Archive for drug development
With algae blooms hope for a long-acting local anesthetic
For decades, Chile’s shoreline has had problems with periodic algal blooms – referred to as Red Tide, but actually containing a mix of microorganisms including bluegreen algae. Their toxins accumulate in shellfish, landing seafood consumers in the hospital, partially paralyzed, sometimes needing ventilators to breathe. The nerve block caused by the toxins is reversible, so ... Read More about With algae blooms hope for a long-acting local anesthetic
Neurogenetic disorders: Dreaming the impossible dream
People with autism and most other disorders of brain development have never had medications to treat their core behavioral and cognitive symptoms. The best they can get are drugs targeting secondary problems, like irritability or aggression. But now, a new wave of clinical trials aims to change this. In the last decade, scientists have discovered ... Read More about Neurogenetic disorders: Dreaming the impossible dream
A new target in polycystic kidney disease
In polycystic kidney disease, fluid-filled cysts gradually take over the kidneys, forcing patients to go on chronic dialysis — or wait for a kidney transplant. Hopes for a cure were raised when animal models showed promise in drugs inhibiting mTOR, a protein that coordinates cell growth and is over-active in PKD. But recent clinical trials ... Read More about A new target in polycystic kidney disease