NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

Dr. Maria L. Alcaide, a leading physician researcher at the Miller School of Medicine, was inspired by the compassionate care and scientific challenge of HIV during her residency in Miami. She now juggles patient care with clinical research, focusing on HIV and other infectious diseases, and was appointed interim vice provost for research and scholarship at the University. Alcaide aims to improve health outcomes and foster research collaborations and mentoring programs.

Moleculin Biotech announced the enrollment and treatment of patients in a Phase 2 study evaluating WP1066 combined with radiation therapy for glioblastoma, funded by NIH and BrainUp. The trial aims to assess progression-free survival and tumor microenvironment analysis, with initial data showing increased survival and anti-tumor immune responses.

NIH awarded $7,722,583 to Columbia University for the NEXUS Coordinating Center to organize exposomics research. Led by Gary Miller, Chirag Patel, and Rima Habre, NEXUS aims to operationalize exposomics, integrating it into biomedical research to advance precision environmental health. Funded by five NIH Institutes, NEXUS will establish exposomics frameworks, engage multidisciplinary partners, and support learning opportunities.

Moleculin Biotech announces enrollment and treatment of patients in a Phase 2 study evaluating WP1066 combined with radiation therapy for glioblastoma at Northwestern University, funded by NIH and BrainUp®. The trial aims to assess progression-free survival and tumor microenvironment analysis.

Cornell-led team developed machine-learning models using cell-free RNA to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions like Kawasaki disease and MIS-C, monitoring organ health. Published in PNAS, the study highlights cell-free RNA's potential as a molecular diagnostic tool, with further research needed on its biological origins.

UC Irvine received $668 million in research funding for fiscal 2023-24, a 2% increase from the previous year. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided the most funding at nearly $248 million, followed by the National Science Foundation with $57 million. Notable new awards include $4 million from the NIH for a Southern California consortium, $4.3 million for malaria research in Africa, and $2.8 million from NASA for an Antarctica ice sheet survey.

Researchers analyzed vaginal swabs from VOICE study participants to identify 14 BV-associated bacterial taxa and 6 inflammatory proteins linked to increased HIV risk. High concentrations of these markers, particularly IP-10, distinguished women at highest risk. The study also found that Lactobacillus crispatus was associated with protection against HIV. Future prevention efforts could involve testing for high-risk bacteria and exploring antibiotic or probiotic treatments.

Latigo Biotherapeutics appoints Tim Lugo as CFO and adds Beth Seidenberg and Jim Tananbaum to its board, aiming to advance non-opioid pain medicine development.

Moleculin Biotech announces enrollment and treatment of patients in a Phase 2 study evaluating WP1066 combined with radiation therapy for glioblastoma at Northwestern University, funded by NIH and BrainUp®. The trial aims to assess progression-free survival and tumor microenvironment analysis.