Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a new compound that increases the effects of naloxone, a drug that is used to treat overdoses from opioids like fentanyl, a narcotic that has triggered a public health crisis.

Brains from people with heroin use disorder have an increased number of hypocretin (Hcrt, orexin) neurons, which in turn are significantly smaller than in healthy controls. Meanwhile, human narcolepsy is known to present an average 90% loss of Hcrt neurons and no risk for drug abuse or overdose, even under methamphetamine or methylphenidate prescription, because of a greatly reduced reward activation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA).

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.

Acetaminophen overdose is still a major cause of liver toxicity (acute liver failure, ALI) in Western countries. It occurs by accumulation of the toxic metabolite NAPQI and the subsequent mitochondrial oxidative stress mediated by pJNK translocation to the mitochondria.

Clearmind Medicine Inc. has received approval from Israel’s Ministry of Health to initiate a phase I/IIa trial of CMND-100 oral capsules for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The multinational trial in healthy volunteers and AUD subjects will be conducted in Israel and the U.S.

Burn injuries, including those induced by chemicals, may have systemic effects, and can lead to acute lung injury (ALI). Chemical burn injuries account for about 2% to 5% of total skin burn injuries. Among the chemicals, vesicating agents like Lewisite are particularly relevant due to the lack of antidotes.