Three separate scientific groups, using different methodologies, have identified an additional way to activate pyrin. Pyrin is an inflammasome protein, and mutations in it can cause autoimmune diseases, such as periodic fever, also known as familial Mediterranean fever.
The discovered mechanism is linked to the cell cycle regulator CDC42. This protein interacts with the C-terminal domain of pyrin, thereby activating it parallel to the already known mechanism dependent on RhoA.
The research results, presented in the form of three articles and an external expert commentary, were published in the scientific journal Science Immunology.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for cetanamemab (Simtriyo) for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This drug possesses a fundamentally new mechanism of action, according to Otsuka Pharmaceutical.
Cetanamemab functions as a psychostimulant triple reuptake inhibitor of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin (NDSRI), becoming the first drug in this therapeutic class to receive licensure. The medication is released in controlled-release capsules, allowing for once-daily dosing. It is intended for both adults and children over six years old, provided their body weight is at least 20 kilograms.
The regulatory body's decision was based on data obtained from four multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trials. These trials included two studies among the adult population and one study among children and adolescents. As early as forty-two days after starting cetanamemab, it demonstrated a statistically significant improvement compared to the placebo group, as noted by the AISRS and ADHD-RS-5 scales. Furthermore, the overall tolerability of the drug was assessed as good.
Various side effects were recorded during the trials: children and adolescents experienced rash, decreased appetite, and headache and abdominal pain. Adults reported headache, decreased appetite, insomnia, nausea, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Commercial release of the drug is expected after obtaining the appropriate labeling from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), although no signs of potential abuse, dependence development, or withdrawal syndrome were found during the clinical trials.
A separate analysis of data conducted within the American study showed a correlation between prior involvement in criminal activity and a 20 percent increased risk of seeking emergency medical care. Moreover, such a history was linked to an 82 percent increased probability of seeking care for substance use and a 54 percent increase for mental disorders. These results were published in the scientific journal PLoS One.
