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New method streamlines C–N bond formation for amine synthesis
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have reported a new approach to forming carbon–nitrogen bonds, a critical step in the synthesis of amines widely used in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and polymers.
New strategy targets antibiotic resistance in cystic fibrosis
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have demonstrated that targeting a bacterial protein-folding pathway can disable antimicrobial resistance and cross-protection, restoring antibiotic susceptibility in preclinical models of cystic fibrosis infection.
Ovarian follicles provide new platform for angiogenesis research
A novel microphysiological system using ovarian follicles enables physiologically relevant three-dimensional angiogenesis modelling within 24 hours, offering improved drug screening capabilities that distinguish therapeutic effects from general toxicity.
Eli Lilly acquires CrossBridge Bio’s dual-payload ADC platform
Eli Lilly has acquired CrossBridge Bio, advancing a dual-payload antibody-drug conjugate platform developed at UTHealth Houston. The technology aims to deliver chemotherapy more precisely to tumour cells whilst minimising damage to healthy tissue, with lead candidate CBB-120 now positioned for accelerated clinical development.
10x Genomics launches Atera whole-transcriptome spatial biology platform
The new platform enables researchers to analyse gene expression and cellular organisation within intact tissue at single-cell resolution, supporting large-scale studies across fresh-frozen and FFPE samples. Early adopters include leading research institutions and global service providers, with cloud-based analysis tools and direct sample processing services now available.
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10x Genomics launches Atera whole-transcriptome spatial biology platform
The new platform enables researchers to analyse gene expression and cellular organisation within intact tissue at single-cell resolution, supporting large-scale studies across fresh-frozen and FFPE samples. Early adopters include leading research institutions and global service providers, with cloud-based analysis tools and direct sample processing services now available.
Cells use nanoparticle couriers to exchange biological information
University College Dublin researchers have discovered that cells use nanoparticle-based courier systems coated with proteins and RNA to exchange biological information. The findings detail how natural cellular gateways could be exploited to deliver therapeutic molecules to previously inaccessible locations, potentially changing the way RNA, gene and protein-based therapies work.
New platform reveals shared drug targets across genetic mutations in cancer and neurodegeneration
Researchers have developed PerturbFate, a platform that simultaneously tracks gene expression, RNA dynamics and chromatin accessibility across thousands of genetic perturbations in single cells. Applied to melanoma drug resistance, the technology revealed that diverse mutations converge on shared regulatory nodes, offering a route to therapies targeting common mechanisms rather than individual genetic alterations.
Nasal spray reverses age-related brain inflammation in preclinical study
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a nasal spray delivering extracellular vesicles that reverses neuroinflammaging in preclinical models. Two doses significantly reduced brain inflammation, restored mitochondrial function and improved memory within weeks, with effects persisting for months. The therapy bypasses the blood-brain barrier and targets inflammatory pathways whilst reactivating cellular energy production.
Circio and Acuitas partner on circular RNA CAR T therapy
Norway-based biotechnology company Circio Holding ASA has partnered with Acuitas Therapeutics to evaluate its circVec circular RNA platform for in vivo CAR T cell therapy. The collaboration will combine Circio’s technology, which reportedly delivers gene expression lasting up to six months in lymphocytes, with Acuitas’ lipid nanoparticle delivery system targeting specific T cell populations for potential applications in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
AI platform models protein flexibility to accelerate drug design
A new artificial intelligence platform developed at the University of Virginia addresses a critical limitation in computational drug design by modelling protein flexibility during molecular interactions. The suite of tools uses diffusion models to generate drug candidates whilst accounting for induced fit dynamics, potentially improving success rates in early-stage development.
ELRIG launches inaugural US drug discovery conference 2026 in Cambridge, MA
ELRIG has announced Drug Discovery USA 2026, a free two-day conference at Pfizer Cambridge bringing together international researchers to address challenging therapeutic targets through advances in multifunctional small molecules and novel biologics.
Ontario invests $3.1M in next-generation cancer therapeutics
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research has awarded $3.1 million to four provincial research teams developing novel cancer therapies designed to overcome drug resistance and reduce treatment-related toxicity.
Osteoporosis drugs may slow progression of aortic aneurysms
Researchers at Nagoya University have identified clonal haematopoiesis as a driver of aortic aneurysm progression and demonstrated that FDA-approved osteoporosis therapies targeting the RANK/RANKL pathway can significantly slow disease progression in preclinical models.
Champions Oncology to present eight studies at AACR 2026
Champions Oncology will present eight studies at AACR 2026 spanning KRAS-mutant tumours, ovarian cancer, glioblastoma and emerging therapies including radiopharmaceuticals and CAR-T, using patient-derived models to improve early-stage decision-making in oncology drug development.
Combining antibodies with natural compounds may improve Alzheimer’s treatment
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have demonstrated that combining anti-amyloid antibodies with naturally derived small molecules, such as resveratrol and curcumin, may improve therapeutic outcomes in Alzheimer’s disease.
Insilico announces ISM6200 AI-designed drug candidate for ovarian cancer and cortisol disorders
Insilico Medicine has nominated ISM6200, a preclinical drug candidate designed using generative AI to target NR3C1, a receptor involved in cortisol regulation.
Massey Cancer Center funds drug discovery projects targeting Hsp27-CerS1 and ferroptosis pathways
The VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has awarded $50,000 each to two innovative drug discovery projects through its collaborative programme with Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute.
Zebrafish drug screening identifies precision therapies for autism
Yale University researchers have created a behavioural drug screening database using zebrafish models to identify FDA-approved compounds that reverse disrupted behaviours linked to autism risk genes.
Molecular map reveals thromboxane receptor structure for new blood clotting drug development
International researchers have mapped the structure of the thromboxase A₂ receptor using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing some unexpected activation mechanisms.
Lactylation emerges as key driver of lung cancer resistance
New research from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital outlines how lactate-driven lactylation acts as a metabolic switch controlling epigenetic regulation in lung cancer. The findings reveal self-reinforcing feedback loops that sustain drug resistance and suggest novel therapeutic strategies targeting the enzymes and pathways that maintain this process.
New osteoarthritis therapy targeting joint repair advances following preclinical success
A Duke Health-led consortium has achieved key preclinical milestones in developing regenerative therapies that target cartilage and bone damage in osteoarthritis, potentially offering an alternative to symptom management and joint replacement surgery.
3D-printed drug carriers deliver chemotherapy directly to tumours
Novel FRESH 3D printing technology enables fabrication of nanoscale spanlastic carriers for localised anticancer drug delivery. Early in vitro studies have demonstrated enhanced cellular uptake and tumour cell killing whilst potentially minimising systemic toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy administration.
Lipid nanoparticles deliver dual therapy for lung cancer
Oregon State University researchers have developed engineered lipid nanoparticles that deliver follistatin mRNA directly to lung tumours, simultaneously targeting cancer growth and muscle-wasting cachexia in preclinical studies.
DNA ‘needle’ bypasses cellular defences to deliver therapeutics
A microscopic DNA nanostructure inspired by bacteriophages can deliver therapeutic molecules directly into cells whilst evading endosomal traps that typically render treatments ineffective. The virus-inspired platform, demonstrated in breast cancer cells, could address the longstanding challenge that only one per cent of oligonucleotide therapeutics reach their cellular targets.