YALE UNIVERSITY

The 'Clinical Trials: Psychedelic Therapeutics' report reviews global trials, highlighting non-industry sponsors leading (58%), with Yale University and Johnson & Johnson as top sponsors. Central nervous system trials dominate (92%), with depression as the top indication. The US leads in North American studies, and Phase II trials have outnumbered others since 2013.

Algae, tiny photosynthetic eukaryotes, could be key to sustainable solutions for agriculture, pollution, and conservation. Researchers explore algal abilities like nitrogen fixation, lipid production, and nutrient recovery from wastewater, aiming to engineer algae for biofuels, food, bioplastics, and more. Despite initial hype, algal biofuels proved impractical due to high nutrient demands and energy costs. However, algae's unique biological capabilities offer potential in food production, crop improvement, water treatment, and sustainable product creation, addressing humanity's environmental impact.

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.

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

In the biopharmaceutical industry, data's importance has surged, with companies needing to harness it better to accelerate clinical trials. Despite the high cost of drug development ($2.3 billion) and a low success rate (10.8%), AI and synthetic data offer potential to speed up therapy evaluation and create precision medicines. AI also enhances clinical protocol design and patient recruitment, improving research accuracy and access to treatments for underserved populations. Emerging technologies like AI are crucial for overcoming challenges and bringing life-changing treatments to patients faster.

New studies reveal Ozempic and Wegovy, both versions of semaglutide, offer health benefits beyond weight loss, including reducing heart failure risks, COVID-19 deaths, and all-cause mortality. Presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the findings suggest these drugs could revolutionize cardiovascular care.

60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals partners with Yale University, Tufts Medical Center, and Rhode Island Hospital for a tafenoquine trial targeting babesiosis treatment. This double-blind study aims to evaluate tafenoquine's efficacy and safety, focusing on symptom resolution and molecular cure times. Recruitment targets 24-33 patients before an interim analysis by the 2025 tick season's end.

New analyses of Wegovy's clinical trial reveal sustained weight loss over four years and heart benefits beyond weight reduction. The drug, used by over 25,000 weekly in the US, shows a 20% reduced heart risk and sustained 10% weight loss. Side effects include gastrointestinal issues, with no new safety concerns. Benefits may stem from reduced inflammation, suggesting broader use and insurance coverage.

A study of 99 million vaccinated individuals linked Covid vaccines to rare heart, brain, and blood disorders, with myocarditis and pericarditis risks notably higher post-vaccination. However, experts emphasize the risks of Covid-19 far outweigh vaccine risks, advocating vaccination as the safer choice.

Glioblastoma, a lethal brain cancer, often resists treatment due to low MGMT protein levels. Researchers developed KL-50, a drug targeting MGMT-deficient cells, causing lethal DNA damage without harming normal cells. Tested successfully in lab and mice, it shows promise for overcoming treatment resistance, with potential applications in other cancers.