Taxanes such as paclitaxel are among the standard chemotherapies for triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of this tumor type. However, numerous processes can contribute to paclitaxel resistance. As a next-generation drug that could help overcome such resistance, researchers at six universities in China, including Ningxia Medical University, examined the crystal structure of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) and developed, in silico, a pharmacophore that could bind tightly to it. PRMT1, which acts as an epigenetic regulator, is overexpressed in various cancers and its levels correlate inversely with survival.

Researchers from Chemdiv Inc. and Eilean Therapeutics LLC recently presented preclinical data on ZE77-0273, an AI-designed, reversible pan-EGFR inhibitor developed to address a key unmet need in the treatment of EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer.

The Schlafen (SLFN) family of interferon-inducible genes, involved in the regulation of immune and antiviral responses, has recently attracted attention for the development of novel anticancer therapies.

CDR-Life Inc. has presented data on the preclinical characterization of CDR-111, a CD19/BCMA dual T-cell engager for treating autoimmune diseases.

Genfit SA has established a research collaboration with Everzom SAS to expand its acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) research via exosome-based regenerative technology. The partners plan to conduct exploratory studies to assess efficacy of Everzom’s investigational drug candidate Eviv in ACLF.

In Alzheimer’s disease, microglia act as a double-edged sword. They can either protect the brain or worsen the damage, depending on their activation state. Inflammatory activation harms healthy neurons. However, a study reveals that a special type of microglia expressing specific receptors and behaving like T cells may help mitigate this neurodegenerative condition.