SLAMF6 is suppressor of T-cell cancer immunity
SLAMF6 is an immune cell receptor whose function was not clear. Does it activate or inhibit cells? The results so far have been contradictory. Now, scientists at the Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) have unveiled evidence that SLAMF6, a protein of the SLAM family that binds to copies of itself, is regulated by interactions between molecules of the same receptor within the same cell.

SLAMF6 is suppressor of T-cell cancer immunity
SLAMF6 is an immune cell receptor whose function was not clear. Does it activate or inhibit cells? The results so far have been contradictory. Now, scientists at the Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) have unveiled evidence that SLAMF6, a protein of the SLAM family that binds to copies of itself, is regulated by interactions between molecules of the same receptor within the same cell.
VCs launch coalition to strengthen Europe life sciences investment
Venture capital firms and research institutions have launched the European Life Science Coalition in a bid to strengthen Europe’s VC ecosystem by mobilizing more private and public investment.
NMPA clears Gensci-136 for trials in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Changchun Genescience Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has received clearance from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to start clinical trials with Gensci-136 for injection, a dual APRIL/BAFF antagonist in development for the treatment of immunoglobulin A nephropathy.
CaMKII gene therapy is protective in models of eye disorders
A recent study published in Molecular Therapy by researchers from West China Hospital at Sichuan University and collaborators aimed to investigate the effect of CaMKII gene therapy on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) protection in mouse models of retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and congenital glaucoma.
NME Digest: Q4 2025
A quarterly dynamic table featuring new molecular entities (NMEs) revealed for the first time in current literature, at congresses and in company communications during the quarter.
VV-261 exhibits antiviral activity against chikungunya
Chikungunya virus is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus for which no antiviral therapy has been approved. Nucleotide analogues are among the most promising broad-spectrum antivirals, as they inhibit viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, an essential enzyme for RNA virus replication.
Zymedi describes new KARS1 inhibitors for cancer metastasis
Zymedi Co. Ltd. has patented lysyl-tRNA synthetase (KARS) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer metastasis.
FDA approves CSPC’s IND for SYH-2082 for weight management
CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. has obtained IND approval from the FDA for SYH-2082 injection, a GLP-1/GIP receptor dual-biased agonist polypeptide long-acting injection for weight management for individuals with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related comorbidity.

Conferences

New mechanism of action identified for QC-6352
Cancer
QC-6352 is a small molecule developed to inhibit the histone demethylase 4 (KDM4) that has shown potent antitumoral activity and which has a derivative named zavondemstat that is being tested in clinical trials. Researchers from Australia recently demonstrated the antiproliferative activity of...
Inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome for cognitive impairment, stroke
Cardiovascular
Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and cerebral small vessel disease are among the leading causes of dementia, where inflammation is known to play a crucial role. Researchers from Augusta University in the U.S. hypothesized that inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC-950 may...
VST Bio’s VB-001 is neuroprotector after stroke
Cardiovascular
At the recent International Stroke Conference, researchers from VST Bio Corp. and Yale University presented preclinical data regarding VB-001, a monoclonal antibody that targets syndecan 2 (SDC2) and is also known as VST-002.
IL-22 and TL1A, a robust couple for diagnosing hidradenitis suppurativa
Biomarkers
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with strong association with psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While some signaling pathways are well defined in HS, the role of TNF-like ligand 1 (TL1A) is not well understood. A group of researchers has...

Cancer

Quantx raises $85M to advance oral immunology drugs
Financings
After closing an oversubscribed $85 million series B round, Quantx Biosciences Inc. is gearing up to begin clinical trials of its two lead immunology compounds, a STAT6 oral small-molecule inhibitor and an IL-17 oral small-molecule inhibitor.

Infection

Eradivir selects RSV development candidate
Eradivir Inc. has nominated EV-148 as its development candidate for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

DNA origami vaccine produces broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies
Drug design, drug delivery and technologies
The use of DNA scaffolds could mark a turning point in HIV vaccine design. Scientists at Scripps Research and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a new vaccine platform based on DNA origami, a material that the immune system does not recognize as a threat, avoiding unwanted...
Study identifies furopyrimidine NiV/HeV inhibitors
Henipaviruses like Nipah (NiV) and Hendra (HeV) are highly lethal, bat-borne zoonotic viruses from the Paramyxoviridae family that cause severe encephalitis and respiratory illness in humans and animals. These viruses are highly transmissible and have notable pandemic potential. Researchers are...

Neurology/psychiatric

Nxera announces partner program updates
License
Nxera Pharma Co. Ltd. has announced the achievement of an early development milestone by Centessa Pharmaceuticals plc for ORX-489, triggering a payment to Nxera under the companies’ research collaboration.
New models, gene therapy approach for ocular phenotype of Friedreich’s ataxia
Genetic/congenital
Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), the most common form of hereditary ataxia, is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder affecting multiple organ systems, and causing cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, muscle weakness, speech impairment and other systemic issues.
Genome-wide CRISPRi screen provides insights into tau proteostasis
Tau is an intrinsically disordered protein that regulates the stability and dynamics of microtubules in physiological conditions. Recent work has revealed the involvement of tau in various neuronal processes. Researchers from the University of California and collaborators aimed to systematically...
Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals patents MAPT aggregation inhibitors
Patents
Aquinnah Pharmaceuticals Inc. has disclosed new microtubule-associated protein τ (PHF-τ; MAPT) aggregation inhibitors designed for use in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.
Targeting TRPM7 ameliorates neonatal HIBI, study finds
Conferences
Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a condition affecting neonates and is a leading global cause of perinatal neurological morbidity, with limited therapeutic options. Regarding its pathogenesis, the ion channel-kinase transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a known contributor to...

Endocrine/metabolic

Discovery and characterization of FXR partial agonists for the treatment of MASH
Gastrointestinal
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor predominantly expressed in the liver, intestine and kidney. FXR is crucially involved in regulating bile acid homeostasis, controlling inflammatory responses in the liver, and regulating lipid and glucose metabolism. Therefore, FXR plays a role...

Biomarkers

TL1A is overexpressed in hidradenitis suppurativa
Conferences
Despite the availability of advanced therapeutic options, about 40%-50% of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa do not achieve significant improvement in disease activity, thus there is a need for novel medications.

SCAN is core circuit affected in Parkinson’s disease
Drug design, drug delivery and technologies
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, and tremor is one of its signatures. But it is a much more wide-ranging disorder, and patients experience problems with cognitive and emotional processes as well. SCAN, the somato-cognitive action network identified in...
MJFF grant supports Bexorg’s translational biomarker work
Financings
Bexorg Inc. has been awarded a research grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) through the Targets to Therapies initiative to identify translational biomarkers for TRPML1-targeted therapies.

Gastrointestinal

Novel JAK1/2 PROTAC degrader effectively improves IBD
Degradation inducer
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder with limited long-term therapeutic options. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer a promising strategy...
Sinorda Biomedicine and Wuxi Biologics collaborate on SND-006
Collaboration
Wuxi Biologics Co. Ltd. and Sinorda Biomedicine have established a strategic collaboration for the development and manufacturing of SND-006, a novel bispecific antibody, for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune diseases.
Boehringer Ingelheim and Simcere partner on SIM-0709
Deals and M&A
Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. have entered into a license and collaboration agreement to develop SIM-0709 for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
NIK inhibitor shows potential for IBD and sepsis
Infection
NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), also known as MAP3K14, is the key kinase driving noncanonical NF-κB signaling and p100 processing. Researchers from China Pharmaceutical University reported the discovery and preclinical evaluation of a novel NIK...
RIPK1 arises as target in primary sclerosing cholangitis
Inflammatory
Increasing evidence exists regarding receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a necroptosis regulator, being involved in inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver disorders. The relationship between necroptosis and the inhibition of RIPK1...
Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical identifies new somatostatin SST2 receptor agonists
Patents
Nanjing Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has discovered somatostatin SST2 receptor agonists described as potentially useful for the treatment of acute pancreatitis and peptic ulcer bleeding.

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