Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis, is characterized by diminished bone density and compromised osteoblast function. As current treatment options often have significant side effects, researchers are actively seeking new drug candidates to improve patient outcomes.

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are crucial to maintain oxygen homeostasis by regulating cellular metabolic adaptation under hypoxia conditions. Depletion of factor inhibiting HIF (FIH), an enzyme that negatively regulates the activity of the HIF-1α isoform, has been associated with reductions in hepatic steatosis and body mass in mice.

Researchers from Fundación Jiménez Díaz and affiliated organizations have published data from a study that aimed to identify new genes involved in the progression of atherosclerosis, a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids and leukocytes within the arterial wall.

Bioage Labs Inc. has nominated BGE-102 as a development candidate. The orally available, small-molecule NLRP3 inhibitor has high potency and high brain penetration.

Helicore Biopharma Inc. has emerged from stealth with $65 million in series A financing and a focus on first-in-class glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) antagonists for obesity and related conditions. The company’s portfolio includes GIP antibody conjugates designed to address specific obesity subpopulations.

Tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 1 (PTP1B) acts as a negative regulator of the insulin signaling pathway by dephosphorylating both the insulin receptor (IR) and the insulin receptor substrate, leading to insulin resistance, the most significant characteristic of type 2 diabetes.

The liver and pancreas are the main actors in glucose metabolism, but not the only ones. Muscles, adipose tissue and the brain play different roles. However, the prize for the best new actor in glucagon production goes to the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which, according to a study published in Science, respond to intestine neuron signals traveling to the pancreas to control glucose.