Introduction:Key neurons for maintaining mammalian body temperature at 37°C identified; First evidence of dinosaurs preying on mammals discovered; Dainow Pharmaceuticals completes $10 million D+ round financing… BioExploration brings you the latest "pharma" news and explores the value of biotechnology!
01
Mammalian Temperature Regulation
Identification of Key Neurons at 37°C
Recently, a research team from Nagoya University in Japan reported that EP3 neurons in the preoptic area of the brain play a key role in regulating mammalian body temperature. This discovery could aid in the development of a technology for artificially regulating body temperature, assisting in the treatment of heatstroke, hypothermia, and even obesity. The related study was published in Science Advances.
The temperature regulation center of the brain is located in the preoptic area, a part of the hypothalamus that controls vital bodily functions. To identify which neurons in the preoptic area issue commands to raise or lower body temperature, a research team from Nagoya University conducted a study using rats. They first examined how the activity of EP3 neurons in the preoptic area changed with variations in environmental temperature. The results showed that exposure to 36°C activated the EP3 neurons, while exposure to 4°C and 24°C did not.
The research team then observed the nerve fibers of EP3 neurons in the preoptic area to determine the location of their signal transmission. The results showed that the nerve fibers were distributed to different brain regions, particularly to the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), which activates the sympathetic nervous system. The analysis also indicated that the substance used by EP3 neurons to transmit signals to the DMH is gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitor of neuronal excitation. To further investigate the role of EP3 neurons in thermoregulation, the researchers artificially manipulated their activity using chemogenetic methods. They found that activating the neurons led to a decrease in body temperature, while inhibiting their activity resulted in an increase in body temperature.
02
Dinosaurs Prey on Mammals
First Appearance of Evidence
Recently, an international research team discovered the lunch of this small dinosaur in a 120-million-year-old Microraptor fossil. A reanalysis of the dinosaur fossil revealed mammalian foot bones within its ribcage. This is the first evidence of dinosaurs preying on mammals.
The fossil re-examined this time is a Microraptor fossil, discovered in the Jiufotang Formation in Liaoning Province, China, in 2000. At that time, the research team traced it back to approximately 120 million years ago. Although most of the central portion of the fossil is missing, its rib area remains intact and clearly visible. Upon re-examination of the Microraptor fossil, researchers found the fossilized right foot, less than half an inch in size, in its thoracic cavity. This fossil once belonged to a small mammal, proving that the Microraptor had preyed on a rodent-sized mammal.
Researchers say that so far, it has not been possible to determine which mammal the foot fossil belongs to. Its toes are very thin, similar to modern opossums, but shorter. Researchers are also investigating whether dinosaurs actively chased and preyed on mammals or were simply foraging. They pointed out that if this microraptor had gliding wings, it would allow it to swoop down and grab smaller animals, like the bones found in its stomach.
03
Dannuo Pharmaceuticals D+ Round
Raised $10 million in financing
On December 23, Darnell Pharmaceutical (Suzhou) completed a $10 million D+ round of financing to support its multi-target drug conjugation products for bacterial infections and dysbiosis. The company is developing six drug candidates, three of which are ready to enter Phase III trials. Its late-stage products target medical device-related bacterial biofilm infections, hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis, and Helicobacter pylori infections. Earlier this year, Darnell Pharmaceutical completed a $38 million D round of financing. The latest round of financing included investors BCT Capital, Borun Investment, and Yanchuang Capital.
04
FDA Approves First
CD20xCD3 Bispecific Antibody
On December 22, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced that the FDA has approved Lunsumio® (mosunetuzumab-axgb) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) who have received two or more lines of systemic therapy. The indication was approved under accelerated approval based on response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. Lunsumio is a CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging bispecific antibody, representing a new class of cancer immunotherapy with a fixed-duration treatment. It is an off-the-shelf and immediately available option, so patients do not need to wait to start treatment. Lunsumio will be available in the United States in the coming weeks.
05
Pfizer and Sanofi in California
Zantac Case Reaches Settlement
Recently, Pfizer and Sanofi have agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a California man over Zantac, marking the first case to go to trial over claims that the heartburn medication can cause cancer. Zantac, once a popular antacid, has led to a wave of personal injury lawsuits in the U.S., alleging it causes cancer. Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Boehringer-Ingelheim, as well as some generic drug manufacturers, have been accused of failing to adequately warn users about the health risks associated with this over-the-counter medication.
Sanofi stated: "The settlement is not due to believing that these claims have any merit, but to avoid the costs and distractions of a trial in California." Prior to the settlement, a federal judge in Florida dismissed more than 5,000 similar lawsuits this month, stating that the scientific evidence behind the Zantac cancer claims was flawed. The plaintiffs' attorneys stated that they had filed over 50,000 lawsuits in state courts, accusing drug manufacturers of knowing that the active ingredient in Zantac, ranitidine, could degrade and convert into a potential carcinogen, NDMA, under certain conditions.
