University Of Southern California Archives

Small molecule could make a big difference for arthritis patients

February 7, 2018 TheBioConnection Comment(0)

Will there come a time when a patient with arthritis can forgo joint replacement surgery in favor of a shot? Keck School of Medicine of USC scientist Denis Evseenko, MD, PhD, has reason to be optimistic. In a new publication in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, Evseenko’s team describes the promise of a new molecule […]

A molecule for fighting muscular paralysis November 19, 2018
Myotubular myopathy is a severe genetic disease that leads to muscle paralysis. Although no treatment currently exists, researchers have identified a molecule that not only greatly reduces the progression of the disease but also boosts life expectancy in animal models by a factor of seven. Since the molecule -- known as tamoxifen -- is already […]
Dodging antibiotic resistance by curbing bacterial evolution November 16, 2018
Lowering mutation rates in harmful bacteria might be an as yet untried way to hinder the emergence of antimicrobial pathogens. One target for drug development might be a protein factor, DNA translocase Mfd, that enables bacteria to evolve rapidly by promoting mutations in many different bacterial species. This action speeds antibiotic resistance, including multi-drug resistance. […]
From the ashes of a failed pain drug, a new therapeutic path emerges November 16, 2018
A surprising discovery about a failed pain drug -- and specifically, the pathway it targets, BH4 -- could have implications for autoimmunity and cancer. Neuroscientists report that BH4 also functions as a kind of immunological thermostat, raising and lowering the activity levels of T cells. Inhibiting BH4 could relieve atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, lupus, polyarthritis and […]
Majority of HIV persistence during ART due to infected cell proliferation November 16, 2018
Study confirms biological mechanism responsible for latent HIV reservoirs; suggests strategies for a functional HIV cure.
Social isolation linked to higher risk of death November 16, 2018
A large study links social isolation with a higher risk of death from all causes combined and heart disease for all races studied, and with increased cancer mortality in white men and women.
New 'SLICE' tool can massively expand immune system's cancer-fighting repertoire November 15, 2018
Researchers have devised a CRISPR-based system called SLICE, which will allow scientists to rapidly assess the function of each and every gene in 'primary' immune cells -- those drawn directly from patients. The new method, described in the Nov. 15 issue of Cell, provides researchers with a powerful tool that will guide their decision-making when […]
New inflammation inhibitor discovered November 15, 2018
A multidisciplinary team of researchers have developed an anti-inflammatory drug molecule with a new mechanism of action. By inhibiting a certain protein, the researchers were able to reduce the signals that trigger an inflammation.
Enzymes in the cross-hairs November 15, 2018
More and more bacteria are resistant to available antibiotics. A team of chemists now presents a new approach: they have identified important enzymes in the metabolism of staphylococci. Blocking these enzymes in a targeted manner would allow the pathogens to be starved.
Drug combination makes cancer disappear in mice with neuroblastoma November 15, 2018
Researchers investigating new treatments for neuroblastoma -- one of the most common childhood cancers -- have found that a combination of two drugs made tumors disappear in mice, making it more effective than any other drugs tested in these animals.
Molecular mechanisms of an African folk medicine November 14, 2018
Researchers have discovered the molecular basis for therapeutic actions of an African folk medicine used to treat a variety of illnesses and disorders including diabetes, pain, headaches, paralysis and epilepsy.

Pharmaxis moving into phase I clinical trial of its small molecule LOX inhibitor November 20, 2018
Pharmaxis is the first company to progress a small molecule LOX inhibitor into clinical development.
Emerald Health Therapeutics' joint venture receives TSX Venture Exchange conditional approval November 19, 2018
The Vancouver-based company will invest C$5 million for a 51% equity stake in Emerald Health Naturals
Pressure BioSciences reaches 3 new milestones, including inroads in CBD oil November 19, 2018
Pressure BioSciences Inc (OTCQB:PBIO) CEO Ric Schumacher tells Proactive Investors the medical device company has hit three milestones, hiring another strategic member to its team, and developing and completing its first working prototype of the Ultra Sheer technology system. Schumacher says the prototype has potential uses in the CBD oil and cosmetics markets.
Namaste Technologies launches Craft Cannabis Program to boost craft cultivators November 19, 2018
Namaste’s subsidiary Cannmart, an online cannabis store, will provide a direct sales channel for micro cultivators and processors
Redx Pharma CEO focused on driving fibrosis and oncology assets into the clinic November 19, 2018
Lisa Anson, chief executive of Redx Pharma Plc (LON:REDX), caught up with Proactive London's Andrew Scott to discuss the group's preliminary results to September 2018 as well as the appointment of a new chief financial officer. Anson says Redx is ready to begin first-in-man trials of lead oncology drug, RXC004, in the first half of […]
VentriPoint Diagnostics says its innovative heart machine can also analyse 3D echo images November 19, 2018
The medtech group said that its VMS+ software approved for analysis of all four chambers of the heart can be used for the analysis of 3D echo images
Alliance Pharma happy with two-pronged strategy November 19, 2018
“It’s a blended model of highly cash generative assets and top line growth”
Tristel eyes further growth in France following Ecomed Group acquisition November 19, 2018
Tristel said it expects the acquired business to contribute incremental earnings in its current financial year of at least £250,000 after costs
Redx Pharma appoints CFO as it publishes annual results November 19, 2018
Dr James Mead joins the life sciences company on February 1
Cellmid partners with NZ pharmacies to distribute anti-ageing products November 19, 2018
The first commercial shipment is expected to arrive this month.

STAT Plus: EpiPen may have a lot of value … but only if it costs $24 November 16, 2018
The auto-injectors deliver doses of epinephrine, using technology developed in the 1970s that was subsidized by the U.S. government.
STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings November 16, 2018
Hired someone new and exciting? Promoting a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot?
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: AstraZeneca immunotherapy trial flops; Takeda shareholders trying to block Shire deal November 16, 2018
A dissident group of Takeda Pharmaceutical shareholders is making a final push to block its $62 billion acquisition of Shire.
STAT Plus: A big Indian generics maker failed an FDA inspection, but how bad was it? November 15, 2018
This facility has been in FDA crosshairs for some time.
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: Novartis denies plan to spin off Sandoz; next House E&C chair eyes Medicare price negotiations November 15, 2018
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), slated to be the next chair of the House committee overseeing drug prices, says his top priorities on the issue are allowing Medicare to negotiate prices.
STAT Plus: Obtaining the abortion pill from pharmacies and online gains support among women November 15, 2018
The findings suggest there is potential to expand access to abortion care, if regulators can be persuaded to loosen regulations governing access to the medicine.
STAT Plus: AbbVie deal to sell a hepatitis C pill in poor countries meets criticism November 14, 2018
Seeking to widen access to hepatitis C treatments around the world, the Medicines Patent Pool and AbbVie (ABBV) signed a voluntary licensing deal in which the drug maker will allow…
STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: AMA urged to avoid blanket limits on opioids; in rare move, N.J. officials attack J&J November 14, 2018
An AMA body says the CDC prescribing guidelines for opioids are well intentioned, but some insurers and pharmacists have used them to restrict access.
STAT Plus: Webinar archive: Will biosimilars ever realize their promise in the U.S. market? November 13, 2018
Biologic drugs — used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer — accounted for 70 percent of the growth in U.S. prescription drug spending from 2010 to 2015.…
STAT Plus: WHO finds huge disparities in antibiotic usage around the world November 13, 2018
Public health officials are grappling with overuse and a simultaneous lack of new antibiotics to compensate for growing resistance to the existing medicines.

BioSpace Movers and Shakers for Nov. 19
Companies bolstered their leadership with additions to boards of directors and c-suite offices.
Are Gilead or Roche Interested in Buying Tesaro? Company Rumored to Be on the Market
Tesaro, located in Waltham, Mass., is rumored to be up for sale. The rumors caused shares to rocket as much as 39 percent on Friday, but it’s not the first time rumors have floated that the company might be on the auction block.
Sobi™ Appoints Paula Treutiger as Head of Communications and Investor Relations
Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB has appointed Paula Treutiger as Head of Communications and Investor Relations. Paula will join Sobi on 1 January 2019 and be part of Sobi's Executive Committee.
Aimmune Therapeutics' Peanut Allergy Immunotherapy Looks Promising in Phase III Trial
It is estimated that 2.5 percent of all children in the U.S. might have a peanut allergy. Since 2010, according to the America College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, incidence of peanut allergies in children had risen 21 percent in the U.S.
vTv Therapeutics to Present at the 30th Annual Piper Jaffray Healthcare Conference
vTv Therapeutics Inc. today announced that company management will present a corporate overview at the Piper Jaffray 30th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018 at 2:10 p.m. ET in New York City.
Roivant Sciences and iNtRON Bio Sign Licensing Deal for Novel Anti-Superbugs Biologic SAL200
- Roivant plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trial in 2019
Cannabis Investment Firm Acquires Publicly Traded COBI to Create Marijuana Penny Stock Company BANGI
Bangi Investments, LLC has acquired publicly traded company Compass Biotechnologies, Inc. (Stock Symbol OTC: COBI) to gain greater access to public markets and to continue expanding its success in the cannabis marketspace.
Landmark PALISADE Trial of AR101 Published in New England Journal of Medicine
Treatment with AR101 significantly increased the amount of peanut protein tolerated and reduced the number and severity of reactions to peanut protein
PTC Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) on November 13, 2018
PTC Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that on November 13, 2018 it approved non-statutory stock options to purchase an aggregate of 75,200 shares of its common stock to 19 new employees.
November 16 Research Roundup: Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer, the Mighty Mitochondria, and Weightl...
There are plenty of great scientific research stories out this week. Here’s a look at just a few of them.