Mainly expressed in the liver, microRNA‑122‑5p (miR‑122) exhibits increased circulating levels in the context of obesity. When elevated in the bloodstream, miR-122 can act on extrahepatic tissues, including vascular endothelial cells, where it contributes to endothelial dysfunction and may promote the development of diabetic vascular complications.
Years after approving three glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists to treat obesity, the U.S. FDA is acknowledging that the drugs don’t have the same risk seen with older weight-loss medicines. Citing its post-market evaluation that found no increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior, the U.S. FDA is requesting that the risk be removed from the warnings and precautions section of labeling for the GLP-1 obesity drugs – Eli Lilly and Co.’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Novo Nordisk A/S’ Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).
Animate Biosciences Inc. has released promising preclinical results from a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis demonstrating that two of its AI-designed therapeutic peptides significantly reduced lung fibrosis and inflammation.
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. has nominated AMX-0318, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonist, as a development candidate for post-bariatric hypoglycemia and other rare diseases.
Kallyope Inc. has outlined plans to initiate phase I studies this year with K-554, a non-incretin peptide candidate offering a new mechanism of action in obesity.
When glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists entered the market for obesity and overweight indications in recent years, the uptake and enthusiasm drove investor excitement for companies advancing any of the new mechanisms in the space.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease characterized by the destruction of myelin sheaths, neuroaxonal damage, glial cell activation and formation of demyelinated plaques in the CNS. Since MS is considered a prototypic antigen-specific autoimmune disease, restoring immune tolerance to self-antigens is being explored as a therapeutic strategy.
In a threshold event in the U.S., Medicare is planning to break through its obesity coverage barrier with a voluntary test of a model designed to enable Medicare Part D plans and state Medicaid programs to cover GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight management.
Needle-phobic obesity patients got their first workaround with the U.S. FDA clearance of Novo Nordisk A/S’ once-daily GLP-1 Wegovy (semaglutide) pill, the first of its kind.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a significant challenge in neonatal care, particularly affecting preterm infants with low birth weight who often require oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation to survive.
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