Tag: drug development
Cell mechanics – from bench to bedside
All cells generate and respond to mechanical forces. The role of mechanical forces in cell biology has been understudied, but the forces are essential components of our physiology in health and disease. For example, they are involved in pathologies such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscular dystrophy and metastatic cancer. Dr Frederick Sachs from the University at Buffalo, New York, focuses on […]
When control is lost: Studying the interactions of ATP and acetylcholine in the urinary bladder
The inner lining of the bladder, known as the urothelium, not only serves as a passive barrier but also triggers the reflex controlling urination (the micturition reflex). The neurotransmitter ATP released from the stretched urothelium activates the bladder afferent nerves and evokes the release of acetylcholine that substantially contributes to the contractile response. Prof Gunnar Tobin from the University of […]
Targeting melanoma cells with a drug-infused graphene matrix
Dr Livia Sima of the Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy and Dr Emanuel Axente of the National Institute for Laser, Plasma, and Radiation Physics in Romania are developing novel platforms for screening of therapeutic drug combinations for patients with metastatic melanoma. Their most recent work involves investigating a method which can be used to screen potential drug candidates. […]
Innovation in oncology drug development: A focus on patient benefits
Innovation in oncology drug development is driving more efficient and effective development of new cancer treatments. This innovation is providing cancer patients unprecedented access to new therapies. Dr Brian Huber, Vice President of Therapeutic Areas, Drug Development and Consulting at ICON and Matthew Huber, a scientist in the emerging biotechnology sector focused on developing innovative oncology medicines, have conducted a […]
New Toolkits for Positron Emission Tomography
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful imaging technique that uses radiotracers injected into the body to look at biology in tissues and cells, making it an important tool in biomedical research and drug development. Dr Victor Pike, Chief of the PET Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Section of the Molecular Imaging Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S., […]
Bayesian inference for 21st century drug development and approval
Traditional statistical hypothesis testing methods have been the mainstay of global regulatory agencies for decades. Dr Stephen Ruberg of Analytix Thinking, argues that a Bayesian approach, combining current data with prior knowledge, offers advantages over traditional methods. He reasons that these quantifiable probability assertions from Bayesian approaches are much more beneficial to both doctors and patients. Regulators should also find […]
A career in cancer
Dr Bruce Zetter is the Charles Nowiszewski Professor of Cancer Biology at Harvard Medical School. He is known internationally as an expert on cancer biology, diagnosis and treatment. He currently works to find treatments for highly aggressive, metastatic cancers and also serves as an advocate for young scientists and for improved relationships between academia and industry. Dr Bruce Zetter started […]