Essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) such as leucine, isoleucine or valine, cannot be synthesized by mammals, making them an obligate part of the diet.

Researchers from Astrazeneca plc presented the structure and preclinical characterization of a novel PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD-0780, being developed for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. A new potentially druggable functional binding pocket was identified on the PCSK9 C-terminal domain (CTD), and multiple fragment screens generated a single CTD-binding hit.

Hope for definitive resolution of the controversy about the superiority of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of mitral valves over medical therapy in individuals with symptomatic heart failure and functional mitral regurgitation were dashed at the European Society of Cardiology meeting this weekend.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore and affiliated organizations presented data from a study that investigated the potential of targeting chondroitin sulfate (CS) synthesis as a therapeutic strategy for ameliorating hyperplastic arterial remodeling.

With a successful phase III study of plozasiran in hand, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc. plans to file an NDA with the U.S. FDA for treating the rare genetic disease familial chylomicronemia syndrome. While the data are strong, the company is playing catch-up to Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., which has a December 2024 PDUFA for its candidate, olezarsen, in the same indication.

George Medicines Ltd. has published positive data from two phase III studies showing GMRx2, a low-dose triple-drug combination treatment for hypertension, is superior to dual combinations of its components.

Yoltech Therapeutics Co. Ltd. licensed its PCSK9-targeting gene editing therapeutic, YOLT-101, to Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. for mainland China rights in a deal worth ¥1.035 billion (US$145 million).

Boston Scientific Corp. obtained a CE mark for its latest self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement technology, the Acurate Prime, opening up a new access point for increased sales and profitability in its structural heart division this year.