https://www.bioworld.com/rss en-us Mira Pharmaceuticals Inc. has reported continued progress toward IND-enabling studies of its two lead preclinical programs, MIRA-55, an investigational oral nonopioid drug candidate for chronic inflammatory pain, and SKNY-1, an investigational oral drug candidate for obesity and addiction-related disorders. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/733072 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/733072-mira-advances-mira-55-and-skny-1 Drug research Olix Pharmaceuticals Inc. has released preclinical data from a head-to-head study in obese nonhuman primates (NHPs) showing that OLX-501A, its ALK7-targeting obesity program, achieved greater visceral fat reduction relative to a globally developed comparator compound. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/733068 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/733068-olixs-olx-501a-reduces-visceral-fat-in-obese-nhps Light micrograph and 3D illustration of adipose tissue. Researchers from Yunnan University, Sicagene Bioscience Co. Ltd. and collaborators reported the preclinical efficacy of GS-10c, a GalNAc-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) developed to silence serine/threonine kinase 25 (STK25), a lipid droplet-associated kinase implicated in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). http://www.bioworld.com/articles/733066 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/733066-liver-targeted-aso-tackles-early-masld Torrey Pines Medicine (Shenzhen) Ltd. has completed an angel financing round as it advances next-generation ultralong-acting peptide therapeutics for metabolic diseases. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/733002 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/733002-torrey-pines-medicine-secures-funding-to-advance-metabolic-programs Art concept for metabolism Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress HIV to undetectable levels, a growing body of evidence suggests that the virus leaves a lasting biological imprint. At the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), researchers reported persistent abnormalities affecting the gut, cardiovascular system, metabolism and immune function despite effective viral control. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732999 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732999-aids-2026-new-targets-for-metabolic-dysfunction-despite-art HIV virus Altimmune Inc. and Wall Street are mulling the size and scope of a phase III trial after positive top-line results were made public from the Reclaim phase II trial with pemvidutide (pemvi), a balanced glucagon/GLP-1 dual receptor agonist, in patients with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD). CEO Jerry Durso called the Reclaim data “the most robust we’ve seen” in the condition. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732929 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732929-altimmune-on-peth-to-phase-iii-in-aud-with-pemvi Bottles of alcohol with hand pouring into glass Ascletis Pharma Inc. has released preclinical data for ASC-37, a next-generation glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R)/gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR)/glucagon receptor (GCGR) triple peptide agonist. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732982 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732982-ascletis-pharmas-asc-37-shows-weight-loss-in-dio-mice Doctor measuring patient's waist Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a recessive genetic disorder caused by deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). This causes phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation and disrupted brain amino acid homeostasis, resulting in hypomyelination, gliosis and neurotransmitter deficits, and leading to severe neurodevelopmental impairment. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732980 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732980-selective-b0at1-inhibitor-lowers-systemic-phe-in-a-phenylketonuria-model Diagram demonstrating SLC6A19 inhibitors for the treatment of phenylketonuria SLC6A19 inhibitors for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). Although SLC6A19 is not the causative gene for PKU, it encodes sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter B(0)AT, which plays an important role in maintaining systemic phenylalanine (Phe) levels by promoting both intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption of Phe. SLC6A19 is primarily expressed in the small intestine and kidney proximal tubules. Under normal physiological conditions, it mediates the absorption of dietary neutral amino acids, including Phe, in the small intestine. In the kidney, SLC6A19 facilitates the reabsorption of filtered neutral amino acids from the renal filtrate back into the bloodstream, thereby minimizing their urinary loss. As a result, the vast majority (about >99%) of filtered Phe is reabsorbed by the kidneys, with only a small fraction (about <1%) excreted in the urine. Therefore, SLC6A19 contributes to the overall retention of Phe in the body. Inhibition of SLC6A19 increases urinary excretion of Phe, thereby reducing Phe levels in the blood and brain. For this reason, SLC6A19 has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of PKU. © 2026 Clarivate. All rights reserved. Neumora Therapeutics Inc. has reported preclinical toxicology results from NMRA-215, a potentially best-in-class, highly brain-penetrant, oral NLRP3 inhibitor in development for the treatment of obesity and cardiometabolic disease. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732962 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732962-new-toxicology-data-support-advancement-of-neumora-therapeutics-nmra-215 Hear with tape measure Zevra Therapeutics Inc. will try to follow in the footsteps of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. with Rett syndrome drug Daybu (trofinetide) by asking the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) to rethink arimoclomol for Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). Boston-based Zevra will request a second look at the MAA after CHMP gatekeepers ruled that efficacy in NPC has not been sufficiently proven. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732863 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732863-daybu-readthrough-in-eu-zevras-npc-bid-flounders EMA logo on mobile screen, vials, syringes Credit: Ralf - stock.adobe.com Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. has patented new gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) antagonists potentially useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732909 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732909-chia-tai-tianqing-pharmaceutical-discovers-new-gipr-antagonists HCW Biologics Inc. has requested a type B (pre-IND) meeting with the FDA to discuss the development and regulatory strategy for its investigational tetravalent T-cell engager (TCE), HCW-11-018b, for solid tumors. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732898 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732898-hcw-biologics-seeks-pre-ind-meeting-with-fda-for-hcw-11-018b 3D illustration of T cells fighting cancer Scoring high marks on two more phase III obesity trials, this time involving serious type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications, Eli Lilly and Co. has cleared the path for a BLA filing for its triple-G candidate retatrutide, which many expect will eventually surpass the top two marketed drugs in the space. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732852 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732852-lillys-triple-g-retatrutide-best-in-class-as-bla-filing-nears Feet on scale Changchun Genescience Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has described a prodrug and its antibody-drug conjugates with a controllable drug release rate found to be potentially useful for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732836 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732836-changchun-genescience-pharmaceuticals-synthesizes-new-prodrugs Signs of recovery are emerging in the biotechnology investment sector, although investors across Asia say that capital is flowing selectively to companies that can demonstrate clinical differentiation, strong management teams and a clear path to commercialization. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732842 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732842-capital-remains-selective-in-barbell-biotech-market International currency symbols Beijing Sciwind Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and Sciwind Biosciences Co. Ltd. have disclosed new corticotropin-releasing factor CRF2 receptor (CRFH2) agonists potentially useful for the treatment of heart failure, hypertension, obesity, sarcopenia, diabetes and chronic kidney diseases. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732794 Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732794-crf2-receptor-agonists-detailed-in-sciwind-patent Signs of recovery are emerging in the biotechnology investment sector, although investors across Asia say that capital is flowing selectively to companies that can demonstrate clinical differentiation, strong management teams and a clear path to commercialization. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732692 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732692-capital-remains-selective-in-barbell-biotech-market International currency symbols Fosun Pharma subsidiary Fosun Pharmaceutical Industrial Development (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd. has received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to commence clinical trials for FXR-0906 for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732676 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732676-fosun-cleared-to-conduct-clinical-trials-with-fxr-0906 Illustration of lipids in the bloodstream Ascletis Pharma Inc. has selected a fixed-dose combination of ASC-48, an oral small-molecule glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) agonist, and ASC-30, an oral small-molecule glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, for clinical development for obesity. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732674 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732674-ascletis-to-advance-fixed-dose-combination-of-asc-48-and-asc-30 Doctor points at molecular structure Mindrank AI Ltd. completed a $52 million series B round to advance MDR-001, its AI-discovered oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is in phase III trials for obesity in China. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732667 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732667-chinas-mindrank-raises-52m-series-b-to-advance-oral-glp-1 Blue digital dollar sign Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has disclosed new compounds acting as lipid-lowering agents and gluconeogenesis inhibitors potentially useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732639 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732639-shanghai-institute-of-materia-medica-patents-new-lipid-lowering-gluconeogenesis-inhibitors Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex and severe eating disorder that has long been considered a psychiatric condition driven by distorted body image and maladaptive eating behaviors. No effective therapy is currently available. At a symposium held during the recent FENS Forum in Barcelona, several leading researchers with decades of experience in AN presented findings that further strengthen the growing body of evidence supporting the disorder’s metabolic component. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732624 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732624-rethinking-anorexia-a-disorder-of-mind-and-metabolism Photo of scale with woman sitting on floor holding head and arms on knees Mindrank AI Ltd. completed a $52 million series B round to advance MDR-001, its AI-discovered oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is in phase III trials for obesity in China. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732583 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732583-chinas-mindrank-raises-52m-series-b-to-advance-oral-glp-1 Blue digital dollar sign Shenzhen Linggene Biotechnology Co. Ltd. has synthesized new proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) compounds comprising an E3 ubiquitin ligase-binding agent coupled to a UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-peptide N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OGT)-targeting moiety acting as OGT degradation inducers. N-acetylglucosamine-peptide N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OGT)-targeting moiety acting as OGT degradation inducers.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732576 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732576-shenzhen-linggene-biotechnology-discloses-new-ogt-degradation-inducers Cancer researchers are increasingly turning to the microbiome to understand why some patients respond well to treatment while others face severe complications. Gut microbial communities shift during intensive therapies such as bone marrow transplantation, and those changes influence infection risk, immune recovery and long‑term survival. New advances in microbial sequencing and engineering redefine this community as a measurable clinical parameter that can be monitored, modeled, and even therapeutically reshaped to improve outcomes in oncology and other conditions. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732621 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732621-microbial-ecology-reshapes-cancer-care-diagnostics-and-therapies Illustration of bacteria, microorganisms in the gastrointestinal system Rani Therapeutics Holding Inc. has entered into a research and development collaboration with Pegbio Co. Ltd. to explore the delivery of multiple candidates from Pegbio’s obesity and metabolic disease pipeline using Rani’s proprietary Ranipill platform. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732550 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732550-rani-collaborates-with-pegbio-on-oral-drug-delivery-in-obesity Illustration of pill being analyzed Apertura Gene Therapy has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Human Genome Research Institute. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732549 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732549-apertura-gene-therapy-enters-crada-for-niemann-pick-disease The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has announced the teams for the THRIVE (Treating Hereditary Rare diseases with In Vivo prEcision genetic medicines) program. With a commitment of up to $160 million over 5 years, THRIVE aims to accelerate solutions for rare genetic pediatric diseases across multiple technological approaches, clinical trial designs and deployment models. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732544 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732544-arpa-h-program-supports-advances-for-rare-genetic-diseases Cancer researchers are increasingly turning to the microbiome to understand why some patients respond well to treatment while others face severe complications. Gut microbial communities shift during intensive therapies such as bone marrow transplantation, and those changes influence infection risk, immune recovery and long‑term survival. New advances in microbial sequencing and engineering redefine this community as a measurable clinical parameter that can be monitored, modeled, and even therapeutically reshaped to improve outcomes in oncology and other conditions. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732480 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732480-microbial-ecology-reshapes-cancer-care-diagnostics-and-therapies Illustration of bacteria, microorganisms in the gastrointestinal system Representing the fourth largest biopharma M&A announced in 2026, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. offered $85 per share in cash, or about $10 billion, to buy endocrine specialist Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc., adding the acromegaly drug Palsonify and a phase III asset, atumelnant, for congenital adrenocorticotropic hyperplasia (CAH). http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732417 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732417-endocrinology-becomes-vertexs-fifth-pillar-with-10b-crinetics-buy Hand pointing at digital M&A screen