Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Xeris to Acquire Strongbridge Pipeline, Including Recorlev

Xeris Pharmaceuticals and Strongbridge Biopharma have entered an agreement in which Xeris will acquire Strongbridge, forming a new entity called Xeris Biopharma Holdings. Following the transaction, Xeris also will acquire Strongbridge’s pipeline, which includes Recorlev (levoketoconazole), an investigational treatment for endogenous Cushing’s syndrome. “Strongbridge’s attractive rare…

Sparrow Plans Trial of SPI-62 in Cushing’s Syndrome

Sparrow Pharmaceuticals is planning to launch a Phase 2 clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of its investigational, lead small molecule HSD-1 inhibitor, SPI-62, in people with Cushing’s syndrome. The trial is expected to open later this year, and it specifically will enroll people with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s…

Chronic Insomnia Can Be Sign of Cushing’s, Case Report Finds

Chronic insomnia can be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome, and doctors need be aware of this possibility, according to a case report of a woman diagnosed with Cushing’s shortly after seeking help for her insomnia. This case also emphasized the usefulness of the dexamethasone suppression test in identifying the specific…

Treatment for Rare Cancer May Help Cushing’s Patients

The cancer medicine bexarotene may hold promise for treating Cushing’s disease, a study suggests. The study, “Targeting the TR4 nuclear receptor with antagonist bexarotene can suppress the proopiomelanocortin signalling in AtT‐20 cells,” was published in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Cushing’s disease is caused…

COVID-19 May Be Severe in Cushing’s Patients, Case Report Suggests

A young healthcare worker who contracted COVID-19 shortly after being diagnosed with Cushing’s disease was detailed in a case report from Japan. While the woman was successfully treated for both conditions, Cushing’s may worsen a COVID-19 infection. Prompt treatment and multidisciplinary care is required for Cushing’s patients who…