Articles tagged with Drug Development
Scientists have developed a new method to produce large amounts of the promising anti-cancer substance AMF-26, which targets the Golgi apparatus in cells. The synthetic version of AMF-26 shows equal effectiveness as its natural counterpart in laboratory tests.
Scientists have developed a new computer-based approach to predicting possible side effects of medications. The method is based on knowledge about chemical and biological information about ingredients in these medications and has been shown to be useful in identifying potential side effects for both known and uncharacterized molecules....
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients taking generic antiepileptic drugs are 50% more likely to stop their medication if the pills differ in color. This highlights the importance of pill similarity in improving adherence rates.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified a new target for stroke treatments using candesartan, which increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor and stimulates angiogenesis. This approach has the potential to improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients and may also benefit veterans with traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers have identified a new mutation in the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency gene that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The finding extends understanding of Alpha-1 at the molecular level, potentially leading to new drug development.
Only a small fraction of new medicines developed between 2000 and 2011 were for the treatment of neglected diseases, highlighting significant gaps in innovation. Despite this, some progress has been made through drug reformulations and repurposing of existing drugs.
DNDi will receive a $17.3 million grant from UNITAID to accelerate the development and delivery of child-adapted antiretroviral therapy (ARV) formulations for babies and toddlers with HIV/AIDS, including those co-infected with tuberculosis. This support aims to improve treatment accessibility and outcomes for young children affected by...
The Access to Medicine Index ranks pharmaceutical companies on their efforts to improve access to medicine in developing countries. This year's report finds that 17 out of 20 companies have improved their performance since 2010, with GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson & Johnson emerging as leaders. The industry is becoming more organized in i...
A new system can identify a single target molecule from millions of water molecules within milliseconds by trapping it on gold nanoparticles. The technology has potential uses in detecting illegal substances and pollutants, offering a compact, reusable, and easy-to-assemble solution.
A new malaria drug has been developed that is twice as effective as existing treatments and may fight off the disease with a single dose. The new compound, combined with mefloquine, showed promising results in mice, allowing them to live almost twice as long.
A comprehensive review article discusses progress and application of Cell-SELEX technology, which uses live cells as targets for binding aptamers. The technique offers stability, short length, and ease of manufacturing, making it an attractive option for drug compound screening.
A novel drug mimics a naturally occurring molecule found in coffee and blueberries, increasing survival in animal models after radiation exposure. The treatment is non-invasive and can be applied directly to the skin, providing an effective solution for treating radiation exposure.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a screening method to identify RNA targets and potential drug compounds. The new technology probes millions of RNA-ligand combinations, enabling the definition of RNA motifs and small molecules that bind to RNA.
Scientists have observed that chloroquine is once again effective in combating malaria parasites, particularly in Senegal and other African countries. This development could lead to more affordable treatment options for millions of people in Africa, with the current treatment costing twice as much as chloroquine.
The Brazilian Ministry of Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) Latin America have partnered to develop new therapies and diagnostics for neglected diseases. This partnership aims to boost innovation in the field and provide new health tools to Brazil's public health programs.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to levitate individual droplets of solutions containing different pharmaceuticals using sound waves. This technique allows for the amorphization of drugs, which can improve their bioavailability and efficacy.
Indiana University chemists have developed a new synthesis of artemisinin, allowing for the production of fully synthetic artemisinin on a gram scale. This breakthrough could help reduce the cost of the life-saving antimalarial drug and increase its availability worldwide.
A new cell screening method has identified two novel compounds with anti-influenza activity, obatoclax and gemcitabine. These compounds show promise as next-generation antiviral drugs that can target host functions rather than viral proteins. Further research is needed to confirm their efficacy in treating influenza infections.
A meta-analysis of over 60 randomized controlled trials found no statistically significant increased risk of any type of cancer with biologic response modifiers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 29,423 patients and followed them for at least 24 weeks.
Researchers highlight RNA's self-assembling properties, but also discuss challenges such as stability and targeting in therapeutic applications. The article provides a detailed review of the field, discussing its potential for treating various diseases.
Researchers developed a realistic computer simulation to predict drug effects and identify why some treatments fail. The model factors in precise doses, prescription adherence, and viral replication to help develop better combination therapies.
A new formulation of cisplatin has been developed to improve the effectiveness and safety of cancer treatment. The pH-sensitive liposome was able to reduce cancer cell proliferation and increase survival in animal models with no known toxicity clinical signs.
MMV has developed a framework to evaluate the risk of resistance for its antimalarial compounds. The framework includes cross-resistance testing and selection experiments in the laboratory, measuring the likelihood of parasite mutations that confer resistance.
The Iowa State researchers discovered the structure of a regulator that controls the expression of a multidrug efflux pump in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding is crucial for understanding how tuberculosis bacteria develop drug resistance, providing a starting point for developing new strategies to combat the disease.
A collaborative research project analyzed raw sewage samples from 19 European cities, providing unique insights into illicit drug use patterns. The study found distinct temporal and spatial patterns in drug use across Europe, with cocaine use higher in Western and Central Europe and ecstasy loads highest in Dutch cities.
A new compound, JD5037, targets cannabinoid receptors and increases sensitivity to leptin, reducing obesity and improving metabolic health. The findings have implications for the development of new treatments for obesity in humans.
A new class of drug developed at Northwestern University has shown early promise in reducing inflammation in the brain, which is a common denominator in these neurological diseases. The drug targets proinflammatory cytokines and prevents their overproduction, preventing damage to synapses and neurons.
A new collaboration between DNDi and Cipla aims to develop a 4-in-1 ARV combination product for young children with HIV/AIDS, addressing the gap in current treatments. The goal is to provide safe, potent, child-friendly treatment combinations to accelerate care provision for infants and toddlers living with HIV/AIDS.
A study found that rituximab, an immune drug, helped patients with serious kidney disorder idiopathic membranous nephropathy experience remission, even when standard therapies failed. The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with all patients achieving complete or partial remission over time.
Medical Developments International (MDI) has signed a technology deal with CSIRO to develop a new production process for the pain-relieving drug Penthrox, known as the green whistle. The partnership aims to reduce production costs and enable large-scale production for global sales in the UK and Europe.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have successfully treated a severe form of autism spectrum disorder called creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) using a creatine analogue called CincY. The treatment reversed mental retardation-like symptoms in mice and improved cognitive abilities, including recognition and spatial learning.
The US government is developing medical countermeasures against nuclear threats, including acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Several companies are working on adapting existing drugs and creating new compounds to treat ARS symptoms and remove radioactive particles from the body.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified the enzyme YfcM as a key player in bacterial pathogenicity modification. The discovery of YfcM, which displays hydroxylase activity and lacks sequence similarity to known proteins, has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.
Scientists have created a simple procedure to remove nearly all acrolein impurities from pharmaceuticals, potentially increasing patient safety. The new method uses engineered particles and shows promise in removing 98% of impurities without affecting the active ingredient.
Research by Trinity College Dublin scientists establishes a clear link between nanoparticles and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Exposure to nanoparticles can trigger the transformation of amino acids, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
A recent study found that pre-existing mutations in HIV patients can cause the virus to develop resistance to drugs used to slow its progression. The study, published in PLOS Computational Biology, suggests that understanding how resistance evolves may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
A UBC-developed oral drug delivery system of Amphotericin B shows promise in 'flushing' HIV from reservoirs and boosting effectiveness of existing therapies. The $1.1-million funding supports its clinical development as a treatment for HIV patients, offering new hope for the quest to find a cure.
Researchers at the Wyss Institute have developed a method for building complex nanostructures out of short synthetic strands of DNA. This technology, called single-stranded tiles, can assemble themselves into precisely designed shapes and may enable the creation of new nanoscale devices for targeted drug delivery.
Developing a new, two-step process could stabilize prices for the raw material essential for making malaria treatment drugs. The improved manufacturing method generates less waste and requires less artemisinin, potentially easing supply problems.
Researchers develop a more accurate method for predicting interaction energy of large molecules, such as biomolecules used to develop new drugs. The 'dispersionless density functional plus dispersion method' (dlDF+D) generates more accurate predictions than existing approaches.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that persistent pain and hyperalgesia are generated by the same nerves but through different mechanisms. The discovery could lead to more effective painkillers with fewer side effects.
A UNC study successfully delivers therapeutic doses of a cancer drug using nanoparticle carriers, overcoming pharmacologic challenges that led to its abandonment. The study demonstrates improved efficacy and reduced toxicity for the abandoned drug.
Scientists are developing new medicines based on epigenetics, a quiet revolution in biology and chemistry that influences how genes work in health and disease. Four drugs approved for blood cancer have limitations due to lack of selectivity.
Researchers have identified metastasin as a crucial protein that helps stop tumor cells from spreading. By understanding how metastasin binds to motor proteins, scientists can develop drugs to block this interaction and prevent tumor cell proliferation.
A Johns Hopkins bioethicist is part of a committee releasing an IOM report on translating 'omics' research into clinical tests. The report aims to improve the development, evaluation, and translation of omics-based tests.
Scientists have discovered that immune cells circulating in the blood enter the lungs' large airways, triggering inflammation and oxidative stress. This breakthrough helps clarify how smoking causes severe respiratory damage and may lead to new treatments.
A research team at the University of Melbourne has developed a novel technique to track diseased proteins in brain diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. The technique uses a flow cytometer to rapidly identify and track protein clusters in cells, enabling drugs to be targeted at different stages of disease development.
A new drug has been developed by a Canadian scientist that protects the brain against damaging effects of a stroke, preventing brain cell death and preserving brain function. The study used cynomolgus macaques as an ideal model for humans and showed remarkable recoveries in several scenarios.
Researchers are taking a new approach to developing medications that boost levels of good cholesterol, removing it from the body. Three new versions of CETP blockers show promise as viable new heart drugs, but final judgment may be years away.
Researchers have designed a new chemical compound that binds 1,000 times more effectively to the target protein in the brain than current drugs, reducing cell death by 40% in animal models. The compound also improves motor function and passes through the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers developed new drugs targeting calcium channel in neurons to completely suppress absence seizures in rats and test them in humans. The results show a significant reduction in seizure duration as well.
A mobile device called iHeal combines sensors to detect physiological changes and software applications to intervene in real-time. The device aims to prevent drug use by identifying trigger points for risky health behaviors.
Researchers discovered that CTLP acts as a key pass granting Treponema access to oral bacteria communities. Inhibiting CTLP could reduce bleeding gums and slow down periodontal disease progression. Regular tooth brushing is crucial in keeping harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
Frequent anti-infective shortages can alter clinical care, leading to worse outcomes for patients, particularly hospitalized individuals. Multidisciplinary stewardship programs and enhanced regulatory oversight are proposed solutions to mitigate the impact of these shortages.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of endomannosidase, an enzyme used by devastating human viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C to replicate. This breakthrough opens the door to developing inhibitors that block both pathways used by these viruses.
Researchers at Tufts University developed silk-based microneedle systems that can precisely control drug release rates and maintain bioactivity. The technology has the potential to address limitations in existing painless drug delivery mechanisms and prevent local infections.
A phase 2 study shows that aflibercept reduces the development of malignant ascites, a common complication of advanced ovarian cancer, and improves symptoms. However, it also increases the risk of fatal bowel perforations.
A study found that consumers expect communal principles in churches and pharmaceutical companies, but become outraged when they prioritize commercial interests. Organizations can communicate with consumers by framing their motives as part of their community's shared values.
Aaron Ciechanover, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his pioneering work on the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cellular waste disposal and its role in various diseases.
A new study has identified the most effective ways to assess progression in Huntington's disease, which could speed up the development of disease-modifying drugs. The findings suggest that measures derived from brain imaging techniques are the most effective at detecting disease progression over time.