An enzyme that activates cell death could be targeted to avoid the inflammation and lung lesions caused by influenza A virus (IAV). A collaborative study demonstrated that an inhibitor of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) blocked necroptosis in infected alveolar epithelial cells and prevented the consequences in the lungs of severe disease.

SARS-CoV-2 could proliferate in the lungs causing severe COVID-19 through a special type of immune cell. A group of scientists from Stanford University observed how this coronavirus infected interstitial macrophages through a CD209 receptor, triggering the inflammatory response observed in hospitalized patients.

Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA presented data for novel lung-targeted muscarinic M3 receptor antagonists/β2-adrenoceptor agonists (MABAs) as candidates for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Deep learning algorithms have enabled the discovery of molecular structures of interest in biomedicine to design treatments against aggressive diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Scientists at Insilico Medicine Inc. selected a target for IPF using artificial intelligence (AI), then designed an inhibitor to block it, and tested it in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials.

Researchers from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University have discovered novel β2-adrenoceptor (β2-AR) agonists for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc.’s IND application for HLX-6018, a novel anti-glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) monoclonal antibody (mAb), has received approval by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).