Additional early-stage research and drug discovery news in brief, from: Alligator Bioscience, Athira Pharma, Coya Therapeutics, Kineta, Neurosense Therapeutics, Olatec Therapeutic, Polypid, Sola Biosciences.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd. has described ceramide glucosyltransferase (glucosylceramide synthase; GLCT-1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, Lewy body dementia, diabetes, obesity, polycystic kidney disease, neurodegeneration, lysosomal storage disease and Parkinson’s disease, among others.
Shanghai Aryl Pharmtech Co. Ltd. and Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co Ltd. have identified heterocyclic derivatives acting as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1; TC25) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of melanoma, Menkes disease, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, type 1 diabetes, Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Astellas Pharma Inc. has divulged proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds acting as GTPase KRAS (G12D mutant) degradation inducers reported to be useful for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers from Ascentage Pharma Group International and Ascentage Pharma (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. have synthesized tricyclic compounds acting as inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, AIDS, autoimmune disease, immune thrombocytopenia (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), infections, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory disorders, among others.
Scorpion Therapeutics Inc. has disclosed tetrahydroindole derivatives acting as EGFR (HER1; erbB1) and/or HER2 (erbB2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Aerium Therapeutics Inc. has licensed and commenced development of three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with broad and potent activity against the predominant variants of SARS-CoV-2, including those containing the F456L mutation, such as EG.5.1. These antibodies could provide an option to protect immunocompromised populations from severe COVID-19.
Iambic Therapeutics Inc. (formerly Entos Inc.) has closed a $100 million series B financing. The company intends to use this funding to support continued artificial intelligence (AI) platform innovations and advance candidates into clinical development.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, has awarded Vir Biotechnology Inc. approximately $50 million in new funding to advance the development of novel monoclonal antibody (MAb) candidates and delivery solutions to widen the applicability of MAbs in COVID-19 and in pandemic preparedness and response.
The activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is key for antitumor immunity. However, the development of STING agonist-based strategies in cancer has so far encountered limitations such as incomplete tumor regression or adverse effects derived from chronic activation.
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