Researchers from University of Padova have presented data from a study that aimed to investigate the role of microRNAs (miRs) in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related colorectal cancer (CRC).
Neurenati Therapeutics has closed its seed funding round, securing CA$1.2 million (US$884,000) to advance development of therapies for various rare diseases, including pediatric conditions.
Positive phase III data from Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. with once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-2 analogue apraglutide failed to impress Wall Street, and shares of the Boston-based firm (NASDAQ:IRWD) closed Feb. 29 at $9.43, down $5.69, or 37.6%. The experiment called Stars tested apraglutide to reduce parenteral support in adults with short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure. Rare and severe, the condition affects about 18,000 adults in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Based on the latest data, Ironwood plans to submit an NDA to the U.S. FDA and other regulatory filings.
Heptares Therapeutics Ltd. has divulged pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide derivatives and morpholine-3-carboxamide derivatives acting as prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4 subtype (PTGER4; EP4) agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and The Lieber Institute for Brain Development have identified peripherally restricted GABA(A) receptor subunits α3β2γ2S (GABRA3) positive allosteric modulators reported to be useful for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, lactose intolerance and abdominal pain.
Researchers from Nanjing Medical University presented data from a study that aimed to investigate the role of amphiregulin (AREG) in activating intestinal fibroblasts and driving fibrogenesis.
Max Biopharma Inc. and Metaba LLC are collaborating to study the effects of oxysterol drug candidates that target metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and atherosclerosis on metabolic processes.
The U.S. FDA granted Virtual Incision Corp. de novo marketing authorization for its miniaturized in vivo robotic assistant for use in colectomy procedures in adults. The two-pound device offers portability and quick setup, eliminating the need for specialized operating rooms or arrangements to accommodate robotics.
The standard therapy for moderate to severe cases of ulcerative colitis (UC) is treatment with infliximab, but it is estimated that about 40% of patients with UC do not respond to it. An international team of investigators set out to study the causes behind this, which are not clearly understood.