National Institutes of Health (nih)

Meditation may reduce pain via different systems in females and males; males rely on the endogenous opioid system, while females use an alternative mechanism, highlighting the need for sex-specific pain treatments.

The global organoids market was valued at USD 544.81 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.07 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 23.11%. Organoids, derived from stem cells, mimic organ characteristics and are crucial in studying diseases. They are increasingly integrated with organ-on-chip systems and microfluidic technologies, enhancing drug testing and personalized medicine. Key growth drivers include advancements in drug discovery and development, while challenges like batch variability in organoid matrices hinder progress. Opportunities arise from advancements in stem cell technology, and North America dominates the market, with Asia Pacific showing the fastest growth.

Nanotechnology in medicine includes drug discovery, tissue engineering, imaging, and diagnostics. Notable nano-drugs include Doxil, Abraxane, Myocet, and Hensify. Key companies: Sona Nanotech (non-toxic gold nanorods for photothermal therapy), Nanobiotix (NBTXR3 radioenhancer), Cour Pharmaceuticals (immune-mediated disease treatment), ARIZ Precision Medicine (targeted cancer drug delivery), Blueberry Therapeutics (fungal nail infection treatment), Cello Therapeutics (biomimetic nanoparticles for immunotherapy), Nanoform (API nanoparticles via CESS technology), Zylo Therapeutics (Z-pods for enhanced bioavailability). Market size expected to grow to $13.9 billion by 2033.

The biotech and pharmaceutical industries impact lives and economies, employing over 1,500 facilities across the U.S. with high-paying jobs. Despite recent revenue drops post-pandemic, innovation and M&A activity are driving future sales. Frederick County, Maryland, is a thriving hub for life sciences, offering proximity to key research institutions, a skilled workforce, and business-friendly policies.

A UMD-led study, published in Aging Cell, identified a protein, Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), linked to cardiovascular health in progeria models, potentially paving the way for new treatments targeting HGPS cardiovascular complications. The research, in collaboration with NIH and Duke University, suggests Ang2 could improve endothelial cell signaling and vascular functions, with broader beneficial impacts on other tissue types.

Montelukast, 10 mg daily for 14 days, showed no reduction in symptom duration for outpatient adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 compared to placebo in a randomized clinical trial involving 1250 participants during Omicron subvariant circulation. The study concludes that montelukast does not support treatment for mild to moderate COVID-19.

The article discusses the rapid advancements in biotechnology and AI, emphasizing the need for global biosecurity and biosafety measures to prevent misuse and accidents. It highlights the dual-use nature of gene editing and synthetic biology, the historical use of biological weapons, and the potential for bioterrorism. The article calls for strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and creating international standards for lab safety, DNA synthesis screening, and AI guardrails to manage these risks without stifling innovation.

The global centrifuge market was valued at USD 466.00 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 671.20 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 4.50%. Growth is driven by increasing demand for advanced separation technologies in biopharmaceuticals, clinical diagnostics, and wastewater treatment, as well as R&D activities. Key trends include rising demand in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and technological advancements in centrifuge design, such as automation and energy efficiency. Market opportunities arise from the expansion of biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D, while restraints include complex maintenance requirements and high initial investment costs.

Pharming Group initiates Phase II trial to evaluate leniolisib in PIDs with immune dysregulation linked to altered PI3Kẟ signaling, including ALPS-FAS, CTLA4 haploinsufficiency, NFKB1 haploinsufficiency, and PTEN deficiency. The trial, conducted at NIH, aims to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical efficacy in approximately 12 patients.

Wockhardt's antibiotic WCK 6777 granted fast-track designation by USFDA for cUTI and cIAI, following promising Phase 1 safety data, positioning it for OPAT in ambulatory settings.