Brain activity, drugs could affect Alzheimer's progression
A study published in Neuron found that stimulating brain cells increases Aß levels, while blocking neuronal activity decreases them. Cognitive activity may also affect Aß plaque levels.
Drug Design
Articles tagged with Drug Design
New discovery may improve treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and type 2 diabetes
Scientists from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a method to identify precise zones of proteins that cause aggregation, leading to potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes. The new approach may enable the design of more effective drugs by shielding or stabilizing these critical reg...
Tiny worms paving way for better anesthetics
Researchers used tiny worms to study the genetic factors affecting anesthetic response, identifying 10 genes that modify its effects. This breakthrough aims to design more specific and effective anesthetics with minimal adverse effects.
Chemical Biology & Drug Design. A new face, a new title, a new vision
Tomio Joins Blackwell Publishing to Advance Chemical Biology & Drug Design, Focusing on Smart Chemistry and Innovative Drug Development. Tomio brings extensive experience in small-molecule drug discovery and multidisciplinary research at ARIAD Pharmaceuticals.
K-State researchers designing better drug to treat cystic fibrosis
K-State researchers are working on a new drug to treat cystic fibrosis by designing chloride-selective pores that can help ions travel across cell membranes. Their goal is to create a medication that works efficiently and effectively at low doses, improving the lives of those affected by the disease.
JILA study of RNA dynamics may help in drug design
Scientists at JILA developed a method to study RNA dynamics, revealing the 'stickiness' between specific loops and sequences that stabilize folding. This information is crucial for understanding RNA structure and its effects on function.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2005
When it comes to cell entry, being average has its advantages
Researchers discovered that mid-sized nanomaterials (27-30 nm) are optimal for cellular entry. This knowledge can help design drugs to keep viruses out and molecules to enter cells safely. The study's findings have broad implications for developing gene and drug delivery tools.
Rice bioengineer wins ASME's Van C. Mow Medal
Athanasiou receives the inaugural award from ASME for his groundbreaking research and mentorship in bioengineering. He has published over 150 papers, holds 25 patents, and founded three companies with FDA-approved products.
NIH awards $11.9 M to The Burnham Institute to establish the San Diego Chemical Screening Center
The Burnham Institute will screen 2 million compounds against 20 disease targets per year, revealing specific compounds that interact with and inhibit disease-causing proteins. The new capabilities will accelerate the discovery of novel medicines for various diseases.
Tamoxifen-like drug suggests new ways to selectively block estrogen
Researchers have discovered a new way to selectively block estrogen's effects using the Tamoxifen-like drug GW5638. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for breast cancer and other estrogen-related diseases without increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
Molecular spies illuminate drug resistance proteins
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a new understanding of the molecular structure and function of MsbA, a key player in drug resistance. The team used spin labeling to create a dynamic model of the protein, revealing its mechanism of action and opening and closing processes.
Penn researchers determine structure of binding site of colon-cancer drug and its protein target
Penn researchers have determined the structure of Erbitux's binding site to cancer cells, providing new insight into how it blocks cell growth-promoting activities. This finding will steer future treatment design for colon-cancer medications and potentially lead to easier delivery methods.
Chemical library aids in developing drug system for nerve damage
Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert and her team have screened a large number of molecules to find peptide sequences with varying affinity for heparin, a sugar that binds nerve repair drugs. They aim to develop affinity-based drug delivery systems to stimulate tissue regeneration for conditions like nerve damage.
New ways to design safer & more effective topical (transdermal) drug delivery announced in the PNAS
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have engineered over 300 new chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) to improve the safety and efficacy of topical drug delivery. The new CPEs were designed using computer-aided modeling, allowing for the prediction of skin penetrability and potential irritation.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2005
Computational tool predicts how drugs work in cells, advancing efforts to design better medicines
A team of biomedical engineers and chemists at Boston University developed a computational tool that predicts the molecular targets of drug candidates. The tool uses a combination of computational and experimental methods to decipher regulatory networks and predict gene and pathway targets for various drug treatments.
UAB scientists discover the origin of a mysterious physical force
Researchers Jordi Faraudo and Fernando Bresme discover hydration force's origins in water interactions with electrostatically charged molecules. Understanding this force is crucial for biomedical research and the development of new drugs and biochemical processes.
New drug may be formidable adversary for hard to treat leukemia
Researchers have developed a new compound, AMN107, that effectively blocks proliferation of Bcr-Abl dependent cells in CML patients. The drug has been shown to inhibit growth of cells expressing resistant mutants and prolongs survival in imatinib-resistant CML mouse models.
Study shows nanoshells ideal as chemical nanosensors
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that nanoshells can amplify the Raman signature of molecules, allowing for the detection of as little as a few molecules of a target substance. The individual nanoshells act as independent Raman enhancers, creating opportunities for all-optical nanoscale sensors.
Less fat makes better process for designing new drugs
Scientists have developed a new method for crystallizing proteins, which could lead to the creation of effective drugs for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's. The improved method uses a thinner sponge-like structure to bind proteins together more easily.
Employment reduces chronic drug use, UH professors find
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study by University of Houston professors found that employment reduces chronic drug use among female welfare recipients. Employment rates rose from five percent to nearly 39 percent, with a significant decrease in drug usage frequency.
Discovery might improve design, effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill develop new technique to trap single water molecule inside protein molecule using mass spectrometry, improving inhibitor molecules for cancer treatment. The discovery may lead to more effective combination therapies with anti-cancer agents like cytarabine.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2004
Microscopic miracles
The development of nanomedicines has led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Thousands of patients are already benefiting from products used to treat conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and arthritis.
Younger men lead surge in Viagra use, study reveals
A recent study by Express Scripts reveals a significant surge in Viagra use among younger men, with increases of 312% and 216% among those aged 18-45 and 46-55 years respectively. Meanwhile, growth in use slowed among women and older men, highlighting concerns over the coverage of lifestyle medications like Viagra.
UCSD chemists bring use of designer molecules to treat common diseases closer to reality
Researchers at UCSD have identified a promising set of inhibitors that may overcome drawbacks of previous compounds. The new molecules are less likely to cause side effects, such as one being the food additive Maltol.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 21, 2004
Molecular image of genotoxin reveals how bacteria damage human DNA
The cytolethal distending toxin, a bacterial toxin that causes diseases such as typhoid fever and diarrhea, damages human DNA by creating lesions and breaks that prevent cells from dividing. This discovery provides a visual blueprint for understanding the toxin's mechanism and could lead to new drug targets to prevent cancer.
U of T researchers one step closer to creating oral insulin
Researchers at U of T's Molecular Design and Information Technology Centre have created the first small molecules that bind to the insulin receptor, paving the way for oral insulin development. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for over two million Canadians with diabetes.
Undisclosed results of clinical trials
Negative clinical trial results from SSRIs go unpublished, while flimsy data support their use. Flawed trial design, secrecy in approvals process, and inadequate adverse drug reporting systems contribute to ineffective and unsafe drugs entering the market.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 16, 2004
Parasite's enzyme structure helps address a public health issue
Scientists have solved the puzzle of DHFR-TS, an enzyme needed by Cryptosporidium for reproduction. The study's results will help researchers design targeted drugs to combat the parasite and better understand related protozoan families.
Scientists uncover early warning system for copper toxicity
Researchers at Northwestern University identified a molecular basis for the cell's detection of miniscule amounts of copper in bacteria. This discovery may lead to better methods for removing toxic metals from the environment and improving our understanding of diseases related to copper metabolism.
Mouse study gives new view of anthrax toxin
Researchers found no evidence of persistent cytokine increase or link between cytokines and anthrax toxin effects, contradicting earlier beliefs. The study suggests that current efforts to design cytokine-suppressing drugs may be misguided.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 2, 2003
UIC project may reduce drug name confusion
Researchers are developing an automated search and retrieval process for drug names to minimize medication errors caused by soundalike words. The software will use intelligibility and perceptual neighborhood measurements to predict confusability scores.
Irvine chemist wins national award for new drug techniques
A chemist's research creates tools to make complex drugs more efficiently, with potential breakthroughs in anti-cancer treatments. His work has led to licenses for pharmaceutical companies to study promising drug candidates.
Weizmann Institute scientists report why taste and smell differ among individuals
Weizmann Institute scientists found that around 50 genes are optional, affecting a person's unique pattern of active olfactory receptors. This high level of genetic variation impacts how thousands of aromas and flavors are perceived. The study also shows varying levels of obliteration among different ethnic groups.
SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 11, 2003
SARS information for antiviral drug design released by Protein Data Bank
The Protein Data Bank has released the three-dimensional structure of the SARS virus protease, which will accelerate the search for effective treatments. The rapid processing enabled by PDB's technology will enable more efficient paths to developing drugs for treating SARS.
HIV eludes body's smart bomb
A research team led by Nathaniel Landau identified the interaction between HIV's Vif protein and APOBEC3G. The study found that mice have a similar antiviral protein that can block HIV replication due to its inability to recognize human proteins.
Brookhaven Lab & Battelle collaborate on research that may lead to novel anti-microbial drugs
Researchers aim to develop anti-microbial drugs by targeting enzymes in microbial pathways that synthesize essential amino acids. Structural information of these enzymes will be obtained using x-ray crystallography, paving the way for designing candidate inhibitors.
Pennsylvania chemist wins national award for drug research
A Pennsylvania chemist has won a prestigious national award for his groundbreaking work on peptides, which have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of neurological conditions. The researcher designed lactams, chemical bridges that stabilize peptides and make them less digestible to enzymes.
NMR - The movie
A team led by Prof. Lucio Frydman has found a way to perform multidimensional NMR with a single scan, significantly speeding up molecular studies and enabling the observation of rapid changes in molecules like protein folding. The new method uses a 'slicing' approach, simultaneously performing measurements on multiple thin slices of a ...
SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2003
Children's use of stimulant medications vary widely by state
A study by Express Scripts found that stimulant prescription claims for school-age children are concentrated in the South and Midwest, with higher-income communities also showing higher usage. States like Louisiana had a rate of 6.5 stimulant prescriptions per 100 eligible, while the District of Columbia had a much lower rate of 1.6.
Higher cost sharing reduces plans' drug expenditures, but boosts enrollee costs
A study of Medicare prescription benefit plans found that higher copayments reduce the use of brand-name drugs and lower overall plan costs, but also increase enrollee out-of-pocket expenses. The research suggests that combining cost-sharing strategies with other cost-containment mechanisms can help balance these competing effects.
Folding@home scientists report first distributed computing success
Distributed computing experiment simulates protein folding, predicting folding rates and trajectories. Laboratory experiments confirm predictions, showing excellent agreement with simulated data.
OSU faculty design drug education web program for NCAA
The 'Choices in Sports' website provides a comprehensive resource for student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and crew chiefs on substance abuse prevention. The site offers information on banned substances, psychology-based assessment tools, and strategies for promoting long-term success.
Texas scientists reach out and touch molecules
Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a haptic device called 'Touché' that allows chemists to feel the interaction between molecules, enabling more accurate drug design. The device enables simulation of large numbers of atom interactions in a short period, improving pharmacological research.
Buck researcher makes progress in fight against Huntington's Disease
Research by Dr. Lisa Ellerby at the Buck Institute suggests that calpain, a naturally occurring enzyme, plays a key role in Huntington's disease progression. The study uses post-mortem tissue and cell culture models to show that calpain activation is involved in brain damage.
UNC studies add new dimension to 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action
A UNC research team has shed new light on the classic 'lock-and-key' theory of drug action by discovering functional selectivity. The findings reveal that drugs can act as both agonists and antagonists at different receptors, allowing for more targeted treatment options. This breakthrough could lead to improved clinical effects with ex...
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateMay 30, 2002
Built-in 'failsafe' device blocks abnormal growth of new blood vessels
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that controls a 'failsafe' device in endothelial cells, which marks them for apoptosis and blocks abnormal new blood vessel growth. This discovery may lead to the design of new anti-angiogenic drugs or improved existing treatments.
Chemists explore the shape of the key that signals cell division in cancer cells
Researchers have synthesized peptide mimics that may inhibit Pin1's action, which regulates cell division. The goal is to develop new anticancer therapies by targeting the cell-cycle-regulating enzyme Pin1.
Scientists determine the structure of human Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO B)
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center revealed the architecture of MAO B's active site and membrane binding sites, enabling improved drug design with increased specificity and fewer side effects. The study also highlights potential applications in treating depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 25, 2001
Natural protein helps prevent cancers from spreading to other organs
Researchers discovered a natural protein called p22 that inhibits blood vessel growth, preventing tumors from growing. The study showed that p22 is released by cancerous cells and targets only those cells that help tumors grow, reducing the risk of metastasis.
Rutgers professor details how polymers improve drug delivery and make possible crystal-clear water-based cosmetics
Researchers have developed unique polymers that can stabilize liposomes, improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. These polymers also enable the creation of crystal-clear beauty products by altering the liposome solution.
New bar coding system helps decode drug discovery
A new bar coding system developed by Purdue University chemists can quickly identify the most biologically active compounds among thousands of candidates. The method uses standard spectrometers and reduces the laborious process to a few hours, cutting down time needed to identify active compounds to zero.
Corvas presents 3-D molecular structure of matriptase, first structural insight into new class of protease cancer targets
Scientists have solved the three-dimensional molecular structure of matriptase, a newly identified serine protease target for breast and prostate cancer drug development. This structural information is expected to facilitate the design of drugs that block or exploit the activity of matriptase and related proteases.
Scripps chemist wins national award for neurodegenerative disease research
Jeffery W. Kelly's work focuses on designing and utilizing small molecules to prevent neurodegenerative diseases similar to Alzheimer's but more rare. His team's molecular braces are now in preclinical trials for disorders like familial amyloid polyneuropathy.
UCB-Bioproducts to provide active pharmaceutical ingredient for FDA approved angiomax (bivalirudin)
UCB-Bioproducts is providing commercial quantities of bivalirudin for Angiomax, a thrombin-specific anticoagulant. The company's unique process technology enables the production of synthetic peptide-based APIs, and its regulatory support ensures compliance with FDA regulations.
Fighting Fungi
Researchers have uncovered a biological program that prevents the development of pathogenic fungi under nitrogen-poor conditions. The unfolded protein response (UPR) mediates this morphological response and can be targeted to develop new anti-fungal therapies.
Walking in their shoes - psychiatrists experience the virtual reality of schizophrenia
The virtual reality experience, Paved with Fear, simulates daily activities for psychiatrists to grasp the impact of auditory and visual hallucinations. Developed in collaboration with patients, this innovative technology provides a unique understanding of the condition, ultimately enhancing treatment effectiveness.
AAPS PharmSciTech Tip Sheet
The journal features novel approaches to analyzing complex peptides, such as pramlintide, and developing injectable implants for sustained drug release. Liposomes are also explored as carriers for antimicrobial peptides like Leucinostatin A.
Revised model of protein-drug interactions could make job of drug designers a little easier
Scientists propose a revised four-point location model to explain how proteins discriminate between mirror-image molecules. This new understanding could significantly impact drug design, as it challenges the long-held three-point attachment model and may lead to more effective treatment strategies.
UCSF hosts educational symposium on menopause
The event will cover hormone replacement therapies, phytoestrogens, common herbs and dietary supplements, and health promotion strategies. UCSF experts will provide guidance on managing menopausal symptoms and maintaining long-term health.
Mini-motor models nature, advances miniaturization technology
For the first time, researchers have designed a working molecular motor that can convert chemical energy into controlled motion. This breakthrough advances miniaturization technology to the single molecule level, with potential applications in understanding diseases and developing new treatments.