Current antithrombotic therapies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disorders such as thrombosis, myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke present an associated risk of bleeding. The essential events leading to the formation of hemostatic clots are platelet activation and fibrin formation. When activated, the prostacyclin (IP) receptor prevents platelet aggregation in arteries and veins after injury.
Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has disclosed platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) will likely remain the worldwide leading cause of death for the next couple of decades. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been useful to identify hundreds of genomic loci that contribute CAD risk.
Researchers from Basking Biosciences Inc. presented preclinical data for BB-031, a novel RNA aptamer that binds and inhibits Von Willebrand Factor (VWF). BB-031 (0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 mg/kg) or placebo were administered to a canine model of large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke at 6 hours post-LVO with an autologous clot.
Scientists from the National Institutes of Health and affiliated organizations established a novel mouse model of intraventricular extension of hemorrhage (IVH) for the purpose of measuring motor and cognitive function in acute and chronic stages of intracerebral hemorrhage, which is the most severe stroke subtype.
Heart failure is a common condition: according to a new study in 11 high-income countries, an estimated 1-2% of the population has heart failure. One feature of late-stage heart failure is nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which leaves heart muscle cells unable to generate sufficient ATP to meet their energy needs. Now, investigators at The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto have shown that this metabolic dysfunction is present early in heart failure, and precedes any sign of clinical dysfunction in the heart.