Articles tagged with Drug Discovery
In a unique project, scientists collaborated with Fijian villagers to explore, protect, and generate income from their coral reef. The project involves planting synthetic rock that becomes naturally covered by desirable species, providing villagers with financial benefits.
Mayo Clinic researchers report a new mechanism behind thiopurine metabolism, a protein deficit caused by misfolded proteins that disrupts enzyme function. The discovery offers promising new directions for predicting genetic changes and altering drug effects.
The study reveals key connections between metabolic disease pathways and aging, identifying genes and mechanisms that can be targeted for drug discovery. Targeting these pathways may uncover novel therapeutic targets and drugs to treat metabolic diseases and potentially impact the progression of aging.
Researchers believe gut microbes influence how medicines affect the body, leading to individualized treatments and drug discovery. Changes in gut microbiome composition may impact medication effectiveness between individuals.
The Harbor Branch expedition aims to explore the Straits of Florida in search of organisms that produce chemicals with potential to cure diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. The team will conduct submersible dives on the Cay Sal Bank and Miami Terrace to gather samples and discover new species.
Virginia Tech researchers have made a breakthrough in using supercritical fluid chromatography to separate polar and ionic compounds, paving the way for green-chemistry techniques in drug development. The discovery uses carbon dioxide-based fluids with added polar solvents containing ionic components.
A new discovery may lead to more precise cancer treatment by creating damaged DNA that is deadly to cancer cells. Researchers created synthetic double-stranded DNA with specific chemical characteristics and exposed it to long wavelength light, selectively triggering the damage process.
The production of sub-standard and fake drugs is a vast and under-reported problem that causes unnecessary deaths and illnesses. The authors argue that a multifaceted approach is needed to control the global epidemic of counterfeit and substandard drugs, including mandatory reporting by drug companies and governments.
Researchers found that a genetic component of the body's internal clock affects immune cells' sensitivity to cyclophosphamide, an anti-cancer drug. The study's findings may lead to more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.
A study led by Elena Bagley and Macdonald Christie found that a transporter molecule for the neurotransmitter GABA is responsible for opioid withdrawal symptoms. Inhibiting this molecule or protein kinase A eliminates hyperexcitability in PAG neurons.
Scientists have discovered that gamma-secretase, a key enzyme involved in Alzheimer's disease, has diverse tissue-specific activity. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing targeted treatments by focusing on the inactivation of specific sub-units, which may reduce side effects.
A decentralized, Web-based, community-wide effort called the Tropical Diseases Initiative (TDI) proposes an open-source approach to discovering new drugs for neglected diseases. By adopting this model, scientists from laboratories, universities, and corporations can work together to develop affordable treatments for tropical diseases s...
Yale researcher Nita Maihle has been awarded a visiting professorship at Pfizer, where she will collaborate on cancer research for 12 weeks. The program aims to improve the drug discovery process and facilitate associations among Yale investigators and Pfizer staff.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method called cytological profiling that uses automated microscopic imaging to track the broad effects of drugs on cells. This technique allows for high-throughput analysis, enabling scientists to quickly identify promising drugs and streamline early phases of drug discovery.
Researchers discovered a new class of compounds, aminopyridazines, that target neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease. The compounds inhibit glial activation and reduce oxidative stress, leading to decreased neuron loss and improved cognitive function.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have created a novel drug-antidote strategy that provides greater control of drug action. The breakthrough enables the development of matched drug-antidote pairs at the beginning of the drug development process, allowing for more precise treatment.
The Oregon Health & Science University has launched a new Bioanalytical Shared Resource (BSR) lab, supported by the $500 million Oregon Opportunity initiative. The BSR provides advanced analytical services for drugs and molecules, enabling researchers to quickly move from laboratory to patient testing.
Brown University scientists discover a malaria drug that precisely blocks specific connexins in the brain and eye, which may help shed light on the cause of epilepsy and seizures. The breakthrough could also lead to new treatments for other neurological conditions.
Studies suggest that over-the-counter 'Plan B' emergency contraception may lead to increased risk-taking behaviors and reduced comprehensive healthcare access for US women. The drug has an 11-25% failure rate, resulting in additional pregnancies and abortions.
Researchers have developed a genetic code that enables the evolution of synthetic molecules, revolutionizing drug discovery. By creating a library of nonbiological origin compounds, scientists can identify novel drugs and disrupt cellular processes.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a software program that quickly identifies molecules with sound medicinal properties. The software uses shortcuts in chemistry and math to rapidly analyze vast molecular databases, predicting which compounds have the right chemical features for specific therapies.
Researchers use computer methods and electron microscopy to understand how molecular machines interact and work together in cells. By building assembly plans for individual machines, they can connect them to form a network, providing insights into cellular structures and functions.
Researchers have identified orlistat as an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme in cancer cell metabolism. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for prostate, breast, and colon cancers by inhibiting the enzyme's activity with orlistat.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a complex of two proteins in the intestine that plays a crucial role in cholesterol transport. Treating mice with ezetimibe disrupts this complex, leading to impaired cholesterol absorption, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities.
The new assay uses fluorochrome binding to detect malaria parasites in cell culture, providing a safer and more cost-effective alternative to current methods. This breakthrough has the potential to drastically reduce the price tag for drug discovery and promote research into tropical parasitic diseases.
The Emory-GSK-NIMH Collaborative Mood Disorders Initiative will develop innovative models for basic and clinical research in mood disorders. Scientists at NIMH will create clinical models to assess novel antidepressants, while Emory faculty will develop preclinical models of fear, anxiety, and depression.
Researchers at UCL's Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research have developed a new drug to treat enlarged prostate with virtually no hormonal side effects. The treatment can both relax the prostate and prevent its growth, offering a major advance in treating a condition affecting millions of men worldwide.
NIAMS researchers collaborated with Pfizer to develop and test a new immunosuppressant drug, CP-690,550, which targets the immune system without causing toxic side effects. The study showed promising results in mice and monkeys, suggesting potential for treating autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new anti-rejection drug, CP-690,550, has shown promise in controlling the immune system without severe side effects. The Stanford team discovered the drug by targeting a specific pathway in immune cells, which may lead to its use in treating autoimmune diseases.
Conotoxins have extraordinary promise for developing powerful new drugs, including treatments for pain, cancer, epilepsy, and depression. However, habitat loss and uncontrolled exploitation threaten the extinction of cone snail species, which are a valuable source of these medicines.
Researchers at OHSU discovered that HIV-encoded protein Vif neutralizes human protein APOBEC3G, which would inactivate HIV if present. This finding could lead to the development of targeted anti-HIV drugs and provide insights into the body's innate protection system.
Eight IU Chemistry faculty members, including Andrew Leavitt and Lisa Lewis, have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to undergraduate research. They will deliver 25-minute talks at the symposium, which also features a keynote address by Pfizer GRD Vice President Bruce Roth.
A renowned chemist has synthesized epothilone, a compound derived from bacteria, promising to replace taxol in treating cancer. His successful 25-step synthesis has garnered interest from pharmaceutical companies, paving the way for potential clinical trials and widespread use.
A new theory suggests that human metabolism operates like a pinball machine, influencing drug toxicity and disease development. The researchers used metabonomics to study global human metabolism and its interactions with drugs, environment, and gut microflora.
Scientists identify several novel pairings with significant therapeutic promise, including a combination that kills drug-resistant yeast while harming human cells. The approach uses high-throughput screens to rapidly identify synergistic combinations that produce desired therapeutic effects.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that patients experience more improvement in quality of life when taking more expensive pharmaceuticals, regardless of the ailment. The study suggests that government interference with market prices may reduce long-term drug development and potentially lead to fewer quality drugs.
A team of researchers from Michigan and Connecticut has received an award for their work on a new antibiotic, linezolid. The drug is the first of its kind to be approved in 35 years and shows promise in treating serious Gram-positive infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.
Rensselaer researchers develop a new biocatalysis lab-on-a-slide technique to screen for NADPH oxidase inhibitors, potentially leading to effective therapies for cardiovascular disease. The method allows for faster and more cost-effective discovery of new drugs.
Roth's discovery led to the development of Lipitor, which has logged more than 36-million patient years of experience and involved over 400 clinical trials. His innovative approach to statin structure resulted in a simpler molecule with equal efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have successfully synthesized amphidinolide T1, a highly potent compound with potential as an antitumor agent. The breakthrough, achieved through retrosynthetic analysis and sophisticated technologies, could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
A new compound has been discovered that can inhibit the formation of biofilms in bacteria, which are often lethal to patients with compromised immune systems. The compound works by disrupting quorum sensing, a process that allows bacterial cells to communicate and mount an effective attack.
Researchers have found a novel group of bacteria in tropical ocean sediments that produce molecules with potential in treating infectious diseases and cancer. The discovery has opened up a new source for drug discovery, with thousands of strains available.
Researchers found that Nocaine is a weak reinforcer, providing some of cocaine's effects but at a lower level. This makes it less likely to be abused and have abuse-related toxicity.
The world's first cloned double 'knockout' pigs represent a major boost to xenotransplantation research, offering hope for resolving the organ shortage. Researchers predict human clinical trials for pig islet transplantation in patients with diabetes and kidney transplants could be imminent.
Two new drugs, Dapivirine and R165335, have shown great promise in Phase I and II clinical trials against drug-resistant HIV strains. These compounds are derived from the dianilinopyrimidine family and have been tested as a viable candidate for treating AIDS in developing countries.
Zhang has discovered ways to use small catalysts to assemble chiral molecules, accelerating drug discovery and lowering prices. This method is crucial for AIDS drugs, particularly protease inhibitors, which generated $147 billion last year.
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that initially recommended drug dosages are often too high, which can lead to unnecessary overdosing. This discrepancy has significant implications for patient safety and healthcare costs. Further research is needed to address the issue of dose-selection in drug development.
A six-week study of 246 black men found that Viagra significantly improved erections and sexual intercourse ability compared to placebo. ED was a common problem among black men, affecting 24% of those aged 40 and above. Treatment with Viagra was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects observed.
Researchers isolated bacteria from Mammoth Cave that produce a substance inhibiting angiogenesis, a process crucial for cancer cell growth. The discovery offers new potential tools in the fight against cancer.
The GlaxoSmithKline Drug Discovery and Development Award provides funding for innovative HIV/AIDS research, including therapies aimed at treating infection and preventing transmission. The award is intended to further the development of inventive treatments for HIV/AIDS.
The CF Foundation is leveraging proteomics research to accelerate the discovery of new therapies for cystic fibrosis. By analyzing protein interactions and identifying novel targets, scientists aim to develop effective treatments that can correct faulty cells and prevent disease progression.
New drug targets have been identified by Buck Institute researcher Vivian Hook, Ph.D., that could help treat Alzheimer's Disease. The targets participate in producing the toxic beta-amyloid peptide, which accumulates to form plaques in the brain.
Recent studies suggest that modulating glial inflammation may be an effective approach to delaying onset or slowing progression of neurodegeneration. New compounds described in a study selectively block production of IL-1B, iNOS and NO by activated glia without diminishing the production of other glial proteins.
A team at Cellzome developed a novel approach to systematically use protein interaction maps in drug discovery, enabling researchers to better assess protein roles and predict drug effects. The yeast proteomic map provides a framework for integrating data from literature and experiments.
Dr. Brian L Bray's innovative approach enables mass production of T-20, a 36-amino acid peptide blocking HIV entry. The process opens up new possibilities for peptides as therapeutics and may treat millions of Americans with HIV.
A new bar coding system developed by Purdue University chemists can quickly identify the most biologically active compounds among thousands of candidates. The method uses standard spectrometers and reduces the laborious process to a few hours, cutting down time needed to identify active compounds to zero.
Researchers at Rosetta Inpharmatics used high-quality gene expression data and computational methods to identify novel gene functions. The company's approach enables the deciphering of previously uncharacterized genes, with applications in new drug discovery and development.
Researchers isolated two substances in grapefruit, furanocoumarins, that increase drug absorption by inhibiting an enzyme called CYP3A4. This discovery could lead to improved oral medications and increased reliability of drugs.
Yale University has granted an exclusive license to ArQule Inc. for the development of patent-pending discoveries that could help fight various diseases, including AIDS and emphysema. The Yale chemists' method allows rapid synthesis of alpha-ketoamide-based compounds, which have shown potential in blocking key enzymes called proteases.