Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Millions of children in developing countries die due to treatable diseases caused by unpleasant tastes of medications. The Monell Center is working on a project to identify compounds that block bitter or other bad tastes, aiming to improve compliance with life-saving oral medications.
A study found that adverse drug events in the US resulted in an estimated 4 ED visits per 1,000 individuals annually in 2013-2014. Anticoagulants and diabetes agents were implicated in 47% of these events, with older adults experiencing higher hospitalization rates.
Adoption of targeted therapies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) could raise treatment costs in the US by almost 600 percent, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital-led research team. The average annual cancer treatment cost has increased from below $10,000 to over $100,000.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found associations between non-medical use of prescription drugs and unhealthy weight management practices among high school students. Female students were more likely to engage in these behaviors, which can have adverse health outcomes.
Researchers have developed a biocompatible heterogeneous copper catalyst that can assemble building blocks in a living system, enabling the creation of anti-tumor drugs. The catalyst was tested in biological systems and found to be effective in stopping cell growth and initiating programmed cell death.
The study found that the GSK3 enzyme regulates the persistent sodium current, which affects a nerve cell's excitability and firing activity. This discovery may lead to chronotherapeutics, where treatments are tailored to the time of day to maximize health benefits and minimize side effects.
Kent's Dr Mark Shepherd and PhD student Charlie Hobbs provide new insights into the HemQ enzyme of haem synthesis, a key process in MRSA's rapid growth. The discovery could lead to alternative strategies to combat resistant bacteria by targeting this pathway with new drugs.
A new study from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute reveals that a key group of transcription factors are 'druggable,' including those involved in cancer, metabolism, and immunity. The research identifies seven bHLH-PAS proteins with pockets where drugs could fit and remain tightly bound.
Researchers developed a potent and well-tolerated BACE1 inhibitor, verubecestat, which safely reduced toxic β-amyloid levels in AD patients. The drug has shown promise in clearing amyloid plaques and is currently advancing to phase 3 trials.
Researchers pinpoint unique brain region for placebo response in pain relief, enabling targeted pain therapy and more accurate clinical trials. This finding could lead to personalized medicine for the 100 million Americans with chronic pain.
A new treatment plan combining multiple targeted drugs for CML has the potential to increase life expectancy and reduce relapse risk. Mathematical modeling predicts optimal combination schedules based on tumor mutations, offering a personalized approach to cancer treatment.
Excessive calcium influx in brain cells can cause excitotoxicity, damaging and killing neurons. Caloric restriction increases mitochondrial calcium retention, protecting against this condition. SIRT3 protein modification inhibits cyclophilin D, allowing mitochondria to retain more calcium.
Researchers trigger asymmetric autocatalytic reactions using nitrogen-15 isotope, producing chiral organic intermediates. This breakthrough uses the smallest possible chiral induction via the difference between nitrogen-14 and -15 isotopes.
A new software package called Knodle has been developed to predict the hybridization, bond orders, and functional groups' annotation in molecules. This technology enables researchers to identify potential drugs more efficiently, reducing the search area from hundreds of thousands to just a hundred
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a protein that plays a role in the aging process, offering new hope for tackling age-related decline and neurodegenerative conditions. The protein, carbonic anhydrase, was found to be more active in middle-aged brains and reduced the life span of nematode worms.
Research highlights ethosomes as a promising nanocarrier system for efficient transdermal drug delivery. The article presents various preclinical and clinical studies showcasing the enhanced absorption and bioavailability of antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory drugs, and CNS acting compounds upon loading into ethosomes.
Scientists at Northwestern University discovered a new brain pathway that can be manipulated to alleviate depression. The BMP signaling pathway plays a key role in depression and can be targeted by a new molecule called Noggin, which stimulates neurogenesis and blocks the pathway.
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.
A new screening strategy could quickly identify drugs with antiviral potential by repurposing existing medications for other conditions. The research revealed 110 human genes that could serve as antiviral targets for specific existing drugs.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have found that CML stem cells die in response to inhibition of the protein Ezh2, suggesting a potential cure for some patients. Adding Ezh2-targeting agents to standard treatment could dramatically shorten the treatment period and achieve a cure.
Researchers and editors of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin express concerns about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of nalmefene, a drug approved to curb excess drinking. The authors argue that the limited data on its effectiveness raises questions about its continued use in the NHS.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have rediscovered the utility of disordered regions in proteins as drug targets for various diseases. The study reveals that certain disordered proteins can be highly structured in their natural context, making them potential therapeutic targets.
Scientists at MIT and the University of São Paulo have identified the structure of an enzyme that targets parasites responsible for spreading these diseases. The distinctive structure of the class I fumarate hydratase enzyme makes it a promising target for new medical therapies.
Scientists have found genetic structures similar to other viruses in the Flaviviridae family in the Zika virus genome, which may serve as potential antiviral drug targets. The study identified seven G-quadruplexes shared with viral cousins and a unique structure consistent within the Zika virus strains.
Researchers have successfully treated an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease with mefenamic acid, a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug. The study found complete reversal of memory loss and brain inflammation in mice, paving the way for human trials.
A new approach using metabolic imaging could help determine a patient's response to targeted therapies much earlier and with greater precision than traditional tumor shrinkage. This method recognizes a drug's ability to stop cancer cells' energy overuse, allowing for more accurate assessments of treatment success.
Researchers have identified a potential trigger of immune-mediated neuropathies, a chronic form of nerve disorder, as antibodies against the protein Caspr. The discovery could lead to targeted treatment for sufferers and improved diagnosis through simple blood tests.
A comparative study found nonmedical prescription drug use in Europe, particularly among men and those with unemployed status. The study also discovered poly-drug use involving sedatives or opioids, especially among women with psychological distress.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have found a new cancer drug target that controls only a few percent of the body's proteins, potentially allowing for a more specific anti-cancer effect. The target is a protein called eIF3d that binds to specialized mRNAs and triggers translation of growth-promoting proteins.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that breast cancer drug trastuzumab affects the development of blood vessels in the heart, leading to potential cardiovascular side effects. The study highlights a new role for ErbB2 protein in blood vessel formation and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these side effects.
Researchers reviewed polypharmacological drugs for their role in treating epilepsy, highlighting their potential as broad-spectrum anticonvulsants. These medications have been shown to reduce seizure episodes and improve quality of life by targeting multiple pathways involved in the disorder.
Researchers identified a new drug target, BRD9, in acute myeloid leukemia and developed a candidate drug, BI-7273. The team discovered that replacing the native bromodomain with a functionally synonymous one allowed them to prove how the drug works, providing valuable information for drug development.
Scientists at Hokkaido University and Duke University discovered the structure of MraY enzyme and its interaction with natural inhibitor MD2. This finding could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting bacteria.
A study found that only 53% of industry-funded clinical trials were listed on a data sharing website, despite the companies' commitment to share data. The proportion of shared data varied significantly between sponsors, with GlaxoSmithKline reporting 66% and Boehringer Ingelheim reporting 24%.
A new study found that community pharmacy staff deviate from standard procedures to provide tailored patient care, citing high workload and conflicting pressures. The research highlights the tension between standardizing practice and delivering effective patient care.
Researchers identified unique genetic signatures in four human breast cancer cell types, which can be used to tailor therapies using combinations of targeted drugs. The study found that targeting multiple driving oncogenes with lower doses reduces side effects and increases effectiveness.
Researchers found that blocking acetylcholine in genetically modified mice caused Alzheimer's-like pathology, highlighting the importance of this neurotransmitter for brain health. The study suggests that targeting one of the affected messenger RNA pathways may lead to a reversal of dementia progression.
Scientists have developed a magnetically controlled drug that can dissolve blood clots up to 4000 times more efficiently than ordinary enzyme-based drugs. The new material protects enzymes from inhibitors and maintains therapeutic properties over extended periods.
A study found that physicians who received pharmaceutical industry-sponsored meals were more likely to prescribe certain brand-name drugs, with the rate increasing with the number and cost of meals. The study highlights concerns about the potential influence of industry payments on prescribing patterns.
A team of Duke researchers has solved the structure of an enzyme required to synthesize trehalose, a chemical cousin to table sugar that pathogenic fungi need to survive in human hosts. The research paves the way for designing new antifungal drugs against three deadly fungi: Cryptococcus, Candida, and Aspergillus.
Researchers at University College London have successfully targeted an autoimmune condition in mice using cancer drugs being tripped in human patients. The study found that by blocking a specific genetic key, the immune system's aggressive response could be prevented, reducing inflammation and damage.
Researchers are cautiously optimistic that technological progress will help gain a better understanding of KRas. The protein's complex structure and limited binding sites have been major challenges in developing effective treatments.
Researchers aim to identify genes involved in PZQ resistance, enabling development of simple molecular tests to monitor resistance and provide early warning of drug resistance emergence. The study will focus on precise genes and mutations in laboratory genetic crosses and then expand to field researchers in Uganda and Kenya.
A novel combination therapy has been found to clear the infection and prevent recurrence of babesiosis up to 122 days after treatment. The study used a mouse model to test the efficacy of atovaquone and ELQ-334, two drugs that work together to attack the parasite's target enzyme.
Researchers have created a new mouse model to evaluate CD40-antibody drugs with improved accuracy, advancing those more likely to be effective in patients. The study found that engagement of the human Fc receptor FcRIIB is essential for therapeutic activity, while FcRIIA compromises it.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered a new potential treatment for muscular dystrophy by identifying an enzyme that impairs muscle repair. Elevated levels of elastase, which breaks down connective tissue, were found to impair muscle stem cell function and survival.
A new study discovered a genetic variant that reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in people taking antidiabetic medications, contradicting previous assumptions about these drugs' safety. The variant was linked to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and may provide valuable insights for predicting drug side effects earlier in th...
A genetic approach has been demonstrated to identify potential side effects of new diabetes drugs at early stages of development. Researchers used genetic data from over 12,000 individuals and found a variant in the GLP1R gene associated with lower fasting glucose and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Scientists at Duke University have discovered a potential new class of small-molecule drugs that block two key pain targets, including TRPV4 and TRPA1. These compounds show promise in treating various types of pain, such as osteoarthritis, headaches, and abdominal pain.
Scientists discovered new natural products in the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which share similar biosynthesis pathways with plant isoquinoline alkaloids. The findings open up new roads for combinatorial biotechnology to develop novel active compounds and urgently needed new drugs.
A new approach to health care could involve tailoring treatments to individual genetic makeup, lifestyle and environment. This precision medicine method aims to replace the use of race in treatment decisions and reduce disparities in health outcomes.
A team of researchers used neutron crystallography to better understand a protein implicated in HIV replication, revealing a pH-induced proton 'hopping' mechanism that guides the enzyme's activity. This understanding is vital for drug resistance and guiding rational drug design.
Researchers at Monash University discovered a potential novel way to treat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting the E. coli cell membrane's anchoring filaments. The 'anchors' are crucial for the bacteria to latch onto the urinary tract surface, and blocking them could lead to effective treatment.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have devised a method to selectively deliver drugs to a pregnant woman's placenta without harming the foetus. This breakthrough could help prevent some premature births and treat conditions such as pre-eclampsia by improving placental function and benefiting the growing baby.
The study reveals that the calcium pump uses energy from ATP to transport calcium ions into the cell, a process crucial for muscle function and heart health. This insight could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme to alleviate ionic imbalances associated with disease.
A new study provides proof of principle for safe and targeted delivery of drugs to the placenta during pregnancy. The discovery could prevent premature births and treat complications like preeclampsia by bolstering the placenta's function.
Researchers have identified a metabolic pathway in the fruitfly model of fragile X syndrome that can be targeted by new and already approved drugs to treat cognitive deficits. Select expression of a human gene in specific cells restored normal day/night activity patterns and rescued memory problems.
Researchers have discovered that PPP3CA and calcineurin are potential therapeutic targets for treating multiple myeloma. The study found that inhibition of calcineurin with FK506 promoted MM cell death, suggesting a promising new approach for treating this disease.
Researchers discovered slow-binding inhibitors (SBIs) with high selectivity, long target-residence times, and minimal side effects for treating Alzheimer's disease, myasthenia, and neuroprotection. SBIs also have toxicological importance, playing a role in mechanisms of resistance against irreversible agents.
A preliminary study found that clemastine fumarate partially reversed optic nerve damage in people with MS. The drug improved transmission signal times by an average of 2 milliseconds per patient, suggesting possible myelin repair.