Abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein is thought to contribute to the pathology of Parkinson’s disease, the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder. Therefore, developing drugs that prevent such aggregation could be effective for slowing or even preventing the disease.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly the high-risk HPV16 subtype, is a major driver of certain cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal and penile cancers. The E6 and E7 proteins produced by HPV16 are known to play critical roles in the development of these malignancies, making them attractive targets for therapeutic interventions.

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are often co-expressed in the tumor microenvironment. The combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-VEGF agents has been evaluated in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, with promising results from agents like ivonescimab, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody.

While current influenza vaccines primarily target the variable hemagglutinin protein, the slower-evolving neuraminidase presents a promising target for the development of new vaccines providing broader protection.

Nutshell Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. has received IND clearance from the FDA to initiate a phase I trial in the U.S. with NTS-071 for anticipated use in solid tumors with a p53 Y220C mutation. The trial is expected to begin in the second half of this year.

Mammoth Biosciences Inc. has nominated its first clinical development candidate – MB-111 – a potential one-time treatment for patients with very high triglycerides, including familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) and severe hypertriglyceridemia. IND-enabling studies are on track to begin this year.