After rising significantly pre-market on Oct. 5 – when positive phase IIa results with Lomecel-B in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were made public – shares of Longeveron Inc. (NASDAQ:LGVN) sank during the day and again Oct. 6 to close at $1.75, down 34 cents, or 16%.
Dominantly inherited mutations in the MAPT gene, which encodes the tau protein, result in a subset of tauopathies named frontotemporal lobar degeneration with tau pathology (FTLD-tau). However, the mechanisms by which MAPT mutations cause disease remain unclear. In a recent study, researchers from Washington University in St. Louis aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the impact of MAPT mutations on lncRNA in tauopathy.
Küleon LLC (formerly Psilosterics LLC) has announced a trifunctional serotonergic small molecule that is a full 5-HT2C receptor agonist and full antagonist of the 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptors with potential to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. Designated KB-128, it could be developed to treat disorders that can be modulated though 5-HT2C receptors, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s psychosis, depression, obesity and addiction.
A discovery-stage company founded 10 years ago and focused on developing a PINK1 activator for Parkinson’s disease and other indications is now under the umbrella of Abbvie Inc. through an acquisition potentially worth $655 million. North Chicago-based Abbvie paid $110 million at closing for San Francisco-based Mitokinin Inc., but the deal also includes up to $545 million in potential payments upon hitting development and commercial milestones related to the PINK1 (PTEN-induced kinase 1) program. On top of that, Mitokinin shareholders are entitled to tiered royalties based on net sales.
The broadest view of post-mortem brains in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has unveiled the genome, transcriptome and epigenome alterations of this neurodegenerative condition. The coordinated research, directed by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), also described new cellular pathways that could help the scientific community design new therapies. Four simultaneous studies published on Sept. 28, 2023, in Cell, presented a brain single-cell atlas of AD, exposed the damage that affects DNA, and described the processes that alter the microglia and dysregulate the epigenome.
The broadest view of post-mortem brains in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has unveiled the genome, transcriptome and epigenome alterations of this neurodegenerative condition. The coordinated research, directed by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), also described new cellular pathways that could help the scientific community design new therapies. Four simultaneous studies published on Sept. 28, 2023, in Cell, presented a brain single-cell atlas of AD, exposed the damage that affects DNA, and described the processes that alter the microglia and dysregulate the epigenome.
Boston Scientific Corp.’s plan to acquire Relievant Medsystems Inc. is part of its ongoing effort to address chronic pain which is significantly impacting the quality of life of millions of people. Relievant’s Intracept intraosseous nerve ablation system will give Boston Scientific another tool in its armory to tackle chronic pain which already includes radiofrequency ablation (RFA) solutions and spinal cord stimulator (SCS) systems.
Shanghaitech University has identified G protein-coupled receptor GPR139 agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of schizophrenia, among others.
As pricing negotiations for Biogen Inc./Eisai Co. Ltd.’s newly approved Leqembi (lecanemab) for Alzheimer’s disease get underway at Japan’s Central Social Insurance Medical Council (Chuikyo), industry watchers see opportunity for potential drug price reform.