NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

Sandoz launches first FDA-approved generic paclitaxel for metastatic breast cancer, a single-dose 100 mg vial for IV use, expected to drive near-term growth in the US market.

UT Dallas researchers developed a new chemical reaction to synthesize enantiomers of mirror molecules, enabling selective production of versions with desired biological effects for potential use in treating cancer, infection, depression, and more. The method, published in 'Science,' involves adding prenyl groups to enones using a new catalyst, allowing for scalable, efficient synthesis of pure enantiomers. This breakthrough could impact drug discovery by facilitating the production of natural product analogs with enhanced potency and selectivity.

Hussman Institute researchers led NIH meeting on Alzheimer’s, focusing on APOE4. Consensus reached to move towards human clinical trials to lower APOE4. Discussions included genetic ancestries, APOE4 risk differences among populations, and potential therapeutic targets.

The FDA granted De Novo marketing authorization for Healgen's Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test, the first at-home flu and COVID-19 combination test. The test detects SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and B proteins using a nasal swab, delivering results in 15 minutes. It has demonstrated 99% accuracy for negative cases and 92% for positive COVID cases, with nearly 100% accuracy for negative flu cases. The FDA warns of potential false positives and advises seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms.

InVita Health and Wellness uses ketamine therapy for mental health, chronic pain, and neurodegenerative disorders. Ketamine offers rapid relief for mental health conditions by rewiring the brain, and is effective for chronic pain by targeting NMDA receptors. The therapy is safe when administered by knowledgeable professionals.

Pharming Group initiates Phase II clinical trial evaluating leniolisib in PIDs with immune dysregulation linked to altered PI3Kẟ signaling in lymphocytes, including ALPS-FAS, CTLA4 haploinsufficiency, NFKB1 haploinsufficiency, and PTEN deficiency, conducted at NIH.

Smith, dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences since 2019, continues as vice president of education affairs and professor of molecular and cellular biology. Her research focuses on estrogen receptors, gene expression regulation, tamoxifen resistance, and steroid hormone action. Smith values BCM's collaborative environment and looks forward to its research growth.

John I. Gallin, M.D., former NIH Clinical Center director, passed away at 81. He led the center for 23 years, developed its research portfolio, and established key initiatives. Gallin was passionate about training clinical researchers and left a lasting legacy.