Pre-clinical research

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.…

UK’s drug discovery potential at risk, warns industry body

Drug manufacturers in the UK are increasingly working in partnership to develop new medicines as companies move away from the traditional model of in-house research and development, according to a report published on 17 October 2016.…

Laquinimod inhibits secondary progressive MS in mouse model

Laquinimod reduced the number of mice who developed multiple sclerosis in one model, and slowed disease progression in another.…

Excess dietary zinc increases susceptibility to C difficile

Researchers found that mice given a high-zinc diet were more likely to experience Clostridium difficile infection at lower antibiotic doses.…

Newly identified compound could both treat and prevent malaria

Bicyclic azetidines have the potential to both cure malaria and prevent malaria transmission, study shows.…

Pharmacists should be trained to become clinical scientists, rather than researchers in pharmacy

Education and training should be provided for pharmacists so they have the opportunity to conduct research and contribute to translational research projects.…