Drug Discovery
Articles tagged with Drug Discovery
Rhein attenuates severe acute pancreatitis-associated intestinal injury through pparγ regulating macrophage activation
Generative artificial intelligence can significantly reduce the number of animal experiments
Researchers developed genESOM, a generative AI that can expand dataset volume and simulate larger animal numbers while maintaining reliability. This allows for 30-50% reduction in animal experiments without compromising results.
Researchers identify potential new route for antimalarial drug design
A team of researchers has uncovered a promising new target for antimalarial drug design, identifying an enzyme called aminopeptidase P from the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The new inhibitors have been shown to bind more strongly and selectively than existing compounds, demonstrating potential as a new class of drugs to combat malaria.
Beyond accuracy: Why molecular AI needs comprehensive alignment
OpenBind’s first data and model release marks a milestone for AI enabled drug discovery
The UK-led OpenBind initiative has released its first publicly available dataset and predictive AI model, accelerating the discovery of new medicines using artificial intelligence. The release showcases high-quality, standardized experimental data and a trained predictive model, enabling researchers worldwide to drive the next generati...
A gene that keeps stem cells from losing their way
Researchers have identified a gene, eIF4G2, crucial for keeping adult intestinal stem cells stable and functional. The study reveals that the gene plays a vital role in regulating protein production and maintaining stem cell identity.
AI-assisted approach identifies IRS4 as a promising drug target in multiple solid tumors
A new study published in Science Advances identifies IRS4 as a promising drug target for multiple solid tumors, offering hope for safer cancer treatments. By using AI and natural mutations, researchers prioritized targets with high therapeutic indexes to minimize toxicity.
AI discovery reveals DNA isn’t locked away in cells after all
Researchers used a new AI-powered computational method to discover that most nucleosomes contain sections of DNA that are partially accessible to the cell. The study found that more than 85% of nucleosomes showed some degree of distortion, with 14 distinct structural states associated with different levels of gene activity.
Scientists discover surprising new way to control light
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered that light can be programmed using its natural geometry, allowing for the creation of structured light with unique properties. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields such as medicine, data transmission, and quantum technologies.
Kinase Target Watch: Article series highlights therapeutic opportunities within the understudied kinome
The kinase field offers significant therapeutic opportunities, with many understudied kinases waiting to be explored. Recent advances in chemical probe development and resource availability have led to a shift towards more systematic exploration of previously neglected targets.
UCLA research improves molecular probe for drug discovery
A UCLA-led international collaboration has unveiled a new technology that enables scientists to directly compare how different molecules compete for the same binding site on a protein, all in a single experiment. The results show promising interactions between two cancer drugs and reveal previously unknown interactions.
Drugging the undruggable: Scientists achieve million-fold leap in targeting elusive cancer proteins
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new method to target intrinsically disordered proteins, which are difficult to treat with medication. The approach has shown promise in slowing prostate cancer growth and could lead to new treatments for various diseases.
Dr. Dennis Slamon elected to Association of American Physicians
Dr. Dennis Slamon, a renowned breast cancer researcher, has been elected to the Association of American Physicians (AAP) for his pioneering work in HER2 gene discovery and targeted therapies. His research led to significant improvements in survival rates and established the principle of targeted cancer treatment.
Kent computational approach takes the guesswork out of drug development for Chagas disease
A computational protocol has been established by University of Kent researchers to accurately identify reactions that can result in successful drug candidates for Chagas disease. This approach reduces the need for trial-and-error, prioritizing promising compounds earlier and making the drug discovery process faster and more affordable.
UCT researchers uncover molecular “switch” that fuels cancer progression
Researchers at the University of Cape Town have identified a critical molecular switch that drives the formation of cancer-associated antigens. By understanding how enzymes relocate within a cell, they have uncovered key mechanisms for tumorigenesis.
Scientists map how HIV hijacks human cells—and how cells can fight back
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes identified hundreds of human genes influencing HIV infection and two potent antiviral proteins, PI16 and PPID. These proteins block HIV's entry into T cells or limit its ability to replicate within the cell.
Bath researchers join £6.7M program to tackle global health challenges
Researchers Dr Íris Luz Batalha and Dr Maria Shchepinova from the University of Bath have been awarded funding to test new ideas in tackling global health challenges. They will develop precision-targeted therapies for antimicrobial resistance and investigate why treatments for Type 2 diabetes don't work for everyone.
Anti-amyloid Alzheimer’s drugs show no clinically meaningful effect
A new Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials found that anti-amyloid Alzheimer's drugs have no significant impact on cognitive decline or dementia severity, but may increase the risk of brain swelling and bleeding. The evidence suggests that these drugs are unlikely to provide clear benefit to patients.
Newly funded projects to develop more effective drugs with fewer side effects for hard-to-treat cancers
New AI technology to speed drug development
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center completes inaugural VCU Massey–Sanford Burnham Prebys drug discovery collaborative program funding cycle
The VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has completed the inaugural funding cycle of its collaborative drug discovery program with the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute. Two projects have received $50,000 each to advance innovative cancer drug discovery efforts.
Gladstone’s Ryan Corces receives MIND Prize to uncover unknown drivers of Alzheimer’s
Gladstone Institutes investigator Ryan Corces receives $750,000 to investigate unknown genetic variants contributing to Alzheimer's disease. He aims to identify new drivers and therapeutic targets using artificial intelligence and CRISPR tools.
How an Alzheimer’s risk gene disrupts brain circuits long before memory loss
Scientists have found that the APOE4 gene variant causes hyperactivity in two regions of the hippocampus, an important memory center of the brain, even before middle age. In mice with the APOE4 gene, reducing Nell2 levels reverses neuronal changes and improves cognitive function.
Researchers identify mechanism for body weight-reducing hormone
A hormone called FGF21 reverses obesity in mice by signaling to the hindbrain, a region targeted by GLP-1 drugs. This finding provides insight into the naturally occurring hormone's benefits for weight loss and MASH treatment.
Mirror fragments intercept Alzheimer’s-causing protein
Researchers from Kobe University have designed a small mirror protein that disables amyloid-beta, a causal factor of Alzheimer's disease. The approach uses the principle of 'chirality' to bind to the protein, inhibiting its aggregation and potential for brain cell damage.
SickKids team identifies precision approach to selectively eliminate old, damaged fat cells
A team from SickKids discovered a therapeutic target in fat tissue that improves cellular function and reduces inflammation. Low-dose homoharringtonine treatment selectively eliminates senescent cells, improving metabolic problems and preserving lean mass.
USC announces a joint biomedical engineering department, bridging medical and engineering schools to accelerate health care innovation
The new joint department combines expertise in medical devices, neuroengineering, imaging science, and more to advance biomedical research and translate discoveries into meaningful health advances. The partnership aims to accelerate the translation of discoveries into improvements in human health.
Model of brain wiring could shorten path to new medicines
A new model of brain wiring could shorten the path to developing medicines for multiple sclerosis and other degenerative brain diseases. The model, made of a water-filled gel, replicates the physical properties of human axons and has been successfully grown from human cells in the laboratory.
Stem Cell Reports named official conference journal for “Latest Advances in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling and Drug Screening”
The International Society for Stem Cell Research has named Stem Cell Reports as the official conference journal for the Latest Advances in Stem Cell-Based Disease Modelling and Drug Screening meeting. The journal will focus on high-impact research spanning basic discovery to clinical translation in stem cell science.
AI-powered drug discovery meets field-ready diagnostics in SLAS Technology vol. 37
The latest SLAS Technology volume showcases how AI, automation, and portable technologies are transforming drug discovery and diagnostics. This advancement enables the development of innovative therapeutic solutions and improved patient care.
New volume from SLAS Discovery: Protocols in 3D biology
The latest volume of SLAS Discovery highlights advances in 3D cell culture and novel technologies for drug discovery. Small molecule cytokine antagonists and a versatile ELISA for PPI inhibitor screening are among the key findings.
SLAS Technology Vol. 36 charts the next era of intelligent laboratory automation
This issue highlights advancements in drug discovery, synthetic biology, and laboratory digitalization. SLAS Technology emphasizes scientific and technical advances that enable improved biomedical research and development.
MSU study demonstrates faster discovery of therapeutic drugs through AI
A team of researchers at MSU used machine learning to predict how chemicals will influence gene expression, leading to the discovery of promising compounds for the treatment of liver cancer and a chronic lung disease. The study results from years of interdisciplinary work across multiple disciplines and institutes.
New alliance clinical trial aims to improve outcomes in brain tumors
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
Jeonbuk National University researchers develop DDINet for accurate and scalable drug-drug interaction prediction
Jeonbuk National University researchers have developed DDINet, a lightweight and scalable model that can accurately predict drug-drug interactions for new, unseen drugs. This approach avoids overfitting to training data and is designed to handle binary and multi-classification tasks.
AI tool streamlines drug synthesis
Researchers developed a machine-learning system that predicts how molecules form, cutting lab work time from months to days and reducing costs. The system uses asymmetric cross-coupling reactions to build complex compounds and can be applied across fields, deepening our understanding of chemistry.
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights new and open colorectal cancer trials in March
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
New approach to drug development
Researchers from MedUni Vienna have developed a new approach to drug discovery by targeting intracellular signalling proteins, such as β-arrestins, to control disease-relevant signalling pathways. This approach holds promise for personalized therapies, particularly for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Contraception without hormones: Goethe University researches alternatives to “the pill”
Researchers at Goethe University are developing non-hormonal contraceptives to address declining pill use and side effects. The PREVENT project aims to create safe and effective alternatives, focusing on small molecules that block proteins in sperm or egg cells.
Chemically ‘stapled’ peptides used to target difficult-to-treat cancers
Researchers have developed a bacterial system to create millions of potential drug molecules that can target difficult-to-treat cancers. The approach combines chemical peptide stabilisation with the TBS assay to screen for effective peptides, which can then be tested in more complex tissue models and animal studies.
Understanding GLP-1 signaling: A path to better therapies
A new study finds that a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist, Exendin-4-Phe (Ex-Phe-1), preserves glycemic control while reducing malaise and vomiting behaviors in preclinical models. The compound uses biased agonism to selectively activate certain signaling pathways, achieving desired effects without triggering others.
Starving cancer: Nutrient deprivation effects on synovial sarcoma
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that targeting the glutamine transporter ASCT2 can suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis in synovial sarcoma cells. This study suggests a new approach for treating this aggressive malignant tumor by cutting off its nutrient supply.
A novel technology to explore peptides as drug targets with high precision without using cells
Researchers developed a novel method to immobilize proteins onto magnetic microbeads, allowing precise measurement of binding strength and efficient selection of target peptides. The technique achieved a 10,000-fold concentration in a single sorting step, significantly enhancing the efficiency of drug discovery research.
Novel camel antimicrobial peptides show promise against drug-resistant bacteria
Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University have identified three novel antimicrobial peptides from dromedary camels that effectively target multidrug-resistant bacteria. The peptides, CdPG-3 and CdCATH, demonstrate strong antibacterial activity across Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Making AI-based scientific predictions more trustworthy
Researchers developed a free-to-use software tool, PSBench, to verify the accuracy of artificial intelligence-based protein structure predictions. The database includes 1.4 million annotated protein models, verified by experts, and provides reliable information for building more accurate AI systems.
New AI model could cut the costs of developing protein drugs
MIT researchers used a large language model to optimize the genetic sequences of proteins manufactured by yeast, reducing production costs. The new model predicted which codons would work best for manufacturing six different proteins, including human growth hormone and a monoclonal antibody, with successful results.
Trapping a single protein in a molecular cage: A new path to drug discovery for ALS
How the human exposome will unlock better health and medicine:
The Global Exposome Forum is a global initiative that aims to understand the complex interplay between biological, chemical, and environmental exposures and human health. The project has partnered with national governments, scientific institutions, and large membership-led organizations to advance exposomics science.
MIT research shows new tissue models could help researchers develop drugs for liver disease
The MIT research team has designed a new type of tissue model that accurately replicates the physiology of the liver, including blood vessels and immune cells. The model was used to study metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and showed promising results in identifying potential treatments.
Purdue team announces new therapeutic target for breast cancer
A Purdue University team led by Kyle Cottrell has discovered a new therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer, a deadly form of breast cancer lacking targeted therapies. The researchers identified dsRNA-binding proteins, specifically PACT, which suppress another protein called RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR).
Insights to innovation: Insilico Medicine AI-driven practice published on Springer Nature in latest AI for Drug Discovery Volume
The article highlights Insilico Medicine's exclusive contributions to two chapters in the latest AI for Drug Discovery Volume, showcasing its expertise in real-life application of AI in early drug target-related tasks. The company's roadmap to 2030 using Quantum Machine Learning (QML) algorithms is also presented, with successful case ...
Korea University researchers revive an abandoned depression drug target using structurally novel NK1 receptor inhibitors
Researchers from Korea University report a breakthrough in reviving an abandoned depression drug target by redesigning the molecular structure of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. New compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects have been identified, reducing depressive-like behavior and brain inflammation in mice.
Researchers uncover how tumors become resistant to promising p53-targeted therapy
A Mass General Brigham study identifies new mutations that emerge in tumor cells following treatment, driving resistance in patients with different types of cancer. The researchers found two main categories of mutations: those impairing p53 function and others disrupting drug binding, highlighting a path forward for overcoming resistance.
SwRI upgrades nuclear magnetic resonance laboratory for pharmaceutical R&D
Southwest Research Institute has upgraded its nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) laboratory to provide robust chemical analysis of organic compounds used in drug discovery and development. The new facility enables rapid and cost-effective analysis using qNMR, which can be more efficient than HPLC for certain applications.
Cleveland researchers discover enzyme that controls both weight gain and cholesterol levels in animal models
Researchers at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University have discovered a novel enzyme, SCoR2, that removes nitric oxide from proteins controlling fat build-up. Inhibition of this enzyme prevents weight gain and liver injury in mouse models, also lowering bad cholesterol.
Accelerating next-generation drug discovery with click-based construction of PROTACs
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed an efficient strategy to synthesize PROTACs using a three-step click chemistry method. This approach rapidly assembles functional molecules, enabling the easy introduction of ligand components and probe functionalities.
NU-9 halts Alzheimer’s disease in animal model before symptoms begin
In a new study, Northwestern scientists identified a previously unknown toxic sub-species of amyloid beta oligomers that drive brain changes in Alzheimer's disease. NU-9 decreased this toxin and reduced damage in a mouse model, suggesting it could prevent or delay the cascade of toxic events that destroy neurons.
Blood test may help identify which colon cancer patients benefit from NSAIDs
A blood test may help doctors identify which patients with colon cancer can benefit from anti-inflammatory medication and chemotherapy after surgery. The test measures circulating tumor DNA levels, and high-risk patients who test positive see improved survival rates when taking celecoxib with chemotherapy.
SickKids-led study reveals promising gut-targeted therapy for C. difficile infections
A SickKids-led study reveals how bile acids can bind to block C. diff's most dangerous toxin, leading to the development of a new compound that neutralizes the toxin directly in the gut. This approach preserves gut health and targets the toxin with precision, offering hope for safer treatments.