RTI International has identified squaramide derivatives acting as cannabinoid CB1 receptor allosteric modulators reported to be useful for the treatment of obesity and substance abuse and dependence.
Domain Therapeutics SA has disclosed proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2; F2RL1) antagonists reported to be useful for the treatment of allergy, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular disorders, dermatological disorders, inflammatory disorders, pain and cancer.
Atherosclerosis occurs in arterial regions with disturbed blood flow, where endothelial cells are exposed to stress, thus activating proatherogenic signals that promote endothelial dysfunction and reprogramming, among others. Researchers have identified heart development protein with EGF like domains 1 (HEG1) as a flow-sensitive gene in murine artery endothelial cells.
Acinetobacter baumannii, a gram-negative opportunistic bacteria causing nosocomial bloodstream, urinary tract and airway infections, poses a high disease burden worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Moreover, A. baumannii is a multidrug resistance (MDR) critical priority pathogen that could contribute up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Therefore, novel antibiotic approaches to treat MDR A. baumannii constitute a critical medical need.
Voyager Therapeutics Inc. has entered into a strategic collaboration and capsid license agreement with Novartis Pharma AG, a subsidiary of Novartis AG, to advance potential gene therapies for Huntington’s disease and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Jiangsu Atom Bioscience and Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has received FDA clearance of its IND application for a phase I trial in the U.S. of ABP-745, an anti-inflammatory oral small-molecule drug, for the treatment of acute gout.
The contribution of alternative RNA splicing in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been deeply explored. In a recent study, the RNA-binding protein RNA binding fox-1 homolog 2 (RBFOX2) was investigated, since its role in modulating alternative splicing in PDAC is not well understood.
Saniona AB has selected its proprietary GABA-A α5 negative allosteric modulator lead compound, SAN-2465, as a clinical candidate for major depressive disorder following encouraging results in a rodent model.