A new derivative of coumarin, a natural plant product abundant in cinnamon, could hold the key to healthy aging. Researchers at the Buck Institute have shown that it extended life span and prevented neurodegenerative disease in worms and mice. The drug, a TFEB gene inducer called MIC, promoted mitochondria recycling (mitophagy) but also interacted with lysosomes, which could have multiple applications. The scientists published the results of this aging and mitophagy study on Nov. 13, 2023, in Nature Aging.
The activity of the human drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 3A4 (hCYP3A4) can seriously compromise the therapeutic effect of several drugs. Although CYP3A4 inhibitors may improve the in vivo efficacy of hCYP3A4-substrate drugs, most of them trigger serious adverse effects.
A recognized link exists between oxidative stress, obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF). NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) serves as a significant contributor to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the heart, and it is known to be elevated in obese mice.
A team of scientists at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School has discovered the putative cancer target UDP-glucuronate decarboxylase 1 (UXS1) in cancer cells expressing high levels of UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH). UXS1 is a Golgi enzyme that appears downstream of UGDH and converts UDP-glucuronate (UDPGA) to UDP-xylose. The study also showed that UXS1 not only cleared away UDPGA but also limited its production through negative feedback on UGDH. They published their results on Oct. 25, 2023, in the online edition of Nature.
Gasherbrum Bio Inc. patent details heterocyclic glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, among others.
Itolerance Inc. and Kadimastem Ltd. have submitted a meeting request to the FDA's INTERACT committee for ITOL-102, which is under development as a potential cure for type 1 diabetes without the need for chronic immunosuppression.
Orsobio Inc., already in the clinic with three candidates, has completed its $60 million series A financing. The company, CEO Mani Subramanian told BioWorld, has taken its time to find the right programs, put them together and only raised capital when it saw the programs had legs. Even the series A is a measured step, as Subramanian called the financing “modest.”
Lumos Pharma Inc.’s novel approach with LUM-201 in pediatric growth hormone deficiency paid off in top-line results, and the company is laying the groundwork for a phase III study next year. Pisit “Duke” Pitukcheewanont, senior vice president of global clinical development and medical affairs for Lumos, told BioWorld that the ability of LUM-201 to generate hormone at the normal range, promoting growth comparable to standard-of-care daily or weekly injections is “groundbreaking.”
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a form of anovulatory infertility characterized by hyperandrogenemia, irregular menses and polycystic ovarian morphology. Apart from experiencing reproductive-related symptoms, women with PCOS face an increased risk of obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holding Inc. has described cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists or inverse agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, inflammatory and liver diseases.
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