Researchers from Alzecure Pharma AB presented preclinical data for ACD-137, a negative allosteric modulator (NAM) of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA), being developed for the treatment of pain.

Researchers from Contineum Therapeutics Inc. have presented preclinical data for the novel brain penetrant lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 (LPAR1) antagonist, PIPE-791, being evaluated in models of neuropathic pain.

The interaction between the transcriptional co-repressor runt-related transcription factor 1 translocation partner 1 (Runx1t1) and MYCN, a member of the MYC proto-oncogene family, plays a crucial role in the development of neuroblastoma, according to a study led by the Children's Cancer Institute at Lowy Cancer Centre, UNSW Sydney.

Researchers from Indiana University have presented data from a study that aimed to assess the potential of suppressing GABA metabolism through inhibition of its degradation enzyme, GABA aminotransferase (GABA-AT), as novel analgesic strategy. The effect of next-generation GABA-AT inhibitor OV-329 was assessed in C57BL/6J mice that were intraperitoneally injected with paclitaxel to generate neuropathic nociception. Treatment with OV-329 attenuated the development and maintenance of paclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.

Infection or cure? Scientists from Tel Aviv University and the University of Glasgow genetically modified the Toxoplasma gondii to bring a protein inside neurons. The novelty of using a protozoan that can travel from the gut to parasitize the CNS contrasts with the possibility of causing a disease. The scientists are already working on how to avoid it.

Researchers from Merck & Co Inc. have presented preclinical data for the novel Nav1.8 inhibitor MSD-199, being developed for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Release Therapeutics SA has announced that it has secured CHF3.3 million (US$3.87 million) in seed funding. The proceeds will be used to finance primate studies of the company’s cell macroencapsulation technology for use in metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).