SLN-140 (Silence Therapeutics plc) is a novel small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting protein S for the treatment of hemophilia A (HA). Researchers from the University of Bern recently presented data from studies conducted in animal models of HA, performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SLN-140.
Vega Therapeutics Inc. has reported promising preclinical data on VGA-039, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody directed against human protein S (ProS) that inhibits ProS cofactor activity for tissue factor pathway inhibitor α (TFPIα) and activated protein C (aPC), thus enhancing thrombin generation by acting on both the initiation (TFPIα) and propagation (aPC) phases of coagulation for potential activity against various bleeding disorders.
Novelmed Therapeutics Inc. has reported topline results with its lead anti-properdin antibody NM-3086 in a rabbit model of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). NM-3086 is a potent, first-in-class, humanized monoclonal antibody that is highly selective for properdin of the alternative pathway (AP) without blocking the classical pathway (CP), which is critical for maintaining host defense against infections.
Researchers from BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. have developed a series of plasma kallikrein inhibitors with potential for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE).
Does cancer cause autoimmune disease or is it the other way around? In looking at the question of which comes first, the chicken or the egg, researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Australia found that a genetic mutation that alters immune cells in leukemia is behind certain autoimmune disorders.
Shanghai Meiyue Biotech Development Co. Ltd. has identified macrocyclic compounds acting as coagulation factor XIa (FXIa) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of thrombosis.
Protagonist Therapeutics Inc. has disclosed hepcidin mimetic conjugates acting as solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1, ferroportin) ligands with extended half-life and stability.
Synthetic cells (SCs) armed with recombinant growth factors could contribute to tissue regeneration and healing by promoting angiogenesis. This technology opens the door to its application in other therapies such as transplants that require the remodeling or formation of new blood vessels. In addition, they mark the way to produce intracorporeal biological drugs or the inhibition of the angiogenesis process itself when it comes to blocking the irrigation of a tumor.