To recreate in the laboratory the formation of Lewy bodies as they would occur in a Parkinson’s patient, two ingredients are required: the protein α-synuclein and the participation of the immune system. The results could prevent the development and progression of this neurodegenerative disorder and help in the search for new therapies.

Clinical research has shown that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD), including cardiac and vascular dysfunction. In the current study, researchers from Medical University of South Carolina developed and characterized a novel preclinical model of SLE-like CVD.

Kronos Bio Inc. has nominated a development candidate, KB-7898, a p300 lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) inhibitor for the potential treatment of Sjögren’s disease. It is being developed as an orally available therapy for people with Sjögren’s disease, with IND-enabling studies set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

The signaling of TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily member 4 (OX40) and its ligand (OX40L) plays a crucial role in the development of immunological and inflammatory disorders due to triggering a subset of T-cell responses.

Gigagen Inc., a subsidiary of Grifols SA, has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop a recombinant polyclonal antibody therapy for botulinum neurotoxins and a second biothreat of interest yet to be determined.

Inmagene LLC presented preclinical data for the novel noncovalent reversible Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor IMG-004, which is in phase I development for autoimmune diseases.