Although it does not generally infect humans, a single mutation of the H5N1 virus in the highly pathogenic avian and bovine clade 2.3.4.4b could overcome this barrier and possibly trigger a pandemic. Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have warned of this possibility after studying the three-dimensional structure of the viral hemagglutinin and seeing how a change in one amino acid would make it more suitable for the human cell receptor. The researchers stress the need to monitor new mutations of this virus in order to act quickly in case the global jump to our species occurs.
TRAF2- and NCK-interacting kinase (TNIK) has been reported as a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer and, more recently, for lung squamous cell carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, or ovarian cancer, among others, especially in combination with inhibiting cancer-related kinases.
Alveogene Ltd. has announced its novel inhaled gene therapy for lethal neonatal surfactant protein B (SP-B) deficiency, AVG-002, has been awarded orphan drug designation by the FDA.
Septerna Inc. has divulged compounds acting as mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of asthma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, obesity, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, among others.
An international consortium of thousands of scientists is creating the Human Cell Atlas, a three-dimensional map of all the cells in the body. The goal is to understand all the cells that make up human tissues, organs and systems, which will enable multiple medical applications. This collection of cell maps is openly available for navigation at single-cell resolution, identified through omics analyses that reveal the tridimensional distribution of each cell.
F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. have patented oxazolo[4,5-B]pyrazine and oxazolo[4,5-B]pyridine derivatives acting as NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors and reported to be useful for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disorders.
Bioversys AG has joined the EU-funded RespiriNTM program that is exploring multiple approaches to determine new targets for antimycobacterial compounds, define and optimize novel inhibitors and advance these through the process of hit-to-lead up until first-in-human trials.
The University of Virginia and Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc. have patented protein spinster homolog 2 (SPNS2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of asthma, multiple sclerosis, chronic kidney disease and metastatic cancer.
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