NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

Zachary Freyberg modified bromocriptine to separate dopamine effects in brain vs. periphery, finding it entered brain more slowly and stayed longer in body. This could lead to better antipsychotic drug side effect management.

Researchers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology received a $2.9 million NIH grant to use long-read genome sequencing on 500+ genomes previously undiagnosed. This technology aims to uncover genetic variants missed by traditional sequencing, potentially improving diagnostic rates for pediatric diseases.

Crestone announces positive Phase 2 results for CRS3123 in treating C. difficile infections (CDI), showing high clinical cure rates and lower recurrence compared to vancomycin. CRS3123, a novel drug, maintains gut microbiota, addressing urgent need for effective CDI therapy.

A $3 million NIH-funded study led by Marzieh Salehi, MD, MS, at UT Health San Antonio investigates the antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects of semaglutide in people with spinal cord injury, aiming to impact treatment guidelines and understand underlying diabetes mechanisms in this population.

Andrew A. Gonzalez, M.D., J.D., MPH, of the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine, co-edited a draft Code of Conduct for AI use in healthcare, aiming to ensure AI's reliable and safe revolutionization of healthcare. The code, developed by the National Academy of Medicine, outlines 10 principles and 6 commitments to maximize AI's benefits while minimizing risks, focusing on equity, accuracy, and safety.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) offers the NIA Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Awards to Promote Diversity in Translational Research for AD/ADRD (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) to support early career investigators from diverse backgrounds in gaining critical translational research skills in AD/ADRD research. The program aims to expand the pool of translational researchers who can lead a team-science, interdisciplinary approach to AD/ADRD treatment, prevention, early detection, and disease management. The award provides up to 5 years of support in two phases: up to 2 years of mentored postdoctoral research training and career development (K99 phase) followed by up to 3 years of independent research support (R00 phase), contingent on satisfactory progress and an approved, independent, tenure-track faculty position. The funding opportunity number is PAR-24-271, with applications due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization on specified dates. The participating organization is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with the NIA as a component.

The Phase 3 clinical trial for India's first indigenous dengue vaccine, 'DengiAll', initiated at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). The trial aims to assess the efficacy of the tetravalent dengue vaccine developed by Panacea Biotec in collaboration with ICMR. KIMS is the sole hospital in Odisha selected for this trial, which involves 18 other sites across India. The vaccine, originally developed by NIH, USA, has shown promising results in previous trials. The trial commenced with the involvement of key personnel from KIMS and external oversight from ICMR and Panacea Biotec. The global incidence of dengue is increasing, with India and Odisha among the affected regions.

Aficamten improved exercise capacity by changing cardiac function in a study led by Mass General Brigham researchers, published in JAMA Cardiology.

NCCIH, with support from the NIH HEAL Initiative, published a notice of funding opportunity for pragmatic clinical trials within the NIH-DOD-VA Pain Management Collaboratory, focusing on nonopioid pain management approaches for veterans, military personnel, and their families.