News + Press

Four genes identified that influence levels of 'bad' cholesterol; may be new targets for treatments to reduce heart disease risk | 05.15.2013

Scientists at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute have identified four genes in baboons that influence levels of “bad” cholesterol. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to reduce the risk of heart disease. | Read the full story

Texas Biomed's Tim Anderson named health care hero for biomedical research by San Antonio Business Journal | 05.15.2013

Tim Anderson, Ph.D., a scientist in the Department of Genetics at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute, has been designated a Health Care Hero by the San Antonio Business Journal. The annual award honors leaders in the city’s health care and biomedical fields. All 18 awardees for 2013 will be recognized at a reception tonight at the McNay Art Museum. | Read the full story

New drug stimulates immune system to kill infected cells in animal model for hepatitis B infection | 04.26.2013

A novel drug developed by Gilead Sciences and tested in an animal model at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute suppresses hepatitis B virus infection by stimulating the immune system and inducing loss of infected cells. | Read the full story

Naturally-occurring substance proves effective against deadly skin cancer in test tube and mice studies | 04.10.2013

For the first time, scientists have demonstrated the mechanism of action of gossypin, a naturally-occurring substance found in fruits and vegetables, as a treatment for melanoma, which causes the majority of deaths from skin cancer. | Read the full story

Currently approved drugs found active against bioterror threats in laboratory studies of mice | 04.08.2013

In the most extensive screen of its kind, Texas Biomed scientists have demonstrated the feasibility of repurposing already-approved drugs for use against highly pathogenic bacteria and viruses. The pathogens included emerging diseases and potential bioterror threats ranging from anthrax to the Marburg and Ebola viruses. | Read the full story

Highly lethal Ebola virus has Achilles' heel for biothreat detection, scientists say | 04.05.2013

By screening a library of a billion llama antibodies on live Ebola viruses in the Texas Biomedical Research Institute’s highest biocontainment laboratory, scientists have identified a potential weakness in the make-up of these deadly agents that can immediately yield a sensitive test. | Read the full story

Gum disease found to worsen infection in animal model of AIDS; may slow treatment effect in early stages of disease | 01.30.2013

Texas Biomed scientists have found that moderate gum disease in an animal model exposed to an AIDS- like virus had more viral variants causing infection and greater inflammation. Both of these features have potential negative implications in long term disease progression, including other kinds of infections, the researchers say in a new report. | Read the full story

Stem cells found to heal damaged artery in lab study; raises hope for developing new therapies for many diseases | 01.10.2013

Scientists at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute have for the first time demonstrated that baboon embryonic stem cells can be programmed to completely restore a severely damaged artery. These early results show promise for eventually developing stem cell therapies to restore human tissues or organs damaged by age or disease. | Read the full story

Texas Biomed files patent for a novel HIV vaccine strategy | 11.19.2012

The Texas Biomedical Research Institute has applied for a patent for a genetically-engineered vaccine strategy to prevent HIV infection that targets the outer layers of body structures that are the first sites of contact with the virus. | Read the full story

Texas Biomed awarded $2 million to look for biological markers of treatment efficacy for Chagas disease, a leading parasitic killer | 11.12.2012

The Texas Biomedical Research Institute has received $2 million to identify new ways of determining treatment efficacy in Chagas disease, a potentially fatal tropical disease that affects nearly eight million people throughout the world and hundreds of thousands in the United States. | Read the full story