Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation and progressive joint destruction. Current treatments include conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics. However, long-term treatment is frequently associated with drug resistance and significant adverse effects.
Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Hansoh Biomedical Co. Ltd. have synthesized new mast/stem cell growth factor receptor kit (KIT; c-KIT; CD117) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of urticaria.
Orbital Therapeutics Inc. has presented preclinical results supporting the development of OTX-201, a potential best-in-class in vivo CAR T therapy that comprises an optimized circular RNA encoding a CD19-targeted CAR delivered via targeted lipid nanoparticles.
We all look different to HIV, a virus that destroys the immune system. The defensive cells record every interaction with foreign agents, infections from viruses and bacteria, but also with mechanisms occurring within the body, such as microbiome metabolism, the effects of aging, or the development of diseases. At a preconference session at the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025), scientists explained the interactions of different microorganisms with HIV.
Graves disease (GD)-associated hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of autoantibodies that stimulate the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), leading to excessive production of thyroid hormones.
There is still no effective vaccine or cure for HIV. Scientists are considering options ranging from longer-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) that space out injections by several years to long-lasting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that acts as a vaccine while immunization is achieved. What else can be done? The “Innovations in HIV virology: Translating discoveries into novel therapies” symposium in basic science at the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025), which took place from July 13 to 17, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, showcased some of the new ideas that the scientific community are developing.
The U.S. FDA has cleared Genetic Leap’s IND application for GL-IL2-138, a small-molecule RNA drug that modulates natural IL-2, allowing for downregulating or upregulating of the immune system to fight diseases.
Illimis Therapeutics Inc. raised ₩58 billion (US$42 million) in a series B financing round. The funds will support development of ILM-01, its lead bispecific fusion protein candidate, into preclinical development for Alzheimer’s disease by the second half of 2025, along with the company’s neuroimmunology portfolio.
While people living with HIV can lead virtually normal lives thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV persists in a latent state within cellular reservoirs that scientists do not know how to eliminate. “Transcription is a critical step in the viral life cycle. … But there are currently no drugs suppressing HIV transcription, and that may be one of the reasons why current antiretroviral therapy is not curative,” Melanie Ott told the audience at the 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science this week in Kigali, Rwanda.
Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a transcription factor activated downstream of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 7, 8 and 9, and is predominantly expressed in dendritic cells, B cells, monocytes and macrophages. Once considered an undruggable target, IRF5 is now recognized as a key regulator of innate immunity, driving the production of type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies.