Tag Archives: promising

Enhancing Cancer Treatment Efficacy with Fecal Transplants: A Promising Approach

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Harnessing Gut Bacteria: A Novel Approach in Cancer Treatment

Lewis Houghton/Science Photo Library

For individuals unresponsive to conventional cancer therapies, fecal transplants from patients who have successfully undergone treatment could significantly enhance recovery odds. Modifying the gut microbiome impacts the immune response and has shown potential in stabilizing tumors during initial studies involving kidney cancer patients.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a safe procedure where a stool sample from one individual is transferred into another’s intestine to improve microbiome diversity. Initially approved to tackle recurring antibiotic-resistant Clostridioides difficile infections, FMT is on the rise in both the UK and US, and it has shown promise in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.

While immunotherapy drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, enhance immune system functions to combat cancer cells, they may not be universally effective. Previous studies suggest that FMT from responding individuals could provide benefits for non-responders. “The microbiome significantly influences host immunity; thus, modifying it may enhance immune responses and facilitate cancer cell destruction,” states Gianluca Ianilo from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy.

Prior research predominantly examined melanoma, a specific skin cancer, without comparing FMT effects to a placebo. To mitigate these gaps, Ianilo and colleagues enlisted 45 adults with kidney cancer who had commenced dual therapy with the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab and axitinib—a medication obstructing tumor blood supply—within the last two months.

Participants were randomly split into two groups: one receiving FMT from a male donor whose cancer remitted post-checkpoint inhibitors, and the other receiving saline, both administered through a small tube rectally.

Following the initial transplant, most participants were given two additional doses (FMT or saline) three and six months later, but this time in oral pill form.

In the FMT cohort, participants maintained stable cancer status for an average of two years following the first transplant, contrasting with just nine months in the placebo group. Moreover, over half of those in the FMT group experienced tumor reduction, compared to approximately one-third in the placebo group.

“This provides robust evidence indicating that gut microbiome manipulation can significantly affect immunotherapy outcomes,” claims Hassan Zaroor from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

While the exact mechanism of FMT’s efficacy remains unclear, stool sample analyses taken before and after FMT indicate that FMT may introduce beneficial gut bacteria like Blautia wechslerae, which produce short-chain fatty acids that promote anti-cancer immune responses.

Additionally, FMT appeared to adjust the bacterial composition in recipients’ guts. For instance, it diminished levels of harmful strains like Escherichia coli, which trigger inflammation, while boosting beneficial bacteria like Ruminococcus bromii, known for enhancing growth of other beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids.

This finding aligns with another recent study indicating that FMT can significantly enhance the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer compared to immunotherapy alone.

These trials suggest that FMT may also prove effective against additional tumor types responsive to checkpoint inhibitors, including those affecting the bladder and head and neck, although larger randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings, according to Elkrief.

Future research must determine which specific bacterial strains confer benefits, potentially enabling the development of synthetic microbial preparations for widespread cancer treatments, Ianilo emphasizes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Breakthrough Gene Therapy for Huntington’s Disease Demonstrates Promising Results in 2025

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Huntington’s Disease: A Gradual Destruction of Brain Cells.

Science Photo Library/Alamy

This year marks a watershed moment in addressing Huntington’s disease, a rare yet impactful form of dementia. Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking milestone with an experimental gene therapy that effectively slows the advancement of this debilitating condition for the first time ever. This represents a significant breakthrough in the search for viable treatments.

According to Sarah Tabrizi from University College London, “This is a monumental step forward,” referencing the successes observed in late-stage trials earlier this year. “We now understand that Huntington’s disease is potentially treatable, presenting us with a tremendous opportunity.”

Huntington’s disease stems from a genetic mutation that causes the normally benign huntingtin protein to cluster into harmful aggregates within the brain. This accumulation leads to gradual deterioration of brain cells, hindering movement, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. Currently, no approved treatments halt the progression of symptoms, and care primarily focuses on supporting affected individuals.

The novel treatment, dubbed AMT-130, directly targets these abnormal proteins by delivering genetic instructions to brain cells, instructing them to produce molecules that inhibit protein formation.

In a recent investigation, Tabrizi and her team administered high doses of AMT-130 to 17 patients with Huntington’s disease. They evaluated changes in cognitive, motor, and daily functioning over a three-year period compared to a control group. Preliminary results released by the drug’s manufacturer, biotechnology firm uniQure, indicate a remarkable 75% average slowdown in symptom progression.

“Huntington’s disease treatment has faced numerous challenges in recent years,” stated Sarah O’Shea at Mount Sinai in New York, who was not involved in the study. “This accomplishment is significant, not just in delaying the disease’s progression but also because it arrives at a crucial time when hope is desperately needed.”

Nevertheless, this innovative treatment does come with its own set of challenges. Tabrizi explained that the 12- to 18-hour surgical procedure required to deliver the treatment deep within the brain is only accessible in a limited number of facilities in select countries, including the U.S. and U.K. Additionally, if approved, the treatment is likely to be prohibitively expensive. “Will it be accessible to all? Achieving that will be a challenge,” she remarked.

To navigate these hurdles, Tabrizi and her team are developing an alternative therapy that involves injecting the fluid around the spinal cord. “We’re currently conducting a Phase I study, and the first patient was treated in November 2024,” Tabrizi noted, with safety results expected by July 2026.

Meanwhile, uniQure’s executives revealed in September plans to submit AMT-130 for FDA approval in early 2026. However, the submission timeline is now uncertain, as the FDA has expressed concerns regarding the study plan and the control group, which consists of *non-treatment* patients drawn from a database.

The absence of a proper control group complicates the ability to discern the placebo effect on results. Still, given the surgical nature of the treatment, establishing such a group poses significant challenges.

“We firmly believe that AMT-130 holds substantial potential to benefit patients and are dedicated to collaborating with the FDA to expedite access to this treatment for families in need across the U.S.,” stated Matt Kapusta, CEO of uniQure.

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  • Dementia /
  • 2025 News Review

Source: www.newscientist.com

Modular Reactors: Promising, Yet Not Ready for Deployment Anytime Soon

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The XE-100 plant proposed in the US by X-Energy employs technologies akin to those being developed in the UK

Centrica

The UK government has unveiled plans to establish over a dozen small reactors nationwide, marking a new era for nuclear energy. A key objective is to help the country eliminate reliance on Russian energy within three years. But can a small reactor achieve both engineering feasibility and commercial success?

Before visiting London on September 16th, the US President and UK officials announced a partnership between Centrica and US startup X-Energy to build 12 small modular reactors in energy data centers, alongside a “micromodular nuclear power plant” developed by Last Energy at DP World’s London Gateway Port.

However, no timelines for commencing these projects were provided, and the Ministry of Energy Security and Net Zero did not respond to New Scientist‘s request for clarification.

This initiative aligns with the trend toward smaller reactors. According to Bruno Merck from the University of Liverpool, Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear agency, has recently completed a small nuclear reactor designed for use in nuclear-powered icebreaker ships. Notably, they continue to construct more reactors, suggesting either a demand for these devices or a commercial demonstration aimed at securing future sales despite ongoing sanctions post-Ukraine invasion.

China has also developed the Linglong One small reactor, though its commercial viability remains uncertain. Major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are investing heavily in these types of nuclear technologies.

David Dye from Imperial College London remarks that while small reactors are appropriate for remote military bases and Arctic locations, there is skepticism about their applicability for the needs of tech giants. He suggests that it’s considerably simpler to locate a data center next to a power source.

“For tech visionaries with significant financial resources, investing $50 million in such technology seems trivial,” Dye notes, pointing to the wealth of influential individuals in this field.

One potential motivation, indicates Michael Bluck from Imperial College, is reliability. “Data centers must operate 99.995% of the time,” Bluck explains. “Securing that electricity means having first access to it.”

Bluck asserts that there are no engineering or scientific barriers preventing the swift construction of small reactors. He highlights that many small experimental reactors function in universities and military submarines globally.

“It’s not about size. It’s about modularity, production line construction, and standardized components, which represent practical and sound engineering practices,” Bluck states.

However, the miniaturization of nuclear reactors does come with several drawbacks. Merck explains that scaling up usually yields greater efficiency in terms of cost and energy. Both large and small reactors require similarly thick concrete shielding, which adds safety considerations. Furthermore, while larger reactors achieve a better volume-to-surface area ratio, smaller reactors encounter challenges in neutron fission chain reactions, resulting in less energy production from the same fuel quantity.

“It’s just physics,” Merck states. “Anyone suggesting otherwise is probably mistaken. I don’t subscribe to magical thinking.”

That said, Merck highlights that traditional nuclear power facilities require years of planning, substantial political will for funding, and extensive resources for operations. “These facilities are costly to build,” he adds. “Smaller reactors may offer a more feasible alternative.”

Innovative Nuclear Designs

Bluck notes that the recent governmental announcement features two distinct designs. X-Energy is focusing on the XE-100, while Last Energy is using a relatively conventional pressurized water reactor known as PWR-20, which operates on similar fuel as the Sizewell B nuclear facility in the UK. The former may represent a longer-term vision, but the latter could achieve market readiness sooner.

Nevertheless, even with established fuels and technologies, Bluck estimates a minimum five-year timeline before a prototype reactor can be constructed in the UK. “Everyone desires results immediately,” he remarks, “but they must understand that energy development takes time.”

For plans to mass-produce and export these small reactors, obtaining regulatory approval is crucial, and this process will need to start from square one in the host countries.

Bluck suggests this is significant for US and UK announcements. The agreement aims to accelerate approvals across jurisdictions, allowing for cross-border sign-offs. For instance, Rolls Royce is working on a small modular reactor that is considerably larger than those proposed by US startups, resembling traditional power plants. If it gains UK approval, it could quickly enter the US market.

Despite this, Bluck cautions that the initiative carries inherent political risks. “For those against nuclear energy, questions will arise regarding trust, asking, ‘Are we simply accepting what’s offered?'” This partnership aims to alleviate some of those concerns. “We acknowledge the issue, and this is the first time two major manufacturing nations have come together in this regard,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Star Flares May Obstruct Search for Life in Promising Star Systems

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Illustration of TRAPPIST-1, a red dwarf star with at least seven orbiting planets

Mark Garlick/Alamy

Investigating the atmosphere surrounding the TRAPPIST-1 star system, one of the most promising locations in the galaxy, may prove even more challenging for astronomers than previously anticipated due to sporadic radiation bursts emitted by the stars.

First identified in 2016, TRAPPIST-1 is a diminutive red star located about 40 light years from Earth and is known to orbit at least seven planets. Several of these planets are situated within habitable zones that could support liquid water, making them prime candidates for astronomers searching for signs of extraterrestrial life.

For life to be sustainable, these planets must retain an atmosphere. Up to now, extensive observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have shown no signs of atmospheres on any of the planets.

Now, Julien DeWitt from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his team have detected minor bursts emanating from TRAPPIST-1 for several minutes each hour. These radiation surges seem to complicate the planets’ capacity to capture light filtering through their atmospheres — if they exist — which is essential for determining the chemical makeup of any atmosphere.

Using the Hubble Space Telescope, DeWitt and his team searched for specific ultraviolet wavelengths from TRAPPIST-1 that would be absorbed by hydrogen. If a planet detected this light more than anticipated while transiting in front of the star, it could suggest that hydrogen was escaping from its atmosphere.

Although they found no definitive evidence, significant variabilities in different observations hint that extra light is being emitted at certain times. Hubble data can be divided into 5-minute increments, showing that this additional light is fleeting. DeWitt and his team deduce that these must be microflares — akin to solar flares from our sun, but occurring more frequently.

TRAPPIST-1 is quite faint, requiring astronomers to observe for extended periods to gather enough light. “Furthermore, there’s this flaring activity, which coincides with the timing of the transiting planets,” DeWitt states. “It’s particularly difficult to draw any conclusive insights regarding the existence of [atmospheres on the exoplanets],” he adds.

DeWitt and his colleagues also assessed whether these flares could impede a planet’s ability to retain its atmosphere. They found that one planet, TRAPPIST-1b, which the James Webb Space Telescope had already failed to detect atmospheric evidence for, could lose an equivalent of 1,000 times the hydrogen found in Earth’s oceans every million years. However, it’s often challenging to pinpoint which of these flares actually impact the planet. DeWitt suggests many uncertainties and various scenarios still need exploration.

Such stars can exhibit varying activity levels, but TRAPPIST-1 appears to be experiencing a more active phase, states Ekaterina Ilin from the Dutch Institute of Radio Astronomy. “This outcome isn’t completely unexpected or otherworldly; it’s just unfortunate. It’s more active than we had hoped,” she remarks. “In a way, it adds new layers to interpreting these flares, especially if you consider them.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Promising Norovirus Vaccine Pills Show Effectiveness Against Winter Vomiting Bug

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Impressions of Norovirus artists

Science Photo Library/Aramie

Early trials of the norovirus vaccine pill are committed to protecting against the infamous “winter vomiting” bug, and researchers say it could be used in a few years.

The virus is highly contagious and infects and causes the stomach and intestines Vomiting and diarrhea. Most people recover within a few days, but very young people and older people, especially going to the hospital, costing a considerable amount of medical care. “In the US alone, it’s 10 billion.[dollar]- A problem of one year.” Shawn Tucker At Biotech Company Vaxart in San Francisco, California.

This has spurred scientists to develop vaccines, but so far, efforts have failed. This is because previous attempts focused on developing injectable vaccines. This isn’t very good for producing protective antibodies in the intestines where the virus replicates. Tucker says.

To deal with this, Tucker and his colleagues Previously developed oral norovirus vaccines This will supply proteins to the intestines from the Gi.1 norovirus mutant. The first trials in adults under the age of 50 found that tablets can produce norovirus-specific antibodies in the intestines, but it is probably not a vaccine priority given that people in this age group generally recover easily from the virus.

Researchers are currently testing vaccines in people in the US between the ages of 55 and 80. The team gave 11 people the pills, while the other 22 took the placebo. About a month later, the researchers collected blood and saliva samples from the participants.

They found that people who took the vaccine had higher levels of IgA antibodies. These antibodies were increased by more than 10 times in the blood and about 7 times in saliva compared to samples just before vaccination. In contrast, the placebo group showed little change in antibody levels.

Importantly, antibodies are still present in people who took the pills, albeit at lower levels after 6 months, suggesting that they can provide permanent immunity. “The fact that they have this robust antibody response makes me hope that it can provide protection. [against infection]”I say Sarah Cady At Cornell University in New York. “In particular, the salivary antibody response is a way to get a snapshot of what’s going on in the intestines because of similar immune responses,” she says.

However, further research should investigate whether the vaccine actually prevents infection or reduces spread spread of norovirus, she says. The team wants to explore this.

Furthermore, this study focused only on one norovirus variant. “In the real world, there are a number of different strains you may encounter. The vaccine may not protect all of them,” says Caddy. In an unpublished study, researchers found that versions of vaccines containing both Gi.1 and Gii.4 norovirus variants (the latter currently surges in the UK) produce antibodies against multiple variations.

This suggests we may soon have norovirus vaccines, Tucker says. “If there’s no funding hiccups, if everything goes smoothly, the vaccine could be available in a few years,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Researcher working on promising Alzheimer’s drug facing charges of research fraud

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Summary

  • A neuroscientist who helped develop a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease has been indicted on fraud charges.
  • The charges relate to allegations that the scientists fabricated research images and data that they may have used to win grant funding.
  • Manipulation of research images is a growing concern in the scientific community.

A neuroscientist who contributed to the development of a potential Alzheimer’s disease treatment is facing fraud charges after a federal grand jury indictment on Thursday.

The indictment alleges that Wang Huaoyang, a professor of medicine at the City University of New York, engaged in fraudulent activities, including falsifying research images and data to secure grant funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Wang worked with Cassava Sciences, a pharmaceutical company based in Austin, Texas, on the development of simufilam, a drug candidate for Alzheimer’s disease. The indictment states that Wang received around $16 million in grant funding from Cassava for early-stage drug development.

The indictment accuses Wang of fraud against the United States, wire fraud, and making false statements. It claims that Wang manipulated images of Western blots, a laboratory technique used to detect proteins, to support his research and grant applications.

The indictment also suggests that Wang provided false information to scientific journals to support his research on symphyllum, a drug currently in late-stage clinical trials.

Despite the charges, Wang did not respond to requests for comment. His research has faced scrutiny in the past, leading to retractions of multiple studies and an investigation by CUNY.

Cassava Sciences confirmed that Wang was not involved in their latest clinical trials and emphasized that his research focused on early-stage drug development.

The scientific community has expressed growing concerns about research misconduct and the manipulation of data and images. Instances of research misconduct, such as the allegations against Wang, have led to retractions of studies and raised questions about the integrity of scientific research.

CUNY has stated that they will cooperate fully with the federal investigation into Wang’s alleged misconduct until the matter is resolved. The university acknowledges the seriousness of the charges and the impact they may have on the scientific community.

The case highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in scientific research to ensure the credibility and validity of scientific discoveries.

Retraction Watch has reported on the retraction of several academic papers authored by Wang, further underscoring the need for accountability and ethical practices in scientific research.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Study suggests ellagic acid as a promising dietary option for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

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Ellagic acid is a polyphenolic, non-flavonoid compound found naturally in a variety of fruits, including pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, and grapes, as well as nuts, including pistachios, pecans, walnuts, and acorns.

Senavirasna othersResearchers are investigating the effects of ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, grapes and nuts, in preventing and potentially reversing the damage caused by fatty liver disease. Image courtesy of Engin Akyurt.

Obesity is epidemic in many parts of the world and contributes to increasing rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

This rapidly expanding epidemic is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide.

The prevalence of NAFLD increased from 25.24% in 2015 to 29.38% in 2021.

NAFLD represents a range of pathologies from simple fatty liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver, NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to more severe conditions including fibrosis.

Currently, no cure exists for the long-term management of NAFLD/NASH, but dietary interventions containing several polyphenolic compounds have been investigated for the treatment of NASH. Ellagic acid is one such compound.

“Ellagic acid, found in a variety of foods including raspberries, pomegranates, blackberries and pecans, is widely known for its antioxidant properties but has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer properties,” said researcher Lois Balmer and doctoral student Tarani Senaviratna, both from Edith Cowan University.

“Ellagic acid stands out as a remarkable polyphenolic compound with a wide range of pharmacological properties that may be promising for the treatment of various chronic diseases, including NAFLD.”

“Edible plants containing ellagic acid and its derivatives are recognized as valuable functional foods that promote human health due to their pleiotropic biological effects.”

“Furthermore, evidence suggests that ellagic acid may exert synergistic therapeutic effects when combined with other antioxidant dietary supplements, making it a potential candidate for combination therapy.”

The authors were involved in a previous pilot study investigating the effects of several polyphenolic compounds on NAFLD, with ellagic acid showing the most promise in reducing inflammation.

“Ellagic acid exerts its hepatoprotective properties mainly through scavenging free radicals, modulating cytokine production, and regulating lipid metabolism,” the researchers said.

“Ellagic acid, a potent antioxidant, combats reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activates the NrF2 pathway to reduce oxidative stress and protect the liver.”

“Surprisingly, ellagic acid also inhibits the Nf-kB and MAPK pathways, reducing inflammation during NAFLD/NASH.”

“Evidence also shows that ellagic acid can lower both triglyceride and cholesterol levels and combat de novo lipogenesis, a significant risk factor in the progression of NASH.”

“Test-tube findings suggest that ellagic acid has the ability to reduce fibrosis.”

“Urolithins, the main microbial metabolites of ellagic acid, have been shown to improve the gut microbiota in several mouse models of obesity.”

“Specifically, Urolithin A has been shown to lower LDL and increase HDL levels and is also involved in improving lipid metabolism through gene regulation, while Urolithin C activates the hepatic AMPK pathway, countering the pathophysiology of NAFLD.”

“While the health benefits of ellagic acid and urolithins in NAFLD/NASH are being debated, their biological effects on the liver are still poorly understood.”

“Given that lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance play a role in the development of NASH, the results of this review suggest that ellagic acid may be a potential dietary intervention for NASH, potentially suppressing and even reversing the pathological symptoms of NAFLD/NASH.”

of study Published in the journal Antioxidants.

_____

Tarani Senavilasna others2024. Elucidation of the therapeutic effects of ellagic acid on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Antioxidants 13(4):485; doi:10.3390/antiox13040485

Source: www.sci.news

New Hope for Diabetes Treatment: Repurposed Medicines Present Promising Results

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A recent study led by Indiana University and the University of Chicago Medicine suggests that a drug called alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) could revolutionize the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Based on a decade of research, DFMO has demonstrated the potential to reduce insulin dependence, and larger clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate DFMO’s impact on beta cell preservation and disease amelioration. Tested.

A recent study led by Indiana University School of Medicine in collaboration with the University of Chicago School of Medicine shows exciting future possibilities for the management of type 1 diabetes and its potential reduction. insulin dependence. The researchers’ findings are cell report medicine, They suggest that repurposing the drug alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) could open the door to innovative treatments in the future.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in high blood sugar levels and currently requires lifelong insulin treatment to keep patients alive. Is required. Many people living with type 1 diabetes find current treatments, such as daily insulin injections and frequent blood sugar monitoring, inconvenient and difficult to manage.

A 10-year research journey

These latest translation results represent more than a decade of research. Raghu Mirmila, M.D., Ph.D., co-corresponding author of the study, said in 2010 that while running his lab at IU School of Medicine, his team was able to develop beta It was discovered for the first time that cells can be protected from infection. Environmental factors suggest that type 1 diabetes may be preserved. The team then validated these findings in mice.

From 2015 to 2019, Linda DiMeglio, MD, MPH, Edwin Letzter Professor of Pediatrics at IU School of Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Division Director at Riley Children’s Health, provided guidance to people with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. He led a clinical trial to confirm the safety of DFMO. They also suggested that it may stabilize insulin levels by protecting beta cells. The trial was funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and used the drug provided by Panvera Therapeutics.

Dr. Emily K. Sims. Credit: Chapital Photography, provided by Emily K. Sims

“After several years of bench-to-bedside research, Drs. [Sarah] “We are pleased to finally share the promising results from the Tercy mouse model, a pilot study in humans,” said DiMeglio, senior author of the study. “Having established the preliminary safety of DFMO in patients with type 1 diabetes, we are excited to collaborate to further explore its potential benefits in a larger clinical trial.”

Regulatory benefits of DFMO and new formulations

Since 1990, DFMO has been approved by the FDA as a high-dose injectable to treat African sleeping sickness, and in 2020 received breakthrough therapy designation as a post-remission neuroblastoma maintenance therapy. Ta. This prior regulatory approval could streamline adoption as a treatment for type 1 diabetes and shorten the approval process from decades to just a few years.

“Using the new formulation of DFMO as a pill allows patients to take it by mouth rather than needing regular injections, and it has a very favorable side effect profile,” said Dr. said one Milmira. Chicago Medicine. “We are very happy to be able to say that we have developed a drug that works differently than other treatments for this disease.”

Current and future clinical research

Researchers have already begun the next steps to investigate the potential of DFMO. The study’s lead author and co-corresponding author, Emily K. Sims, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at IU School of Medicine and pediatric endocrinologist at Riley Children’s Health, recently studied the effects of infectious diseases in more detail. To define it, we have begun a large-scale clinical study involving six institutions. His DFMO treatment to preserve beta cell function in type 1 diabetes. This new research was also funded by JDRF and supported by Panbela Therapeutics.

Sims, who is also a physician and scientist at the IU School of Medicine’s Herman B. Wells Pediatric Research Center and Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, hopes that DFMO, perhaps as part of a combination therapy, will not only help patients; There is. People who have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes but are at risk of developing the condition may also be tested.

“As we embark on this new multicenter clinical trial to further investigate the efficacy of DFMO, we are confident that the encouraging results obtained to date will allow us to modify the underlying disease process of type 1 diabetes. ”Sims said. “We invite even more participants to this pioneering study. With their help, the knowledge we gain today has the potential to shape a brighter future for people affected by type 1 diabetes. Masu.”

Reference: “Inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis preserves beta cell function in type 1 diabetes” Emily K. Sims, Abhishek Kulkarni, Audrey Hull, Stephanie E. Werner, Suzanne Cabrera, Lucy D. Mastrandrea, Batur Hammoud, Soumyadeep Sarkar, Ernesto S. Nakayas, Teresa L. Mastracci, Susan M. Perkins, Ouyang Fangqian, Bobbie Jo Webb Robertson, Jacob R. Enriquez, Sarah A. Turcy, Carmela Evans. · Molina, S. Alice Long, Lori Blanchfield, Eugene W. Garner, Raghavendra G. Mirmila and Linda A. Dimeglio, November 1, 2023; cell report medicine.
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101261

People who want to know more about New clinical trials can be accessed on the research website.

Source: scitechdaily.com

The “Second Summer” has ended, but there are promising signs for 2024

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After a particularly busy summer, secondary venture activity has waxed and waned in recent months. But in 2024, investors may return for good, writes Rebecca Schuchtak.

All articles on TechCrunch+ are available to members only.
Use discount code TC Plus Roundup Save 20% on a 1-year or 2-year subscription.

“When the IPO market is functioning, the pre-IPO buyer pool expands considerably. The list of investors interested in secondaries expands to include investors interested in the public markets,” said Caplight CEO. Javier Avalos told her.

thank you for reading,

Karin

‘Mega-deal’ could inflate overall AI funding amount

Digitally generated image of a golden balloon in the shape of a dollar sign, inflated using a pump, isolated on white background.

Image credits: Andriy Onufriyenko (Opens in new window) / Getty Images

Funding for AI startups exceeded $68.7 billion in 2023, but “mega deals” may be inflating that number. Total VC funding in this space in the third quarter was approximately $22.1 billion. But if you subtract the Big Tech mega-deals, the total is closer to $15.1 billion. Kyle Wiggers writes: “Maybe VCs who were initially swayed by the generative AI hype are coming back to reality and becoming more wary of the risks of the technology?”

Twilio may be worth the attention of activist investors

Image credits: Champuk/Getty Images

Twilio’s stock price has fallen this week after the company laid off employees amid much volatility. In February, CEO Jeff Lawson announced that the company would be splitting the business into two parts, with Elena Donio heading up data and apps. However, during the company’s third-quarter earnings conference, the company announced that Donio would be stepping down. And that doesn’t take into account the collapse in stock prices.

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Ask Sophie: Does the H-1B visa require founders to give up stock and control?

Image credits: Bryce Durbin/TechCrunch

Dear Sophie

I am currently working for my employer on an H-1B in the United States. I wanted to start my own company, but transferring an H-1B to a startup has many downsides for startup founders, including giving up control and capital. How has that changed now?

— Future Founder

Why layoffs happen in December and how to deal with them compassionately

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If you find yourself in the uncomfortable situation of having to make a layoff in December, TechCrunch reporter Haje Jan Kamps has some tips for doing it compassionately.

Source: techcrunch.com