Neuroinflammation has arisen as a key factor in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Chronic immune activation in the brain leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators that contribute to neuronal damage, thus impacting cognitive function during the progression of the disease. Transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses were performed to understand the epigenetic mechanisms behind the expression of inflammatory genes in AD brain.
Researchers from Arthex Biotech SL, the University of Valencia (Spain) and collaborators sought to address the lack of optimized microRNA (miRNA)-targeting antisense oligonucleotides (anti-miRs) for upregulating MBNL1 in myotonic dystrophy.
Tessera Therapeutics Inc. has received a grant from the Gates Foundation to support early-stage research exploring multiple genetic approaches aimed at developing a scalable cure for HIV. This research will evaluate several potential strategies leveraging Tessera’s Gene Writing platform to engineer immune cells in vivo.
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare, often aggressive, neuroendocrine thyroid tumor with limited targeted treatment options, arising from calcitonin-producing C cells and sometimes associated with RET mutations. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic reported the potential of targeting DLL3 as a therapeutic strategy in MTC.
A new Danish research project focused on Parkinson’s disease has received funding from Innovation Fund Denmark. The DESYNA (Degradation of Extracellular α-SYNuclein Aggregates) project aims to develop a new therapy targeting α-synuclein, the accumulation of which is a key driver of Parkinson’s disease.
The aberrant activation of NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a known crucial driver of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other related dementias. The inhibition of NLRP3 has shown benefits in preclinical models. Researchers from the University of Texas recently presented data regarding an NLRP3 inhibitor, AMS-17, for the treatment of AD and related dementias.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra. This neurodegeneration is linked to the abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein, a protein that forms toxic aggregates and spreads between cells, damaging them. At the 20th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD), held from March 17 to 21, 2026, in Copenhagen, several strategies were presented that aim to modify the course of the disease and offer real alternatives to purely symptomatic treatments.
In what the U.S. FDA has dubbed a milestone move toward fewer animal studies in drug development, the agency published a draft guidance to help sponsors validate new approach methodologies that can bring safe, effective drugs to market sooner based on human-centric data rather than starting off with nonclinical animal pharmacology and toxicology data.
Omass Therapeutics Ltd. has described new melanocortin MC2 receptor antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing syndrome, depression, ectopic ACTH syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and septic shock.