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Insilico Medicine announces Nature Medicine publication of Phase IIa results evaluating rentosertib, the novel TNIK inhibitor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) discovered and designed with a pioneering AI approach

The Phase IIa trial of Rentosertib showed encouraging clinical data, with patients receiving the treatment experiencing significant improvements in lung function compared to placebo. The study also validated the biological mechanism of TNIK inhibition using exploratory biomarkers analyses.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 3, 2025

Advances in novel drug therapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis cirrhosis

Clinical trials for MASH cirrhosis have shown promising results, particularly with FGF21 analogues like efruxifermin and pegozafermin. The review emphasizes the need for effective interventions targeting advanced disease stages and highlights the importance of surrogate endpoints in accelerating approvals.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Translational Gastroenterology·DateMay 29, 2025

Periostin, a valuable serum biomarker in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and prediction of acute exacerbations

This study reveals periostin as a superior serum biomarker for diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with high sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional markers. Periostin levels also correlate with disease severity and predict acute exacerbations in IPF patients.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateMay 8, 2025

Join Us at ATS | Insilico Medicine Announces Upcoming Presentations at the 2025 American Thoracic Society International Conference

Insilico Medicine will present detailed Phase IIa data on rentosertib, a novel TNIK inhibitor developed using generative AI, for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The company has previously demonstrated encouraging results from its Phase IIa study, showing favorable safety and tolerability across all dose levels.

UCLA researchers identify precision medicine approach for preventing kidney failure

Researchers have identified a potential precision medicine approach to prevent chronic kidney disease progression by targeting type 5 collagen, a minor component of scar tissue. A repurposed anti-cancer drug, Cilengitide, has been shown to slow kidney scarring and disease progression in high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 9, 2025

The right moves to reign in fibrosis

Researchers at WashU have developed a method to manipulate the mechanical side of fibrosis, a complex condition that can lead to scarring and breathing difficulties. By controlling the direction of tension forces, they aim to prevent or treat fibrosis and develop personalized treatment plans for patients.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 24, 2025

Beyond the cure: Navigating hepatocellular risk and surveillance after hepatitis C eradication in the direct-acting antiviral era

Direct-acting antivirals have reduced HCV-related morbidity and mortality, but hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk persists in certain populations. Risk factors include pre-treatment cirrhosis, metabolic disorders, and advanced fibrosis, highlighting the need for tailored surveillance strategies.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMar 20, 2025

Duke-NUS study targets proteins to reverse lung scarring

Scientists have pinpointed two proteins in immune cells that, when blocked, can significantly reduce lung tissue scarring and restore regeneration. Blocking YAP and TAZ can curb scar formation by dampening inflammation, maintaining a healthy immune cell ratio, and disrupting their communication with nearby cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

A simple plasma-based biomarker could predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity

Researchers discovered a novel combination of plasma-based biomarkers that can predict liver fibrosis in Latino adolescents with obesity. The study found that dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were significantly associated with fibrosis, suggesting a potential low-cost, noninvasive screening tool.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

Combined screening can detect liver damage in diabetes patients

A new study published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that a combined screening approach can detect liver damage in people with type 2 diabetes. The method involves elastography, an ultrasound-based technique, which was found to be willing to be adopted by most patients. Early detection of liver fibrosis is crucial, as ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 12, 2024

A new biomarker helps detect kidney fibrosis in transplant patients without invasive procedures

Researchers have identified a simpler and more accessible alternative to diagnosing kidney fibrosis in transplant patients: measuring vitronectin levels in urine. The study found that vitronectin levels were significantly higher in patients with fibrosis, and combining this measurement with traditional urine tests improved accuracy.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2024

Mouse models for the study of liver fibrosis regression in vivo and ex vivo

Experimental mouse models are crucial for studying liver fibrosis regression, with various models exhibiting reversible fibrosis after removal of causative agents or therapeutic interventions. However, challenges persist in replicating human disease progression and regression, highlighting the need for further refinement of these models.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 8, 2024

Advanced liver fibrosis predicts liver outcomes in biopsy-proven metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

A U.S.-based single-center retrospective cohort study found that advanced liver fibrosis is a primary risk factor for incident liver decompensation and liver-related events in patients with biopsy-proven metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatolog...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateOct 25, 2024

Study confirms fibrosis as a prognostic indicator in the most common breast cancer, and opens the way to antifibrotic drug treatments

Researchers confirm that fibrosis in HER2-negative breast tumors is associated with an adverse prognosis and better treatment outcomes with nintedanib. A new test, MeCo Score, analyzes gene activity related to fibrosis and indicates the effectiveness of supplementing chemotherapy with antifibrotic therapy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Researchers identify potential new strategy to slow the development of liver fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified a potential new strategy to slow the development of liver fibrosis. Activating the PPARβ/δ-AMPK pathway has been found to prevent collagen accumulation and reduce inflammation in the liver, according to a study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

New Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine study provides key insights into pathogenesis mechanisms of lung fibrosis

A literature review examines key cell-cell interactions driving pulmonary fibrosis, revealing complex interplay between diverse lung cell types and intricate processes. The study highlights potential ligands involved in PF, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1β, and ADAM17, and suggests targeting CCIs for novel therapies.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 5, 2024

New study shows cells get involved in unhealthy relationships after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice

Researchers have identified key cellular interactions and microenvironments that contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into how damaged cells interact within disease-promoting microenvironments.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

UVA engineers design lookalike drug carrier to evade lung’s lines of defense

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed a drug-carrying molecule that can slip past the lung's natural defenses. The nanocarrier, called PEG-BB, is shaped like a bottlebrush and mimics the properties of mucus, allowing it to move quickly through the airway.

Korea University offers new breakthrough for Hepatitis C to improve life expectancy

A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2024