A novel gene therapy that leads to cellular rejuvenation could restore vision after non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and glaucoma. The technique is based on a reprogramming process that reverses the epigenetic DNA alterations caused by aging. Preclinical studies in glaucoma mice and nonhuman primates (NHP) models for this stroke-like disorder that affects the eye, showed an improvement of vision and restoration of the damaged axons of the optic nerve.

Novartis AG described the identification and activity of TAK-756, a novel, selective and potent TAK1 inhibitor, as a potential intra-articular therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Previous studies demonstrated that TAK1 appears to be a potential target for controlling inflammation and catabolism through NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

At the recently concluded ACS Fall meeting, Bristol Myers Squibb Co. reported the discovery of potent orally bioavailable B-cell lymphoma 6 protein (BCL6) ligand-directed degraders (LDDs).

Human rhinoviruses (hRVs) are associated with upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold, otitis media or sinusitis. In immunocompromised individuals or older people, hRVs can exacerbate existing pulmonary conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Researchers from Merck & Co Inc. have presented preclinical data for the novel Nav1.8 inhibitor MSD-199, being developed for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Meta Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that the FDA has granted rare pediatric disease designation to its investigational new drug META-001-PH for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria (PH), an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder in which oxalate is overproduced and deposited in the body.

Armed with $55 million in series A funds and a U.S. government contract, Cambridge, Mass.-based Red Queen Therapeutics Inc. launched operations this week, with plans to advance its novel stapled lipopeptide platform, which creates new antiviral therapies that do not rely on the immune system to work.

Researchers from Universite de Sherbrooke and University of California San Francisco presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of CCR2-targeting pepducin, PP-101.

Researchers from Shandong University and affiliated organizations reported the discovery and preclinical characterization of novel 68Ga-labeled PSMA-targeting tracers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Since heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is highly overexpressed in cancer, it is considered both a tumor marker and a therapeutic target for intervention.