
Targepeutics Announces Strategic Investment from Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation to Support Advancement of GB13 into Clinical Trials for DIPG
'We are honored to welcome the Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation into the Targepeutics community,' said Sil Lutkewitte, CEO of Targepeutics. 'Their support is more than just financial — it represents a deep, shared commitment to pushing forward the science and bringing hope to families facing DIPG.'
GB13 is a first-in-class precision therapy designed to target a key molecular driver of DIPG. Preclinical data have shown promising efficacy, and the new funding will accelerate the operational steps required to initiate a first-in-human trial. The FDA's Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) for GB13 earlier this year underscores its potential impact and makes Targepeutics eligible for a Priority Review Voucher (PRV), which could expedite regulatory review and further support clinical development.
The Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation, created in memory of Yuvaan Tiwari who lost his life to Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) at the age of 3, is committed to accelerating breakthrough research and clinical solutions for pediatric brain cancer.
'We lost our son to this disease, and we know what's at stake. This is more than an investment — it's a direct action toward changing the outlook for children with DMG,' said Parvati Tiwari, President and Co-Founder of the Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation. 'Our foundation is proud to support Targepeutics' bold and innovative treatment approach. This investment reflects our focus on advancing therapies with real potential to impact the lives of children facing this devastating disease.'
Targepeutics remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in pediatric oncology, and this new partnership brings it one step closer to delivering transformative care to the patients who need it most.
About Targepeutics
Targepeutics has an intellectual property portfolio including several issued patents and additional patents pending, focused on novel targeted oncology therapeutics and diagnostics. The company has been awarded Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for GB13 which complements the Orphan Drug Designation for malignant gliomas. The company is completing the required preclinical activities and expects to file an IND for a pediatric first-in-human clinical trial in 1st quarter of 2026. (targepeutics.com)
About Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation
The Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation was established in 2021 by Parvati and Satya Tiwari to honor the legacy of their son Yuvaan (Yuvi). At age two, Yuvi was diagnosed with an aggressive and fatal brain tumor called diffuse midline glioma (DMG). Yuvi fought DMG bravely for seven months. The Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation accelerates high-impact research to find a cure for DMGs and other fatal pediatric brain cancers, while supporting patients and families along their journey. (www.ytfoundation.org)
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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Are melatonin supplements safe for kids?
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Whether it's due to travel challenges and disrupted schedules, insomnia or sleep difficulties linked to ADHD or autism, parents are increasingly interested in using melatonin supplements as a way to help their kids (and themselves) get much-needed rest. To help cut through the confusion — and save you another sleepless nighttime scroll — we spoke with three pediatric experts, including two doctors and a registered dietitian, about if and when melatonin might be helpful and what to know about dosing and safety before purchasing a supplement. A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your health care provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Are melatonin supplements safe for children? The short answer is yes, though Dr. Michelle Caraballo, sleep medicine specialist at Children's Health, and Dr. Rupali Drewek, co-medical director of the Sleep Medicine Program at Phoenix Children's, agree that these products aren't appropriate or effective for all kids and should be used only short-term under medical supervision. "Melatonin is usually recommended for short-term use (typically two to six weeks) while behavioral interventions are established. If effective, it can be used intermittently as needed, but long-term daily use should be monitored by a health care provider," says Drewek. She also notes that because melatonin isn't habit-forming, it doesn't require tapering off. "That said, if a child has been using it regularly for months, slowly reducing the dose over one to two weeks can help [you] evaluate whether it's still necessary. Some families find when you gradually taper off from melatonin, it avoids abrupt changes in sleep quality. It's also a good time to reinforce consistent bedtime routines and healthy sleep habits," she says. As for who might benefit, research is ongoing but has mostly looked at the benefits (and safety) of melatonin for kids with certain conditions. "It can be helpful for specific conditions such as delayed sleep-wake phase disorder or sleep issues in children with autism or ADHD. However, it is not FDA-approved for pediatric use, and safety data for long-term use is limited," Drewek says. She also cautions that because dietary supplements aren't tested for label accuracy by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), quality and dosing can vary greatly between products. What about toddlers? From transitioning out of the crib to starting nighttime potty training, sleep becomes a particularly tricky issue with toddlers. However, Caraballo cautions that these supplements should not be given to children under the age of 3. There simply isn't enough research to determine whether melatonin is safe or appropriate for 1- and 2-year-olds. How much melatonin is safe for kids? How much melatonin to give your child should ultimately be decided by your pediatrician. Here's a general idea of what dosing might look like, according to Drewek: Preschoolers (3–4 years): 1 mg School-age children (5–12 years): 1–3 mg Adolescents (13–18 years): up to 5 mg Keep in mind that your pediatrician may recommend different doses than what's listed above, or encourage starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing. "We ask parents to start with a low dosage, according to age, and carefully evaluate how effective it is. 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For this reason, it's important to choose a product made by a reputable brand that's ideally been tested for label accuracy by a trusted independent organization, like NSF or United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Potential side effects and safety concerns We probably sound like a broken record at this point, but research on melatonin in kids is limited, meaning there's still more that researchers and medical experts have to learn when it comes to safety. That said, short-term use of melatonin has not been linked with serious side effects in kids when taken in appropriate amounts. A 2024 review study published in the journal Children found that commonly reported side effects of melatonin supplements in kids include vivid dreams, nightmares and extreme tiredness. Still, this doesn't mean there aren't serious safety concerns. "Supplements should be treated like medications. 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"These ingredients may help promote relaxation and ease bedtime anxiety, especially in children who are sensitive to melatonin or don't tolerate it well. While they don't directly shift the circadian rhythm like melatonin, they can be useful for calming the nervous system," says Drewek. Just note that while these supplements may be more appropriate for long-term use — as long as you have the OK from your pediatrician — Caraballo recommends melatonin more often than other supplements because it "has better data supporting its use in children." Melatonin supplements for kids As a registered dietitian and mom of two, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the world of kids' supplements. To help, I reviewed 10 of the top melatonin products for kids, evaluating each on dose, ingredients and kid-friendly factors, like taste and texture. Here are three standout options to talk with your pediatrician about. FAQs Can a 3-year-old take melatonin? 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To support better rest, studies (like this 2023 review published in the journal Nutrients) suggest prioritizing a diet rich in fiber — especially fruits and vegetables — while limiting foods high in saturated fat. Meet our experts Michelle Caraballo, MD, pediatric pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist at Children's Health Rupali Drewek, MD, co-medical director of the Sleep Medicine Program at Phoenix Children's Katie Drakeford, board-certified pediatric registered dietitian Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.


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Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Yahoo
Targepeutics Announces Strategic Investment from Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation to Support Advancement of GB13 into Clinical Trials for DIPG
HUMMELSTOWN, Pa., July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Targepeutics, a biotech company dedicated to developing targeted therapies for aggressive pediatric brain cancers, is proud to announce a strategic financing round led by the Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation. This investment will directly support the advancement of GB13, Targepeutics' lead drug candidate, into clinical trials for the treatment of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) — one of the deadliest pediatric brain tumors. "We are honored to welcome the Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation into the Targepeutics community," said Sil Lutkewitte, CEO of Targepeutics. "Their support is more than just financial — it represents a deep, shared commitment to pushing forward the science and bringing hope to families facing DIPG." GB13 is a first-in-class precision therapy designed to target a key molecular driver of DIPG. Preclinical data have shown promising efficacy, and the new funding will accelerate the operational steps required to initiate a first-in-human trial. The FDA's Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) for GB13 earlier this year underscores its potential impact and makes Targepeutics eligible for a Priority Review Voucher (PRV), which could expedite regulatory review and further support clinical development. The Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation, created in memory of Yuvaan Tiwari who lost his life to Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) at the age of 3, is committed to accelerating breakthrough research and clinical solutions for pediatric brain cancer. "We lost our son to this disease, and we know what's at stake. This is more than an investment — it's a direct action toward changing the outlook for children with DMG," said Parvati Tiwari, President and Co-Founder of the Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation. "Our foundation is proud to support Targepeutics' bold and innovative treatment approach. This investment reflects our focus on advancing therapies with real potential to impact the lives of children facing this devastating disease." Targepeutics remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in pediatric oncology, and this new partnership brings it one step closer to delivering transformative care to the patients who need it most. About Targepeutics Targepeutics has an intellectual property portfolio including several issued patents and additional patents pending, focused on novel targeted oncology therapeutics and diagnostics. The company has been awarded Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for GB13 which complements the Orphan Drug Designation for malignant gliomas. The company is completing the required preclinical activities and expects to file an IND for a pediatric first-in-human clinical trial in 1st quarter of 2026. ( About Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation The Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation was established in 2021 by Parvati and Satya Tiwari to honor the legacy of their son Yuvaan (Yuvi). At age two, Yuvi was diagnosed with an aggressive and fatal brain tumor called diffuse midline glioma (DMG). Yuvi fought DMG bravely for seven months. The Yuvaan Tiwari Foundation accelerates high-impact research to find a cure for DMGs and other fatal pediatric brain cancers, while supporting patients and families along their journey. ( View source version on Contacts Sil LutkewittePresidentslutkewitte@