R&D

CycPeptMPDB: A database aimed at promoting drug design using cyclic peptides

CycPeptMPDB, a novel database - created by Tokyo Tech researchers - focused on the membrane permeability of cyclic peptides, could accelerate the development of drugs based on these promising compounds. This database was created by gathering published information on thousands of cyclic peptides and organizing it neatly in an online-accessible platform.

A nasal spray protects against coronavirus infection - Effective also against recent immune-evasive variants

Researchers have developed a molecule that is, when administered nasally, extremely effective in preventing the disease caused by all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The molecule can be a key tool in preparing for future pandemics, as it is aimed at preventing both the transmission and spread of the virus.

In laboratory animal studies, a molecule known as TriSb92, developed by researchers at the University of Helsinki, has been confirmed as affording effective protection against coronavirus infection.

Candidate found to inhibit malignant melanoma growth

Malignant melanoma is a relatively aggressive type of skin cancer. When detected early, it is usually treatable by surgical resection only, but metastases develop often spreading to distant areas. Currently, tumor thickness and the presence of ulceration are some of the known prognostic factors used as indicators of malignant melanoma. Therefore, the discovery of valuable markers to assess the malignant potential of melanoma more accurately may be necessary to develop appropriate treatments.

'Biohybrid' device could restore function in paralysed limbs

Researchers have developed a new type of neural implant that could restore limb function to amputees and others who have lost the use of their arms or legs.

In a study carried out in rats, researchers from the University of Cambridge used the device to improve the connection between the brain and paralysed limbs. The device combines flexible electronics and human stem cells - the body's 'reprogrammable' master cells - to better integrate with the nerve and drive limb function.

DNA treatment could delay paralysis that strikes nearly all patients with ALS

In virtually all persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and in up to half of all cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia, a protein called TDP-43 is lost from its normal location in the nucleus of the cell. In turn, this triggers the loss of stathmin-2, a protein crucial to regeneration of neurons and the maintenance of their connections to muscle fibers, essential to contraction and movement.

First nasal monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 shows promise for treating virus, other diseases

A pilot trial by investigators from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, tested the nasal administration of the drug Foralumab, an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Investigators found evidence that the drug dampened the inflammatory T cell response and decreased lung inflammation in patients with COVID-19.

Digital twin opens way to effective treatment of inflammatory diseases

Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis have complex disease mechanisms that can differ from patient to patient with the same diagnosis. This means that currently available drugs have little effect on many patients. Using so-called digital twins, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have now obtained a deeper understanding of the "off and on" proteins that control these diseases.

Research & Development

CycPeptMPDB: A database aimed at promoting drug design using cyclic peptides

A nasal spray protects against coronavirus infection - Effective also against recent immune-evasive variants

Candidate found to inhibit malignant melanoma growth

'Biohybrid' device could restore function in paralysed limbs

DNA treatment could delay paralysis that strikes nearly all patients with ALS

First nasal monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 shows promise for treating virus, other diseases

Digital twin opens way to effective treatment of inflammatory diseases

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