Eli Lilly is acquiring Ventyx Biosciences in a $1.2 billion all-cash deal to enhance its pipeline of oral therapies targeting inflammation-related diseases across various medical fields, aiming to address high unmet medical needs.
Respiratory and viral illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19, can lead to myocarditis, an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle. Symptoms may go unnoticed or be attributed to the initial illness, but warning signs include weakness, heart palpitations, and chest pains. Diagnosis involves EKG, blood tests, and heart imaging, with treatment focusing on symptom management and rest. Severe cases may require specific medication and mechanical heart support. Vaccination against the flu and COVID-19 is recommended, and caution is advised for persistent chest pain, particularly in cases of viral illness.
The FDA has approved Wezlana (ustekinumab-auub) as an interchangeable biosimilar to Stelara (ustekinumab) for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases, including plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. This approval provides additional safe and effective treatment options for patients managing these conditions and has the potential to increase access to medication at potentially lower costs. Wezlana has been shown to be highly similar to Stelara in terms of safety and effectiveness, and it may be substituted for the reference product without consulting the prescriber, similar to how generic drugs are substituted for brand name drugs.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant, known as S132P, in the MLKL gene that can be found in up to 3 percent of people. This variant enhances necroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and could increase the risk of inflammatory diseases such as diabetes when combined with other genetic and environmental factors. The variant is less responsive to stop signals, leading to an excessive inflammatory response. Further research is needed to understand how this genetic variant contributes to inflammatory conditions in humans.
Scientists at the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute have identified a molecule that plays a crucial role in sensing cellular pressure, which could lead to the development of new drugs for obesity, osteoporosis, and inflammatory diseases. The molecule regulates PIEZO ion channels responsible for touch and spatial awareness. By understanding how this molecule interacts with the ion channels, researchers hope to design therapeutics that can modulate their activity. This discovery could potentially help prevent osteoporosis, combat obesity by mimicking satiety, and target inflammatory diseases. The study was funded by various research organizations.
GRI Bio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is developing innovative therapies targeting NKT cells to treat inflammatory diseases such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Lupus. IPF is a chronic lung disease with limited treatment options and a significant unmet need. GRI Bio's lead program, GRI-0621, aims to inhibit iNKT cell activity and provide a more effective treatment option for IPF. The company is also developing type 2 NKT agonists for Lupus. With its unique approach and a library of proprietary compounds, GRI Bio has the potential to make a significant impact in the field of biopharmaceuticals and improve the lives of patients worldwide.
Scientists at the Victor Chang Cardiac Institute in Australia have identified a molecule that regulates PIEZO ion channels, which play a crucial role in various bodily processes. This discovery could lead to the development of peptide-based drugs targeting obesity, osteoporosis, and inflammatory diseases. By modifying and developing the identified protein, researchers hope to boost the activity of these channels, potentially preventing osteoporosis and aiding in weight management by mimicking satiety signals to the brain. The molecule may also have applications in targeting inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular disease in the future.
Experts are highlighting the importance of the gut-skin connection, emphasizing that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in skin health. The microbiome within the skin and the gut helps regulate the immune system and maintain balance. Disruptions in this balance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to various skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Supporting the gut-skin connection involves maintaining a healthy diet, protecting the skin's microbiome, and taking steps to keep the skin barrier intact, such as avoiding hot showers and using gentle cleansers and moisturizers.