RTI International has identified squaramide derivatives acting as cannabinoid CB1 receptor allosteric modulators reported to be useful for the treatment of obesity and substance abuse and dependence.

Recent studies have identified 70 oxygenized phosphatidylcholine (PC)-containing epoxy and hydroperoxide groups that are generated in the early phase of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury. In a new study, researchers from the University of Tokyo focused on arachidonate PC and assessed the role of liver-specific LPCAT3 (lysophospholipid acyltransferase 3) on APAP-induced acute liver injury in mice.

Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. researchers have prepared and tested new thiazoloaryl-methyl substituted cyclic hydrazine-N-carboxamide derivatives acting as orexin OX1 and OX2 receptor antagonists. They are reported to be useful for the treatment of substance abuse and dependence, anxiety, cognitive, sleep, eating and mood disorders.

The FDA has awarded orphan drug designation to Neoimmunetech Inc.'s NT-I7 (efineptakin alfa, rhIL-7-hyFc) for the treatment of acute radiation syndrome (ARS). NT-I7, a novel long-acting recombinant human IL-7, has the potential to rapidly recover and improve the immune response following a high dose of radiation exposure.

Research at the University of Florida has led to the identification of compounds acting as dual dopamine transporter (DAT) and sigma receptor (sigma nonopioid intracellular receptor 1 [σ1, SIGMAR1] and sigma intracellular receptor 2 [σ2, TMEM97]) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence and cocaine dependency.