BROWN UNIVERSITY

Breakthrough Nanotechnology: Targeted Liposomes Dramatically Enhance Antifungal Treatment Against Resistant Candida

9 days ago

• Brown University researchers have developed peptide-decorated liposomes that specifically target Candida cells, dramatically increasing antifungal drug effectiveness while sparing healthy human cells. • The innovative approach uses penetratin peptides as molecular "homing devices" on liposomes containing posaconazole, inhibiting fungal growth at concentrations up to eight times lower and preventing biofilm formation at doses 1,300 times lower than conventional treatments. • In mouse models of Candida albicans infection, the targeted liposome delivery system reduced fungal burden by 60% compared to standard drug-loaded liposomes, offering new hope against increasingly drug-resistant fungal pathogens.

U.S. Life Expectancy Rebounds as Overdose Deaths Decline for First Time in a Decade

a month ago

• U.S. life expectancy increased by 0.9 years to 78.4 years in 2023, marking the first rise since 2019, with significant improvements in both male and female longevity. • Drug overdose deaths fell 17% between July 2023 and July 2024, including the first reduction in synthetic opioid deaths since 2013, though rates remain 3.5 times higher than in 2003. • The positive trends are attributed to expanded naloxone distribution, improved addiction treatment access, and decreased COVID-19 mortality, which dropped 73% and fell from the 4th to 10th leading cause of death.

Excessive Sedentary Time Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk, Even in Active Individuals

a month ago

• New research reveals that more than 10.6 hours of daily sedentary behavior significantly increases risk of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality, even among those meeting exercise guidelines. • A complementary study from the University of Colorado demonstrates that prolonged sitting accelerates heart aging through negative impacts on cholesterol levels and BMI, with vigorous exercise only partially offsetting these effects. • Researchers recommend replacing sitting time with physical activity, using standing desks, and incorporating at least 30 minutes of vigorous daily exercise to mitigate cardiovascular risks.

Ocean Biomedical's Novel Cancer Immunotherapy Shows Promise in Reversing EGFR-TKI Resistance in Lung Cancer

3 months ago

• Ocean Biomedical's breakthrough research demonstrates their immunotherapy candidates can synergize with tyrosine kinase inhibitors like osimertinib to suppress tumor growth in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. • The study reveals the first-ever role of chitinase 3-like-1 (CHi3L1) in EGFR-mutant cancers, showing potential to restore treatment sensitivity in patients who have developed resistance to standard therapies. • The company plans to initiate FDA discussions this year for clinical development pathway, while also advancing their bispecific antibody platform targeting PD-1/CTLA4 pathways in multiple cancer types.

Ocean Biomedical Secures $3.5M NIH Grant to Advance Novel Malaria Vaccine Development

4 months ago

• Ocean Biomedical's research team, led by Dr. Jonathan Kurtis, has received $3.5 million in NIH funding to advance their innovative malaria vaccine research targeting the GARP protein. • The company is developing three vaccine candidates currently in non-human primate trials, supported by a $4.6 million foundation grant, with potential human trials starting in Q4 2025. • New FDA guidance on lipid-encapsulated vaccines may accelerate the development pathway for Ocean Biomedical's malaria vaccine, which targets a disease that claims over 500,000 children's lives annually in sub-Saharan Africa.

AI Analysis Reveals Persistent Exclusion of Pregnant Individuals in Clinical Trials

5 months ago

• AI analysis of over 40,000 clinical trials reveals that less than 1% include pregnant participants, highlighting a critical gap in medical research. • The study found that the rate of inclusion of pregnant individuals in trials has remained stagnant over the past 15 years, despite calls for broader representation. • Researchers emphasize the ethical implications of making pregnant individuals rely on imperfect information due to lack of data from clinical trials. • The AI model achieved over 98% accuracy in identifying trial inclusion criteria, showcasing the potential of AI to improve research efficiency and scope.

VA Funds First Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Study for Veterans Since the 1960s

6 months ago

• The Department of Veterans Affairs is funding a study on MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD and alcohol use disorder, marking a significant shift in psychedelic research. • The $1.5 million study, conducted with Brown and Yale universities, will assess the effectiveness and safety of MDMA in treating veterans with mental health issues. • This initiative follows the FDA's previous rejection of MDMA-assisted therapy and aims to provide further scientific evidence on the potential benefits of psychedelics. • Virginia Senate committee advances bill to fund clinical trials investigating the benefits of federally recognized breakthrough therapies for veterans’ mental health-related issues.

Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Cravings

6 months ago

• A new study reveals that semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Wegovy, significantly reduces alcohol cravings and consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorder. • Participants on semaglutide experienced fewer heavy drinking days and decreased alcohol intake during lab tests compared to those on a placebo, indicating potential therapeutic benefits. • The research suggests semaglutide's effects on alcohol cravings may surpass existing treatments, offering a promising avenue for addressing the unmet needs in alcohol use disorder. • Further studies are warranted to explore semaglutide's long-term efficacy, optimal dosages, and safety, particularly for individuals without obesity or diabetes.

Blood Tests Offer Hope for Earlier, Easier Alzheimer's Diagnosis

7 months ago

• Blood tests are emerging as a less invasive and more accessible method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to earlier treatment and intervention. • Several blood tests, including those measuring amyloid-β and tau proteins, have shown promising diagnostic accuracy, even in primary care settings. • Researchers are also exploring proteomic aging clocks to predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases. • With the recent FDA approvals of drugs like lecanemab and donanemab, early and accurate diagnosis via blood tests is crucial for timely intervention and slowing cognitive decline.

Cothera Bioscience's PC-002 Receives FDA Fast Track for Burkitt Lymphoma

7 months ago

• Cothera Bioscience's PC-002, a first-in-class DUB inhibitor, has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA. • The designation aims to expedite the development and review of PC-002 for relapsed or refractory Burkitt Lymphoma. • PC-002 induces Myc degradation and inhibits survivin, addressing unmet needs in Myc-driven cancers. • Cothera Bioscience will present updated Phase 2 clinical results at the ASH annual meeting in December.

Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Test Expedites Diagnosis in High-Risk Settings

7 months ago

• A new point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA assay (Xpert HCV) has shown potential for rapid diagnosis in non-traditional settings, particularly for individuals under community supervision. • The FDA granted marketing authorization for the Xpert HCV test in June 2024, streamlining the HCV testing process and enabling quicker treatment initiation. • Study results demonstrated high sensitivity (96.8%) and specificity (99.4%) of the Xpert HCV test for detecting HCV RNA, confirming its feasibility and accuracy. • The availability of point-of-care testing could allow for same-day initiation of curative HCV treatment, especially benefiting marginalized populations with limited access to care.

Sammy Basso, Progeria Advocate and Researcher, Dies at 28

8 months ago

• Sammy Basso, a prominent advocate and researcher for progeria, passed away at the age of 28 due to suspected cardiovascular complications. • Basso volunteered for clinical trials of the first approved drug for progeria, which slows the disease's progression and extends patients' lives. • He was an active member of a research team working on gene-editing therapy for progeria, contributing significantly to the scientific efforts. • Known for his humor and resilience, Basso significantly impacted the progeria community and inspired many with his dedication to science and advocacy.

Camonsertib Shows Promise in ATM-Deficient Advanced Solid Tumors

8 months ago

• Repare Therapeutics presented Phase 1/2 TRESR trial data on camonsertib monotherapy at ESMO 2024, highlighting its potential in advanced solid tumors with ATM loss-of-function. • The study (NCT04497116) evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-tumor activity of camonsertib, a potential leading ATR inhibitor, in patients with various solid tumors. • Early data suggests camonsertib monotherapy demonstrates preliminary anti-tumor activity in this patient population, warranting further investigation. • The oral presentation included detailed findings from Module 1 of the TRESR trial, focusing on dose escalation and expansion to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose.

Real-World Evidence Shows Positive Impact on HTA Drug Approvals, Analysis Reveals

10 years ago

• Analysis of 1,840 Health Technology Assessment decisions reveals that submissions including real-world evidence achieved 77% approval rate compared to 67% without RWE. • Case studies from Australia, Scotland, and France demonstrate how real-world evidence helped secure positive reimbursement decisions for drugs like Yervoy, Zaltrap, and Myozyme. • Despite proven benefits, real-world evidence was only utilized in 6% of HTA evaluations, suggesting significant untapped potential for both pharmaceutical companies and assessment agencies.