In another deal between the two companies that could be worth more than $1 billion, Abbvie Inc. is buying Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s lead candidate bretisilocin (GM-2505) for up to $1.2 billion, including an undisclosed up-front payment and development milestones. Privately held Gilgamesh has the psychedelic compound for treating moderate to severe major depressive disorder in a phase II study.
Individuals who develop antibodies against the GluN1 subunit of NMDA receptors can develop NMDA receptor encephalitis (NMDARE), which can lead to psychosis, cognitive deficits and movement disorders. Current treatments are not effective in all patients, and many patients relapse after treatment.
An investigation of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain in the UK Biobank has led to the discovery of a new pain gene and potential analgesic drug target in the peripheral nervous system. The gene, SLC45A4 (solute carrier 45A4), codes for a transporter that is involved in trafficking polyamines known to be involved in pain, across the cell membrane.
Insmed Inc. has synthesized cathepsin C (dipeptidyl peptidase I) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, asthma, cancer, chronic rhinosinusitis, heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and thrombosis, among others.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most frequent inherited muscle disease and no cure is available. The condition is currently treated with corticosteroids, which can cause substantial side effects.
Inhibiting emopamil binding protein (EBP), an enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, promotes the formation of oligodendrocytes, a potential approach for the management of multiple sclerosis (MS); Genentech Inc. has presented data regarding their oral and brain-penetrant EBP inhibitor GNE-3406.
Neurovalens Ltd raised £6 million (US$8 million) in an investment round for its non-invasive neurostimulation devices, which treat insomnia and manage anxiety. The company will use the funds to expand its presence in the U.S. and accelerate sales of its U.S. FDA-cleared devices, Modius Sleep and Modius Calm. The round was led by the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland (IFNI) with support from new and existing investors.
An investigation of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of neuropathic pain in the UK Biobank has led to the discovery of a new pain gene and potential analgesic drug target in the peripheral nervous system. The gene, SLC45A4 (solute carrier 45A4), codes for a transporter that is involved in trafficking polyamines known to be involved in pain, across the cell membrane.
A new method for accelerating the maturation of neuronal cell models and brain organoids is poised to make it possible to track the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases that develop over decades. The non-invasive technique uses graphene to convert light into electrical cues that prompt neurons to connect and communicate in vitro.
UCB SA has divulged compounds acting as NAD(+) hydrolase SARM1 (SAMD2; MyD88-5) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of inflammation, injury, neurodegeneration, and eye, autoimmune and neurological disorders, among others.