Articles tagged with Drug Development
A new study reveals that fentanyl can increase pain sensitivity in animals by lowering their pain threshold. The researchers found that blocking calcium signaling inside sensory neurons prevents this effect, suggesting a possible mechanism for hyperalgesia.
A study by Toyohashi University of Technology found that cell membrane components form isolated domains within an artificial lipid bilayer, separated from the surrounding membrane. The findings provide valuable information for understanding membrane protein functions and developing experimental techniques.
A study of oligonucleotide drug impurities reveals opportunities for process improvements and the application of information from one drug substance to another. The report, published in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, provides clarity on product-related impurities.
A machine learning analysis found an association between genetic variability in the PPARG gene and altered cerebral connectivity in preterm infants. This study suggests that the PPARG signaling pathway may influence neurocognitive problems after preterm birth.
A new dual-purpose drug delivery device, SCHIELD, aims to provide long-acting contraception and HIV prevention for women in low- and middle-income countries. The device, set to be launched in Kenya and South Africa, has the potential to improve health outcomes and empower women.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified biomarkers that can aid in the development of better treatments for schizophrenia. The biomarkers were successfully tested in over 90% of individuals who received ketamine, and reliably distinguished them from those who had been given a placebo.
A diabetes drug that increases the movement of regulatory T cells into human organs may help prevent transplant rejection without side effects. Researchers found that the enzyme glucokinase is linked to increased movement of these immune cells, which act as guardians against organ rejection.
Researchers have discovered a new chemical reaction to synthesize diazabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes, which could lead to breakthroughs in drug development. The new approach allows for the rapid synthesis of complex compounds without requiring additional reagents or catalysts.
Researchers at RUDN University have developed a way to produce benzofurans, a key component in various pharmaceutical substances, from cheap agricultural and woody waste. The new approach uses salicyl alcohols derived from low-cost chemicals, enabling the creation of new benzofuran-based drug substances.
A research team from the University of Cincinnati has developed a consensus model of human apolipoprotein A-I, a key component of HDL, which could lead to new strategies for increasing good cholesterol. This breakthrough was achieved through collaborative effort and innovative use of indirect experimental techniques.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a device that uses structural color to measure the beating of heart cells, enabling high-throughput testing for pharmaceuticals. This innovation aims to speed up the process of finding good drugs for heart patients and is a significant step towards improving treatment outcomes.
Scientists discover dysfunctional autophagy plays a central role in motor neuron diseases, characterized by muscle atrophy and loss. The PLEKHG5 gene controls the degradation of synaptic vesicles, and its dysfunction leads to aggregation and motor neuron disorder progression.
Vasanthi Jayaraman receives Maximizing Investigators' Research Award to study brain cell communication, developing high-resolution images of glutamate receptors for potential drug targets. Her research aims to enhance learning and memory, treat neurodegenerative conditions like Lou Gehrig's disease.
A team of leading European clinicians and scientists presents a unique perspective on how to move forward in the development of exon skipping therapies for DMD. The authors discuss the main challenges and opportunities for these therapeutic agents going forward, including biomarkers in AON drug development and regulatory tools in the EU.
TBA-7371 and sutezolid have entered phase 1 clinical trials after early preclinical development. These novel drugs show promise in treating TB with no pre-existing resistance, addressing a growing concern in the disease's increasing resistance to older treatments.
The partnership between genetic testing companies and orphan drug developers has both positive and negative implications. On the one hand, it can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. However, there are also concerns over patient privacy and potential price-gouging due to rising healthcare costs.
A recent study analyzed U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings for 10 companies developing a cancer drug from 2006 through 2015, estimating a median time of 7.3 years to develop the drug and a median cost of $648 million.
A study found that a coffee compound called cafestol improves cell function and insulin sensitivity in laboratory mice, potentially spurring the development of new Type 2 diabetes treatments. Daily consumption of cafestol may delay the onset of diabetes in humans, according to researchers.
A synthetic version of low molecular weight heparin, proven safe and effective in preclinical trials, is set to enter clinical trials. The new compound offers several advantages over its natural counterpart, including reduced risk of contamination and improved safety for patients with poor kidney function.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a molecule, Takinib, that appears to spur cell death in tumors and inflammation. By targeting the TNF-alpha signaling process, Takinib inhibits an enzyme called TAK-1, which controls cell survival.
Researchers have designed a complex sugar molecule that binds to galectin-1, enabling the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs and rapid tests for early cancer detection.
Ryohei Yasuda, Scientific Director of MPFI, received the 2017 Nakaakira Tsukahara Memorial Prize for his groundbreaking work on synaptic plasticity. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neural circuit function and memory formation.
A team of scientists is pooling their expertise to develop fast diagnostic tests and alternative treatments for infection, aiming to address the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. The University of Edinburgh's new research facility will bring together dozens of researchers worldwide to tackle this major health challenge.
Nicole F. Steinmetz receives two NIH grants to develop microscopic drug-delivery systems for triple negative breast cancer patients and patients at risk of serious blood clots. The funding will enable her team to explore mechanisms behind anti-tumor effects and develop dual-pronged therapeutic approaches.
Researchers challenge existing understanding of MLL-translocation leukemia by finding that MLL2, not MLL, is the most appropriate target for drugs. The study shows that silencing wildtype MLL has no effect on disease development, but combining it with MLL2 knockout leads to significant reduction in leukemia.
Dr. Jack Edwards, a leading researcher at LA BioMed, has been recognized with the Rhoda Benham Award for his continuous outstanding contributions to medical mycology. His work focuses on understanding fungal diseases, aiming to develop new anti-fungal agents and immunotherapies to prevent life-threatening infections.
Researchers have developed a new drug delivery strategy to block pain within nerve cells, offering a major breakthrough in treating chronic pain. The target protein, NK1 receptor, is controlled once it enters the cell, allowing for more effective pain suppression.
Scientists at EPFL developed an antibody-linked biosensor that can track drug concentration in the blood by changing color, enabling patients to monitor their treatment levels at home. The biosensor can be adapted to detect virtually unlimited number of molecules.
A study found that nearly 1 in 3 FDA-approved drugs had postmarket safety events, with biologics and psychiatric disease treatments being most affected. The study highlights the need for ongoing safety monitoring of approved medications.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified the key role of filaggrin in triggering eczema by creating a human model system that mimics the skin condition. This discovery provides new understanding of the mechanisms involved and suggests targets for future drug development.
Researchers aim to enhance couples' communication to reduce drug use and HIV infection risk among partnered gay men. The brief 3-session intervention integrates HIV testing and counseling into an existing evidence-based program.
A new research center, Centre for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics (CAP), will be established at the University of Liverpool to accelerate the development of new antibiotics. The facility will provide access to pharmacodynamics research expertise, facilities, and training, addressing a significant gap in UK capability.
A group of researchers recommends increased transparency at the FDA, including disclosure of regulatory information, analysis, and study data. This would enhance understanding of existing therapies, pharmaceutical pipelines, and innovative product development.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel method to produce ethers by removing carbon monoxide from aromatic esters using palladium or nickel catalysts. This innovation enables the production of diaryl ethers from over 30 different kinds of aromatic esters, offering a more inexpensive and easily obtainable alternative.
Researchers found that blocking Keap1 can prevent amyloid-beta peptides damage in mouse nerve cells and shield brain cells from Alzheimer's symptoms. Boosting Nrf2 by blocking its inhibitor has the potential to develop new drugs with fewer side effects for preventing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
The Jackson Laboratory is developing a high-throughput approach to improve the efficiency of targeted nuclease-mediated HDR for genome editing. The goal is to significantly enhance the reliability and accuracy of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, enabling faster and more cost-effective therapeutic delivery.
Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard discovered novel genetic mutations promoting antibiotic resistance in bacteria. These mutations enhance resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, including non-ribosomal targets, while reducing growth rates.
The University of Liverpool is coordinating a £14m European research project, TransQST, to improve drug safety by leveraging public and private data. The project aims to develop novel computational models to address off-target reactions and minimize harm from adverse drug reactions.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new drug, SAK3, that stimulates the release of acetylcholine in the brain and improves cognition. In animal experiments, SAK3 has proven to be safe and well-tolerated, with potential for development into a disease-modifying drug.
Researchers have discovered that the RAGE receptor plays a key role in regulating inflammation through its binding to the leukotriene B4 receptor 1. This interaction modifies LTB4-BLT1 signaling, which modulates the inflammatory response.
Researchers used neutrons to determine the structure of an important enzyme in Helicobacter pylori, offering a new point of attack for medications. The findings provide insights into the enzyme's mode of action, enabling the development of molecules that can block this process and target the bacterium effectively.
A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a method to visualize intracellular protein trafficking, specifically the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), which is associated with type II diabetes. The study reveals that abnormalities in the N-glycan chain lead to transient translocation and rapid internalization of GLUT4.
Researchers developed a more accurate system for predicting chemical toxicity, increasing accuracy to 85%, which could save millions of dollars and years of development time for new drugs. The system uses statistical analysis and QSAR modeling to assign numerical values to the accuracy of structural alerts.
Researchers developed a new lab technique that may improve anti-cancer treatment success rates by predicting patient responses to modified drug-eluting beads. The method was tested in lab experiments and validated with in vivo data, enabling accurate predictions without risking patients.
A study published in Cell has identified a molecular mechanism that blocks membrane receptors, which are critical for cell signaling and defense against pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the role of lipid nanodomains in receptor activation and regulation.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine identified a potential new strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the enzyme Nuak1, which reduces tau accumulation in the brain. The study used a three-pronged approach and confirmed results in human cells, fruit flies, and mouse models.
RTI International is studying Appalachian states' opioid prevention and treatment policies to develop evidence-based recommendations. The study will analyze existing public health policies, identify best practices, and inform practical strategies for improving opioid-related programs and services.
Researchers have discovered peculiarities in the NS3 protease of the Zika virus, a key enzyme that can be targeted for effective inhibition. This understanding may lead to the development of highly specific inhibitors with minimal effects on nonviral proteases.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the final execution step in parthanatos, a form of programmed brain cell death. MIF's ability has been linked to stroke but also may be involved in other neurodegenerative diseases.
The University of Missouri has received a significant grant from the NIH to develop new hepatitis B treatments. Researchers will focus on targeting the viral capsid, which is crucial for HBV's lifecycle and stability. The goal is to create therapeutic strategies that not only suppress the virus but also have the potential to eradicate it.
New research points to relaxin-3 as a potential treatment target for mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Developments in peptide technology could lead to selectively targeting RXFP3 to develop new class of drugs.
Researchers developed a novel simulation technique called eBDIMS to predict protein movements, which can be done on standard PCs. This approach uses low-resolution models, simplifying the structure of proteins, allowing for precise predictions in minutes, not months.
Per capita spending on US prescription drugs is the highest in the world, driven by brand-name prices that can rise substantially during competition-free periods. The authors argue for limiting market exclusivity rights and ensuring timely generic drug availability to reduce costs.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that linagliptin provided protection against arterial stiffness in overweight female mice fed a western diet. The medication works by blocking the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and has been shown to offer protection against vascular inflammation and oxidative stress.
Researchers at Osaka University identified a new drug target by inhibiting the SPP enzyme, reducing HCV particle production and improving pathological liver conditions. The discovery also revealed a protein quality control mechanism that could be useful for treating other diseases.
Research shows how a 'wonder drug' for hepatitis C was acquired by a pharmaceutical company, doubling its price and channelling profits into buying shares. This strategy limits innovation and leaves the public paying twice - once for initial research and then for high-priced medications.
Researchers studied ocean bacteria to understand how they find food and developed a mathematical model of their behavior. They found that fast-swimming bugs change direction frequently to target food, which could inspire the development of friendly bacteria engineered to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer.
Researchers from 14 institutions describe three significant steps forward in combating toxoplasmosis, including the discovery of critical molecular targets for new medicines and compounds effective against malaria. The findings offer renewed hope for the development of curative treatments for those with toxoplasmosis.
Researchers argue that MDMA's molecular targets could lead to new treatments for disorders like autism and PTSD with less abuse liability. Studies have shown some promise in treating PTSD, aiding patients in forming a stronger bond with a therapist.
CNIO researchers reveal that proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A triggers non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), two conditions with no current treatment. Blocking IL-17A or inhibiting cells that secrete it may prevent NASH in high-risk patients.