Antibodies that bind to sugars on the surface of cancer cells, rather than to proteins, have not yielded satisfactory results so far due to their low binding affinity. However, scientists at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have developed therapeutic proteins that recognize so-called tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) using lectins with a robust structure resembling velcro. This design is highly specific and eliminates only tumor cells, regardless of cancer type, while sparing healthy tissues. Read More
Antibody-based therapy against CD20 has had successful results in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), but some patients still have incomplete response to therapy and clinical relapse. The early identification of predictors of response is key to optimize treatment strategies. Proteomic profiling in serum of patients may confer the identification of candidate markers for patient stratification and support personalized treatment approaches. Read More
Simcere Zaiming Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has obtained IND clearance by the FDA for SIM-0609, a CDH17-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. An IND was also approved in China earlier this month. Read More
Sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) are severe monogenic blood disorders caused by mutations in the β-globin gene (HBB), resulting in abnormal or insufficient production of adult hemoglobin (HbA). Among emerging therapeutic approaches, the reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) represents one of the most promising strategies for both conditions. Read More
Genescience Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has synthesized sterols acting as estradiol 17-β-dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17B1; 17β-HSD1) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of endometriosis. Read More
Around the globe, fungal infections affect more than 1 billion people and account for several million deaths every year. They pose a particular problem in low- and middle-income countries, where antifungal drugs may be less available and, even if available, may prove ineffective because of fungal resistance. These considerations highlight the need for a next generation of antifungals. Read More
Daewon Pharm Co. Ltd. has disclosed tricyclic derivatives acting as reversible H+/K+-ATPase inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Read More
Shenzhen Bay Laboratory has identified compounds reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, eye, cardiovascular, metabolic, autoimmune, inflammatory, neurological and dermatological disorders. Read More
Checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer therapy by enhancing immune responses against tumors. However, their effectiveness is limited, as many patients do not respond due to the absence of a pre-existing immunity against the cancer cells. Addressing this gap requires new immunotherapies that can promote cancer-cell antigen recognition and engage multiple immune pathways to effectively reprogram the tumor microenvironment and stimulate a robust antitumor response. Read More
Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has divulged macrocyclic compounds acting as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators reported to be useful for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Read More
Chengdu Qingsheng Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has described cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of obesity. Read More
In cancer, Cdc37 is phosphorylated by casein kinase 2 (CK2) and then the phosphoprotein binds to various kinase ‘clients’ and to the chaperone Hsp90. Hsp90 facilitates the folding of the clients into fully active forms to drive the cell cycle. The plant-derived quinine methid triterpenoid celastrol can inhibit the interaction between Hsp90 and Cdc37 and thereby slow cancer growth by arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. However, researchers at China Pharmaceutical University China wanted to inhibit the ‘Hsp90-Cdc37-kinase’ cycle at multiple points simultaneously for greater therapeutic effect. Read More
