Research on discovering and developing new drugs. Covers structure-revealing tools, eye-disease mechanisms, protein screening, and once-daily oral medicines.
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.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a 'bionic' cardiac patch that can monitor and respond to cardiac problems, potentially revolutionizing heart attack treatment. The patch, made of nanoscale electronic scaffolds, can detect arrhythmia and adjust its performance in real-time.
Researchers at the University of Iceland have developed several new formulations for topical treatments of oral mucosal conditions. Topical application of doxycycline was effective in promoting healing of mucosal lesions, while monocaprin reduced counts of Candida rapidly and significantly.
Researchers at Princeton University, MIT and Merck & Co. have developed a cheap, complementary approach to the fundamental chemical reaction known as C-N bond coupling. The direct, cost-effective method enables efficient production of anilines, a common structure in medicinal agents, without expensive ligands.
The research article discusses experimental and clinical data on the pharmacological inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathways, which play a vital role in prostate cancer. The blockade of this pathway may be necessary to increase standard therapies and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the Buck Institute identified a new target for treating sporadic Parkinson's disease, which accounts for 95% of all cases. The study showed that increasing PGC-1alpha expression restored mitochondrial function and prevented degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.
A new class of styrylbenzene antibiotics, Ramizol®, has been developed to target Clostridium difficile associated disease. The drug stays in the gastrointestinal tract and reaches high concentrations to yield a therapeutic effect, with benefits including low frequency of resistance.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified an enzyme called SHP-2 that significantly contributes to the development of lupus. Inhibiting this enzyme can diminish lupus symptoms and suggest a new therapeutic approach for the disease.
Hot melt extrusion (HME) and injection moulding (IM) are becoming increasingly prevalent in the pharmaceutical industry due to their ability to increase solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. HME-IM can manufacture a range of dosage forms, from oral tablets to implantable devices.
Experts argue that good governance, long-term technology investment, and strong product management skills are essential to combat infectious outbreaks. The proposed global strategy aims to pool funds and coordinate efforts to develop effective countermeasures for these diseases.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that target CD98, a glycoprotein promoting inflammation in IBD. These particles showed anti-inflammatory capacity without toxicity, offering an alternative treatment to existing medications.
A Scripps Research Institute team has received a $3.4 million grant to develop new therapeutics for addiction and mood disorders. The project focuses on the kappa opioid receptor, which helps regulate dopamine release, aiming to create potent new compounds with minimal side effects.
By treating individuals with a combination of drugs having different mechanisms of action, the chances of a malaria parasite developing multiple genetic mutations needed to survive is substantially decreased. This approach prolongs therapy effectiveness and preserves first-line drugs for treating malaria.
A new human liver microphysiology platform has been developed to study liver physiology, drug safety, and disease progression. The Sequentially Layered, Self-Assembly Liver (SQL-SAL) model mimics the physiological conditions created by immune, stellate, and endothelial cells.
Researchers have developed a new method to determine the structures of nanocrystalline pharmaceuticals, reducing radiation damage and allowing for study at room temperature. The approach uses low-dose electron diffraction with a high-sensitivity detector, enabling the collection of high-quality data for direct crystallography methods.
Researchers used functional MRI to assess the effectiveness of new pain medications in patients with chronic pain. The study found that FMRI can provide objective evidence to prevent premature discarding of potentially beneficial therapies.
Research supports the effectiveness of providing psychosocial interventions in combination with medications to treat opioid addiction. However, limitations were found in the amount and quality of evidence on safest and most effective combinations of medications and treatments.
Researchers at MSU have discovered the mechanisms of self-organization in living cells, revealing the role of topologically associated domains (TADs) in compacting DNA into three-dimensional structures. This knowledge may lead to new approaches for understanding and treating diseases related to gene regulation.
Researchers found that switching to efavirenz is effective in reducing viral rebound and improving CD4 T cell counts, suggesting it's a safer alternative for older children and adults.
Researchers at WSU will collaborate with Botanisol to study TAI-LCx, a newly identified active component of turmeric, and develop better means to isolate it. Early research showed TAI-LCx to be effective at reducing inflammation using biologic pathways different from NSAIDs.
Researchers found developing resistance to miltefosine in patients with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, leading to higher relapse rates. The study suggests a pressing need for new therapies to combat drug-resistant strains of the disease.
Over 15 years, malaria cases in Africa have decreased by 663 million, mainly due to bednet and ACT interventions. However, growing insecticide and drug resistance threaten these efforts, requiring a proactive approach to develop new antimalarial drugs and insecticides.
Scientists at McGill University have discovered that histones, previously underappreciated molecules, play a crucial role in transmitting environmental memories over several generations. This finding has the potential to profoundly change our understanding of inheritance and could lead to new avenues for disease prevention and treatment.
HIV-infected patients are excluded from early-phase clinical trials of new anti-tuberculosis drugs, resulting in slower development and potential drug interactions with antiretroviral therapy. Experts urge including HIV patients in relevant trials to accelerate development and address drug resistance.
A team of scientists developed a new system using stem cells to model features of the developing human brain that could be targeted by toxic chemicals or drugs. The approach, described in PNAS, uses machine learning to build a predictive model from RNA sequencing data collected from neural tissue constructs exposed to different chemicals.
Researchers discovered that genetic variations in opioid receptors are associated with more severe neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in newborn babies. These variations can help identify infants at risk of requiring medication to curb NAS symptoms, enabling tailored treatment plans and improved outcomes.