Arcus Biosciences Inc. has announced five new research programs for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and is targeting initiation of the first clinical studies next year.

A team of U.S. and South Korean researchers have developed an AI model called MSI-SEER that can not only predict microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors based on tissue slides, but also flag “what it does not know.” “Have you ever asked ChatGPT anything, and the response was, ‘I don’t know?’” Cheong Jae-ho asked during an interview with BioWorld. “Probably not, and that is the problem with AI now.”

Activation of cannabinoid receptors in the peripheral nervous system may help treat inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders as well as pain, and several full agonists have been reported but they present safety concerns. Partial agonists, such as those that activate receptors to 20%-50% of full activity, may be safer, yet so far such agonists have emerged serendipitously.

C4X Discovery Holdings Ltd. has selected a preclinical candidate from its oral α4β7 integrin inhibitor program for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The potent and selective α4β7 inhibitor supports once-daily dosing. Moreover, the company’s approach can be combined with other targeted therapies for patients with complex or refractory disease where existing approaches have failed to deliver sufficient control.

Lactiga US Inc. has received an award from the NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to advance the development of its secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).