Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) plays a crucial role in DNA repair and represents the pivotal target for first-generation PARP inhibitors.

Peptidream Inc. has reported that an early-phase clinical trial for 64Cu-PD-32766, a 64Cu-labeled radiopharmaceutical targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma has been approved by the clinical review board of the National Cancer Center Hospital East in Japan.

Researchers from Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of a brain-penetrating BRAF paradox breaker, HSK-42360, being developed for the treatment of BRAF-driven cancers. HSK-42360 proved to be a potent BRAF V600E inhibitor (IC50=5 nM) with selectivity over wild-type BRAF.

Revopsis Therapeutics Inc. has closed its first seed funding round, raising $16.5 million that will fund the completion of ongoing IND-enabling studies with its lead candidate, RO-104, for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Developed using the company’s proprietary Rev-Mod platform, RO-104 is a potentially first-in-class fully human modular trispecific biologic.

Synedgen Inc. has completed IND-enabling studies for its lead candidate, MIIST-305, which is being developed for ulcerative colitis and as a medical countermeasure for gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome. Within a year, Synedgen plans to file an IND application for MIIST-305 and initiate a phase I study to support both programs.

A protein whose expression decreases during aging could be key to preserving cellular maintenance mechanisms and preventing the progressive loss of muscle mass that occurs during aging. Scientists from the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the University of Barcelona (UB) have revealed the role of the TP53INP2 protein in autophagy and the effects of its reduction on skeletal muscle during aging.

In one of the biggest startups ever, Xaira Therapeutics has launched with more than $1 billion from investors. The financing, according to BioWorld records, is roughly equivalent to Roivant Sciences Inc.’s $1.1 billion raise in August 2017 and Galderma Inc.’s $1 billion private placement in June 2023. Xaira said it plans to leverage advanced machine learning research and expansive data generation to power new models for developing new therapeutics.