Researchers from the University of Queensland discovered that senolytic therapies can suppress long-COVID neuropathology and long-term disorders caused by viral infections by reducing senescent cells, thereby reducing inflammation. Published Nov. 13, 2023, in Nature, the study examined the use of human pluripotent stem cells to generate small mini human brain organoids to screen for antiaging interventions called senolytics that selectively eliminate senescent cells that accumulate with age, lead author Julio Aguado told BioWorld. Read More
It has been previously demonstrated that the two coding variants in the APOL1 gene (G1 and G2) are associated with a greater risk of progressive, proteinuric kidney disease; however, there currently are no therapies to address the causal genetic drivers of this disease. Researchers from Maze Therapeutics Inc. presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of APOL1, MZ-302, and they evaluated its efficacy in a new transgenic model of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AKD). Read More
Nonreceptor tyrosine-protein kinase TYK2 plays key roles in the signaling of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-23, IL-12 or type I IFN, which at the same time play key roles in several immune-mediated diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, among others. Read More
Fractyl Health Inc. has expanded an academic-industry scientific partnership focused on advancing research on the role of the gut and pancreas in metabolic disease. Read More
Synnovation Therapeutics Inc. has disclosed phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α (PI3Kα) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS) and CLOVES syndrome (congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal naevi and skeletal abnormalities). Read More
Vivace Therapeutics Inc. has synthesized transcriptional coactivator YAP1/TEAD and/or TAZ/TEAD interaction inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, polycystic kidney and hepatic fibrosis. Read More
Kanna Health Ltd. has received clearances by the FDA and the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for its IND application and clinical trial application (CTA), respectively, to initiate a first-in-human phase I trial of KH-001 besylate (KH-001) for premature ejaculation. Read More
Postera Inc. has announced a multitarget collaboration with Amgen Inc. that seeks to leverage Postera’s artificial intelligence (AI) platform, Proton, an innovation in generative chemistry and synthesis-aware design, and Amgen’s drug discovery expertise, to advance up to five small-molecule programs. Read More
Bristol Myers Squibb Co. has identified triazole N-linked carbamoyl cyclohexyl acids acting as lysophosphatidic acid LPA1 receptor (LPAR1; EDG2) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of fibrosis, cancer, transplant rejection, osteoporosis, inflammatory disorders, neuropathic pain, atherosclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, among others. Read More
CAMK2B encodes calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II subunit β, a kinase expressed in the brain that has an important role in synaptic plasticity. Genetic variations are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Read More
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has divulged heteroaryl compounds acting as sodium channel protein type 10 subunit α (SCN10A; Nav1.8) blockers reported to be useful for the treatment of pain. Read More
Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals Inc. has described pyridine derivatives 5-HT2A receptor agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse and dependency. Read More
Work at Laekna Therapeutics Shanghai Co. Ltd. has led to the discovery of a potent leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 1/2 (LILRB1/LILRB2) antagonistic bispecific antibody, LAE-111, with improved antitumor activity. Read More
