Light therapy helmet could help dementia patients

A new infrared light therapy has the potential to help people with dementia. A pilot study recently investigated how transcranial photobiomodulation therapy (PBM-T) –transferred through a specially adapted helmet -- could boost memory, motor function...

DMT-assisted therapy: changing the way we think about depressive disorders

A ‘spirit molecule’ from the Amazon could be a game changer in the treatment of major depressive disorders. Dr Carol Routledge, of Small Pharma, talks to Karen Southern about her pioneering work with DMT. Psychedelic...

Shaping the science of oncology

Dr Fiona McLaughlin is the new Chief Scientific Officer of Avacta’s Therapeutics Division. She talks to Karen Southern about her mission to develop first and best-in-class cancer drugs. From the day that Dr McLaughlin –...

Precision breeding for a sustainable future: unpacking the future of genomics

Neil Ward, General Manager of PacBio EMEA, examines the potential impact of the UK’s Precision Breeding Bill. Genomic sequencing holds the potential to unlock powerful insights that will advance our understanding of all life. In...

WEAPONISING THE FIGHT AGAINST ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Could faecal transplants be an effective weapon in the fight back against antibiotic resistance? A research team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust intends to find out, once and for all. By HELEN...

Matching clinical trials with unmet clinical need

A new tool that helps target clinical trials to areas of unmet clinical need has sparked interest in both the National Health Service (NHS) and the commercial clinical research world. Stephen Lock, Head of...

UK ‘Octopus’ trial tackling multiple sclerosis is a world first

A ground breaking mega-trial for progressive multiple sclerosis will be launched in the UK later this year. Octopus, so called because of its multiple arms, is a revolutionary clinical trial that will transform the way...

Personalised medicine: driving a need for greater diversity

Kate Shaw, CEO of Innovative Trials, investigates one of the biggest challenges facing clinical research today. Personalised medicines, particularly gene and cell therapies, offer new opportunities for treating serious conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis...

Making clinical trials right for older people

In this issue, we speak to Miles Witham, Professor of Trials for Older People at Newcastle University and consultant geriatrician, about why he’s bringing about a sea change in how clinical trials involving older...

New treatment on horizon against ‘parasite’ mitochondria

A groundbreaking study has solved the old enigma in mitochondrial DNA disorders and advances the prospect of enhanced treatments for patients. It not only resolves a long-standing conundrum in the molecular pathology of mitochondrial disease,...

£7m invested in fight against antimicrobial resistance

Phico Therapeutics Ltd, a biotechnology company developing engineered phage technology as the basis of a new generation of antibiotics to overcome antibacterial resistance, has announced £7m in new investment. The financing was led by growth...

New ‘Clinical Trial in a Dish’ for Alzheimer’s Disease

An extensive panel of consented patient samples and iPSC technology will advance AD drug development and patient stratification.  Pluripotent stem cell technology provider for drug discovery, Axol Bioscience Ltd (Axol), has signed an exclusive agreement...

CRYONISS EARNS COVETED MHRA QUALITY MARK

Experts in biological sample, and medicinal product, storage and logistics management, CRYONISS offers a comprehensive storage service from ambient down to vapour phase liquid nitrogen. The Cheshire-based team has a wealth of experience in supporting...

Pain or gain? How the brain chooses

Imagine having to choose over and over between what you enjoy doing and the pain that it might cause you, whether physical or emotional. If you live with conditions such as depression, anxiety, or chronic...

Potential breakthrough in treatment of rare disease

Biotech company Actigen has initiated a clinical development programme for GNR-055, a potentially breakthrough treatment for the life-limiting, rare disease mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II) (also known as Hunter syndrome). Occurring in around 1 in...

Key gene blocks the ‘spillover’ of avian flu to humans

Understanding the genetic make-up of currently circulating avian flu strains may offer one of the best lines of defence against widespread human transmission. This is according to new research which has found a key human...