The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research has been awarded a 5-year, $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the potential of human ghrelin as a medical countermeasure against radiation-induced gastrointestinal syndrome.
The largest analysis to date of patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) has investigated their effects on nearly 175 diseases, and found that compared to three other classes of diabetes medications, individuals with a prescription for GLP-1RAs had a reduced risk of 42 diseases, and an increased risk of 19. The findings, which were published Jan. 20, 2025, in Nature Medicine, provide a comprehensive overview of GLP-1RAs’ effects.
Medtronic plc’s next-generation pill-sized camera saw its first use in a recent appointment, during which it captured thousands of high-definition images of the small bowel mucosa. The company hopes that the new Pillcam Genius SB Kit will transform small bowel diagnostics, as it provides clearer imaging, and greater accessibility and ease for both patients and clinicians.
Esocap AG aims to transform the treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis with its drug delivery technology, ESO-101, designed to increase mucosal contact time and drug deposition in the esophagus. Data from the recent ACESO study showed that ESO-101 was safe and well tolerated and improved both histologic and endoscopic outcomes in patients with active eosinophilic esophagitis.
Interline Therapeutics Inc. has synthesized receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (RIPK2; RIP-2) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Sequana Medical NV received premarket approval from the U.S. FDA for its Alfapump system to treat recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Data from the Poseidon pivotal study showed the implantable device, which removes ascites from the abdomen into the bladder, can eliminate the need for therapeutic paracentesis, improving the quality of life of patients.
Centennial Therapeutics LLC has divulged ketohexokinase (KHK) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of nonalcoholic or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (NASH/MASH).
Onconic Therapeutics Inc., a subsidiary of Jeil Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., saw its shares (KOSDAQ:476060) ascend for two consecutive days after debuting with a ₩20.15 billion (US$13.89 million) IPO on the Korea Exchange Dec. 19. Seoul, South Korea-based Onconic’s Kosdaq IPO offered about 1.55 million shares at ₩13,000 each, which was lowered from its original price band of ₩16,000 to ₩18,000 per share after demand forecasting.