Pre-clinical research

Understanding irritable bowel syndrome: bugs, brains and leaky barriers

Research indicates that there are multiple causes for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and that most of them may involve the microbiome.…

Searching for new medicines to treat alcohol addiction

Only a few drugs are licensed to treat alcoholism and, although reasonably effective, they are not suitable for everyone. Increased understanding of the underlying neuroscience of alcohol addiction is revealing a wealth of new possible drug targets, and a number of trials are under way.…

Researchers discover molecule that inhibits cancer cell stress response

Scientists find a new chemical probe that is a potent inhibitor of human cancer cell proliferation in vitro, with potential applications against many cancers.…

Photopharmacology: using light to activate drugs

Drugs that contain synthetic light-switching molecules could help target therapies to particular parts of the body, limiting side effects. Researchers have started using this approach to tackle blindness, cancer, diabetes, and antibiotic resistance, but questions remain about the clinical practicali…

Antibodies from Zika patient protect mice against disease

Attempts to isolate human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against Zika virus have led to broadly neutralising antibodies that also show activity against Dengue virus.…

Stem cells: will they redefine stroke treatment?

Researchers are investigating whether stem cells can be used to restore brain tissue and reverse disability in people who have suffered a stroke, or even to stop the damage from happening in the first place. Recent trial results indicate that the field is making progress towards human application.…

Listerine could help stop spread of pharyngeal gonorrhoea

Daily use of Listerine mouthwash may help prevent the spread of some cases of gonorrhoea, according to the results of new research. …

Experimental diabetes drug shows promise in Parkinson’s disease

An experimental drug originally developed for type 2 diabetes has shown early promise as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, say researchers who are now planning a clinical trial in humans. …

Seeking a cure for HIV

Efforts to find a cure for HIV were reinvigorated in 2008 when the case of Timothy Ray Brown showed that a cure is possible. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies are now seeking out the virus in its hiding places in an attempt to eradicate it completely.…

Cephalosporins could boost anti-TB therapy

Antimicrobial therapy for tuberculosis (TB) is hampered by the need for long treatment duration and rising prevalence of drug-resistant strains.…