Medical research advances in cancer and Parkinson's disease

Several medical research and pharmaceutical developments have been reported. In oncology, an international study coordinated by researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and the Danish Cancer Institute has identified how kidney and liver cancer cells modify their metabolism to resist drugs, specifically through the loss of the Akr1A1 protein.

Additionally, the European Research Council has funded the TEPOV project to target glioblastoma. Led by Professor Giovanni Marfia and hosted by Milan-based biotech Andremacon S. r. l., the project utilizes a monoclonal antibody, AND-C4, to target the EV-3 erythropoietin variant associated with tumor aggression. The project also includes the development of the GBO³D platform to better simulate the tumor microenvironment.

In neurology, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved a new modified-release combination of levodopa-carbidopa, known as Hopledo, for treating motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease. Zambon officials noted that this therapy aims to improve the quality of life for the approximately 80% of Parkinson's patients who experience these fluctuations within ten years of diagnosis.