Researchers at Washington University reported the preclinical validation of [18F]FQ-NeuroROS, a redox-sensitive reporter probe for imaging neuroinflammation in preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, demyelination and axonal damage.
Shenzhen Bay Laboratory has synthesized G protein-coupled receptor GPR139 agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, pain, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse and dependence, post-traumatic stress and autism spectrum disorders.
Valo Health Inc. has disclosed sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1 receptor; EDG1) agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ulcerative colitis, lymphopenia and Crohn’s disease.
VAV1 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor essential for T- and B-cell receptor signaling, with expression largely restricted to immune cells. Loss of VAV1, via CRISPR or genetic deletion, impairs effector functions in both T and B cells.
Monoclonal antibodies show strong therapeutic potential against neurodegenerative diseases, but a major challenge is ensuring that they can arrive unharmed in the brain at sufficient concentrations. One way around this challenge is to vectorize the monoclonal antibody: encode it within a vector that can infect target cells in the brain and express the antibody in situ.
Muscarinic M4 receptor positive allosteric modulators are detailed in an Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. patent. They are reported to be useful for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, pain, schizophrenia, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, psychosis and drug abuse and dependence.
Genep Inc. has prepared and tested Imidazole compounds acting as sodium channel protein type 8 subunit α (SCN8A; Nav1.6) blockers reported to be useful for the treatment of epilepsy.
Atai Therapeutics Inc. has patented new 5-HT2A receptor agonists reported to be useful for the treatment of substance abuse and dependence, treatment-resistant depression, major depression, anxiety, eating, obsessive-compulsive and stress disorder.
In recognition of the fact that diversity, equity and inclusion are necessary prerequisites for precision medicine, the European Academy of Neurology announced the launch of a DEI Hub at its 11th Congress, which is being held in Helsinki through June 24.
Nanjing Deheng Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Ltd. and Nanjing Delova Biotech Co. Ltd. have discovered new sodium channel protein type 10 subunit α (SCN10A; Nav1.8) blockers reported to be useful for the treatment of pain, cough and pruritus.