Publications by authors named "Julian Volk"
The Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cytokine production, and immune responses. However, it is also involved in diseases such as cancer, and numerous viruses rely on an active Raf/MEK/ERK pathway for propagation. This pathway, and particularly MEK1/2, are therefore promising therapeutic targets.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Zapnometinib, a MEK inhibitor, is being tested as a treatment for acute viral infections like COVID-19 and influenza, but more data on its pharmacodynamics (PD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) is needed.
- In studies with various species (mice, hamsters, dogs, and humans), zapnometinib reached maximum plasma concentrations 2-4 hours after administration, with elimination half-lives ranging from 4-19 hours depending on the species.
- Effective MEK inhibition (up to 80%) was observed across species, and maintaining a target plasma concentration of at least 10 μg/ml is recommended for future clinical trials due to its sustained effects.