Astrocyte

Impact of Key Alzheimer's Protein Depends on Type of Brain Cell in Which It Is Produced

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 21, 2023

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Of all the known genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, the strongest is a gene for the protein called ApoE4. People with one copy of this gene are 3.5 times more likely, on average, to develop Alzheimer's than others, and those with two copies face a 12-fold increased risk. However, exactly how ApoE4 boosts the risk of Alzheimer's remains unclear.

Key Points: 
  • Multiple types of cells in the brain make ApoE4—some of it is produced by neurons, but other brain cells called glia make it in higher quantities.
  • Now, researchers at Gladstone Institutes are shining a brighter spotlight on ApoE4 produced by neurons.
  • "Our findings suggest an opportunity to explore new treatments that would specifically target neuronal ApoE4 to protect against Alzheimer's disease."
  • Most ApoE in our brains is produced by a type of glial cell called astrocytes, and previous research suggested that astrocytic ApoE4 contributes to Alzheimer's disease.

Coya Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Preclinical Data Supporting the Role of Expanded Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) as Potential Disease-Modifying Treatment in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 26, 2023

The preclinical study was conducted by Ali Faridar, M.D., of Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, Texas), under the leadership of Stanley Appel, M.D., the chair of Coya’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Key Points: 
  • The preclinical study was conducted by Ali Faridar, M.D., of Houston Methodist Hospital (Houston, Texas), under the leadership of Stanley Appel, M.D., the chair of Coya’s Scientific Advisory Board.
  • “These data further support that enhancing Treg function is a potential strategy to ameliorate neuroinflammation, which may modify Alzheimer’s Disease-associated pathology in the brain.
  • Stanley Appel, MD., Professor, Houston Methodist Hospital and Chair of Coya’s Scientific Advisory Board, commented, “Dr.
  • Furthermore, Treg-treated mice showed significant reduction in total and plaque-associated microglia as well as reactive astrocytes in dentate gyrus and frontal cortex versus untreated mice.

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust Funds Herophilus’ Rett Syndrome Lead Candidate Studies

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 26, 2023

Herophilus announced today that in vivo studies underway of its lead candidate HRP-12975 are funded in part by the Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT).

Key Points: 
  • Herophilus announced today that in vivo studies underway of its lead candidate HRP-12975 are funded in part by the Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT).
  • HRP-12975 is the first small molecule therapy for Rett Syndrome with the potential to reverse the root cause of the disease, MECP2 deficiency.
  • With the support of RSRT, Herophilus is now generating efficacy and safety data of HRP-12975 using genetic mouse models of Rett Syndrome.
  • Reactivation of the silent MECP2 gene is an important therapeutic strategy for us and we are encouraged by Herophilus’ progress,” said Monica Coenraads, CEO of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust.

Global Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Pipeline Insight Report 2022: Featuring Dexa Medica, AbbVie, Kindex Pharmaceuticals and Spruce Biosciences Among Others - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 25, 2023

This report provides comprehensive insights about 5+ companies and 7+ pipeline drugs in Polycystic ovarian syndrome pipeline landscape.

Key Points: 
  • This report provides comprehensive insights about 5+ companies and 7+ pipeline drugs in Polycystic ovarian syndrome pipeline landscape.
  • A detailed picture of the Polycystic ovarian syndrome pipeline landscape is provided which includes the disease overview and Polycystic ovarian syndrome treatment guidelines.
  • The assessment part of the report embraces, in depth Polycystic ovarian syndrome commercial assessment and clinical assessment of the pipeline products under development.
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome pipeline report provides the therapeutic assessment of the pipeline drugs by the Route of Administration.

Herophilus Announces Results from Research Collaboration with Cerevel Therapeutics to Evaluate Novel Neuroimmune Modulating Therapeutic Strategies for Schizophrenia

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 24, 2023

The findings further demonstrate the emerging role the neuroimmune axis may play in the development of schizophrenia and in providing a platform for schizophrenia drug discovery.

Key Points: 
  • The findings further demonstrate the emerging role the neuroimmune axis may play in the development of schizophrenia and in providing a platform for schizophrenia drug discovery.
  • The paper reports results from an ongoing research collaboration between Herophilus and Cerevel Therapeutics launched in December of 2021.
  • The starting point for the research was Herophilus’ proprietary NICO™ (neuro-immune cerebral organoid) model which allows the study of neuroimmune interactions between microglia, neurons, and astrocytes in a realistic human tissue-like context.
  • Our scientific collaboration with Herophilus has been a rewarding journey,” said Philip Iredale, Vice President, Biology, Cerevel Therapeutics.

StemBioSys Announces Launch of NeuroMatrix™, a Technological Leap Forward in Laboratory Production of Functionally Mature Human Neural Cell Types

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 13, 2023

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- StemBioSys, Inc. (StemBioSys) announced today the launch of NeuroMatrix™, an astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix that enables the culture of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived and primary neural cell types. StemBioSys designed NeuroMatrix™ to expand the use of iPSC-derived neurons in drug discovery and toxicity testing.

Key Points: 
  • SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- StemBioSys, Inc. (StemBioSys) announced today the launch of NeuroMatrix™, an astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix that enables the culture of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived and primary neural cell types.
  • "Currently, the use of human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons is limited by their slow and incomplete maturation and the short longevity of cultures.
  • NeuroMatrix™ is an astrocyte-derived extracellular matrix that provides the necessary biochemical and mechanical cues to allow for the differentiation, maturation, and assay of mature neural cell types.
  • Mr. Hutchens concluded, "StemBioSys has repeatedly demonstrated that NeuroMatrix™ contains cues necessary to elicit biologically relevant phenotypes in vitro.

Sana Biotechnology Confirms Key Program Timelines and Announces Portfolio Prioritization

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 29, 2022

SEATTLE, Nov. 29, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: SANA), a company focused on creating and delivering engineered cells as medicines, today announced a portfolio prioritization designed to optimize the development of programs at or nearing clinical development, continue investments in our core research platforms and innovation, and maintain a strong balance sheet with an expected cash runway into 2025. The resulting changes include focusing its second HIP-modified allogeneic CAR T program on targeting CD22 for CD19 CAR T failures, halting further internal investment in its SC187 program (cardiomyocytes for heart failure), and stage-gating certain platform investments based upon clinical progress in humans. The prioritization and restructuring reduced the company’s headcount by approximately 15%, which gives the company the expected runway to invest in its key clinical programs over the next several years. Timelines for the company’s lead programs, including time to IND and clinical data, are not expected to be impacted.

Key Points: 
  • The prioritization and restructuring reduced the companys headcount by approximately 15%, which gives the company the expected runway to invest in its key clinical programs over the next several years.
  • Timelines for the companys lead programs, including time to IND and clinical data, are not expected to be impacted.
  • SC291 (HIP-modified, CD19-targeted allogeneic CAR T) Sana remains on track to file an IND this year with initial clinical data expected in 2023.
  • Sana Biotechnology, Inc. is focused on creating and delivering engineered cells as medicines for patients.

Trevena Announces Completion of Phase 1 Study for TRV045, Novel S1P Receptor Modulator

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 9, 2022

CHESTERBROOK, Pa., Nov. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trevena, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRVN), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines for patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced positive clinical data for TRV045, its selective sphingosine-1-phosphate subtype 1 (S1P1) receptor modulator. The 3-part randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 study evaluated safety, tolerability and PK in healthy volunteers. TRV045 is being developed as a potential treatment for diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). Through a collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, the Company is also exploring TRV045 as a potential treatment for epilepsy.

Key Points: 
  • Were pleased to report positive Phase 1 data on our novel S1P1 receptor modulator, TRV045, which are consistent with its distinct mechanism of action, said Carrie Bourdow, President and CEO of Trevena.
  • This study was a three-part study design, examining the PK profile, safety and tolerability of orally administered TRV045 in healthy volunteers.
  • Part 1 Single Ascending Dose: This study phase investigated the PK profile, safety and tolerability of single ascending doses of TRV045 or placebo.
  • Part 2 Food Effect: This study phase investigated the PK profile, safety and tolerability of TRV045 administered with a high-fat meal in 3 study cohorts.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Reports Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD), today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Key Points: 
  • Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ACAD), today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.
  • Our third quarter results reflect continued growth in demand for NUPLAZID, driven by early signs of improvement in the long-term care channel, said Steve Davis, Chief Executive Officer.
  • Following his retirement, Dr. Stankovic will provide consulting and advisory services for Acadia on a part-time basis.
  • For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, research and development expenses were $285.8 million and $172.5 million.

Theratechnologies Reports Data Showing High Expression of Sortilin (SORT1) in Multiple Solid Tumors from Tissue Microarrays

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Theratechnologies is currently developing a platform of proprietary peptides called SORT1+ TechnologyTM for cancer drug development targeting SORT1 receptors.

Key Points: 
  • Theratechnologies is currently developing a platform of proprietary peptides called SORT1+ TechnologyTM for cancer drug development targeting SORT1 receptors.
  • It is highly expressed in cancer cells compared to healthy tissue, which makes SORT1 an attractive target for cancer drug development.
  • TH1902 is currently Theratechnologies lead investigational PDC candidate for the treatment of cancer derived from its SORT1+ Technology.
  • Further information about Theratechnologies is available on the Company's website at www.theratech.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.