Researchers have used explainable artificial intelligence (explainable AI) to find structurally new antibiotics with minimal toxicity. They reported their findings online in Nature on Dec. 20, 2023. In animal testing, compounds identified via the method showed that they had activity against drug-resistant gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the most serious bacterial public health threats.
Sirnaomics Ltd.'s subsidiary Rnaimmune Inc. has received IND clearance from the FDA to begin trials of RV-1770, an mRNA vaccine targeting the human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to prevent RSV infection in adults. Rnaimmune will conduct a phase I study of RV-1770 administered intramuscularly in healthy adults.
Hemispherian AS has been granted NOK16 million (US$1.54 million) by the Research Council of Norway, which the company intends to use to support development of its drug candidates aimed at treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancers.
Celgene Corp. has described heterocyclic protein-arginine deiminase type-4 (PADI4) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of aging, autoimmune diseases, pain, asthma, inflammatory bowel diseases, AIDS, cancer and Alzheimer's disease, among others.
Samdolite Pharmaceuticals LLC has divulged prodrugs of cromoglicic acid reported to be useful for the treatment of inflammation and dermatological disorders.
Sperogenix Therapeutics Ltd. has identified nitrogen-containing five-membered heterocyclic derivatives acting as checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Verastem Inc. has announced the nomination of an oral KRAS G12D inhibitor, VS-7375 (GFH-375), as the lead program from its discovery and development collaboration with Genfleet Therapeutics (Shanghai) Inc.
Kronos Bio Inc. has nominated a new development candidate, KB-9558, which targets the lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) domain of p300, a critical node of the IRF4 transcription regulatory network (TRN), which is a key driver in multiple myeloma.
Avstera Therapeutics Corp. has received FDA clearance of its IND application for HDAC6 inhibitor AVS-100. Avstera intends to initiate a phase Ia/b trial in the first half of 2024 to evaluate AVS-100 alone and in combination with pembrolizumab in locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors.