Research into the regulation of gene expression experienced a significant breakthrough with the discovery of microRNA, small RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but control their translation. This finding has earned its discoverers – Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun – the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine “for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.” Read More
Kurma Partners has announced the first closing of its Biofund IV at €140 million (US$154.5 million) and is pressing ahead to a final close of €250 million this time next year. The fund will make 16 to 20 investments, with half the money due to be invested in novel science that Kurma teases out of academic labs and the remainder in established VC-funded companies. The Paris-based firm is agnostic about which fields or disease areas it invests in and will prospect for breakthrough research anywhere in Europe. Read More
Researchers at University of Oxford have been awarded funding by Cancer Research UK to develop a vaccine to prevent ovarian cancer. The team will receive up to £600,000 (US$784,000) for the study over the next 3 years to support lab research on Ovarianvax. Read More
The melanocortin MC4 receptor (MC4R), expressed in all brain regions, plays a relevant role in metabolism regulation and in the control of hunger and satiety. MC4R-specific agonist ligands such as setmelanotide have shown potential as antiobesity therapeutics, although reported off-target effects highlight the need for more specific compounds. Read More
Hyundai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has patented probable global transcription activator SNF2L2 (SMARCA2; BAF190B; SNF2-α) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More
Researchers from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University have assessed the role of ankyrin repeat domain 1 (ANKRD1) in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), which is the primary cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Read More
The adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) modulates ionic conductance in neuronal membrane and contributes to the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective role of the endogenous neuromodulator adenosine. Because A1Rs are present all throughout the body, the development of A1R modulation as antiseizure strategy may face difficulties such as side effects in the heart or other organs. Read More
A Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG patent describes new phenylpiperidine derivatives acting as glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT; QC) and glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase-like protein (QPCTL; IsoQC) inhibitors. Read More
Cascade Pharmaceuticals Inc. has synthesized benzoheterocyclic compounds acting as free fatty acid FFA1 receptor (GPR40) agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of diabetes. Read More
Khalifa University and The University of Queensland presented preclinical data for a novel acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) inhibitor, Hi1a, evaluated in models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Read More
Shanghai Synergy Pharmaceutical Sciences Co. Ltd. and Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have jointly disclosed new nucleoside prodrugs reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer. Read More
Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals Inc. has identified new TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TARDBP; TDP-43) aggregation and microtubule-associated protein tau (PHF-tau; MAPT) aggregation inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease. Read More
It was hypothesized that the MEK1/2 inhibitor ATR-002 could reduce inflammation and clear Staphylococcus aureus infection during cystic fibrosis, thus potentially showing a dual effect. Read More