University of Glasgow

Resolution Therapeutics, co-founded by Syncona in 2020, raised £63.5 million in Series B financing to progress RTX001, an engineered autologous macrophage cell therapy for end stage liver disease. The company plans to start a phase 1/2 EMERALD trial in the UK and Spain by year-end, aiming to regenerate liver tissue and explore other regenerative therapies.

New research in 'Hypertension' shows torasemide, a drug for fluid overload, reduces blood pressure by 5% in patients with two copies of a common gene variant, potentially improving long-term cardiovascular health. This personalized approach could help manage uncontrolled hypertension in millions.

Euan Ashley, MB ChB, DPhil, a cardiovascular and genetics research specialist, has been named chair of the Department of Medicine at Stanford, effective Sept. 18. Ashley founded the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease and leads the Ashley Lab, focusing on precision medicine, digital health, and AI. He has over 350 peer-reviewed publications and received the Guggenheim Fellowship in 2023. Ashley aims to connect precision diagnostics with therapeutics in his new role.

Researchers from the University of Glasgow developed a new method to understand DNA sequence relationships and origins, applicable to virus development and precision medicine. Published in GENETICS, the method uses a simple, efficient encoding of genetic genealogies, enabling easier genetic data analysis and sharing, crucial for genomic medicine.

A phase 1 study on Amycretin, a once-a-day weight loss tablet combining GLP-1 and amylin receptors agonists, presented at EASD showed weight reduction and mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects. Experts highlight the potential of oral medications for obesity treatment, though larger trials are needed to assess long-term effects and compare with injectable drugs.

Finerenone reduced HF events and cardiovascular death in patients with HF and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, according to a trial led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The drug showed benefits regardless of ejection fraction and even with other therapies, suggesting it could be a new therapeutic option for HF patients. The trial, funded by Bayer, had limitations including few Black participants. Results were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024 and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

UKRI India and the Government of India have jointly funded £19.4 million for research in farmed animal diseases, understanding geohazards, and sustainable materials. The collaboration includes projects led by UK and Indian researchers, focusing on improving farmed animal health, understanding geohazards, and developing sustainable industrial practices.

The Health Innovation Hub in Glasgow, a precision medicine facility, has completed its primary structure. Located in the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, it will offer 87,000ft² of lab and office space, welcoming the Digital Health Validation Lab as its first tenant. Developed by Kadans Science Partner in collaboration with The Living Laboratory, the hub aims to advance precision medicine, drive local economic growth, and improve patient outcomes. Scheduled to open in Autumn 2025, it will include community amenities and support for incoming occupiers.

The Health Innovation Hub in Glasgow has completed its primary structure, focusing on precision medicine. Located in the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, it will house the Digital Health Validation Lab and provide 87,000ft² of lab and office space. Scheduled to open in Autumn 2025, it aims to boost Glasgow's life sciences sector and create new jobs.

Finerenone reduced heart failure events and cardiovascular death in patients with HF and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, according to a Brigham and Women's Hospital-led trial. Hyperkalemia rates were higher in the finerenone group. Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine.