Articles tagged with Drug Design
Researchers at the University of Bristol and EMBL have identified the 'holo-translocon' as the machinery responsible for inserting proteins into cell membranes. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new anti-bacterial drugs and applications in synthetic biology.
Lactate triggers the release of noradrenaline, a hormone fundamental to brain function, via an unknown receptor. This discovery opens new avenues for pharmacology and could lead to novel treatments for conditions like stress, pain and depression.
A study examines reasons for delay and denial of new drugs by the FDA, finding that preventable deficiencies in clinical trials account for significant delays. The study highlights the need for early dialogue between the FDA and drug sponsors to improve drug development strategies.
Researchers at Stanford and Google have successfully simulated the transformation of a key drug receptor site using Google Exacycle's cloud computing platform. The simulation revealed thousands of possible configurations, providing scientists with a better jumping-off point for computational drug design.
Researchers devised a mathematical model to improve treatment options for coronary heart disease (CHD), which accounts for 18% of US deaths annually. The model helps explain the factors governing drug release and distribution in drug-eluting stents, providing valuable insight into developing better treatments.
Scientists have discovered the detailed molecular dance of a membrane transporter, revealing new insights into multi-drug resistant cancers. The study's findings provide a more complete picture of how transporters work, including their movements and interactions with surrounding molecules.
Researchers at the Salk Institute created a new approach to determine the structure of key cellular receptors using artificial amino acids, revealing crucial details about their binding pockets. This breakthrough could aid in designing drugs that target diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis.
A team of scientists at the University of California, San Francisco has identified a previously unknown pocket on the K-Ras protein that can be targeted by a new compound. This compound inhibits only mutant K-Ras and leaves normal protein untouched, offering real translational implications for cancer patients.
Researchers at San Francisco State University use mathematical analysis to model the separation of bacterial chromosomes, revealing a stepwise process. This study could lead to the design of better antibacterial drugs and a deeper understanding of DNA topology.
A team of UAlberta medical researchers has developed a potential new treatment for atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem affecting 1 in 200 people. The new drug, based on the resveratrol compound found in red wine and nuts, regulates electrical activity in the heart and reduces abnormal heart-rhythm episodes.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that an essential protein evolved chiefly by changing its movement, rather than structure. This finding has implications for designing more effective antibiotics and drugs targeting the protein dihydrofolate reductase.
Researchers have identified exactly how propofol interacts with brain cells to achieve a pain-free state. The study's findings may help design new versions of the drug that reduce risks and improve patient safety. By understanding how propofol works, scientists can develop alternative anesthetics with fewer side effects.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center have developed a new delivery system for a combination of two FDA-approved drugs that may serve as an effective treatment for HIV. The discovery allows for a pill-form combination of decitabine and gemcitabine, marking a major step forward in patient feasibility.
Scientists at McGill University have identified a unique 'on/off' switch for a major neurotransmitter receptor in the brain, known as the kainate receptor. This discovery highlights a new target for drug development to treat diseases such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
A recent neutron study has revealed that HIV inhibitors have only two strong hydrogen bonds, presenting opportunities for improvement through structural changes and strengthening the binding. This discovery may also help address drug resistance by increasing the effectiveness of drugs and reducing dosages.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center created DNA nanorobots that can identify and tag specific human cells based on multiple surface proteins. This allows for precise targeting of cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy cells, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment.
Scientists discovered that enterocytes play a significant role in absorbing relatively large particles, challenging conventional wisdom and offering new avenues for increasing the absorption of medicines taken by mouth. The study found that between 10-50% of spheres were absorbed via endocytosis in cells called enterocytes.
Researchers have discovered that protein surface defects, called dehydrons, allow water molecules to become unstable and easily expelled. This finding provides a novel strategy for designing drug candidates that can dislodge these water molecules upon association with the protein.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have successfully synthesized a marine compound, baringolin, which shows promising antibiotic activity at low concentrations. The team aims to improve its solubility and design more active analogues to develop a viable drug in the next 10 years.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a computational method to tailor the properties of zeolites, a crucial step in producing industrial minerals. The method uses organic structure directing agents (OSDAs) to guide the growth of zeolite crystals and can potentially produce new types of zeolites.
Designer stimulants, packaged as 'bath salts' or household products, have become a growing concern in the US, with reports of agitation, fast heart rates, and violent behavior. Research suggests that these substances can be deadly, with no formal guidelines for medical treatment of acute toxicity.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a novel molecular target, TSPO, to design safer and more effective drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other conditions. The study found that anti-anxiety drug etifoxine interacts with TSPO to improve MS symptoms in lab mice models.
A recent study reveals that a protein in our cells, responsible for transporting vital substances, also enables bacterial cells to develop resistance to antibiotics. This mechanism is linked to the development of antibiotic resistance and cancer drug resistance, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies.
A recent IRB study published in Chemistry and Biology has identified 1,162 side effects caused by drugs, with molecular descriptions for 446 cases explained solely by biology and 68 by chemistry. The research provides a list of
Researchers have developed antiviral drugs for other enteroviruses that cause the common cold. The new work obtained a near-atomic-scale resolution three-dimensional structure of enterovirus 71 binding with an inhibitor called WIN 51711. This study provides a structural basis for development of antienterovirus 71 capsid-binding drugs.
Researchers have developed a new antiviral drug that prevents flu viruses from removing sugars on cell surfaces, blocking infection. The drug is effective against resistant strains and may also protect against future variants.
A new Pitt study found that generic drug coverage is cost-effective compared to no coverage for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Generic coverage improved health outcomes and reduced medical costs, with savings of $570-$1,312 per year.
The study demonstrates that EBI-005 binds to its target, IL-1R1, 85-fold more tightly than IL-Ra, providing a 100-fold increase in potency in vivo. Additionally, EBI-005 has been shown to be more thermally stable than IL-1Ra, indicating potential for a room temperature-stable product.
A team of researchers at the University of Dundee has developed an automated design system for new drugs, using advanced statistical analysis to mimic human chemists' creative process. The system successfully predicted profiles across a range of drug targets, with 75% confirmed correct in experimental testing.
Scientists have developed a way to create designer drugs that target multiple proteins simultaneously, potentially treating complex diseases like diabetes and schizophrenia. The new approach uses computational chemistry and experimental testing to validate drug compounds, showing promise for developing effective treatments.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital identified alpha arrestins as crucial regulators of G-protein coupled receptor signaling. Targeting these proteins could lead to more effective and side-effect-free drugs, potentially revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Center for Drug Design developed a synthetic compound, psi-GSH, that prevents neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease in a mouse model. The compound enables the brain to use its own protective enzyme system against the disease process.
A novel 90-day intravaginal ring has been developed to deliver tenofovir, the only topical prophylactic shown to reduce HIV transmission, for up to 90 days. The ring overcomes limitations of standard technology and can be modified to deliver multiple drugs.
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has announced its 2012 Fellows, recognizing individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field. Alekha K. Dash and Glen S. Kwon are among those recognized for their research in novel drug delivery systems and cancer treatment.
AAPS honors top scientists in pharmaceutical sciences, recognizing their contributions to drug development, nanotechnology, and education. The awards celebrate innovative research on cell interactions with drugs and cancer treatment.
A new model explains dopamine's direct and indirect role in modulating the immune system. Recent research has opened up possibilities for treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune disorders.
A new mathematical model developed by Harvard scientists helps predict the likelihood of drug resistance in HIV patients, enabling the design of more effective treatment cocktails. The model uses data from clinical trials to simulate patient responses to varying drug dosages, providing a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed novel compounds targeting the glycine receptor to treat chronic pain without sedative effects. The project aims to create a safe and effective oral tablet, addressing a huge unmet medical need for 20% of adults in Europe and the US.
Researchers have discovered a new compound with significantly higher anti-HIV activity and improved binding affinity to the CXCR4 receptor. This breakthrough has potential for developing new, more effective drugs against HIV-1 infections and related diseases.
Researchers demonstrate a minimally-invasive method to deliver drugs and particles to the eye's suprachoroidal space, targeting diseases like macular degeneration. The technique has the potential to reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes for chronic eye diseases.
A new approach to drug design, called the magic shotgun method, promises to help identify future cancer drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects. This approach sifting through the known universe of chemicals to find special molecules that broadly disrupt the whole disease process.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a new multitarget molecule, ASS234, which inhibits ß-amyloid protein aggregation, stimulates cholinergic and monoaminergic transmission, and crosses the blood-brain barrier. This molecule has shown promising therapeutic effects in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A phase III clinical trial demonstrated sunitinib's effectiveness in treating resistant GIST tumors. The crossover design allowed patients to receive sunitinib after initial placebo treatment, protecting patient interests while maintaining rigorous proof of the drug's safety and efficacy.
Researchers at MIT have developed a device that delivers a variety of drugs through the skin without using needles, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing accidental needle-stick injuries. The device can be programmed to deliver different doses to varying depths, addressing limitations of existing jet-injection systems.
A new report emphasizes the importance of mathematics in industry, highlighting various applications such as business analytics and optimization, manufacturing design, and financial risk analysis. The report also stresses the need to connect academic, government, and industrial scientists to better meet real-world demands.
The Georgia Institute of Technology will develop an energy-optimized warehousing and distribution system for vaccines and drugs in developing countries. The project aims to minimize environmental impact, energy consumption, and storage costs by employing low-energy cooling techniques.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has contracted with Archimedes Inc. to provide the advanced mathematical modeling tool, ArcheS, to its agencies for large-scale analyses of healthcare spending, treatment, and effectiveness. This will enable policymakers to make informed decisions on health care interventions.
Research discovered a protein complex called the Translocation and Assembly Module (TAM), which forms a molecular pump allowing bacteria to shuttle disease-causing molecules from inside to outside the bacterial cell. This finding paves the way for designing new drugs that inhibit this process, potentially preventing antibiotic resistance.
BIND-014, a novel Accurin nanoparticle, demonstrates high drug concentration in tumors and promising clinical effects in advanced or metastatic cancers. Preclinical data show up to ten-fold increase in intratumoral drug concentrations with prolonged tumor growth suppression.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of a human opioid receptor, a molecule that binds to opioids and is involved in pain, pleasure, addiction, depression, and related conditions. The findings could lead to the development of better medicine for these conditions.
A team of researchers at Duke University has determined the structure of a concentrative nucleoside transporter, which works by moving nucleosides from outside to inside of cells. This discovery may lead to more effective drugs with fewer effects on healthy tissue.
Two research teams report new findings on the structure of enterovirus 71, a virus causing hand, foot and mouth disease and potentially fatal brain swelling. Researchers propose designs for antiviral drugs to treat the infection by targeting a unique 'pocket factor' exposed in EV71.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed an antidote for cyanide poisoning called Sulfanegen, which can be administered rapidly by intra-muscular injection. The treatment could save lives in mass casualty emergencies and smoke inhalation incidents, where current treatments require medical professionals' expertise.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital share details of novel processes involved in a successful face transplant program, including rigorous screening and consent processes. The team also discusses early functional outcomes, immunosuppression protocols, and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.
Researchers at University of Warwick have found that the CPT1 enzyme has a switch controlling its activity, which can lead to better understanding of individual metabolic rates. This discovery may lead to development of drugs targeting specific patients with conditions like diabetic keto acidosis.
Researchers have discovered a blueprint for how Helicobacter pylori survives in the human gut by exploiting an enzyme called urease to neutralize gastric acid. Disrupting the formation of the molecular machine responsible for this process may lead to new drug targets to combat antibiotic-resistant ulcers and stomach cancer.
A cartoon character is being used to promote the use of tranexamic acid, a life-saving drug that is not being used enough. The animation, designed by Hywel Roberts, aims to increase awareness and uptake of the generic drug among healthcare professionals.
Researchers have developed a method to design drugs that can target specific areas of the brain by selectively blocking subtype SK channels. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for dementia and depression by enhancing nerve activity in specific nerves.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new methods to detect designer drugs like 'bath salts', which can produce powerful and unpredictable effects. The study uses solid phase extraction, chromatography, and spectroscopy to identify beta-keto amphetamines in biological samples.
Health Canada should make clinical trials registration mandatory to increase transparency and protect consumers. The lack of openness about trial designs and results puts patients at risk, according to recent analysis.