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Levi A. Garraway, MD, PhD, FAACR, to receive 2022 AACR-Margaret Foti Award for Leadership and Extraordinary Achievements in Cancer Research

Levi A. Garraway is being honored for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research, including the identification of melanoma genes and development of precision oncology approaches. He has also championed parallel sequencing as a definitive approach to tumor genomic profiling, revolutionizing cancer treatment strategies.

New oncogenic mechanisms in lymphoma via extracellular vesicles discovered

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of action for extracellular vesicles in the development and progression of lymphomas. sPLA2 secreted by tumor-associated macrophages degrades EV-derived phospholipids, enhancing EV function and inducing vital phenomena. This discovery may lead to new drug targets for cancer treatment.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

NCCN pharmacy directors forum publishes recommendations for safely dispensing investigational medications for clinical trials

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·DateMar 15, 2022

CNIC scientists identify a shuttle protein required for the nuclear import of proteins essential for organ growth and development

Researchers have identified a crucial nuclear transport mechanism essential for organ growth and development, involving the protein YAP. The study shows that YAP interacts with importin-7 to control its nuclear entry, regulating cell and tissue growth, and potentially targeting diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Breast cancer overdiagnosis may not happen as frequently as previously thought

A modeling study suggests that breast cancer overdiagnosis may occur in about 15% of screen-detected cases, rather than the estimated 30%. This could spare around 25,000 women unnecessary treatment. Researchers used data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium to estimate the rate of overdiagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

‘Prescribe ivermectin for COVID-19 only in large-scale randomized trials’

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University advise against prescribing ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 due to the lack of reliable evidence. They emphasize the importance of relying on proven therapeutic innovations and vaccinations to combat the pandemic, citing the risks of unproven treatments like ivermectin.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTherapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Novel synthetic process for the core structure of the fungal antiviral agent Neoechinulin B and its derivatives

Researchers have discovered a streamlined two-step synthesis strategy to produce neoechinulin B and its derivatives, exhibiting strong anti-HCV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. The novel process utilizes a piperazine-2,5-dione derivative and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as key reagents.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

C-Path and the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases to expand global impact and partnership

The collaboration aims to create an interoperable global data ecosystem for rare diseases, accelerating the development of new therapies. This partnership benefits patients, regulators, advocacy stakeholders, researchers, and industry, while expanding C-Path's global capabilities in collaborating on methodologies and technologies.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

Localis-rex: a new tool for studying electrophile signaling

Localis-rex identifies 32 locale-specific sensor proteins sensing hydroxynonenal, a lipid-derived electrophilic-metabolite, revealing new information on electrophile signaling and its impact on biological processes. The study also highlights the potential for covalent drug design and profiling of drug-sensitive cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2022

Roswell Biotechnologies demonstrates molecular electronics sensors on a semiconductor chip in peer-review paper

Roswell Biotechnologies has developed a molecular electronics sensor on a semiconductor chip, enabling real-time detection of single molecules for diverse applications including drug discovery, diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. The platform offers unlimited scalability in sensor pixel density and high resolution measurements.

SourceRoswell Biotechnologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Pusan National University scientists develop simpler way to create common chemical detection platform

Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Bioengineered nanoparticles show promise for fibrinogen manufacture, says Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study

Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022

New journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis study shows novel strategy to improve quality checking of generic drugs

Researchers devised a novel approach to unify quality assessment of generic drugs developed through different processes. The 'population pharmaceutical quality assessment' method uses computational modeling to evaluate process information, providing a scientific tool for objective quality consistency evaluation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2022

Plant scientists find recipe for anti-cancer compound in herbs

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a new pathway for producing the anti-cancer compound thymohydroquinone, found in plants like thyme and oregano. By understanding this process, plant scientists can engineer plants to produce higher levels of beneficial compounds or synthesize them in microorganisms.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2021

Repurposed drug shows improved results with combined therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a new combination therapy that regresses tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer and prevents the cancer from spreading. The response rate using this therapy is about 50%, compared to 25-30% with older drugs, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

By capsule through the bloodstream: How intestinal bacteria communicate with the body

An international research team discovered that intestinal bacteria can distribute their metabolic products throughout the body via the bloodstream using membrane vesicles. The study found that these vesicles can overcome the blood-brain barrier and enter brain cells, suggesting a new method for delivering drugs or vaccines.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021