Sensitized nociceptors, such as during inflammation, respond to non-noxious stimuli. The precise molecular mechanisms for sensitization to mechanical stimuli are not well defined. Recent findings have suggested piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 (Piezo2) to be part of these mechanisms.

The debate over Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.’s gene transfer therapy, SRP-9001 (delandistrogene moxeparvovec), in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) proved as thorny as expected during a closely watched meeting of the U.S. FDA’s Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee. Panelists voted on a single question: “Do the overall considerations of benefit and risk, taking into account the existing uncertainties, support accelerated approval of SRP-9001, using as a surrogate endpoint expression of Sarepta’s microdystrophin at week 12 after administration, for the treatment of ambulatory patients with DMD with a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene?” Balloting turned out 8 yes, 6 no.

A new mouse model of an inherited form of dystonia has shown the spinal cord is the driver of the condition, overturning previous understanding that the movement disorder is caused by disruption of neural circuits in the brain. The connection was demonstrated by selectively deleting torsin family 1 member A (TOR1A), the gene that causes dystonia, in the neurons of the spinal cord only.

How grave they might be remains unknown, but regulatory questions have surfaced in briefing documents related to the soon-to-happen panel meeting on Sarepta Therapeutics Inc.’s gene transfer therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The U.S. FDA’s Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee will meet May 12 to discuss the compound, also known as SRP-9001.

Despite the approval of Biogen Inc.’s Qalsody (tofersen) for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), there are still hurdles for the drug to clear, including a confirmatory study and setting a price. Because the U.S. FDA granted Qalsody accelerated, not full approval, there are plenty more data to collect in the ongoing confirmatory phase III Atlas study of those who develop ALS symptoms during the trial compared to placebo. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is being conducted with those carrying the superoxide dismutase 1 gene genetic mutation but are symptom free.

Albatroz Therapeutics Pte Ltd. has secured $3 million in funding to accelerate the development of therapeutic antibodies against a novel target that degrades the extracellular matrix, a key contributor to cancer and arthritis.

A twisted, uncertain path has led to a U.S. FDA approval for Biogen Inc.’s Qalsody (tofersen), the first drug targeting a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Qalsody is for ALS associated with a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Patients with SOD-1 mutations account for 2% of ALS cases.

Dupuytren’s disease is often referred to as “the most common crippling hand condition that people have never heard of,” but Kurt Harrington is on a mission to change that. A seasoned biotech and pharma consultant, Harrington has had the condition himself for over a decade and, acutely aware of the lack of available treatment options, has founded Ventoux Biosciences Inc. to bring additional therapies forward.