Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells with StemPro Embryonic Stem Cell Serum Free Medium for Research and Therapeutic Development

This technology involves an innovative method for differentiating neural stem cells (NSCs) into neurons, primarily for use in basic science research and in developing therapies for brain and spinal cord disorders. Existing methods for generating neurons from NSCs typically result in high efficiency but low survival rates, especially when neurons are dissociated and regrown. This new method utilizes Life Technologies StemPro embryonic stem cell serum-free medium, which significantly enhances differentiation efficiency into neurons with minimal cell death.

Discovery of potent and selective D3 antagonist with alleviated hERG liability and optimized pharmacokinetic properties

One of the most challenging hurdles in creating safe and effective new medicines for many diseases is finding drugs that are effective without causing off-target cardiac issues, such as cardiac arrythmias. In collaboration with NIDA, scientists at NCATS have developed a series of novel and highly specific dopamine D3 receptor agonists and antagonists that have potential to target and treat Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, Depression, and substance-use disorders including opioid addiction.

Enhanced S10-3 Cell Line for Advanced Hepatitis E Virus Research and Therapeutic Development

The Huh-7 cell line underwent a detailed sub-cloning process to enhance its effectiveness for Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) infection studies. This involved diluting and culturing cells in 96-well plates until confluent monolayers formed, followed by selection and expansion of the most suitable cells. The sub-clone S10-3, derived from this process, was identified as the most efficient for transfection and infection by HEV.

Vascularized Thyroid-on-a-Chip for Personalized Drug Screening and Disease Modeling

This technology includes a micro-engineered “thyroid-on-a-chip” that combines human thyroid organoids with integrated micro-vasculature to replicate the gland’s native blood flow and 3-D architecture, enabling rapid, patient-specific drug screening. By permitting real-time perfusion of nutrients, hormones, and immune cells, the platform yields more physiologically relevant data than conventional static cultures or animal surrogates.

Use of Antihistamine Compounds for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus

The vast majority of people infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) will have chronic infection. Over decades, this can lead to liver disease and liver cancer. In fact, HCV infection is the leading cause of liver transplants in the U.S. Several new drugs have recently come into the market that will likely change the HCV treatment paradigm. However, the effectiveness of these new drugs can vary depending on the HCV genotype. Thus, there is still the need for additional new therapeutics against HCV.

First in class Small Molecule Agonists of the mammalian Relaxin family receptor 1 (RXFP1) and use in treatment of cancer, fibrotic, and vascular disorders (HHS Ref No. E-145-2024-0-US-02)

It is well documented in literature that activation of RXFP1 by relaxin induces: 1) up-regulation of the endothelin system which leads to vasodilation; 2) extracellular matrix remodeling through regulation of collagen deposition, cell invasiveness, proliferation, and overall tissue homeostasis; 3) a moderation of inflammation by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-a and TGF-b; and 4) angiogenesis by activating transcription of VEGF.

A Novel System for Producing Infectious Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Virions and Development of a Novel Reporter System for Studying HCV Entry

HCV has infected an estimated 3% of the world population in whom viral infection persists for more than two third of the cases, often resulting in life-threatening complications. The standard of care (pegylated interferon alpha-2 plus ribavirin) is efficient in only 50% of treated patients, costly and has numerous side effects. In addition, viral resistance to newly developed drugs -- targeting viral protease or RNA polymerase -- has been described, but no vaccine is yet available.
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