The coalition aims to accelerate validation and qualification of human-relevant methodologies, such as complex in vitro models and microphysiological systems, for drug discovery and development. By aligning developers around shared qualification standards, the coalition reduces duplicative validation efforts and helps regulators evalua...
The ISSCR Consortium supports the FDA's draft guidance on using new approach methodologies (NAMs) in drug development, emphasizing the need for a flexible and science-driven framework. The consortium recommends clarifying biological complexity alignment with context of use and expanding recognition of computational modeling and hybrid ...
Researchers from Harrington Discovery Institute provide a new understanding of cancer processes and identify promising targets for treatments. They uncover a class of therapeutic targets that may complement existing therapies.
Researchers found that Rhein reduces pancreatic and intestinal damage, restores intestinal barrier integrity, and promotes repair macrophage responses. PPARγ is identified as the central mediator of Rhein's effects.
Researchers developed ApexGO, an AI-powered method to turn weak antibiotic candidates into more potent ones. The tool uses generative AI and Bayesian optimization to guide molecular tweaks, predicting which changes are likely to increase antimicrobial activity.
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.
A new framework aims to embed natural laws, scientific goals, and ethical standards into AI-driven molecular design processes. This requires addressing misalignment between AI objectives and real-world scientific and societal requirements.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 15, 2026
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.
Four Ontario-based research teams are receiving funding to develop next-generation cancer therapies with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The projects focus on breast and ovarian cancers, a hard-to-treat form of leukemia, and a 'master regulator' protein involved in many different cancers.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers isolated native SOD1 monomers using coordination cages, revealing the dimer interface and enabling targeted ligand binding. This approach provides a promising new strategy for finding drugs that inhibit disease-causing protein aggregation.
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.
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.
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).
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.