Using single-cell RNA sequencing of deer antler at different stages of their annual cycle of regeneration, Chinese researchers have identified a progenitor cell population that drove antler regeneration. The authors of an accompanying editorial wrote the findings, which were published in the Feb. 24, 2023, issue of Science, “add to the emerging idea that blastema progenitor cells are a common stem cell type in mammalian appendage regeneration.” Read More

Ewing sarcoma has a poor prognosis, in part due to the small number of active natural killer (NK) cells and lack of specific tumor targeting. Interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) has been reported to be highly expressed in Ewing sarcoma cells but minimally expressed in normal tissues. Researchers have designed an NK cell-based CAR approach targeting ILRAP1 for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma. Read More

Current antiretroviral therapies preserve the immune system, reduce HIV-associated morbidity and prevent HIV transmission but still, the virus persistence in CD4 cells remains a crucial factor to battle. Previous studies have explored the role of interleukin-2-inducible tyrosine kinase (ITK) inhibition in lymphoma, allergy and other infectious diseases. Read More

Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc. is eyeing the start of clinical trials with reactive aldehyde species (RASP) modulators ADX-246 for systemic immune-mediated diseases and ADX-248 for geographic atrophy. Read More

Ocean Biomedical Inc. has discovered bispecific antibodies that target Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) and immune checkpoint inhibitors, killing glioblastoma cells and melanoma cells, and blocking the metastasis of malignant melanoma cells to the lung by over 90%. Read More

Insilico Medicine Inc. has received IND clearance from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for ISM-3312, an orally available 3CLpro inhibitor for the treatment of COVID-19. ISM-3312 has a novel molecular structure and was optimized from compounds designed by Chemistry42, Insilico’s generative chemistry AI platform. Read More

Researchers from PDS Biotechnology Corp. and affiliated organizations have detailed the development and preclinical evaluation of recombinant protein vaccines formulated with enantio-specific cationic lipid R-DOTAP. Read More

Louisiana State University has disclosed 5-HT2 receptor ligands reported to be useful for the treatment of anxiety, depression, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain and post-stress traumatic disorder, among others. Read More

Researchers from Suzhou Alphama Biotechnology Co. Ltd. have reported the discovery of a novel selective KRAS G12C inhibitor, 143D, as a potential new anticancer drug. Read More

Bioatla Inc. has received FDA clearance of its IND application to evaluate BA-3182, a conditionally active biologic (CAB) EpCAM/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager antibody, for the treatment of advanced adenocarcinoma. The company plans to initiate a phase I study this year. Read More

Medshine Discovery Inc. has synthesized macrocyclic compounds acting as HIV integrase inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of HIV infections. Read More

Adlai Nortye Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has identified Wnt signaling inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, immunological and inflammatory disorders. Read More

Coronary artery disease (CAD) will likely remain the worldwide leading cause of death for the next couple of decades. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been useful to identify hundreds of genomic loci that contribute CAD risk. Read More

Shanghai Litedd Co. Ltd. has divulged 8-oxo-3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds acting as ATR kinase inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More

Researchers at F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. have described haloacethydrazide compounds acting as legumain (asparaginyl endopeptidase; LGMN; AEP) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, progressive supranuclear palsy, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease, among others. Read More

Genascence Corp. has been awarded US$11.6 million over 4 years from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to help advance the company's GNSC-001 gene therapy for knee osteoarthritis (OA). The funding will support a phase Ib trial and manufacturing activities. Read More

The use of anti-CD20 therapies has revolutionized treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, reducing relapses and halting disease progression. While CD20 is primarily expressed by B cells at different stages, a small T-cell subset also expresses CD20, and therefore anti-CD20 therapies also directly and indirectly affect T cells. Read More