It's very much early days for researchers and drug developers trying to tap the potential of microRNAs, the small snippets of nucleotides once considered genomic junk. But miRNAs may have a direct use as cancer biomarkers--a diagnostic application where the complex issue of correlating expression and protein function is less daunting. In a paper in PNAS this summer, researchers provide proof of concept for the use of miRNAs as blood-based markers for cancer detection.
Mark L. Ratner
It’s very much early days for researchers and drug developers trying to tap the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs), the small snippets of nucleotides once considered genomic junk. That miRNAs can profoundly affect protein production is becoming increasingly apparent: individual miRNAs might affect the expression of hundreds of genes, making them tempting targets for the development of small-molecule inhibitors
Vertex is in need of diversification, but in addition to its lower-than-expected Q1 revenue, sales of the company’s newest CF drug Alyftrek and pain medicine Journavx disappointed.
The biotech hopes a third time will be the charm after two FDA complete responses, with plans to position its eye drop as offering quicker onset of action.
The biotech said it will have a type A meeting with the agency to resubmit for the cell therapy’s approval in EBV+ PTLD.
