Columbia University

First VISTA Inhibitor Expected to Receive FDA Approval by 2028, According to New Research

2 months ago

• The global VISTA inhibitor market is poised for significant growth with the first drug approval anticipated by 2028, potentially revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy treatment options. • A groundbreaking Cleveland Clinic study revealed LRIG1 as a novel binding partner for VISTA, offering new therapeutic strategies for selectively targeting the VISTA/LRIG1 interaction in resistant tumors. • Major pharmaceutical companies including Roche, AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Boehringer Ingelheim are increasingly focusing on VISTA as a promising target for next-generation cancer therapies.

NIH Terminates Funding for Vaccine Hesitancy Research Amid Rising Disease Outbreaks

2 months ago

• The National Institutes of Health has canceled over 300 vaccine-related research projects, including studies focused on understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy across various communities. • The funding cuts come at a critical time as the U.S. faces increasing cases of preventable diseases, with 222 measles cases reported across 12 states this year and declining vaccination rates among kindergartners since 2019. • Medical experts warn that terminating this research could have dangerous public health consequences, as studies show approximately 20% of U.S. parents express vaccine hesitancy while measles, influenza, and whooping cough cases continue to rise.

First Hormone-Free Male Birth Control Pill Shows 99% Efficacy in Preclinical Studies

2 months ago

• YourChoice Therapeutics' novel contraceptive YCT-529, targeting retinoic acid receptor-alpha, demonstrated 99% effectiveness in mice and successfully reduced sperm counts in non-human primates. • The drug achieved full fertility reversal within 6 weeks in mice and 10-15 weeks in primates after discontinuation, with no observed side effects in either species. • Currently in Phase 1b/2a clinical trials, YCT-529 represents a significant advancement in male contraception options, which have historically been limited to condoms and vasectomy.

Silo Pharma Advances PTSD and Chronic Pain Programs Toward Clinical Trials

5 months ago

• Silo Pharma is set to file an IND application for SPC-15, an intranasal treatment for PTSD, in 2025, with Phase 1 clinical trials to follow pending approval. • Preclinical data suggests SPC-15 may also be effective in treating eating disorders and major depressive disorder, expanding its potential clinical applications. • SP-26, a ketamine implant for fibromyalgia and chronic pain, is scheduled for animal testing in early 2025, potentially offering a non-opioid alternative for pain management. • Both SPC-15 and SP-26 may qualify for the FDA's 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway, which could expedite approval and reduce development costs.