The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an intracellular multiprotein complex that may be activated by exogenous or endogenous signals and is involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in maintaining bile acid homeostasis by regulating major metabolizing enzymes and transporters.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reinstated patent claims covering Allergan USA Inc.'s bowel treatment drug Viberzi (eluxadoline), reversing a lower court that had invalidated the claims for not meeting obviousness-type double patenting or written description requirements. However, the appellate court said the district court “can, and should, address any other grounds of invalidity raised … at trial that are adequately supported by the record.”

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a common leading cause of liver injury and is associated with several clinical conditions, including liver transplantation, liver resection surgeries and cancer, among others.

Researchers in Japan were able to transfer genes from jellyfish into common fruit flies and discovered that the transferred gene suppressed an age-related intestinal issue in the flies. The findings suggest that studying genes specific to animals with high regenerative capability like jellyfish may uncover new mechanisms for rejuvenating stem cell function and extending the healthy lifespan of unrelated organisms.

Liver fibrosis still lacks effective therapy; hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cell type activated during liver injury. To date, almost half of the drugs used for liver treatment are natural product derivatives.

Tr1x Inc. has announced that the FDA has cleared its IND application for its engineered Tr1 Treg cell therapy TRX-103 for treatment-refractory Crohn’s disease.

Novo Nordisk A/S presented a mixed bag of R&D results for its cardiometabolic assets in the first half of 2024 as it axed three drug candidates but advanced one to a late-stage study. In the search for greener pastures beyond a crowding obesity market, Novo announced Aug. 7 that it advanced ziltivekimab into a phase III study to assess the subcutaneous therapy’s cardiovascular outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients.

Researchers in Japan were able to transfer genes from jellyfish into common fruit flies and discovered that the transferred gene suppressed an age-related intestinal issue in the flies. The findings suggest that studying genes specific to animals with high regenerative capability like jellyfish may uncover new mechanisms for rejuvenating stem cell function and extending the healthy lifespan of unrelated organisms.

Innorna Co. Ltd.’s IN-016 has received orphan drug status from the U.S. FDA for the treatment of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). Earlier in July, IN-016 had been granted Rare Pediatric Disease Designation. PFIC is a group of rare genetic disorders associated with defects in bile acid secretion or transport, resulting in unwanted bile accumulation within the liver.