https://www.bioworld.com/rss en-us In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 17β-HSD10 and CDK5/p25 contribute to neuronal dysfunction through distinct but interconnected pathways involving mitochondrial impairment and tau-mediated neurodegeneration, supporting their potential as complementary therapeutic targets. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732380 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732380-dual-targeting-of-17-hsd10-cdk5-as-disease-modifying-approach-in-alzheimers Tau protein in Alzheimer's disease Tau protein in Alzheimer's disease Human biology is extraordinarily complex, and that sophistication emerges from the very beginning. During embryonic and fetal development, the organism’s architecture is shaped through the organization of tissues, the establishment of molecular pathways, and the coordination of signals that will later sustain the body as an integrated system. It is likely the most delicate stage of life, where any disturbance in that foundational process can have lasting consequences on health. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732374 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732374-cinp-2026-prenatal-and-adolescent-stress-shape-brain-vulnerability Neuracle Medical Technology Co. Ltd. is seeking a Shanghai IPO that could make it China’s first publicly listed invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) company, months after winning approval for the country’s first invasive BCI system. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732271 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732271-neuracle-eyes-shanghai-ipo-as-global-bci-funding-surges IPO puzzle pieces Veterans in the U.S. suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) now have access to Neurovalens Ltd.’s Modius Spero, a wearable neuromodulation device, which can reduce their symptoms in as little as four weeks. The treatment, designed for at-home use of 30-minute daily sessions, was approved for use within the Department of Veterans Affairs after the company secured FDA de novo clearance. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732270 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732270-neurovalens-brings-fda-cleared-ptsd-therapy-to-us-veterans Modius Spero wearable neuromodulation device Neurovalens Ltd.’s Modius Spero wearable neuromodulation device. Credit: Neurovalens. Ontrack Therapeutics Ltd. has reported new heterotricyclic compounds potentially useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732372 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732372-ontrack-therapeutics-divulges-compounds-for-neurodegenerative-diseases Reunion Neuroscience Inc. has identified new 5-HT2A receptor partial agonists and/or 5-HT2B receptor antagonists potentially useful for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732369 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732369-reunion-neuroscience-reports-new-5-ht2a-partial-agonists-and-or-5-ht2b-antagonists Researchers from Capital Medical University in Beijing, China, aimed to develop novel antidepressant compounds based on the monoaminergic mechanisms of classical antidepressant drugs and the therapeutic potential of 5-HT1A receptor activation. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732359 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732359-triple-target-antidepressant-modulates-neuroplasticity-in-vivo Brain activity concept illustration At the 2026 World Congress of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP), held in Glasgow June 26-29, 2026, researchers from Japan’s National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) showcased how human organoid technologies are reshaping the study of neurodevelopmental vulnerability, addiction and psychiatric disorders. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732329 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732329-cinp-2026-organoids-reveal-autism-and-addiction-mechanisms AI-generated image for brain organoid neural research Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. reported another clinical study win with once-daily centanafadine, a non-stimulant compound targeting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Top-line results of a dedicated phase IIIb study in patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety found that centanafadine met the primary endpoint, defined as score improvements on the Adult Investigator Symptom Rating Scale, compared with placebo at week 8. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732352 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732352-otsukas-centanafadine-scores-in-adhd-comorbid-anxiety-trial Illustration of woman with anxiety, ADHD Top-line phase III Palisade-4 results of Vistagen Therapeutics Inc.’s fasedienol showed the intranasal pherine candidate failed to hit primary and secondary endpoints in the acute treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD), issuing a near death knell as company’s shares (NASDAQ:VTGN) plunged more than 70% to close at 22 cents on June 30. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732246 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732246-vistagens-sad-slump-lead-pherine-fasedienol-fails-again Deep brain stimulation (DBS) through implanted electrodes has enabled fundamentally new ways of treating certain disorders. More than 100,000 severely ill patients have received an implant to treat Parkinson’s disease, which is DBS’ greatest success story. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732241 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732241-deep-brain-stimulation-from-the-shallows-tomorrows-bci-technology Black wavy lines forming an abstract sound wave.png The gut microbiota may be altered in people with depression as a result of treatment. These microorganisms reorganize differently in individuals who respond to therapy. In a multiomics study of antidepressant-naive patients presented at the 2026 World Congress of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP), scientists from National Taiwan University found that patients who improved after antidepressant treatment maintained a more balanced and functional microbial ecosystem, recovered beneficial metabolites, and displayed blood-based biological signals that aligned with these changes. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732354 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732354-cinp-2026-gut-microbiota-could-predict-antidepressant-response Illustration demonstrating gut-brain axis Spinal cord traumatic injury can lead to loss of motor function and progressive development of muscle spasticity and rigidity. Researchers from the University of California San Diego and collaborating institutions investigated a novel gene-delivery-based antispasticity strategy. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732312 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732312-preclinical-study-of-subpial-aav-gad65-vgat-delivery-for-spinal-injury-induced-spasticity Digital spine concept art Predominantly expressed in the striatum, a brain region involved in cognition, motivation and motor control, G protein-coupled receptor 52 (GPR52) regulates dopaminergic and glutamatergic signaling pathways implicated in psychiatric disorders. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732309 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732309-novel-gpr52-agonist-shows-antipsychotic-like-effects Ready or not, the future has arrived. Novel AI and brain-computer interface (BCI) systems are no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. As an increasingly intertwined human-machine model moves closer to adoption in real-world clinical and military practice, technological advances are sparking concerns over public health, ethics and national security. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732225 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732225-ascending-bci-systems-deepen-national-security-ethical-concerns Brain made of chip and circuits Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia are characterized by the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, forming neurofibrillary tangles, ultimately leading to synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732209 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732209-ext1-targeted-aav-gene-therapy-inhibits-tau-propagation-in-model-of-tauopathy Silhouette of head and brain with DNA double helixes Credit: Jonathan Bailey, NHGR Up to 90% of people with dementia develop at least one behavioral or psychological symptom, such as psychosis, anxiety or agitation/aggression, which often overlap and worsen both patient quality of life and caregiver burden. Based on preclinical evidence, dual 5-HT2A/7 receptor antagonism may represent a rational strategy to modulate psychosis, agitation and mood-related symptoms. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732205 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732205-sumitomos-dual-5-ht2a-7-receptor-antagonist-counteracts-dementia-symptoms The gut microbiota may be altered in people with depression as a result of treatment. These microorganisms reorganize differently in individuals who respond to therapy. In a multiomics study of antidepressant-naive patients presented at the 2026 World Congress of Neuropsychopharmacology (CINP), scientists from National Taiwan University found that patients who improved after antidepressant treatment maintained a more balanced and functional microbial ecosystem, recovered beneficial metabolites, and displayed blood-based biological signals that aligned with these changes. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732204 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732204-cinp-2026-gut-microbiota-could-predict-antidepressant-response Illustration demonstrating gut-brain axis Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. reported another clinical study win with once-daily centanafadine, a non-stimulant compound targeting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Top-line results of a dedicated phase IIIb study in patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety found that centanafadine met the primary endpoint, defined as score improvements on the Adult Investigator Symptom Rating Scale, compared with placebo at week 8. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732174 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732174-otsukas-centanafadine-scores-in-adhd-comorbid-anxiety-trial Illustration of woman with anxiety, ADHD Elixirgen Therapeutics Inc. has entered into an option agreement with Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd. for the development and commercialization of EXG-7001 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. EXG-7001 is a locally administered, full-length dystrophin mRNA therapeutic that is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732187 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732187-elixirgen-and-nippon-shinyaku-sign-exg-7001-option-agreement Handshake with DNA, molecules Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated genes provide direct therapeutic targets and reveal pathways that can be used to develop treatments that counteract their harmful molecular effects. Because the underlying causes of most ALS cases remain unknown, identifying disease-associated variants is essential to uncover the mechanisms that drive the disease, as shown at the European Network to Cure ALS (ENCALS) meeting, held in Madrid from June 24 to 26, 2026. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732185 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732185-encals-2026-from-genetics-to-advancing-strategies-against-als Illustration for mutations in the DNA leading to brain diseases or neurodegenerative disorders With the pace of neurotechnology development accelerating, a wave of brain-computer interface (BCI) companies is emerging on the heels of the pioneers. In the latest installment of BioWorld’s series on the BCI field, Rotem Kopel, CEO of Ability Neurotech SA, explains that following in the footsteps of the established players has its advantages. “It's not too bad to be a fast follower to a company like Neuralink.” Ability and its peers are either building more complete systems, or exploring different approaches from electrodes with newer materials to nanoparticles, while addressing technical and clinical challenges identified by earlier entrants and targeting different indications. BioWorld’s series on the BCI field, Rotem Kopel, CEO of Ability Neurotech SA, explains that following in the footsteps of the established players has its advantages. “It's not too bad to be a fast follower to a company like Neuralink.” Ability and its peers are either building more complete systems, or exploring different approaches from electrodes with newer materials to nanoparticles, while addressing technical and clinical challenges identified by earlier entrants and targeting different indications.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732156 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732156-next-wave-of-bci-firms-builds-on-pioneers-to-tackle-challenges Subsense BCI platform Subsense's non-invasive BCI platform uses nanoparticles and a wearable headset. Credit: Subsense Inc. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG and Vanderbilt University have discovered new dihydrobenzoxazine compounds acting as metabotropic glutamate mGlu3 receptor agonists potentially useful for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732140 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732140-boehringer-ingelheim-identifies-new-mglu3-receptor-agonists Nippon Shinyaku Co. Ltd.’s NS-035 has been awarded Japanese orphan drug designation for the treatment of Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732135 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732135-nippon-shinyakus-ns-035-designated-orphan-drug-in-japan 3d illustration of human body muscle tissue anatomy Unixell Biotechnology Co. Ltd. has obtained IND clearance from the FDA for UX-DA003, its allogeneic induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived therapy for Parkinson’s disease. IND approval was also gained in China earlier this month, enabling concurrent clinical development in both China and the U.S. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732129 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732129-unixells-ux-da003-cleared-for-clinic-in-us-and-china Stem cells X-tosis Inc. has been awarded a $2.74 million grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to support advancement of XTS-001, the lead candidate from the company’s Mitoxts platform, toward clinical development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The grant will support confirmatory studies, biomarker development and IND-enabling work. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732128 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732128-mjff-grant-to-advance-x-tosis-xts-001-for-parkinsons Female healthcare professional holding dollar sign Some proteins embedded in the structure of prions may have antimicrobial activity, according to a study led by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania. An AI analysis of millions of fragments from prion-related proteins has revealed more than a thousand peptides that disrupt bacterial membranes and reduce infection in animal models, suggesting these proteins could be an unexpected source of new antibiotics. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732127 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732127-ai-uncovers-hidden-antibiotic-potential-in-prion-proteins AI-generated visualization of prion protein clusters Tissium SA secured €60 million (US$68 million) in a financing package, which includes €30 million in a series D2 round and a €30 million facility from the European Investment Bank. The funds will be used to support the company's commercial and clinical activities, as well as its pipeline development and expansion of its platform technology, which removes the need for sutures and leads to better nerve repair. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732080 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732080-tissium-secures-60m-to-advance-sutureless-tissue-repair-platform Tissium polymer technology Tissium's polymer technology. Credit: Tissium SA SK Biopharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. is doubling down on AI-powered drug discovery through a new collaboration with Insilico Medicine Inc. valued at more than $2.5 billion. The milestone-heavy deal, announced at the BIO International Convention in San Diego June 22, will pair Insilico’s Pharma.AI platform with SK Biopharm’s central nervous system (CNS) drug development and commercialization capabilities, underscoring Korean and global biopharma efforts to embed AI across the entire R&D lifecycle. http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732063 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732063-sk-biopharm-taps-insilico-in-25b-ai-cns-drug-discovery-deal Capsule with brain on programming background.jpg Decades of research are helping unravel the “black box” of the brain. The second article in BioWorld’s series on the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) field looks at how simultaneous breakthroughs in AI technology are pushing the BCI field from a theoretical concept to a potential real-world, clinical option for individuals, particularly in China where the National Medical Products Administration greenlighted the world’s first invasive BCI system – Neuracle Medical Technology Co. Ltd.’s Neural Electronic Opportunity – for clinical use in March 2026. BioWorld’s series on the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) field looks at how simultaneous breakthroughs in AI technology are pushing the BCI field from a theoretical concept to a potential real-world, clinical option for individuals, particularly in China where the National Medical Products Administration greenlighted the world’s first invasive BCI system – Neuracle Medical Technology Co. Ltd.’s Neural Electronic Opportunity – for clinical use in March 2026.]]> http://www.bioworld.com/articles/732062 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.bioworld.com/articles/732062-2026-marks-critical-turning-point-for-bci-technology Patient using Neuracle NEO system A patient grasps a bottle with a prosthetic hand using Neuracle’s NEO system, codeveloped by Tsinghua University School of Medicine. Credit: Tsinghua University