Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
Scientists have engineered enzymes to manufacture molnupiravir, resulting in a shorter and higher-yielding synthesis. The new method reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 for newly diagnosed patients, showing promise as an antiviral treatment.
A team of experts from Tel Aviv University has identified 5 coronavirus proteins responsible for damaging blood vessels. The researchers hope that the identification will lead to the development of targeted drugs that reduce vascular damage in COVID-19 patients.
A therapeutic antibody has been shown to unblock and normalise blood vessels inside cancerous tumours, enabling the more effective delivery of targeted cancer treatments. The findings also suggest that inhibiting LRG1 protein production can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell the...
Researchers developed a molecular agent that can target lung and other cancer cells for imaging and treatment, distinguishing between healthy and cancerous cells. The new approach uses a unique chemistry method to tune the reactivity of the molecule, avoiding off-target effects.
Stem cell researchers have developed a new method to identify and develop personalized therapies for Cystic Fibrosis patients with rare mutations. By growing precursor lung cells from patients' own blood, they can screen for new drugs and validate responses in mature airway cells.
Researchers at UVA Health System found that fluoxetine, an antidepressant commonly known as Prozac, shows promise against age-related macular degeneration. Patients taking fluoxetine were less likely to develop dry AMD, a condition affecting nearly 200 million people worldwide.
A new, bacteria-based system can detect cancer cells and release therapeutic drugs directly into them, leaving healthy cells intact. The technology has shown promising results in preclinical tests on mice, particularly for liver cancer.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have contributed to a study on a new antibiotic that may cure Lyme disease and eradicate its occurrence from the environment. The antibiotic, hygromycin A, targets the ribosomes of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and shows promise in treating the disease.
Scientists have developed a technique to sequence individual malaria parasites' genomes, allowing for the detection of new mutations. These mutations are often targeting a gene family controlling transcription in malaria, suggesting potential avenues for developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
The USC Stevens INI is partnering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Miami to merge Alzheimer's disease data from over 30 datasets, producing a large-scale, standardized set of clearly defined data. This harmonization will enable large-scale machine learning analysis to better characterize the genetic basis...
A recent study suggests that targeting alpha-synuclein protein in Parkinson's disease may not be sufficient to cure most patients. Instead, resolving brain inflammation caused by dysfunctional interferon-beta receptor signaling may hold the key to developing more effective treatments.
Researchers found that psilocybin increased the emotional response to music by around 60% compared to ketanserin. The study implies that music should be an active component of psilocybin therapy for treating depression and other mental health conditions.
Researchers at GlaxoSmithKline and CCDC combined proprietary and published datasets to train machine learning models for predicting stable polymorphs in new drug candidates. The approach leverages the large volume and variety of data in the Cambridge Structural Database, resulting in more confident predictions and improved model accuracy.
A new study funded by FDA and HHS suggests that continuous manufacturing (CM) processes could make pharmaceutical production in the US more attractive than investing in China or India. The findings show that CM processes were more economical than current batch processing, particularly under current US corporate tax rates.
A new study in mice reveals that fragile X treatment can incur resistance, but also identifies potential strategies to overcome this. Administering mGluR5 inhibitors at a young age and then stopping may produce lasting benefits in cognitive ability.
Researchers identified five specific mutations prevalent in Delta Plus infections compared to Delta, highlighting the need for expanded antiviral tools. The findings provide clues on how the virus mutates and evade antibodies produced from previous COVID-19 infections or vaccinations.
Researchers have identified a molecule that slows cells' production of alpha-synuclein, a protein forming toxic aggregates in Parkinson's brains. The compound, A-443654, also reduces cell stress and may help degrade existing alpha-synuclein aggregates.
A team of researchers from IOCB Prague has discovered a new type of nanoparticles capable of safely transporting various types of nucleic acids used for therapeutic purposes into cells. The universal nature of their system sets it apart from existing solutions, allowing for efficient transport of mRNA and other RNA molecules into cells.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new method to track individual cancer cells and their offspring over time. The study found that brain tumour cells are hierarchically organised, but with some degree of flexibility, and that drug treatment influences cell organisation. This breakthrough may lead to the development of target...
The MONALEESA-2 trial found that adding a CDK 4/6 inhibitor to first-line hormonal treatment prolongs survival by one year for postmenopausal women with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The combination of endocrine therapy and the CDK 4/6 inhibitor ribociclib also extends progression-free survival.
Researchers at MIT developed a new way to grow pancreatic organoids using synthetic gel, allowing for study of interactions between tumors and environment. The gel can also be used to grow other types of tissue, including intestinal and endometrial tissue.
Researchers found that ribociclib achieved pharmacologically-relevant concentrations in tumor tissue, while everolimus showed minimal penetration. The combination is promising for brain cancer treatment and could lead to new therapeutic drug combinations.
A mechanical engineering faculty-researcher at RIT is developing a microfluidic device to improve the detection of drug-resistant bacteria in blood, which can cause severe infection and death. The goal is to detect these strains early, allowing for prompt treatment and recovery.
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded four prizes worth $250,000 to foreign-born scientists in the United States. The prizes recognize outstanding career contributions to biomedical science and innovative research. This year's recipients include Vishva M. Dixit, Markita del Carpio Landry, Hani Goodarzi, and Harris Wang.
A new study examines the similarities and differences among disease activity indices used to monitor rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that while there are high correlations among the indices, they were not interchangeable, highlighting the need for further analysis of RA in patients using various indices.
Researchers developed a pollen-based hybrid ink that can be used to fabricate parts useful for tissue engineering, toxicity testing and drug delivery. The ink is biocompatible, flexible and low in cost, allowing for the creation of customized flexible membranes tailored to human skin contours.
Scientists challenge existing thinking on opioid tolerance and respiratory depression, proposing a new balanced approach to developing safer analgesics. They found that arrestin-3 engagement limits tolerance development but does not exacerbate respiratory depression.
Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.
Researchers at UCLA developed brain organoids that mimic human brain structure and function, allowing for the study of neurological disorders like Rett syndrome. The organoids showed organized waves of activity similar to those found in living brains and responded to treatment with an experimental drug.
Researchers at SpheroFill are developing a unique oral drug delivery platform using microsphere technology, protecting drugs from degradation and enabling targeted release. This technology has the potential to improve medication compliance and delivery of sensitive biological drugs.
A new study developed a wearable technology-based method to assess myoclonus symptoms in the home environment. The method, which measures electrical neuromuscular function and movement, correlates well with assessments performed by experienced physicians.
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target, METTL1, to treat aggressive cancers by inhibiting an RNA-modifying protein. The study found that targeting METTL1 effectively destroys cancer cells in laboratory models and mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Researchers from USC Stem Cell discovered a latent regenerative potential in the inner ear's sensory cells. They found that epigenetic modifications regulate hair cell development and identified a key histone decoration, H3K4me1, that keeps supporting cells primed for transdifferentiation.
The UNITE4TB partnership aims to develop new and highly active TB treatment regimens for drug-resistant and -sensitive TB. The 7-year project will utilize advanced clinical trials networks, adaptive trial designs, and machine learning techniques to accelerate the development of better treatment solutions.
The UNITE4TB partnership aims to develop new and highly active TB treatment regimens for drug-resistant and -sensitive TB. The consortium will accelerate the clinical evaluation of combinations of existing and novel drugs through advanced trial designs and AI-powered analysis.
Researchers evaluated Tomivosertib's therapeutic potential on AML cells and found it to be highly effective at blocking eIF4E phosphorylation. Combination with Venetoclax resulted in synergistic anti-leukemic responses. The study also identified novel putative MNK1/2 interactors.
Researchers developed a smart collar that delivers praziquantel, a deworming drug, to dogs infected with echinococcosis. The collar reduces the risk of tapeworms in dogs by 0.182 times and 0.336 times compared to control groups.
Researchers developed an AI system that analyzes 3D brain images to diagnose Parkinson's disease stages, providing a more precise diagnosis. The tool combines AI and 3D imaging to estimate severity based on neuronal damage.
A new multicenter study found that continuing antiseizure medication after neonatal seizures stopped did not prevent epilepsy or developmental delays in babies. This contradicts standard practice of extending treatment for months, and highlights the need to reassess standard care for newborns with seizures.
Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of three major complexes of glutamate receptors in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and learning. The discovery has significant implications for treating epilepsy and seizure disorders, as it enables the development of targeted drugs to modulate specific receptor activity.
Researchers at UC3M's 4D-BIOMAP project have developed magneto-active polymers that can alter mechanical properties, stiffness, and shape. These materials could be used in epithelial wound healing stimulation, soft robots, and artificial muscles, revolutionizing biomedical engineering.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a method to determine safe drug doses for children by analyzing organ maturation models. This approach accounts for differences in organ performance between adults and children, reducing bias and increasing efficiency.
The expanded patient-level data will facilitate more efficient clinical trial design, enabling generation of novel drug development tools and solutions. The novel tools and solutions will enable better informed inclusion criteria, endpoint selection, and patient enrichment strategies.
Researchers determined the structure of Glycine Transporter 1, a protein responsible for glycine uptake in neurons. The discovery could lead to developing inhibitors targeting this protein to treat schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.
New research highlights the prevalence of animal-derived medications in common treatments, including blood thinners and hormones. Patients who object to using products from animals should be informed about their medication options.
Researchers developed microswimmers that can change direction by heating tiny gold particles, then learned to navigate through a virtual environment via external control and virtual rewards. The findings suggest an optimal speed is key to navigation, with implications for autonomous tasks and collective behavior in biological systems.
The Acute Kidney Injury Project aims to develop improved predictive and detection tools for kidney injury, addressing a global public health concern. The project will focus on developing prognostic tools to identify drug-induced kidney injury, with the goal of improving patient safety during clinical trials and advancing drug development.
Researchers developing standardized platform for organs-on-chips with human cells, aiming to test drugs and food outside a human body. The goal is to link multiple organ chips together to simulate a whole body, eliminating harmful or ineffective drugs earlier in the process.
A new trial shows that immunotherapy drug teplizumab can delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes in people at high risk by an average of five years compared to a placebo. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, found reduced T-cell damage and improved insulin-producing beta cells in those who received the treatment.
Researchers developed a direct cloning method, CAPTURE, to accelerate large-scale discovery of novel natural products. The method allows for efficient cloning of large genomic fragments, including those with high-GC content or sequence repeats.
A monitoring system based on smartwatches detects movement issues and tremors in Parkinson's patients, allowing for remote monitoring and adjusted medication plans. The platform showed promising results, with 94% match between clinician evaluations and patient data.
Research into INNA-X shows it is effective against rhinovirus, the main cause of the common cold, reducing viral load and inflammation. The nasal spray works by stimulating the innate immune system, making it harder for viruses to take hold.
A recent RAND Corporation report reveals that US prescription drug prices are substantially higher than those in other developed countries, with brand-name drugs costing an average of 3.44 times more. In contrast, unbranded generic drugs account for 84% of US spending but have prices slightly lower than most global peers.
Researchers have discovered an antibody, 2B7, that physically blocks the Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) protein, preventing the dengue virus from attaching to cells and slowing its spread. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for other flaviviruses like Zika and West Nile.
A large-scale study by Bentley University found that 78% of biotech companies completing Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) from 1997-2016 achieved product approvals. The majority of these approved products were small molecule drugs, accounting for 75% of phase 3 products and 78% of approvals.
The global Phase 2/3 study with orally-administered opaganib in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia has received a second unanimous recommendation to continue, based on an analysis of unblinded safety data from the first 155 patients treated for 14 days. Enrollment is over 60% complete and top-line data expected in Q1/...
A study published in Science Translational Medicine shows that MEK inhibitors can stimulate PAX6 expression in the eye of mice with aniridia, partially normalizing their eye development. Researchers also found that topical administration of the drug enhanced PAX6 and cleared corneas, allowing mice to see better.
RedHill's P2/3 COVID-19 candidate Opaganib has demonstrated reduced thrombosis in a preclinical model of ARDS. The study showed opaganib reduced blood clot length, weight, and total thrombus score in patients with severe respiratory distress syndrome induced by SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a non-hallucinogenic version of the psychedelic drug ibogaine, which retains therapeutic properties without its serious side effects. The new molecule, TBG, has shown promising positive effects in animal models of depression and addiction.
The FDA's ISTAND program aims to qualify human biology-based drug testing methods, reducing the need for animal testing. Pharmaceutical companies can now use these approaches with confidence, as they will be reviewed and accepted by the FDA.