Research

Mutations leading to omicron variant did not enable virus to fully escape immune system

People who gained immunity - either through vaccination or exposure - against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, also are likely to have some protection against the pathogen's omicron variant. That’s because the mutations that led to the variant’s emergence aren’t found in the regions of the virus that stimulates one type of cellular immune response,

Stealth nanomedicines combat cancer and cut toxic effects of chemo

Nanomedicines - typically drugs hidden within nanoscopic fatty membranes ('liposomes') - have potential to transform chemotherapy treatments, improving drug delivery and reducing toxic side effects for thousands of cancer patients every year.

Now, world first research conducted by the University of South Australia has identified that the frequently used chemotherapy drug (5-FU or Fluorouracil) is 100 per cent more effective at targeting tumours (rather than surrounding tissues) when administered using an optimised liposomal formulation.

New strategy for COVID-19 prophylaxis

SARS-CoV-2 viruses can hide from recognition by the immune system. However, the antiviral immune receptor RIG-I can be stimulated, which improves protection against lethal SARS-CoV-2 infections. Researchers led by Prof. Dr. Gunther Hartmann from the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the University Hospital Bonn, in cooperation with other members of the cluster of excellence ImmunoSensation2 at the University of Bonn, have shown this in mice.

National science academies of the G7 states publish joint statement on the war in Ukraine

The national science academies of the G7 states publish a joint statement on Russia's attack on Ukraine.

The science academies have been accompanying the annual meetings of the G7 states for more than 15 years. In the run-up to each summit, they address scientific agenda-related issues that require multilateral action.

Targeted enzymes destroy virus RNA

A research team led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has successfully used specific enzymes to destroy the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2 directly after the virus penetrates the cell. The findings could serve as the basis for a therapy to treat COVID-19.

Our genome contains building instructions for proteins and other molecules. In order for these to be produced by the cell, a kind of transcript of these building instructions must first be created, which takes the form of so-called RNA molecules.

Healthy gut microbiome improves success of cancer treatment

The largest study to date has confirmed the link between the gut microbiome and the response to cancer immunotherapy therapy for melanoma.

The study is published today in Nature Medicine and co-ordinated by King’s College London, CIBIO Department of the University of Trento and European Institute of Oncology in Italy, University of Groningen in the Netherlands and funded by the Seerave Foundation.

Autoimmune diseases: discovery of central building block in immune cells

Autoimmune diseases are triggered when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's own structures. Although there is not, as yet, any cure for such diseases, their progression can be slowed down by therapeutic measures. Researchers at MedUni Vienna's Center for Physiology and Pharmacology have now discovered a central signaling pathway in immune cells that may help in the development of a new therapeutic approach.

Research & Development

Mutations leading to omicron variant did not enable virus to fully escape immune system

Stealth nanomedicines combat cancer and cut toxic effects of chemo

New strategy for COVID-19 prophylaxis

National science academies of the G7 states publish joint statement on the war in Ukraine

Targeted enzymes destroy virus RNA

Healthy gut microbiome improves success of cancer treatment

Autoimmune diseases: discovery of central building block in immune cells

More Pharma News ...