The Week of

Biopharmaceutical firm Altimmune reported positive topline results from its Phase 2 RECLAIM trial evaluating pemvidutide in patients with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder.

The investigational GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist met the study's primary endpoint, delivering a statistically significant reduction in heavy drinking days versus placebo. The drug also achieved key secondary endpoints recognized by the FDA, including higher rates of meaningful reductions in alcohol consumption and sustained periods without heavy drinking.

Altimmune now plans to meet with the FDA to discuss the next stage of development, adding another potential indication to pemvidutide alongside obesity and alcohol-related liver disease. Check it out: https://jlsfund.substack.com/p/altimmunes-experimental-drug-shows

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) launched MAP-D (Multi-Modal Assessment and Phenotyping in Depression), an ambitious research initiative aimed at changing how depression is diagnosed and treated.

Instead of relying primarily on symptoms, the study will combine genomics, brain imaging, digital health data, and other biomarkers to identify biologically distinct subtypes of depression. The goal is to help doctors match patients with the right treatment sooner, reducing the trial-and-error approach that leaves many patients cycling through ineffective therapies. Here’s more: https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/fnihs-landmark-study-set-to-transform-how-depression-is-defined-diagnosed-and-treated

Hopstem Biotechnology announced it received IND clearance and Fast Track designation from the FDA for hNPC01, an experimental stem cell therapy designed to repair permanent brain damage and restore movement in patients who have suffered major strokes or head injuries.

The new approvals build on hNPC01's ongoing development as a treatment for ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel. If future clinical trials are successful, Hopstem could use the same stem cell-based therapy to treat three major types of brain injury (ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and traumatic brain injury), potentially giving the company access to a much larger patient population. Check it out: http://www.hopstem.com/en/news/view/138.html.

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Did you know that your brain may actually run low on energy while you're dreaming?

Researchers from Tohoku University found that during REM sleep, blood flow to the brain increases, but neurons burn through ATP (the cell's primary energy source) even faster. Scientists believe that energy is being used to strengthen memories, reorganize neural connections, and process the day's experiences, suggesting your brain is doing some of its most important maintenance work while you sleep. Absolutely fascinating! Check it out: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-026-10646-6.