Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have tested a broadly neutralizing antibody that binds the stem of a protein against H5N1 avian influenza, which prevented severe disease in nonhuman primates and was effective for at least 8 weeks. The scientists remark on the potential of the design developed by Astrazeneca plc against a possible outbreak of the influenza A virus.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by the replacement of normal lung tissue by scar tissue, resulting in worsening lung function and impaired gas exchange. Autotaxin (ATX), the enzyme that produces the lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), is upregulated in lung fibrotic tissue.

Masimo Corp. selected Catherine (Katie) Szyman, an industry leader with deep med-tech roots, to guide the company as it seeks to rebuild its reputation and revenues following a gritty two-year battle for control. Current CEO Michelle Brennan will serve as chairman of the Masimo board. Brennan stepped up to lead Masimo after founder and former CEO Joe Kiani resigned following a shareholder vote that ousted him from his position of board chair as part of a protracted proxy battle between Kiani and Politan Capital Management LP.

Researchers from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center presented data from a study that aimed to investigate the genetic mechanisms underlying yellow nail syndrome (YNS), a rare disorder characterized by three features, namely yellow dystrophic nails, lymphedema and chronic lung disease.

Researchers have developed a novel point of care (POC) diagnostic that can test for multiple respiratory viral infections simultaneously, including for the flu and COVID-19. The POC diagnostic tool leverages a novel, non-enzymatic signal amplification method, according to study lead Eunjung Kim, professor at Incheon National University (INU), whose team published the findings in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical online November 2024.

Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) is a cGMP-specific hydrolytic enzyme highly expressed in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells.

An experimental tuberculosis (TB) vaccine with a dual mission – self-destruction after inducing immunity – improved the design of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy, a vaccine also used against cancer. Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh engineered this strain with a double break, which is effective and safer after an intravenous administration, according to their results in nonhuman primates and mice.