Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
A new study found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who are obese may experience higher rates of DNA damage in their breast tissue, which could contribute to breast cancer development. The researchers suggest that weight management and medications like metformin may be important for preventive care.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have made significant progress in treating multiple myeloma using chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T cell therapy), which has shown a median progression-free survival of 13.3 months compared to 4.4 months for standard treatment regimens.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.
Researchers at Rice University aim to create genetically encoded antibiotics that selectively kill pathogenic bacteria while sparing beneficial microbes. The goal is to develop targeted, tailored RNA antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
Recent review article discusses clinical development in long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) therapy, which mimics natural GH release patterns. LAGH therapies reduce daily injection burden, improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes.
Scientists have developed a high-throughput genetic screening approach to identify viral proteins that target bacterial cell walls, leading to potential new antibiotics. The method uses a coded library of DNA fragments to investigate unknown genes in environmental samples, sidestepping the need for culturing bacteria.
Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University find that antibody fragments encapsulated in nanomicelles can reduce toxic Aβ species in the brain of an Alzheimer's disease model mouse. This breakthrough delivers treatment to where it is needed most, potentially slowing AD progression.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine suggests targeting T cells to prevent neurodegeneration and treat Alzheimer's disease. The research indicates that microglia partner with T cells to cause brain damage in the disease, and blocking their entry can avoid most neurodegeneration.
Researchers have discovered that high-grade glioma brain tumors have LDL receptors, which could be targeted by drugs already in development. The study's findings pave the way for using nanoparticle-based therapies to starve the tumors of energy and cause disruptions to their growth and spread.
Researchers have identified a key cause of metastasis from aggressive brain cancer in children and found a potential new therapy. Medulloblastoma cells hijack neurodevelopmental signaling pathways to promote tumor cell spreading. Targeting these pathways with a drug called dasatinib has shown promise in killing metastatic tumors.
Researchers explore cellular senescence's complex relationship with growth stimulation and cell cycle arrest, revealing potential anti-aging drug targets. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments for age-related diseases.
Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center discovered that S-nitrosohemoglobin senses areas with insufficient oxygen and restores blood flow for oxygenation. This breakthrough opens up a new line of drug development to correct poor tissue oxygenation, including peripheral artery disease and sickle cell disease.
MIT engineers develop a new purification method using bioconjugate-functionalized nanoparticles to rapidly crystallize proteins, reducing the cost of manufacturing protein drugs. The approach has shown promising results in isolating lysozyme and insulin, with faster crystallization times and increased nucleation rates.
A new study by WVU economist Zachary Porreca found that gentrification can displace organized criminal activity, leading to a surge in gun violence in nearby neighborhoods. The study analyzed data on shootings and real estate across Philadelphia neighborhoods between 2011-2020.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that ApoE4 from neurons plays a critical role in Alzheimer's disease, contrary to previous focus on glial cells. The study shows that deleting ApoE4 from neurons reduces brain changes resembling Alzheimer's disease, offering new possibilities for treatment.
Researchers found that fasudil reversed reduced pyramidal neuron density and cognitive dysfunction associated with methamphetamine treatment in mice with ARHGAP10 gene mutations. Fasudil also restored the density of pyramidal neurons, improving visual discrimination tests performance.
Researchers have discovered a late-stage small molecule inhibitor called rebecsinib that reverses ADAR1-induced cancer stem cell cloning capacity. This breakthrough has significant implications for treating various types of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia.
The IMPACTIVE project aims to develop a sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production methods. By leveraging mechanochemistry, the team hopes to reduce waste and emissions in the industry. The initiative has already shown promising results, with potential cost savings of up to 12%.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have found a way to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins in specific parts of cells. By studying the movement of enzymes inside cells, they discovered that attaching or detaching a fat molecule can direct where these enzymes go.
The 6th Annual Meeting of the Labroots Drug Discovery & Development Virtual Event Series will bring together specialists to discuss ongoing research in drug discovery and development. Keynote speaker Professor Kevin Pfleger will present novel pharmacology findings, while attendees can earn free CE credits.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified CD70 as a novel therapeutic target for eliminating drug-resistant cancer cells in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. CD70 targeting strategies showed significant anti-tumor activity, eliminating resistant cells in laboratory models.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered β-damascone, a natural aroma compound found in rose fragrance, modulates dendritic cell functions and reduces inflammatory cytokine production. The study showed β-damascone inhibits antigen-dependent activation and Th1 cell development, as well as ear inflammation in mice models.
The study uses artificial intelligence to generate new molecules with optimized properties, applicable to various industries. The method enables finding Pareto-optimal solutions, leading to more efficient materials for optoelectronics, solar energy, and other fields.
The NCI is funding a $587,000 research grant to improve KRAS treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Dr. Andrew Waters aims to develop personalized medicine approaches by studying unique resistance mechanisms.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new synthesis method that allows the introduction of multiple B- and Si-containing groups into aromatic nitrogen heterocycles. This breakthrough unlocks the creation of versatile platforms for organic compounds relevant to medicinal chemistry. The approach enables the production o...
Scientists have identified genes that play key roles in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of death worldwide. The study found notable differences in gene activity between males and females, as well as between cells that were multiplying and those that were not.
Researchers report an updated analysis from a phase I study of mivavotinib, a spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. The study showed a 45% overall response rate and median duration of response of 28.1 months in the overall cohort.
Researchers have identified a new class of potent antimalarial compounds that target the parasite's sexual phase, preventing it from infecting mosquitoes and subsequently humans. The compounds inhibit the parasitic protein Pfs16, forming the strongest bond with the drug.
Bonn researchers create micropipette-based local perfusion of capillaries to analyze BBB transport at the cellular level, providing insights into epilepsy and drug development. The approach reveals the barrier's integrity remains largely intact, offering a tool for evaluating active ingredients' brain penetration.
A new antibacterial spray and coating can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reducing the risk of infection in wounds and medical devices. The innovative material has been shown to be effective against MRSA and other resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat antibiotic resistance.
A team of researchers from Korea and USA identified the importance of lipid homeostasis in overcoming brain cancer radioresistance. They found that regulating diacylglycerol kinase B and diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 could potentially sensitize brain cancer cells to radiotherapy, offering a new treatment strategy.
In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, RORα expression was highly increased in the choroidal/RPE complex post-laser, while loss or inhibition of RORα worsened CNV with increased lesion size and vascular leakage. RORα negatively regulates pathological CNV development by modulating angiogenic response and inflammatory environment.
Researchers found that inhibiting HSF1 signaling reduces hepatoblastoma growth and induces apoptosis, suggesting it as a viable pharmacologic target. The study also identified HSF1's role in tumor aggressiveness and its potential association with mortality.
Researchers have improved the FDA's equation for predicting drug interactions by addressing fundamental limitations and incorporating new models. The modified equation has shown a significantly increased accuracy of about 80%, which is expected to contribute to increasing the success rate of new drug development.
Researchers aim to develop a drug that enhances brown adipose tissue response to cold exposure, potentially treating hypothermia and arctic exploration challenges. The new screening method could also optimize drug development for diseases and infections, reducing costs and time.
Researchers at University of Nottingham have discovered a new mechanism to block the Mannose Receptor, which is present in key immune cells and can be hijacked by viruses and some cancers. Synthetic glycopolymers have been designed to trap the receptor within the cell, inhibiting its function.
Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.
Ceramides accumulate in aged muscle, impairing its function and affecting functional capacity in older adults. This finding encourages researchers to develop potential pharmaceutical agents to combat sarcopenia and age-related diseases.
Research suggests that frequent antibiotic use may heighten the risk of inflammatory bowel disease among older adults. The study found a cumulative risk, with the highest risk observed 1-2 years after antibiotic exposure, particularly for those targeting gut infections.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a multiplex base-editing platform that significantly improves the pace of new drug discovery by inducing fungi to produce more bioactive compounds. The technique has been deployed as a tool for mining fungal genomes for medically useful compounds, reducing research timeline by over 80%.
New research finds Filamin A positions GABA-B receptors to control brain activity and slow down electric impulses. This discovery could lead to new therapies for neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and epilepsy.
The INFLOW project has developed a unique state-of-the-art technology platform in Europe for the flow production of bio-degradable carrier materials and their efficient formulation. This technology enables companies to create new products with high potential for healthcare, food/feed, and cosmetics industries.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new class of antibacterial compounds targeting MraY, effective against MRSA and VRE. The findings provide a promising lead for the development of more effective antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
The American Roentgen Ray Society has awarded the 2023 ARRS Gold Medal to Dr. Bernard F. King, Jr., MD, FACR, FSAR, in recognition of his distinguished service to radiology. Dr. King has made significant contributions to the field, including the development of contrast media recognition and treatment protocols.
A recent study suggests that stimulating the intersection of two particular brain networks correlated with better patient outcomes than stimulating nearby sites for patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive improvement was associated with DBS to the direct interface between the fornix and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis.
Salk scientists have developed a new therapeutic compound called FexD, which reverses gut inflammation in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease. By activating the master regulator protein FXR, FexD reduces inflammation and restores balance to the digestive system.
Scientists create an artificial brain in a petri dish to study the effects of the Zika virus. The study reveals that viral noncoding RNA helps the virus evade antiviral responses and cause cell death in developing brains.
WEHI researchers have visualized how a non-insulin molecule can mimic the role of insulin, opening new avenues for an oral insulin pill. The study confirms alternative molecules can be used to turn on blood glucose uptake, bypassing insulin needs.
A team of researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University has designed and synthesized novel compounds that have the potential to be effective drugs against COVID-19. The compounds target the main protease enzyme of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is essential for viral replication.
A team from Tohoku University has developed an efficient synthesis of (-)-quinine, a key compound in malaria treatment, enabling further medication development. The new method uses organocatalyst-mediated reactions, reducing the number of steps and chemical waste.
Researchers at USC developed a 'heart attack on a chip' device to study heart attacks and test new personalized medicines. The device replicates the effects of an oxygen gradient on cardiac tissue function, shedding light on the mysteries of heart cell communication and change after a heart attack.
A retrospective cohort study of 1,404 subjects with type 2 diabetes found that metformin use reduced the risk of delirium by 50% and decreased 3-year mortality rates. The study suggests that metformin may be a potential benefit for patients with diabetes, particularly in reducing age-related disorders such as dementia.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a unique 3D COF with scu-c topology, exhibiting efficient gas adsorption and drug delivery capabilities. The material has been shown to exhibit excellent hydrogen and methane adsorption properties.
A team of scientists has identified three new biomarkers for detecting the consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoids like OXIZID. These biomarkers will facilitate work by drug enforcement agencies worldwide in monitoring OXIZID abuse, enabling more accurate identification of abusers and potentially preventing overdoses.
A research team led by City University of Hong Kong neuroscientist Dr. Geoffrey Lau Chun-yue identified a new drug candidate, D4, that selectively blocks connexin hemichannels to suppress neuroinflammation and curbs TLE seizures in a mouse model. The findings suggest a promising new treatment strategy for epilepsy.
A trial found that extending anti-clotting treatment after a blood clot in the lower leg reduced further clot risk up to two years. Rivaroxaban administered for three months effectively and safely reduced venous thromboembolism compared to six weeks of treatment.
A team from UNIGE has revealed the existence of a hidden 'pocket' on the surface of the non-structural protein Nsp1, which could be used to develop new treatments against Covid-19. This discovery paves the way for innovative therapies targeting the Nsp1 protein and its potential application against other coronaviruses.
A team of researchers developed a new strategy to functionalize the 'meta-position' of pyridines, which is extremely challenging and rare. They achieved high selectivity in introducing various functional groups into this position using temporary de-aromatization and radical/polar chemistry.
The FDA's investigation into its own oversight of clinical trials reveals a concerning lack of surveillance, leaving room for scientific misconduct. Experts argue that the agency should inspect sites more frequently to ensure data quality and integrity.
Researchers have found that gossypetin from hibiscus activates microglia in the brain, which scavenge amyloid-beta aggregates to prevent cognitive decline. The study suggests a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease using this flavonoid compound.