Advanced Medicine

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have published a study outlining a new framework for direct cell reprogramming, the process of converting one type of cell into another without going through a stem cell state. The work could guide more precise and efficient approaches in regenerative medicine, and is drawing attention from scientists following advances in cellular therapies.

Spanish biotech Aptadir has secured a €40 million funding package to advance its demethylating medicines, a class of therapies targeting epigenetic changes in cancer cells. The company says the new capital will support development of its pipeline of epigenetic drug candidates as it moves toward clinical progress.

Researchers report that a 'proliferative pause' — a dormant phase cancer cells enter before spreading — may offer a critical window to intervene and stop brain metastasis before it takes hold. The findings, covered by Inside Precision Medicine, suggest targeting cells during this quiet period could prevent secondary brain tumours, a major cause of death in patients with advanced cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma.