A new study published in the journal Neurology has shown that multiple sclerosis (MS) can now be accurately diagnosed with a specialized MRI scan, eliminating the need for invasive and often painful lumbar punctures.

The scan, which takes just 8 minutes, detects brain lesions centered on veins – a hallmark of MS – using a technique called T2*-weighted MRI.

Researchers introduced a simple diagnostic guideline known as the “rule of six,” which confirms MS if six vein-centered lesions are found. This method not only improves patient comfort and reduces diagnostic delays but could also save healthcare systems millions of dollars by reducing hospital stays and complications from lumbar punctures. Here’s more: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WN9.0000000000000017

In a rare bipartisan move, the State of Texas approved $50 million in state funding for drug development trials for ibogaine.

The $50 million appropriation will help fund FDA-approved clinical trials of ibogaine in partnership with a drug developer, who will assume all financial risk and regulatory responsibility for advancing the treatment through the clinical trial process.

Texas retains a financial stake in any future dividends from successful drug development, which could be used to help fund access to ibogaine treatment for Texans in need.

Here’s what our good friend W. Bryan Hubbard, the executive director of the American Ibogaine Initiative, had to say…

Ibogaine is the Manhattan Project of our time. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change the fabric of this country. And mighty Texas, in all its strength and independence, is the first state to stand up and lead a revolution in the treatment of trauma and addiction.

Hubbard was the architect of this legislation, which you can check out here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/HB03717I.htm

Researchers from Stanford University announced that they have developed a new technology that delivers RNA to damaged neurons and stimulates regrowth – paving the way for potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.

You see, when a neuron in the human body gets damaged, segments of RNA produce proteins that can help repair the injury. But in neurological disorders such as ALS and spinal muscular atrophy, or following spinal cord injuries, the mechanisms for moving that RNA to injured sites within the cell fail. As a result, RNA molecules can’t get to where they are needed and damage becomes permanent.

But with this new technology, RNA can be transported to specific locations within a neuron, where it can repair and even regrow parts of the cell. It’s fascinating science, and you can read more about it here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09020-z

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Did you know that one of our portfolio companies, Immunis, was just selected as one of the Top 40 Milestone 1 award winners for the $101 Million XPRIZE Healthspan Competition?

Immunis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing multi-active stem cell-derived biologics for various manifestations of age-related diseases and immune dysregulation.  

In order to win the $101M XPRIZE Healthspan Competition, companies must demonstrate that their therapeutic treatment restores muscle, cognitive, and immune function by a minimum of 10 years (with a goal of 20 years) in persons between the ages of 50 and 80. The therapeutic treatment must take 1 year or less.

We couldn’t be prouder of our good friends at Immunis.  

Here’s more on the $101 Million XPRIZE Healthspan Competition: https://www.xprize.org/prizes/healthspan