Diagonal Therapeutics Inc.’s DIAG-723 has been awarded orphan drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Additionally, the EMA has provided a positive opinion for orphan drug designation, confirming that DIAG-723 meets the criteria for designation as an orphan drug in the E.U.

Chinese researchers are preparing the details for the publication of another scientific milestone, the creation of a chimera with a human heart and a kidney developed from human stem cells in pig embryos. These studies aim to address the shortage of immunocompatible organ donors while shedding light on some of the most fundamental questions in developmental biology.

Doxorubucin is an effective therapeutic in cancer treatment, but it can cause cardiotoxicity and damage the mitochondrial machinery. A new patient-derived and mitochondria-rich human induced pluripotent stem cell derived-cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) model protected by dexrazoxane was developed.

Monte Rosa Therapeutics Inc. has gained IND clearance from the FDA for MRT-8102, a NEK7-directed molecular glue degrader being developed to treat inflammatory conditions linked to NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-6 dysregulation.

Nuevocor Pte. Ltd. has obtained IND clearance by the FDA for NVC-001, an AAV-based gene therapy.

Shanghai Circode Biomed Co. Ltd. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for HM-2002 for ischemic heart disease. It previously received IND clearance in China in January this year.

Rona Therapeutics Co. Ltd. has reported preclinical data for its RNA interference (RNAi) therapy RN-026 targeting lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]).

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide despite advances in managing classic risk factors and therapies lowering LDL-cholesterol. Inhibiting angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), a key regulator of triglyceride metabolism, is emerging as a potential strategy to treat atherogenic dyslipidemia and lower ASCVD risk.