William A. Haseltine

A groundbreaking new drug, Setidegrasib, is revolutionizing cancer treatment by targeting mutant KRAS, a common driver in many pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. Instead of merely blocking this problematic protein, Setidegrasib represents a new class of targeted protein degraders. These innovative medicines leverage the cell's own recycling machinery to mark and completely destroy disease-causing proteins. This approach offers a more permanent solution than temporary inhibition, as it removes the protein entirely, thereby potentially reducing drug resistance and expanding the range of previously untreatable protein targets. This significant breakthrough highlights the immense potential of targeted protein degradation to reshape future cancer therapies, moving beyond simple blocking to complete elimination.

Two undisclosed deaths in Chinese gene-editing trials renew concerns about trial oversight, safety reporting, and transparency as gene therapy advances worldwide.

A groundbreaking study introduces a new class of antibodies capable of targeting previously inaccessible cancer mutations like KRAS, common in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. Traditionally, these cancer-driving proteins reside inside cells, making them unreachable by conventional antibody therapies. The innovative approach leverages the cell's natural immune surveillance system, where small fragments of internal proteins are displayed on the cell surface. These new antibodies are designed to recognize specific mutant KRAS fragments presented externally, allowing them to distinguish cancer cells from healthy ones. This strategy enables the immune system to selectively attack tumor cells, either by linking them to T cells or by engineering T cells directly. This breakthrough offers a promising pathway to target numerous internal cancer proteins, transforming once-hidden mutations into visible therapeutic targets, despite some limitations regarding fragment display.

Type 1 diabetes affects millions, and islet cell transplantation offers a promising treatment by restoring insulin-producing beta cells. However, most transplanted cells die shortly after surgery due to insufficient revascularization. A new RNA technology addresses this by using a targeting aptamer and a gene-activating RNA (saRNA). This combination transiently boosts VEGF-A production in beta cells, promoting the necessary blood supply. This innovative approach significantly increases beta cell survival post-transplantation in animal models. Expected human clinical trials could revolutionize diabetes treatment and other cell-based therapies.

We all know that certain types of cancer can be inherited. What does that really mean? If you inherit a gene that predisposes you to cancer, does it guarantee that you will develop the disease?

Hepatitis C kills about 290,000 people worldwide every year and about 15,000 in the United States, even though a 12-week course of oral pills cures more than 95% of infections.

Life on Earth may have started thanks to metals found at deep-sea vents, which helped the first cells run their chemistry before they could do it on their own.

A new antibody-based strategy uses two cancer targets to assemble a drug-delivery system, improving chemotherapy delivery to tumors that are difficult to treat with conventional antibody-drug conjugates.

Take our Depression Test Find a therapist to overcome depression A single session of low- or high-intensity exercise changes mood and communication between brain regions.

Engineered immune cells that normally calm inflammation reduced allergic airway reactions in mice, suggesting that a technology developed for cancer could eventually be used to treat severe allergies.