The combination of impaired epithelial barrier function, mucosal inflammation and elevated oxidative stress is determinant for the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is an important transcription factor for modulating antioxidant defenses, inhibiting inflammatory pathways and regenerating the epithelial barrier. Montai Therapeutics Inc. has developed a potent and selective NRF2 agonist compound, MTAI-1025, for the management of UC using its proprietary CONECTA platform.

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2), predominantly expressed in bone marrow-derived cells or lymphoid tissues, is an essential regulator of immune homeostasis. TIPE2 acts as a key negative modulator of inflammatory signaling through the suppression of toll-like receptor (TLR) activity, with TIPE2-deficient mice exhibiting spontaneous systemic inflammation and premature death.

Researchers from Singlomics Zhuhai Danxu Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. presented DXP-006, a humanized antibody targeting IL1RAP, a shared co-receptor required for IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36 cytokines.

Copper overload within the body may lead to cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation or fibrosis, among others. Copper chelation is an effective strategy to counteract this potential overload; mitochondria play an important role, as they are the main copper-using organelles in the cells. Copper chelators have been developed, but they have shown some undesired off-target effects and low specificity, which suggests the need for new therapies in the field.

Cue Biopharma Inc. has reached a preclinical milestone in its collaboration and license agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, following the latter’s selection of a first compound for lead optimization. The milestone triggers a $7.5 million payment to Cue.