A new observational study led by researchers at University College London suggests that changes in the gut microbiome may provide an early indication of Parkinson’s disease risk, potentially years before clinical symptoms appear. Published in Nature Medicine on 20 April, the peer-reviewed study analysed microbial patterns in the digestive systems of individuals with Parkinson’s disease, those genetically predisposed to the condition, and healthy controls.
A small molecule inhibitor of the mutated RAS protein, a high priority cancer target, has successfully delivered a significant overall survival benefit for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. The results were obtained in a Phase 3 trial of the RAS inhibitor daraxonrasib and reported on 13 April. The developer is Revolution Medicines Inc, a clinical-stage US biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio of RAS-addicted cancers. These are cancers that are dependent on mutant RAS activity for their survival.
China’s regulatory authority, the National Medical Products Administration, has approved Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin), a treatment for multiple myeloma which is a relatively rare blood cancer but with a global prevalence. In China, it is now the only B-cell maturation antigen (BMCA) targeting second-line therapy for the disease. “Blenrep provides a new and needed mechanism of action in therapy,” the developer GSK Plc said in a statement on 20 April. Blenrep is an antibody-drug conjugate consisting of a humanised antibody conjugated to a cytotoxic agent via a non-cleavable linker.
Research Strategy
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The Inventive Step
How antigen discovery can redefine myeloma
Commentary
Alzheimer's disease and traditional Chinese medicine
Cell and Gene Therapy
Autoimmune diseases: a new paradigm for cell therapy
Drug Development
Baxdrostat gets FDA priority review
Public Policy
EU proposes rules to boost start-ups across Europe
