Nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic-based inhibitors for cytochrome P450 (CYP) in various species contain a crucial coordination between the nitrogen atom and the heme iron. Previous studies suggested that 1,3-oxazole could bind heme-iron with a strength comparable to pyridine, highlighting its potential as a novel heme-iron binding moiety.

The difference between the origin of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its symptoms is an obstacle to finding effective treatments. Scientists focused on amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau aggregates to slow neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Without identifying what causes AD, approved treatments do not provide much benefit. However, new findings suggest that restoring lithium levels in the brain could prevent and treat AD. Not just any lithium would work, just the forms that do not bind to Aβ.

The U.S. FDA has approved Innovent Biologics, Inc.’s IND application to initiate a phase I clinical trial of its oral GLP-1R agonist IBI-3032.

Deep learning tools for protein design can also be used to create molecules that bind to them. Certain peptides, such as intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), are challenging to target due to their variable nature. However, scientists from the lab of Nobel laureate David Baker have developed a method to generate binders for IDPs by searching the world’s largest protein database with their AI-powered tool RFdiffusion.