Latest Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare News from NIH

NIH funds studies to improve type 2 and prediabetes treatment

The National Institutes of Health is looking for volunteers to take part in one of three clinical trials to improve and preserve the production of insulin in people with prediabetes or recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The project is called the Restoring Insulin Secretion study (RISE).

Methods for Producing Stem Cell-like Memory T cells for Use in T cell-based Immunotherapies

T cells currently employed for T cell-based immunotherapies are often senescent, terminally differentiated cells with poor proliferate and survival capacity. Recently, however, NIH scientists identified and characterized a new human memory T cell population with stem cell-like properties. Since these T cells have limited quantities in vivo, the scientists have developed methods by which high num...

A Novel Human Antibody for Deploying CH2 Based Therapeutics

The subject invention describes a novel human antibody (anti-CH2 Fab m01m1) which could be used safely in vitro and in vivo for the detection of CH2 (Fc and IgG as well). More specifically, anti-CH2 Fab m01m1 recognizes a conformational epitope on CH2 so it can be used to monitor the conformational changes when CH2 is modified and mutated, as well as to select proper folded isolated CH2 domains. T...

Novel Fusion Proteins for HIV Vaccine

The subject invention describes novel fusion proteins (CD4i antibody-HIV-1 envelop glycoprotein (gp120)) which can be used as 1) potential vaccine immunogens that could be more efficient than gp120 alone; 2) candidate therapeutics; and 3) research reagents for exploration of HIV-1 gp120 conformational flexibility, elucidation of mechanisms of virus entry, and evasion of immune responses.

A Novel HIV-1 Entry Inhibitor

The subject invention describes a novel polypeptide comprising a single human CD4 domain (mD1.22) which is highly soluble and stable with significantly higher neutralizing activity and lower non-specific binding to human blood cell lines. More specifically, mD1.22 is highly promising for several applications due to its biophysical properties: 1) for conjugating with cytotoxic molecules for eradi...

Assay for Quantifying Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 Gene Product

The invention is directed to a fluorescence based assay to quantify the protein product of the Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 (FMR1) gene in a biological sample. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an X-linked genetic disease that is responsible for intellectual disability and is also the most common single gene cause of autism. FXS is typically caused by loss of expression of the FMR1 gene, which codes...

NINR welcomes five new members to the National Advisory Council for Nursing Research

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) announced the appointment of five new members to the National Advisory Council for Nursing Research (NACNR), the institute's principal advisory board. Members of the council are drawn from the scientific and lay communities, embodying a diverse perspective from the fields of nursing, public and health policy, law, and economics. NINR, a component o...

A molecular explanation for age-related fertility decline in women

Scientists supported by the National Institutes of Health have a new theory as to why a woman's fertility declines after her mid-30s. They also suggest an approach that might help slow the process, enhancing and prolonging fertility.

New Inhibitors of Polo-like Kinase 1 (PLK1) as Anti-Cancer Agents

Tumor formation is the result of uncontrolled cellular growth and invasion. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a regulator of cell growth whose overexpression has been associated with several types of cancer (e.g., breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma). It has been shown that inhibition of PLK1 causes cell death (apoptosis) in tumor cells but not normal cells....

3-D Printing of Working Bionic Ears

Researchers used 3-D printing to create functional bionic ears that receive radio signals. Using similar techniques, it may one day be possible to create bionic implants and prostheses.

Infection Makes Mosquitoes Immune to Malaria Parasites

Researchers established a bacterial infection in mosquitoes that helps fight the parasites that cause malaria. These infected insects could be a significant tool for malaria control.

Clues to Congenital Heart Disease

A large-scale genomic analysis found that non-inherited mutations in hundreds of genes together account for about 1 in 10 cases of severe congenital heart defects, the most common type of birth defect.

Results of the ROTAVAC Rotavirus Vaccine Study in India

We congratulate the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), Bharat Biotech International, Ltd., and the scientists, government and people of India on the important results from the ROTAVAC rotavirus vaccine study.

Hormone May Help Treat Diabetes

A hormone called betatrophin prompts cells in the pancreas to multiply and produce more insulin. The finding, in mice, may lead to new ways to combat diabetes.

Gene Linked to Migraine and Sleep Disorder

Researchers linked an abnormal gene to both a common type of migraine and a rare sleep disorder. The discovery provides a new avenue for exploring treatment options.

Refining Supplements for a Blinding Eye Disease

New findings may help improve nutritional supplements for treating age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness nationwide.

Pyruvate Kinase M2 Activators for the Treatment of Cancer

This technology describes a series of small-molecule activators of the pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PK-M2). Pyruvate kinase (PK) is a critical metabolic enzyme that catalyzes the last step of the glycolytic pathway. It exists in several isoforms with different patterns of tissue expression. One isoform, PK-M2, is expressed in cells with a high rate of nucleic acid synthesis, including most tumor...

Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy Using microRNA-155

Tumor immunotherapy is a promising approach for the treatment of cancer. However, current T cell-based immunotherapies are limited by the poor engraftment and functionality of the transferred T cells. Moreover, lymphodepleting regimens used to enhance engraftment and function of transferred tumor-reactive T cells are plagued by life-threatening side effects. The scientists at the NIH recently d...

Retroviral Vector Packaging Cell Lines and Purification Methods for Gene Therapy

This invention relates to a novel gammaretroviral vector packaging cell line and method of producing gammaretroviral vectors suitable for gene therapy. The described vectors may contain the gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) envelope with a CD11D8 epitope tag enabling their purification on a monoclonal antibody conjugated column. These vectors have several advantages over existing systems, including...

A Diagnostic Kit for Assessing Exposure or Infection by the Koala Family of Retroviruses

Inventors at the NIH have discovered a new family of infectious koala retroviruses that are correlated with the development of malignant neoplasias, including lymphomas and leukemias. This invention relates to a diagnostic kit for assessing exposure or infection by a koala retrovirus. The kit consists of specific primers and probes for the detection of three distinct subtypes of infectious koala r...

NIH statement on Asthma Awareness Month 2013

For Asthma Awareness Month 2013, the National Institutes of Health stands with the international community to renew our dedication to improving the quality of life for the estimated 300 million people living with asthma worldwide. To most effectively manage asthma, we need to address the disproportionate impact of the disease on minorities and families at or below the poverty line. NIH is committe...

Parvovirus B19 Vaccine

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection causes fifth disease, a disease characterized by rashes to the face and other parts of the body that primarily affects children. However, adults can also develop fifth disease and it can lead to more severe conditions. Patients that are immunocompromised, such as those who are HIV infected, organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients, can be particularly susc...

Stapled Peptides for Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and Inflammation

The invention is directed to small molecule mimetics of apolipoproteins that have an inter-helical hydrocarbon bond, which stabilizes helix formation. Apolipoproteins facilitate the transport of lipids and cholesterol in the body. Mimetics of apolipoproteins have been used to treat cholesterol-related disorders. However, these mimetics are susceptible to degradation in biological fluids and as a...

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generated Using Lentivirus-based Reprogramming

Five human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) lines are generated using lentivirus-based reprogramming technology. These lines are pluripotent, meaning they have the potential to differentiate into all cells in the body, and theoretically can proliferate/self-renew indefinitely. The iPSC lines are: NC1 (derived from female's fibroblasts), NC2 (derived from female's fibroblasts ), NC3 (derived...

Killing Cancer With Radioactive Bacteria

Live bacteria delivered a lethal radioactive payload to pancreatic cancer cells in mice. With further development, the approach might one day help doctors fight this deadly type of cancer in people.