Trex Bio Inc. has announced its selection of a new development candidate, TRB-061, designed to selectively agonize TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2), a mechanism with potential across a broad range of autoimmune indications.

Researchers from the University of Michigan have filed for patent protection of methods and systems to identify actual esophageal tissue changes and/or damage during cardiac ablation procedures.

Sosei Group Corp. and Kallyope Inc. have announced the successful identification, validation and nomination of a first G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) target to enter a therapeutic discovery program for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. The nominated target will advance into a structure-based drug discovery program.

While executives of Durect Corp. plugged “compelling” reduction in mortality from a phase IIb study testing DNMT inhibitor larsucosterol in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis and looked ahead to a potential registrational trial, investors focused on the fact that the study, called Ahfirm, fell short of statistical significance on both primary and secondary endpoints, sending shares (NASDAQ:DRRX) down 79%.

It is well known that mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene are causative of cystic fibrosis, a lethal autosomal recessive Mendelian disorder. Several studies have also pointed to an association between CFTR mutations and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBXW7) is known to regulate the protein stability of key metabolic transcription factors, including the major transcriptional regulator of lipid biosynthesis, SREBP1, the overactivation of which has been previously linked to elevated lipogenesis.

Phathom Pharmaceuticals Inc. will begin marketing Voquezna (vonoprazan) in December, thanks to the Nov. 1 approval by U.S. regulators, who cleared the potassium-competitive acid blocker at 10-mg and 20-mg doses for all grades of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), maintenance of healing of all grades of the condition and relief of associated heartburn.

After a delay caused by the April complete response letter from the U.S. FDA for Eli Lilly and Co.’s Omvoh (mirikizumab-mrkz), regulators cleared the drug for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. Given by infusion (300 mg/15 mL)/injection (100 mg/mL), Omvoh stands as the first and only interleukin (IL)-23p19 antagonist for the treatment of moderately to severely active UC in adults – as well as the pharma giant’s first drug approval in the space.