UCB buying Engage for $125M UCB S.A. (Euronext:UCB) acquired Engage Therapeutics Inc. Friday, gaining Staccato alprazolam, a drug-inhaler combo in Phase II testing for the rapid termination of epileptic seizures. Engage will receive $125 million...

DISEASE CATEGORY: Neurology INDICATION: Stroke Preventing neuronal necroptosis by disrupting the interaction between ASIC1A, an acid-sensing ion channel, RIPK1 and NSF could treat ischemic stroke. During acidosis, the interaction between ASIC1A’s C- and N-termini is...

INDICATION: Stroke In vitro and mouse studies identified a spider venom-derived peptide inhibitor of ASIC1A that could help treat stroke. In in vitro activity assays, a peptide (Hi1a) from the venom of the Hadronyche infensa...

Oxford announced it is opening registration for its MinION Access Programme (MAP) in late November. Selected participants will receive a complete MinION system, which consists of the molecule-sensing device, flowcells and software tools. Participants will...

Indication Target/marker/pathway Summary Licensing status Publication and contact information Neurology Pain Acid-sensing ion channel-3 (ASIC3; ACCN3) In vitro and mouse studies suggest a peptide inhibitor of ASIC3 could help treat inflammatory and acid-induced pain. Electrophysiological...

Aros Pharma ApS has found a new way to treat pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome. The company is developing an ASIC1A antagonist that specifically reduces gastrointestinal pain and could be an effective adjunct therapy...

Indication Target/marker/pathway Summary Licensing status Publication and contact information Dermatology Dermal ulcers Acid-sensing ion channel-3 (ASIC3; ACCN3) Rodent studies suggest increasing ASIC3 channel activity could help prevent dermal ulcers. An impaired pressure-induced vasodilation response is...