UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

MS Australia launches EBV in MS National Collaborative Platform to unite top researchers, aiming to revolutionize MS treatment, prevention, and cure by exploring the link between Epstein-Barr virus and MS.

AI model LucaProt identifies 70,000 new RNA viruses by recognizing RNA polymerase. MicroRNA therapies aim to regenerate organs, potentially reversing aging effects. Pancreatic cancer's invisibility to the immune system is countered by targeting PGLYRP1. GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, show promise beyond obesity, impacting diabetes, cardiovascular, and kidney diseases.

Semaglutide, known as Ozempic or Wegovy, initially for type 2 diabetes, shows potential in weight loss, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests it improves knee pain in obese individuals with osteoarthritis, with participants losing 13% body weight on average and reporting significant pain reduction.

Two randomized trials presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting found no significant benefits of colchicine or a cocktail of herbal supplements over placebo for treating knee and hand osteoarthritis, respectively. Both studies highlighted similar degrees of improvement in pain and functional capabilities between active treatment and placebo groups, with placebo showing slight numerical advantages. No major safety issues were reported, though some patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms.

Kindie Kastrissios' daughter Scarlett, who has had over 50 ambulance rides due to seizures, is part of a study testing spider venom as potential epilepsy treatment. The research, funded by the federal government, aims to develop personalized medications for specific types of epilepsy, using brain organoids created from patients' blood cells.

Adding just 5 minutes of exercise daily lowers blood pressure and reduces heart disease risk, according to a study published in Circulation. The research, led by Jo Blodgett from University College London, found that replacing less active behaviors with exercise activities could result in a significant drop in blood pressure. Even short bouts of higher intensity movement, such as cycling or stair climbing, were effective.

VTR Biotech announces the upgrade of its National Enterprise Technology Center, featuring five advanced platforms to enhance R&D capabilities in biotechnology, including genetic engineering and biosynthesis. The upgrade aims to boost research efficiency and practical application of outcomes, positioning VTR Biotech as a leader in biotechnological innovation.

Regorafenib improved overall survival in refractory advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer patients compared to placebo in the INTEGRATE IIa trial, with a median OS of 4.5 months vs 4.0 months (HR, 0.68; P = .006). The study supports regorafenib as a platform for combination therapies.

Courtney Davis et al. advocate for drug regulatory agencies to enhance oversight and provide reliable information on new drugs, as patients often lack access to comprehensive, trustworthy data needed for informed decisions.

US veterinarians can now treat feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) with GS-441524, an antiviral tablet, available through Stokes Pharmacy. Clinical studies show over 80% survival rate with GS-441524, with a 96% survival rate if cats survive the first 48 hours of treatment. The drug is recommended for various FIP types, including effusive, non-effusive, neurological, and ocular. Treatment typically lasts 84 days, with dosages adjusted based on weight and clinical response. The availability of regulated GS-441524 addresses issues with unregulated black market drugs, providing ethical treatment options for cats with FIP.