Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
UVA Health received two anonymous $25 million estate gifts to support the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. The institute will develop new treatments for hard-to-treat diseases with a state-of-the-art biomedical research facility expected to drive economic growth in Central Virginia.
The institute held a symposium with leading global scholars to discuss metabolic disease treatment research and drug target discovery. It aims to discover new drug targets through interdisciplinary convergence researches and build a global cooperation network.
Scientists have discovered a novel way to block an enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure, called ACE. Ciprofloxacin binds selectively to a different site, blocking angiotensin I but not inhibiting the enzyme's other functions.
Researchers review nanozymes derived from Chinese herbs, including their catalytic properties, biomedical applications, and potential challenges in developing herbzymes for practical use. The review highlights three main types of herbzymes: herb carbon dot enzymes, polyphenol-metal nanozymes, and herb extract nanozymes.
The Experimental Drug Development Centre's EBC-129, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting pancreatic cancer, has received FDA fast track designation. The treatment is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials and aims to provide new treatment options for patients with solid tumours.
Researchers found that an inexpensive HIV drug can improve vision in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) more effectively and at a lower cost than existing treatments. The drug, lamivudine, is taken orally and may represent a game-changing option for millions of patients worldwide.
Insilico Medicine is launching a pilot project in the UAE to discover a novel drug candidate for oncology therapeutics using its proprietary Pharma.AI platform. The project aims to accelerate traditional drug discovery timelines and leverage local talent to create world-class therapeutics.
A new study at the University of Turku identified conditions under which Bexmarilimab activates the immune system against cancer. The drug was shown to trigger B cell-mediated immune responses in healthy tissue adjacent to tumors. This could lead to more accurate patient selection and improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that denosumab increases tumour-infiltrating immune cells in early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly in type B luminal tumours. This increase is associated with a potential boost to the anti-tumor immune response and offers a valuable avenue for clinical interest.
Using a novel GPS NMR method, researchers tracked the motion of a key GPCR and found that it doesn't simply switch between two states. Instead, it exists in a dynamic conformational equilibrium between inactive, preactive, and active states.
A new generative AI model, DiffSMol, has been developed to generate realistic 3D structures of small molecules with promising drug properties. The study achieved a 61.4% success rate in creating novel molecules, outperforming prior research attempts.
A new approach, GlycoCaging, delivers medicine directly to the lower gut at significantly lower doses than current treatments, potentially helping people with inflammatory bowel disease. The technique has been shown to be effective in mice and has potential for treatment in humans, as most people have the ability to activate the drugs.
The American Heart Association has awarded $1M to research the link between cardiovascular risk reduction and GLP-1 use. The studies aim to identify predictors of cardiovascular risk reduction among individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease taking GLP-1 medications, enabling more precise and effective care.
A Phase Ia/Ib trial found that zongertinib demonstrated clinical benefits for patients with advanced HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those with specific HER2 mutations. The treatment showed a 71% objective response rate and manageable side effects.
A clinical trial found that LUT014, a topical BRAF inhibitor, significantly reduced the severity of acne-like skin rashes caused by targeted therapy for colorectal cancer. Patients who received LUT014 had improved quality of life and were able to continue receiving their cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
A phase I clinical trial found that zoldonrasib elicited objective responses and disease control in patients with KRAS G12D-mutated NSCLC. The study demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of the oral agent, which selectively targets the active conformation of KRAS.
The treatment demonstrated early signals of efficacy, with 65.7% of patients experiencing lasting stable disease, and was generally well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild and manageable.
Researchers identified three subtypes of senescent skin cells with distinct shapes, biomarkers, and functions. The study found that one subtype, C10, becomes more prevalent with age and is harder to kill with existing drugs.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified new targeted therapies for treating small cell lung cancer, predicting melanoma spread, and reducing endometrial cancer risk. A 31-gene expression profile has been developed to identify patients at high risk of melanoma spread, allowing for closer monitoring and earlier treatment.
Researchers have discovered genetic properties in prostate cancer that can be targeted to improve patient outcomes, particularly for Chinese men. The findings highlight the potential of precision medicine and more effective treatments.
Researchers at Tulane University identified a potential new way to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) using an FDA-approved cancer drug. The treatment works by blocking the CTLA4 protein, which blocks overactive T cells, allowing the immune system to clear out damaged cells that cause lung scarring.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a potential new treatment for chronic low back pain by targeting 'zombie cells' in the spine. Two drugs, o-Vanillin and RG-7112, were found to clear zombie cells, reduce pain and inflammation, and slow or reverse damage to spinal discs after eight weeks of treatment.
The American Heart Association funds research teams to investigate how risk factors for cardiovascular and kidney diseases impact women differently. The project aims to understand the biological significance of certain life cycles and societal factors on disease development.
Calmming the brain's immune cells via norepinephrine may prevent or lessen Alzheimer's inflammation and damage. The study highlights a key role of norepinephrine in mitigating early inflammatory changes and neuronal injury.
A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine reveals a critical protein partnership that protects chromosome ends, regulating telomerase activity and preventing cell death. The researchers discovered that the CST complex and DNA polymerase α/primase interact to maintain telomere stability, with disruption leading to telomere abnormalities.
Dr. Sabine Ehrt takes the helm of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine, aiming to build on the department's reputation in tuberculosis research and expand into other areas. She seeks to foster cross-disciplinary collaborations and boost junior faculty mentorship.
Researchers developed a bispecific killer engager that selectively depletes PD-1 positive lymphocytes, a promising avenue for treating autoimmune diseases. The bike technology enhances NK cell-mediated apoptosis and depletion of activated immune cells, supporting its potential as a safe and potent tool.
Researchers used CRISPR interference to examine every gene in the human genome and discovered a new set of genes contributing to Parkinson's disease risk. The study identified the Commander complex, which regulates lysosomal function and is implicated in PD risk, offering opportunities for new treatments.
Researchers found that GSK3β becomes increasingly active in melanoma cells during treatment, helping them survive and adapt despite BRAF inhibitors. Treating resistant cancer cells with a GSK3β inhibitor significantly reduced their growth, suggesting blocking this protein could restore sensitivity to treatment.
Natasha Diba Sheybani, a UVA researcher, has received a $5.5 million grant to develop safer and more precise breast cancer treatments using focused ultrasound technology. Her work aims to overcome key bottlenecks in current treatments and improve patient outcomes.
A new USC-led study using fMRI reveals the neural mechanisms that contribute to urinary incontinence in stroke survivors. The research found significant differences in brain activity during voluntary versus involuntary bladder contractions, presenting potential pathways for targeted therapies.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed a new drug framework that selectively targets the CYP3A4 enzyme, reducing off-target effects. The discovery provides a roadmap for future drug developers to better evaluate drug interactions and selectively target CYP proteins.
A recent study found that people who use cannabis while drinking alcohol may experience fewer negative effects, potentially fueling more drinking. The study examined 6,334 data entries and found that participants perceived fewer negative impacts when using cannabis simultaneously with alcohol.
The largest genome-wide association study on osteoarthritis identifies over 900 genetic associations, including 700 genes involved in the disease. These findings offer new insights into the genetic landscape of osteoarthritis and potential drug repurposing opportunities.
Researchers identified CSC characteristics, endogenous regulatory mechanisms, niche factors, and targeting strategies for digestive system tumors. Understanding CSCs is crucial for developing breakthrough treatments.
Researchers developed a dual-action nanotherapy that converts white fat into beige fat and reduces obesity-related inflammation, significantly improving metabolic health without detectable toxicity.
A team of scientists at the University of Florida has developed a new drug compound that selectively targets delta opioid receptors, providing pain relief without the dangerous side effects associated with opioids. The study's findings offer a promising approach to developing safer pain treatments, which could also be applied to treati...
Neuro-immunologist Stephen Hauser has won the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his role in identifying the immune system's primary driver of damage to nerve cells in multiple sclerosis. His B-cell theory has led to the development of therapies that have transformed treatment, reducing relapses and improving prognosis.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a personalized deep brain stimulation platform to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found that this approach reduced seizures while also improving memory and sleep in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered key neurological mechanisms in psilocybin's brain effects, targeting pyramidal tract neurons and serotonin receptors. This could enable pharmaceuticals to deliver mood-altering benefits while suppressing perceptual hallucinations.
A new study reveals that specific gut bacteria can break down certain drugs, altering their efficacy. The research found that 30 out of 127 tested drugs were heavily metabolized by human gut microbiota, potentially reducing their effectiveness. The study's findings could have significant implications for personalized medicine and drug ...
Researchers discovered a mechanism that harnesses immune cells to produce opioids, potentially alleviating chronic pain. Estrogen and progesterone drive this process, which could lead to more effective treatments for women experiencing pain after menopause.
Aging (Aging-US) journal announces a commemorative collection honoring Dr. Mikhail Blagosklonny, a pioneer in aging biology. The special issue will explore key themes central to his scientific contributions, including mechanistic insights and translational approaches.
Researchers developed a biosensor using an Amydetes vivianii firefly enzyme that detects pH changes in mammalian cells, which could be used to study diseases and assess drug toxicity. The technique is non-toxic and stable, providing a stronger glow than previous luciferases.
Researchers discovered senolytics can target Alzheimer's disease-associated brain enzymes AChE and BChE without affecting healthy ones. This selective approach may lead to safer treatments that improve memory and reduce inflammation in older adults.
A new study by researchers at McGill University found that annual COVID-19 vaccine booster doses help avoid breakthrough infections in people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The study tracked 366 patients across Canada and used saliva PCR tests and antibody measurements, offering a more precise picture of infection risks.
Researchers developed new AI models, InstaNovo and InstaNovo+, to vastly improve accuracy and discovery in protein science. These models excel in tasks such as de novo peptide sequencing, identifying microorganisms, and discovering novel peptides, with implications for personalized medicine, cancer immunology, and beyond.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are conducting a study to understand the factors that contribute to rapid progression of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease and Related Dementias. The team aims to identify biomarkers and disease-modifying targets that can improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for these patients.
Researchers have identified six promising biomarkers that can detect drug-induced kidney injury earlier than traditional markers, enabling more timely monitoring during drug development. These biomarkers could lead to the development of safer medications and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers propose GLDH as a more liver-specific biomarker for detecting liver injury, offering greater specificity than current ALT and AST tests. The test performed similarly to ALT for detecting liver injury but was not impacted by associated muscle injury.
The C-Path-led initiative brought together clinical trial sponsors, eCOA technology providers, and regulators to identify and address eCOA implementation issues. Key resources developed during the initiative include guidance on COA data collection and a more open, collaborative environment.
The Weill Cancer Hub East will unite world-class experts in cancer biology, immunology, nutrition and metabolism to drive pioneering research. The hub aims to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy, a promising approach for many types of cancers.
Researchers at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy have identified a potential therapeutic target to repair injured muscles. They discovered that fibroblast growth factor–inducible 14 (Fn14) plays a crucial role in regulating satellite cell stability and function, which are responsible for muscle growth, repair, and regenerat...
Many teenagers enter adulthood with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and emerging adulthood is a key time to address these risks. Interventions such as health practices, lifestyle changes, and improved access to healthcare can help reduce the risk of developing future cardiovascular disease.
People with heart failure who can travel outside their home without assistance are less likely to be hospitalized or die within a year. Life-space mobility, a measure of how far patients move in their communities, is a reliable marker of risk for adverse outcomes in chronic diseases.
The University of Texas at Arlington has contributed 23 patents to UT System's total of 234, increasing by 15% over 2023. This recognition showcases the university's role in translating research into daily innovations.
A new review highlights how breast cancer cells change their communication and growth patterns, helping tumors survive, spread, and resist treatment. The review explores disrupted signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, which can promote tumor progression and resistance to treatment.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for pulmonary fibrosis by targeting the Piezo2 receptor, which plays a critical role in stiffness-mediated profibrotic fibroblast phenotypes. Inhibiting Piezo2 expression or function may slow disease progression and offer new therapeutic options.
A growing body of evidence suggests a significant link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and heart disease. Researchers pooled data from nearly 250,000 patients in seven studies, finding HPV-positive individuals had a 40% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that treating aged mice with montelukast improved retinal health by reducing inflammation and boosting proteasome activity. This approach may offer a promising new way to slow age-related vision loss and protect eye health in older adults.