AI identifies breast cancer drug for multiple viruses

03 aprile 2026

Riportato dall'IA

A repurposed breast cancer drug called MDL-001 has shown promise in lab and animal studies against a range of viruses, including flu, covid-19, RSV and norovirus. Developed by California-based Model Medicines using AI, the pill targets a conserved enzyme domain in viruses. A clinical trial is planned for early next year.

Model Medicines, a California company, has repurposed an abandoned breast cancer drug known as ERA-923, now renamed MDL-001, to combat multiple viruses. Co-founder Daniel Haders stated, “As far as we can tell, this is the first drug that’s ever demonstrated activity across all these viral families.” The AI platform identified the drug's potential to bind the Thumb-1 domain of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a conserved site in viruses that aids replication. Haders explained, “We wanted to find a biological chokepoint – a place where a single drug against a single target could solve dozens of diseases.”

DNA origami “DoriVac” shows strong immune activation in early tests, offering a potential complement to mRNA vaccines

17 marzo 2026 Riportato dall'IA Immagine generata dall'IA Verificato

Researchers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report that a DNA origami-based vaccine platform called DoriVac generated robust immune responses in mice and in a human lymph node “Organ Chip” model. The team says the approach could be easier to store and manufacture than lipid nanoparticle–delivered mRNA vaccines, though the work remains preclinical. The results were published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.

Stanford scientists develop universal nasal spray vaccine

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have created an experimental nasal spray vaccine that protects mice against multiple respiratory threats, including COVID-19, flu, bacterial pneumonia, and allergens. The vaccine activates the lungs' innate immune system for months, offering broad defense without targeting specific pathogens. Published in Science on February 19, the study suggests potential for human trials soon.

RSV infection in mice prevents breast cancer spread to lungs

24 aprile 2026 Riportato dall'IA

Researchers found that infecting mice with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reduced breast cancer cells' ability to form tumors in the lungs by 65 to 70 percent. The effect stems from type I interferons, proteins that fight viral replication and hinder cancer cell seeding. The study raises hopes for drugs mimicking this mechanism.

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Virus therapy enhances immune attack on glioblastoma

Researchers report that a single injection of a modified herpes virus draws immune cells deep into glioblastoma tumors, leading to longer survival in a clinical trial. The therapy, tested on 41 patients with recurrent brain cancer, activates T cells that persist and attack cancer cells. Findings were published in Cell.

Engineered antibody shrinks tumors body-wide in early cancer trial

16 marzo 2026 Riportato dall'IA

Researchers tested a redesigned CD40 agonist antibody, 2141-V11, by injecting it directly into tumors of 12 patients with metastatic cancers. Six patients saw tumor shrinkage, with two achieving complete remission, including effects on untreated tumors elsewhere in the body. The trial reported only mild side effects, unlike prior CD40 therapies.

11 maggio 2026 03:38