Several 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4R) agonists are approved for treating chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) by stimulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. Traditional 5-HT4R agonists act systemically, causing central nervous and cardiovascular side effects. In contrast, gut-restricted agonists like prucalopride target the GI tract, reducing these risks.
Bronchodilators are front-line weapons against asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. The search continues for next-generation dilators, which so far has largely produced compounds that are no better than existing ones and that often present safety problems.
Preclinical findings have shown matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) inhibition confers antifibrotic effects and thus, is a promising therapeutic strategy to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Changchun Genescience Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has presented data on the siRNA technology-based MMP-7 inhibitor GenSciP117 for treating IPF.
Shanghai Circode Biomed Co. Ltd. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for HM-2002 for ischemic heart disease. It previously received IND clearance in China in January this year.
Interferon (IFN)-α, on paper, should be quite effective against hepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent form of primary liver cancer. IFN-α can suppress tumor growth directly by acting on tumor cells, as well as indirectly by activating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. In addition, it can slow replication of hepatitis B virus, which is involved in 50% to 80% of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, IFN-α on its own has performed disappointingly in clinical trials.
A peptide with a dual mechanism of action – it dissolves the bacterial membrane and activates the immune system – could be an effective weapon against microorganisms that have evolved ways to evade antibiotics, as superbugs do. Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) have designed stable synthetic peptides that activate mast cell receptors, which are cells involved in the innate and adaptive immune response. This dual approach eliminates bacteria and recruits neutrophils to finish the job.
Researchers in the U.K. have overthrown the orthodox view that childhood cancers have a low mutation burden, opening up new drug targets and opportunities for repurposing existing therapies. In particular, a high mutation rate is associated with a response to cancer immunotherapy. But although PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors are approved for treating pediatric cancers with a high level of microsatellite instability mutations, in general it is thought childhood tumors are not amenable to immunotherapy.
Inmed Pharmaceuticals Inc. has divulged cannabinoid CB1 and/or CB2 receptor modulators reported to be useful for the treatment of neurodegeneration and age-related macular degeneration.
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