Latest news with #VivianneTawfik
AFP
16-05-2025
- Health
- AFP
Rubedo Life Sciences' Drug Discovery Platform, ALEMBIC™, Helps Identify Senescent or 'Zombie' Neurons in New Study Linking Neuropathic Pain and Aging Published in Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal Natu
Rubedo Life Sciences, Inc. (Rubedo), an AI-driven, clinical-stage biotech focused on discovering and rapidly developing selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells, today announced that using open source codes integrated in the company's broader propriety drug discovery platform, ALEMBIC™, helped to identify senescent neurons in a new study that found senescent neurons drive chronic pain with injury and age.1 Senescent cells, often called 'zombie' cells, arise as the results of cellular stress and damage. These senescent cells do not die but undergo cellular changes, including secreting pro-inflammatory factors, thereby potentially contributing to inflammatory responses within the body.1 The study, led by Stanford University scientists, Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD, and Lauren Donovan, PhD, and co-authored by Rubedo team members, including Chief Scientific Officer Marco Quarta, PhD, and Chief Technology Officer Alex Laslavic, was published in the May 14th edition of Nature Neuroscience, a prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journal, and will be featured on the cover of the May issue. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Image created by Clara Leibenguth for Stanford University; featured on cover of May 2025 issue of Nature Neuroscience. Dr. Quarta said, 'We know that senescent cells, which increase as people age, drive chronic degenerative diseases and conditions. In this study, we were able to show for the first time that neurons can become senescent, fueling neuropathic pain in both mouse models and human dorsal root ganglia tissue. The bioinformatic validation provided as part of our broader ALEMBIC™ platform with SenTeCh™ chemistry technology helped to uncover this link between aging and neuropathic pain, and further corroborates our experimental observations that treatments targeting these senescent cells could offer meaningful benefits for people experiencing age-related conditions.'1 About the Study In the study, researchers found that injury to peripheral axons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons results in sensory dysfunction, such as pain. This occurs at higher rates in aged individuals. Furthermore, cellular senescence is common to both aging and injury, and contributes to this sensory dysfunction. Elimination of senescent cells results in pain improvement, indicating a potential target for new pain therapeutics.1 'Chronic pain continues to be an area with high unmet need, especially among older adults. In this study, aging markedly increased the burden of senescent or 'zombie' neurons, which in turn worsened neuropathic pain severity. These insights demonstrate that selective targeting of senescent-like neurons may lead to novel strategies for the management of chronic pain,'1 said Vivianne, L. Tawfik, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, and the senior author of the study. 'We appreciate the valuable support and expertise from the Rubedo team during this research.' About Rubedo Life Sciences Rubedo Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biotech developing a broad portfolio of innovative selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells that drive chronic age-related diseases. Our proprietary AI-driven ALEMBIC™ drug discovery platform is developing novel first-in-class small molecules to selectively target pathologic and senescent cells, which play a key role in the progression of pulmonary, dermatological, oncological, neurodegenerative, fibrotic, and other chronic disorders. Our lead drug candidate – RLS-1496, a potential first-in-class disease-altering GPX4 modulator – is set to begin Phase I clinical trials in Spring of 2025, marking the first ever GPX4 modulator to enter a human clinical trial. The Rubedo leadership team is composed of industry leaders and early pioneers in chemistry, AI technology, longevity science, and life sciences, with expertise in drug development and commercialization from both large pharmaceutical and leading biotechnology companies. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, USA, and has offices in Milan, Italy. For additional information, visit References 1. Donovan, L.J., Brewer, C.L., Bond, S.F. et al. Aging and injury drive neuronal senescence in the dorsal root ganglia. Nat Neurosci (2025). 2. Data on file, Rubedo Life Sciences, Sunnyvale, CA 94085. View source version on Investor Contact: Rubedo Chief Business Officer Ali Siam alisiam@ 781-974-9559 Media Contact: Peter Collins 908-499-1200 © Business Wire, Inc. Disclaimer : This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rubedo Life Sciences' Drug Discovery Platform, ALEMBIC™, Helps Identify Senescent or "Zombie" Neurons in New Study Linking Neuropathic Pain and Aging Published in Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal Nature Neuroscience
Study is the first demonstration of senescent neurons driving neuropathic pain1 Rubedo's proprietary, AI-driven drug discovery platform ALEMBIC™ identified senescent neurons as novel therapeutic targets2 SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rubedo Life Sciences, Inc. (Rubedo), an AI-driven, clinical-stage biotech focused on discovering and rapidly developing selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells, today announced that using open source codes integrated in the company's broader propriety drug discovery platform, ALEMBIC™, helped to identify senescent neurons in a new study that found senescent neurons drive chronic pain with injury and age.1 Senescent cells, often called "zombie" cells, arise as the results of cellular stress and damage. These senescent cells do not die but undergo cellular changes, including secreting pro-inflammatory factors, thereby potentially contributing to inflammatory responses within the body.1 The study, led by Stanford University scientists, Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD, and Lauren Donovan, PhD, and co-authored by Rubedo team members, including Chief Scientific Officer Marco Quarta, PhD, and Chief Technology Officer Alex Laslavic, was published in the May 14th edition of Nature Neuroscience, a prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journal, and will be featured on the cover of the May issue. Dr. Quarta said, "We know that senescent cells, which increase as people age, drive chronic degenerative diseases and conditions. In this study, we were able to show for the first time that neurons can become senescent, fueling neuropathic pain in both mouse models and human dorsal root ganglia tissue. The bioinformatic validation provided as part of our broader ALEMBIC™ platform with SenTeCh™ chemistry technology helped to uncover this link between aging and neuropathic pain, and further corroborates our experimental observations that treatments targeting these senescent cells could offer meaningful benefits for people experiencing age-related conditions."1 About the Study In the study, researchers found that injury to peripheral axons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons results in sensory dysfunction, such as pain. This occurs at higher rates in aged individuals. Furthermore, cellular senescence is common to both aging and injury, and contributes to this sensory dysfunction. Elimination of senescent cells results in pain improvement, indicating a potential target for new pain therapeutics.1 "Chronic pain continues to be an area with high unmet need, especially among older adults. In this study, aging markedly increased the burden of senescent or 'zombie' neurons, which in turn worsened neuropathic pain severity. These insights demonstrate that selective targeting of senescent-like neurons may lead to novel strategies for the management of chronic pain,"1 said Vivianne, L. Tawfik, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, and the senior author of the study. "We appreciate the valuable support and expertise from the Rubedo team during this research." About Rubedo Life Sciences Rubedo Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biotech developing a broad portfolio of innovative selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells that drive chronic age-related diseases. Our proprietary AI-driven ALEMBIC™ drug discovery platform is developing novel first-in-class small molecules to selectively target pathologic and senescent cells, which play a key role in the progression of pulmonary, dermatological, oncological, neurodegenerative, fibrotic, and other chronic disorders. Our lead drug candidate – RLS-1496, a potential first-in-class disease-altering GPX4 modulator – is set to begin Phase I clinical trials in Spring of 2025, marking the first ever GPX4 modulator to enter a human clinical trial. The Rubedo leadership team is composed of industry leaders and early pioneers in chemistry, AI technology, longevity science, and life sciences, with expertise in drug development and commercialization from both large pharmaceutical and leading biotechnology companies. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, USA, and has offices in Milan, Italy. For additional information, visit References 1. Donovan, L.J., Brewer, C.L., Bond, S.F. et al. Aging and injury drive neuronal senescence in the dorsal root ganglia. Nat Neurosci (2025). 2. Data on file, Rubedo Life Sciences, Sunnyvale, CA 94085. View source version on Contacts Investor Contact: Rubedo Chief Business Officer Ali Siamalisiam@ 781-974-9559 Media Contact: Peter 908-499-1200
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Rubedo Life Sciences' Drug Discovery Platform, ALEMBIC™, Helps Identify Senescent or 'Zombie' Neurons in New Study Linking Neuropathic Pain and Aging Published in Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journal Nature Neuroscience
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rubedo Life Sciences, Inc. (Rubedo), an AI-driven, clinical-stage biotech focused on discovering and rapidly developing selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells, today announced that using open source codes integrated in the company's broader propriety drug discovery platform, ALEMBIC™, helped to identify senescent neurons in a new study that found senescent neurons drive chronic pain with injury and age. 1 Senescent cells, often called 'zombie' cells, arise as the results of cellular stress and damage. These senescent cells do not die but undergo cellular changes, including secreting pro-inflammatory factors, thereby potentially contributing to inflammatory responses within the body. 1 The study, led by Stanford University scientists, Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD, and Lauren Donovan, PhD, and co-authored by Rubedo team members, including Chief Scientific Officer Marco Quarta, PhD, and Chief Technology Officer Alex Laslavic, was published in the May 14 th edition of Nature Neuroscience, a prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journal, and will be featured on the cover of the May issue. "In this study, we were able to show for the first time that neurons can become senescent, fueling neuropathic pain in both mouse models and human dorsal root ganglia tissue," said Dr. Marco Quarta, Chief Scientific Officer of Rubedo Life Sciences. Share Dr. Quarta said, 'We know that senescent cells, which increase as people age, drive chronic degenerative diseases and conditions. In this study, we were able to show for the first time that neurons can become senescent, fueling neuropathic pain in both mouse models and human dorsal root ganglia tissue. The bioinformatic validation provided as part of our broader ALEMBIC™ platform with SenTeCh™ chemistry technology helped to uncover this link between aging and neuropathic pain, and further corroborates our experimental observations that treatments targeting these senescent cells could offer meaningful benefits for people experiencing age-related conditions.' 1 About the Study In the study, researchers found that injury to peripheral axons of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons results in sensory dysfunction, such as pain. This occurs at higher rates in aged individuals. Furthermore, cellular senescence is common to both aging and injury, and contributes to this sensory dysfunction. Elimination of senescent cells results in pain improvement, indicating a potential target for new pain therapeutics. 1 'Chronic pain continues to be an area with high unmet need, especially among older adults. In this study, aging markedly increased the burden of senescent or 'zombie' neurons, which in turn worsened neuropathic pain severity. These insights demonstrate that selective targeting of senescent-like neurons may lead to novel strategies for the management of chronic pain,' 1 said Vivianne, L. Tawfik, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, and the senior author of the study. 'We appreciate the valuable support and expertise from the Rubedo team during this research.' About Rubedo Life Sciences Rubedo Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biotech developing a broad portfolio of innovative selective cellular rejuvenation medicines targeting aging cells that drive chronic age-related diseases. Our proprietary AI-driven ALEMBIC™ drug discovery platform is developing novel first-in-class small molecules to selectively target pathologic and senescent cells, which play a key role in the progression of pulmonary, dermatological, oncological, neurodegenerative, fibrotic, and other chronic disorders. Our lead drug candidate – RLS-1496, a potential first-in-class disease-altering GPX4 modulator – is set to begin Phase I clinical trials in Spring of 2025, marking the first ever GPX4 modulator to enter a human clinical trial. The Rubedo leadership team is composed of industry leaders and early pioneers in chemistry, AI technology, longevity science, and life sciences, with expertise in drug development and commercialization from both large pharmaceutical and leading biotechnology companies. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, USA, and has offices in Milan, Italy. For additional information, visit 1. Donovan, L.J., Brewer, C.L., Bond, S.F. et al. Aging and injury drive neuronal senescence in the dorsal root ganglia. Nat Neurosci (2025). 2. Data on file, Rubedo Life Sciences, Sunnyvale, CA 94085.
The Independent
10-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Scientists recreate brain's pain circuit in world first
Scientists have recreated the brain circuit responsible for transmitting feelings of pain for the first time. The breakthrough, made by a team at Stanford University in the US, could help with developing better treatments for pain disorders. The mapping of pain pathways in a lab dish could also allow experiments and tests to be conducted on nerve circuits without causing pain to laboratory animals. 'We can now model this pathway non-invasively,' said Sergiu Pasca, a professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stanford University, who led the study. 'The [lab-built circuits] don't 'feel' any pain. They transmit nervous signals that need to be further processed by other centres in our brains for us to experience the unpleasant, aversive feeling of pain.' It is the first time that scientists have witnessed waves of electrical activity travel along the entire nervous pathway responsible for sensing pain – from the body's skin to the brain. They did it by creating what is referred to as a 'sensory assembloid', which is a miniaturised system made from lab-grown human cells that mimics the complex pathway used for delivering pain signals. These assembloids now hold the potential to help test painkillers, study nerve injuries, or even create personalised treatments for patients. There is also the possibility to better understand why some people suffer from chronic pain. 'Pain is a huge health problem,' said Dr Vivianne Tawfik, an associate professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine, who was not involved in the research. 'Some 116 million Americans – more than one in three people in the United States – are dealing with chronic pain of one kind or another. 'I can't even tell you how sad it is to sit in front of a patient who's suffering from chronic pain after we've tried everything and there's nothing left in our arsenal.' The research was detailed in a study, titled 'Human assembloid model of the ascending neural sensory pathway', published in the journal Nature on 9 April.
