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< Back Fibromyalgia Research: A New Focus Fibromyalgia research has long failed to uncover a cause to the mysterious yet debilitating condition. A breakthrough study shows antibodies may be crucial. Introduction to Fibromyalgia Research Fibromyalgia research has long failed to uncover a cause of the mysterious yet debilitating condition. A breakthrough study shows antibodies may be crucial. Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and a range of other symptoms, FMS has long remained a medical enigma with fibromyalgia research efforts failing to determine a definitive cure. A groundbreaking study by A. Goebel and E. Krock et al. from the Walton Center NHS Foundation Trust in Liverpool, UK, reveals a significant breakthrough in understanding the pathophysiology of FMS. The findings not only uncover more about the underlying mechanisms of the condition, but also offer an avenue for future therapeutic interventions. From Humans to Mice: Insights Into The Importance of Antibodies The study demonstrated that antibodies obtained from FMS patients had a significant impact on the sensitization of nociceptive neurons in mice. Mice treated with antibodies isolated from FMS patients displayed heightened sensitivity to noxious mechanical and cold stimulation. This increased responsiveness was also observed in nociceptive fibers of skin-nerve preparations. These observations suggest that antibodies from FMS patients may play a crucial role in the development of FMS hypersensitivity. In addition to heightened sensory sensitivity, the researchers observed that mice treated with FMS IgG exhibited reduced movement and paw grip strength, mirroring some of the functional impairments seen in human FMS patients. Crucially, the study demonstrated that antibody-depleted serum from FMS patients or antibodies from healthy control subjects did not produce the same sensory hypersensitivity, thus suggesting the symptoms seen were specific to FMS patient-derived antibodies. Mechanisms of Action Antibodies derived from FMS patients did not directly activate sensory neurons, but rather were found to bind to various cellular components. Importantly, FMS antibodies also exhibited binding to human dorsal root ganglion, suggesting potential cross-species relevance. Implications and Future Directions The findings of this work shed light on the pathophysiology of FMS; by demonstrating the role of antibodies isolated from patients in contributing to the symptoms characteristic to FMS, a novel target for therapeutic approaches has been identified. Treatments aimed at reducing the levels of antibodies may prove efficacious. Going forward, more work must be done to further substantiate these results, but it is certainly a critical step towards decoding the mystery of fibromyalgia. You can learn more about the organisation behind this research here . Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

< Back World Health Summit 11th - 13th October, 2026 Berlin, Germany From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

< Back Kandu Health and Neurolutions Merge to Transform Stroke Recovery Kandu, Inc. merges Kandu Health and Neurolutions to create an innovative, integrated approach to stroke recovery, combining advanced technology with personalized, at-home care. Kandu Health and Neurolutions have announced their merger, creating a new company—Kandu, Inc.—aimed at transforming stroke rehabilitation. The merger combines Neurolutions’ innovative brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with Kandu’s AI-driven telehealth services to provide a more integrated, accessible solution for stroke recovery. This move is expected to significantly improve care for stroke survivors, offering continuous, at-home rehabilitation and support. The newly formed Kandu, Inc. has also secured $30 million in financing, co-led by Ally Bridge Group and AMED Ventures, which will help expand its services. The company will use this funding to further enhance its telehealth platform, provide better caregiver support, and continue developing its groundbreaking technology for motor recovery. Neurolutions’ FDA-cleared IpsiHand® System, a BCI device that helps stroke survivors regain motor function, has already proven effective in improving limb movement for patients in the chronic phase of recovery. By merging with Kandu Health, the companies now offer a more comprehensive care model that combines cutting-edge technology with personalized rehabilitation at home. Kandu, Inc. aims to fill a gap in stroke recovery care, where patients often face fragmented treatment and high readmission rates. The merger brings together telehealth rehabilitation, therapy monitoring, and support for both patients and caregivers, helping to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. “This merger positions us to lead in stroke recovery,” said Leo Petrossian, CEO of Neurolutions, who will head the new company. “We now have the opportunity to offer stroke survivors the tools they need to enhance their recovery and regain independence.” With the merger, Kandu, Inc. is already seeing positive results. Early reports show that many patients who received its services achieved independent living within 90 days, with reduced hospital readmissions compared to traditional rehabilitation models. The company’s approach focuses on making stroke recovery more effective and accessible, offering a holistic and personalized care plan that goes beyond just medical treatments. Kandu, Inc. is set to redefine stroke rehabilitation by combining cutting-edge technology with patient-centered care, improving the recovery process for survivors and providing crucial support for their families. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

< Back World Health Summit 11th - 13th October, 2026 Berlin, Germany From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

< Back World Health Summit 11th - 13th October, 2026 Berlin, Germany From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next

Researchers develop a 3D-printed small-scale, single-use bioreactor that features real-time monitoring of cell growth. < Back 3D Printing of Bioreactors: a New Horizon for Bioprocess Development Researchers develop a 3D-printed small-scale, single-use bioreactor that features real-time monitoring of cell growth. The continuous development of upstream bioprocesses requires cost-effective and customizable bioreactors for optimizing production processes. Leveraging the recent advances in additive manufacturing, this research introduces a small-scale 3D printed bioreactor designed for both mammalian and microbial cultivations. The bioreactor boasts a 90 mL working volume and incorporates inline pH and dissolved oxygen probes, along with a levitating magnetic stirrer. A unique feature is the integration of aeration channels and a sampling port directly into the vessel walls. Additionally, a 3D printed customizable optical biomass sensor enhances the bioreactor's functionality. The study evaluated the bioreactor's performance through technical characterization and proof-of-concept cultivations. Results indicated that the mixing time and oxygen mass transfer were adequate for cultivating both mammalian and microbial cells at high densities. For instance, an Escherichia coli fed-batch cultivation achieved an impressive maximum OD600 of 204. In another demonstration, a fed-batch cultivation of a Chinese hamster ovary cell line producing IgG antibodies achieved a peak viable cell density of 10.2 × 106 cells mL−1 and a maximum product titer of 2.75 g L−1. A notable aspect of the bioreactor is its 3D printed customizable optical biomass sensor, allowing real-time monitoring of cell growth. By employing a three-parameter fit, the inline biomass signal was successfully correlated to corresponding offline values with satisfactory accuracy. This innovation holds promise for advancing the efficiency of upstream bioprocessing by providing a cost-effective and flexible tool for investigating and optimizing production processes. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next