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drug development, disease & medicine

an illustration showing organs
Infographic: Which 3-D Printed Tissues are Closest to the Clinic?
Emma Yasinski | Feb 26, 2020 | 2 min read
Skin is much easier to create using 3-D printing than intestines.
car t chimeric antigen receptor t cell immunotherapy pyroptosis cell death perforin macrophage leukemia lymphoma
Side Effect of CAR T Therapy Caused by Pyroptosis: Mouse Study
Kerry Grens | Jan 20, 2020 | 2 min read
The immunotherapy induces a form of cell death in leukemia cells in mice that triggers cytokine release syndrome, a dangerous inflammatory reaction that occurs in some patients.
Transposons Identified as Likely Cause of Undiagnosed Diseases
Jef Akst | Jan 13, 2020 | 4 min read
A tool for identifying jumping gene insertions in DNA sequencing data turns up possible explanations for four patients’ rare developmental disorders.
Image of the Day: Repairing Hearts
Emily Makowski | Jan 7, 2020 | 2 min read
A growth factor treatment helps improve cardiac functioning after heart attack in pigs.
an illustration showing amyloid plaques around brain cells
Biogen Presents Data on Efficacy of Alzheimer’s Drug
Shawna Williams | Dec 6, 2019 | 2 min read
The company and its partner halted two clinical trials for futility early this year, but now say they’ll seek approval for aducanumab.
Alzheimer’s Drug Reduces Chagas Disease Infection in Mice
Emily Makowski | Dec 1, 2019 | 2 min read
The drug, called memantine, could enter clinical trials to determine its effectiveness in humans.
Interactive: Biomarkers in Blood Provide a Window into the Brain
Shawna Williams | Dec 1, 2019 | 1 min read
A look at some of the circulating molecules that may indicate various Alzheimer’s pathologies and serve as the bases of noninvasive tests for the disease.
The Hunt for a Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
Shawna Williams | Dec 1, 2019 | 10 min read
Researchers hope circulating biomarkers will enable earlier detection and better monitoring of the neurodegenerative disorder—and perhaps help usher in new treatments.
Early Results Are Positive for Experimental CRISPR Therapies
Jef Akst | Nov 19, 2019 | 2 min read
Two clinical trial participants—one with β-thalassemia and one with sickle cell disease—appeared to benefit from the gene-editing treatments with minimal side effects, according to the companies.
Trial of Gene Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Put on Hold
Catherine Offord | Nov 12, 2019 | 2 min read
The US Food and Drug Administration halts a study by Solid Biosciences after a patient experiences severe side effects following treatment.
oligomannate alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration microbiome seaweed drug approval china
China Approves Alzheimer’s Treatment that Targets the Microbiome
Kerry Grens | Nov 5, 2019 | 2 min read
Oligomannate, derived from a compound in seaweed, suppresses neural inflammation caused by gut bacteria in mice.
Triage Test for Tuberculosis Spots Infections Within an Hour
Ruth Williams | Oct 23, 2019 | 4 min read
An early-stage, blood-based assay shows potential as a method for sorting patients with suspected TB from those with other respiratory illnesses.
UCB Cuts $2.1 Billion Deal to Acquire Ra Pharma
Catherine Offord | Oct 14, 2019 | 2 min read
The move will allow the Belgium-headquartered biopharmaceutical giant to boost its work on treatments for rare diseases.
Biogen, Eisai End Two Late-Stage Trials for Alzheimer’s Treatment
Emily Makowski | Sep 16, 2019 | 1 min read
The widely expected move comes months after the companies scrapped trials of another Alzheimer’s drug.
an illustration of dividing cancer cells
Cancer Drugs in Development May Be Targeting Wrong Proteins
Shawna Williams | Sep 12, 2019 | 3 min read
A study of 11 drugs now in clinical trials suggests they do kill cancer cells—but through a different mechanism than indicated in previous research.
Laskers Go to Immunologists, Developers of Breast Cancer Therapy
Jef Akst | Sep 10, 2019 | 1 min read
The 2019 Lasker medical and research awards celebrate advances in scientists’ understanding of T and B cells, Herceptin antibodies for treating breast cancer, and vaccine coverage around the globe.
Recent Trials for Fragile X Syndrome Offer Hope
Randi Hagerman | Sep 1, 2019 | 10+ min read
Despite a solid understanding of the biological basis of fragile X syndrome, researchers have struggled to develop effective treatments.
Researchers Discover New Family of Viruses
Catherine Offord | Sep 1, 2019 | 2 min read
The redondoviruses, named for their circular DNA, inhabit the human respiratory tract and may be linked to disease.
3D model of a spinal tap
Image of the Day: Spinal Tap
Nicoletta Lanese | Aug 29, 2019 | 2 min read
A medical art student’s master’s project will be used to help train junior physicians to perform lumbar punctures.
First New Tuberculosis Drug Approved in 50 Years
Jef Akst | Aug 15, 2019 | 2 min read
The US Food and Drug Administration green lights a therapy for an extreme form of multidrug resistant TB.
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