IRB) has implemented an evidence-based intervention to address racism and promote equity in biomedical research. The IRB now requires researchers to define racial and ethnic classifications, state whether they are describing or explaining differences between groups, and provide justific...
Researchers have developed an experimental antibody treatment that largely prevented graft versus host disease in the intestines, without causing broad immune suppression. The treatment blocked donor T-cell attack and increased survival rates in preclinical models.
Academic scientists will receive funding to establish a pleiotropic brain-penetrant small-molecule to impede glioblastoma and develop an epigenetic therapy for Prader-Willi syndrome. The TRxA program aims to bridge the drug development 'valley of death' and advance novel therapeutics from lab to clinical trials.
A new PET radiotracer called <sup> 18 </sup> F-Cholestify has been developed to visualize metabolic cholesterol clearance in the brain. The tracer successfully visualized brain cholesterol metabolism in rats, non-human primates, and humans, showing promising results for studying neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have found a connection between high levels of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments in the blood and chronic inflammation, a known risk factor for severe aging symptoms. The study suggests that mtDNA fragments could be accurate biomarkers for predicting physical and cognitive decline with aging.
A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.
Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered that targeting Fusobacterium bacteria can reduce the formation of lesions associated with endometriosis. The study suggests an effective non-hormonal antibiotic treatment for this gynecological disorder, which affects one in ten women between 15 and 49 years old.
Researchers found that blocking histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) interactions may provide relief for patients with severe asthma. The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests two potential therapies, including HRF-2CA and a therapeutic antibody called SPF7-1.
A team of researchers discovered a process that helps breast cancer cells implant themselves in certain places in the body, leading to poorer prognosis. Overproduction of NNMT is key to metastasis, producing excessive collagen that enables cancer cells to survive and adapt.
Research identifies Indian Hedgehog protein as a key driver of chronic kidney disease and heart damage, offering new hope for treatments. The findings suggest that blocking the protein's actions could improve kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a biomarker, CX3CR1, that can predict which patients with non-small cell lung cancer will respond well to chemoimmunotherapy. Elevated levels of the biomarker in T-cells after six to nine weeks of treatment indicate long-term benefits from the combination therapy.
A team of researchers from The Ohio State University, University of California Davis, and Virginia Commonwealth University will investigate the biological mechanisms of chronic stress's effect on cardiovascular health. They aim to identify specific interventions that can help reduce health risks associated with chronic stress.
A novel stroke model in pigs has been established to mimic human cerebral artery occlusion and study mechanisms of ischemic stroke. The model's translational features make it suitable for testing new therapeutic compounds and devices.
A preclinical study found that suvorexant reduced prescription opioid intake and helped protect against relapse in rats modeling opioid use disorder. The insomnia drug could offer a promising approach for the millions of people affected by OUD.
A Scripps Research team found that both alcohol intake and withdrawal can lead to increased pain sensitivity in adult mice. The study suggests potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-associated chronic pain and hypersensitivity.
A new HIV vaccine has shown improved ability to neutralize virus in preclinical tests, using nanoparticle display of multiple Env proteins. The vaccine design uses flexible sugar molecules called glycans to present self to the immune system.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have found that a specific lipid, alpha-tocopherol, increases the uptake of antisense oligonucleotides in the stroke-lesioned brain. This delivery method has potential for targeted protein expression after a stroke.
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that people with NAFLD have significantly decreased levels of the liver enzyme CYP2C19, which is important for medication processing. This decrease may lead to slower clearance of certain medications and reduced effectiveness of medicines like antidepressants and clopidogrel.
A new Rutgers study finds that childhood asthma diagnoses decreased by 52% in the US during the first year of the pandemic compared to previous years. Researchers attribute this decline to fewer colds and the practice of wearing masks, which may have reduced the risk of asthma triggers.
Researchers at Temple University and Johns Hopkins University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) loss underlies post-myocardial infarction heart failure. BDNF levels can be replenished therapeutically, abolishing damage to heart tissue and enabling recovery.
Researchers at the Human Brain Project present novel clinical uses of advanced brain modelling methods, enabling clinicians to simulate epileptic seizures and identify target areas. The approach has broad applicability in neuroscience, medicine, and neurotechnology, with potential improvements in data resolution and patient specificity.
A new subset of memory B cells, marked by the FcRL5 receptor protein, has been identified as a predictor of long-lived antibody responses to influenza vaccination. These effector memory B cells can be detected seven days after immunization and correlate with vaccine antibody responses months later.
The HALP score, a novel immune-nutritional marker, has been linked to prognostic ability in different cancer types. It integrates indicators of immune status and nutritional status, showing promise as a cost-effective biomarker.
A Scripps Research and eMed study found that COVID-19 rebound cases are more common than previously reported, affecting up to 14.2% of Paxlovid-treated patients and 9.3% of untreated patients. Rebound is measured by positive test results or symptom recurrence after initial clearance.
A recent study found that public investment in critical research contributed significantly to the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The US government invested at least $337 million in research over 35 years, including basic science and vaccine development.
The BIAL Award in Biomedicine is a prestigious international award that recognises outstanding biomedical research. The €300,000 prize is given to researchers whose work has shown exceptional quality and scientific relevance, published within the last ten years.
Researchers identify 32 human monoclonal antibodies that can block SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV coronaviruses. These antibodies target a vulnerable site on the viral spike protein, offering potential for broad protection against future pandemics.
Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a new treatment that blocks anaphylaxis caused by peanut allergies, potentially saving lives. The covalent heterobivalent inhibitor (cHBI) was tested in animal models and showed promise in preventing allergic reactions for over two weeks.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have successfully developed an allergen-specific inhibitor that prevents peanut allergic reactions in mice. The inhibitor effectively masks the immune system's ability to recognize the allergen, allowing it to fly under the radar without initiating a dangerous response.