One way to prevent the effect of a molecule is to use the cell’s own machinery to break it down. This is what the PROTAC technology does, an acronym for proteolysis targeting chimera, or BacPROTAC, when applied to bacteria. A study led by Austrian and German scientists has demonstrated the effectiveness of this technique in eliminating the tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The finding opens the door to the BacPROTAC strategy as an alternative to the development of drugs against this microorganism.
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a respiratory disease characterized by increased lung epithelial permeability, inflammatory cell infiltration and edema with a more than 40% mortality rate. Researchers from Wenzhou Medical University and colleagues reported the design and synthesis of [I], a novel cinnamic acid (CIN) derivative that targets the interaction of MD-2 protein and LPS showing anti-inflammatory activity.
Despite posting positive phase IIa data, Pliant Therapeutics Inc. stock (NASDAQ:PLRX) took a punch May 1 as shares closed 21% downward at $22.31 each. Still, the stock is in far better shape than it was a year ago when shares were going for about $5 each.
Mast cell-expressed membrane protein 1 (MCEMP1) is a type II transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in myeloid lineage immune cells, including lung-resident mast cells and alveolar macrophages. MCEMP1 is a critical factor in allergic and inflammatory lung diseases, with higher expression levels correlating with increased disease severity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of MCEMP1 in the pathogenesis of lung inflammatory diseases remain unclear.
Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA has synthesized pyridazinyl amino derivatives acting as TGF-β receptor type-1 (TGFBR1; ALK5; SKR4; TβR-I) inhibitors reported for be useful for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Senisca Ltd. has been awarded a £571,350 (US$712,000) grant from Innovate UK toward the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
In its $2 billion acquisition of Bellus Health Inc., GSK plc is getting camlipixant, which is being developed to treat refractory chronic cough. The selective P2X3 receptor antagonist is currently in phase I and phase III studies. Bellus will be acquired by GSK for $14.75 per share in cash.