Er Stress Research Institute Inc. has disclosed benzothiazoimidazolyl compounds acting as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and metabolic diseases as well as renal, cardiovascular and renal disorders.
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis, is characterized by diminished bone density and compromised osteoblast function. As current treatment options often have significant side effects, researchers are actively seeking new drug candidates to improve patient outcomes.
The liver and pancreas are the main actors in glucose metabolism, but not the only ones. Muscles, adipose tissue and the brain play different roles. However, the prize for the best new actor in glucagon production goes to the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which, according to a study published in Science, respond to intestine neuron signals traveling to the pancreas to control glucose.
In an indication that has proved difficult for biopharma to conquer, Regulus Therapeutics Inc. disclosed further positive data from its ongoing phase Ib study testing RGLS-8429 in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and laid out its plans to move straight into a phase III trial later this year, with the potential for an accelerated U.S. approval.
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are crucial to maintain oxygen homeostasis by regulating cellular metabolic adaptation under hypoxia conditions. Depletion of factor inhibiting HIF (FIH), an enzyme that negatively regulates the activity of the HIF-1α isoform, has been associated with reductions in hepatic steatosis and body mass in mice.
Researchers from Fundación Jiménez Díaz and affiliated organizations have published data from a study that aimed to identify new genes involved in the progression of atherosclerosis, a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and leukocytes within the arterial wall.
Bioage Labs Inc. has nominated BGE-102 as a development candidate. The orally available, small-molecule NLRP3 inhibitor has high potency and high brain penetration.
Helicore Biopharma Inc. has emerged from stealth with $65 million in series A financing and a focus on first-in-class glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) antagonists for obesity and related conditions. The company’s portfolio includes GIP antibody conjugates designed to address specific obesity subpopulations.
Genzyme Corp. (Sanofi Genzyme) has disclosed sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter B(0)AT1 (SLC6A19) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of phenylketonuria, among others.