University of California - Page 1

Cancer

University of California identifies new EGFR inhibitors for glioblastoma

May 5, 2026

A University of California patent describes EGFR (HER1; erbB1) inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of glioblastoma.

Illustration of a cluster of ovarian cancer cells

Immuno-oncology

Cymirafen ADC exerts antitumor activity in ovarian cancer

April 22, 2026

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Cymirafen is a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) from the University of California that targets leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 4 (LGR4)/LGR5/LGR6 and is composed of a potent cytotoxic payload, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), plus an Fc domain fused to the receptor binding domain of RSPO1.

Neurology/psychiatric

5-HT2A receptor agonists divulged in University of California patent

Feb. 18, 2026

The University of California has reported new azocino[4,5,6-cd]indoles acting as 5-HT2A receptor agonists and thus potentially useful for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Neurology/psychiatric

Genome-wide CRISPRi screen provides insights into tau proteostasis

Feb. 12, 2026

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Tau is an intrinsically disordered protein that regulates the stability and dynamics of microtubules in physiological conditions. Recent work has revealed the involvement of tau in various neuronal processes. Researchers from the University of California and collaborators aimed to systematically investigate the cellular factors that control the accumulation of tau aggregates in human neurons.

Substance use & poisoning

Serotonin receptor modulators for the treatment of OUD

Jan. 26, 2026

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Opioid use disorder (OUD) causes high morbidity and mortality rates, with fentanyl driving unprecedented overdose rates. Researchers from the University of California have used an AI-based drug discovery platform with the aim of identifying preclinical drug candidates for OUD.

Cardiovascular

University of California describes new PCSK9 inhibitors

Oct. 2, 2025

The University of California has synthesized proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, atherosclerosis and stroke.

Neurology/psychiatric

University of California divulges new α-synuclein, amyloid-β protein and MAPT propagation inhibitors

Oct. 1, 2025

The University of California has synthesized α-synuclein (SNCA) and/or amyloid-β protein and/or microtubule-associated protein tau (PHF-tau; MAPT) propagation inhibitors reported to be useful for diagnosis and treatment of multiple system atrophy, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Illustration of kidneys with DNA double helix

Nephrology

Dimeric IgA against c-MET as a cyst-targeted therapy in polycystic kidney disease

Sep. 12, 2025

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Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting over 12 million patients worldwide. PKD arises from mutations in the polycystin-1 (PC1) or PC2 genes. PKD is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to inflammation, fibrosis and organ damage, ultimately resulting in renal failure.

Neurology/psychiatric

Caveolin-1 gene therapy preserves cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease models

June 3, 2025

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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by synaptic dysfunction, neuronal loss and the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, ultimately leading to cognitive decline. Despite significant research efforts, no existing treatment has proven effective enough to stop or reverse the progression of the disease.

Illustration of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease

Neurology/psychiatric

Clusterin enhancer exerts neuroprotection in vivo

May 26, 2025

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The third most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a mutation in the clusterin (CLU) gene that disrupts the expression of sCLU, a cytoprotective protein involved in preventing protein aggregation and promoting the clearance of misfolded proteins.