This week in drug discovery (9-13 August)

News round-up by DDW’s Megan Thomas for 9-13 August

This week, DDW’s Megan Thomas has rounded up five stories which report positive data and findings from around the globe in the drug discovery sector.

1. Preclinical data on oral polymer-based duodenal exclusion therapy

Glyscend has presented data during the American Diabetes Association 80^th Scientific Sessions virtual meeting, from a study of its proprietary oral polymer duodenal exclusion therapy. The positive data were presented ahead of Glyscend’s Phase I clinical trials, which have commenced recruiting healthy subjects in South Australia.

2. Licensed drug could reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection by 70%, study reveals

A study led by the University of Birmingham (UK), Keele University (UK) and the San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Italy) has revealed that a licensed drug normally used to treat abnormal levels of fatty substances in the blood could reduce infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus by up to 70%.

3. Positive data for investigational P2X3 antagonist for refractory chronic cough

Evotec has been informed by Bayer about positive Phase IIb results from a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of the investigational P2X3 receptor antagonist eliapixant (BAY1817080) in patients with refractory chronic cough.

4. Positive interim results from Phase I study for sickle cell disease treatment 

Massachusetts-headquartered Fulcrum Therapeutics has announced positive interim results from the ongoing single and multiple-ascending dose (SAD and MAD) Phase I trial with FTX-6058 in healthy adult volunteers.

5. Wearable temperature device warns for cancer complications, study finds

Researchers from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center found that a wearable temperature sensor was able to detect dangerous complications in hospitalised cancer patients, hours earlier than routine monitoring.