Genetic alterations in FAT1, YAP1 or WWTR1 genes are commonly seen in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Targeting Hippo and MAPK pathways in combination has proven effective in preclinical models of HNSCC.

Numab Therapeutics AG and Kaken Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have signed a new collaboration and option agreement to develop ND-081, a multispecific antibody for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Poseida Therapeutics Inc. has updated progress made in its early-stage pipeline of differentiated T stem cell memory cell-rich allogeneic CAR T therapies in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

Sparian Biosciences Inc. has been awarded a $19.5 million, 5-year grant to fund development of SBS-226 from IND submission through phase I development. SBS-226 is a first-in-class dual μ-opioid receptor partial agonist and δ-opioid receptor full antagonist in development for opiate use disorder and opiate withdrawal syndrome.

Sea Pharmaceuticals LLC has announced it is advancing two new orally administered neurotherapeutic molecules for neurological disorders. SPM-0404 and SPM-0606 are biologically active as dual AMPA receptor (AMPAR) and kainate receptor (KAINR) antagonists.

Many studies have linked the presence of specific bacteria to various diseases. But a general overgrowth of gut bacteria can be a symptom of different conditions, including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. A study counting gut microbiome proposes that microbial load, rather than the disease, could explain the presence of certain pathogens.