Thiazole Derivatives as Tau Aggregation Inhibitors for Alzheimer's Treatment

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4590666A1 for TauRx Therapeutics Management Ltd., covering thiazole derivatives as tau aggregation inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease (A61P 25/28). The patent names eight inventors including Claude Michel Wischik and protects compounds classified under C07D 277/56 and related thiazole derivative formulations (A61K 31/426). The designation covers all 31 European Patent Convention contracting states.

NIR-II photothermal material reverses cancer multidrug resistance

NIR-II photothermal material reverses cancer multidrug resistance

Guest v Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - Clinical Negligence

The England and Wales High Court (King's Bench Division) issued judgment in Guest v Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust [2026] EWHC 704 (KB), a clinical negligence claim following spinal surgery on 29 May 2019. The claimant alleges the defendant trust's treating anaesthetist negligently failed to treat hyperkalaemia, causing a cardiac arrest which resulted in posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (PION) and substantial bilateral vision loss. The trial addressed breach of duty and causation issues.

McNally v Gentoo Group Ltd - Asbestos-Related Disease Causation

The England and Wales High Court (King's Bench Division) issued judgment in McNally v Gentoo Group Ltd, a personal injury case involving a painter and decorator who contracted asbestos-related disease during employment with Sunderland local authority. Breach of duty was admitted; the sole issue was whether the claimant suffered from mesothelioma or lung cancer. Damages of £250,000 were agreed contingent on the diagnosis finding. The court found the claimant proved, on the balance of probabilities, that he is suffering from mesothelioma.

R v Burke - Criminal Legal Aid Fee Appeal

The Senior Courts Costs Office dismissed an advocate's appeal under Regulation 29 of the Criminal Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013 regarding trial fees under the Advocates Graduated Fee Scheme. Costs Judge Leonard upheld the Determining Officer's fee calculation while noting that travel and subsistence claims fall outside the scope of appealable matters under the 2013 Regulations. The judgment clarifies the jurisdictional limits of Costs Judge appeals for criminal legal aid fee disputes.

Eco Green Capital Ltd v Wetzel - Breach of Heating Equipment Lease

The England and Wales High Court (King's Bench Division) issued judgment in Eco Green Capital Ltd v Wetzel, a breach of contract case involving a renewable heating system lease agreement. The claimant company sought £81,550.81 from the defendant property owner who stopped complying with Ofgem requirements under the Domestic Heat Incentive Scheme, causing payment flows to cease. Justice Turner presided over the appeal.

Archibald v East Sussex County Council - Appeal Against Abuse of Process Strike-Out

The High Court allowed an appeal by the Archibald family against East Sussex County Council, reversing a county court strike-out of their claim as an abuse of process. The court found the lower judge applied the wrong legal test and remitted the case for reconsideration. The claimants allege the council failed to protect children at West Rise Junior School.

Crest Nicholson v Ardmore - Building Liability Orders Under Building Safety Act

The High Court (TCC) handed down judgment in Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd v Ardmore Construction Ltd, interpreting sections 130-131 of the Building Safety Act 2022 regarding Building Liability Orders (BLOs). Justice Constable ruled on Crest's application for anticipatory BLOs against Ardmore Construction Group companies in relation to fire safety defects at the Admiralty Quarter development. The judgment clarifies the scope of liability under section 1 of the Defective Premises Act 1972 and 'building safety risk' within the BSA framework.

Ali v Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust - Human Rights Act Claims

Birmingham County Court issued judgment in Ali v Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust [2026] EWCC 13. The court ruled on claims by a serving prisoner (Mr Ali) against an NHS trust for alleged breaches of Articles 3 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights under the Human Rights Act 1998. The claimant sought £5,000 in damages for failure to provide adequate mental health treatment. Mr Recorder Adrian Jack presided over the 5-6 March 2026 hearing.

Freedom of Expression Clampdown - Middle East Region

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned on April 1, 2026, of deepening repression of civic space and freedom of expression across the Middle East following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. In Iran, an estimated 2,345 people have been arrested since the conflict began on national security charges including terrorism, dissent, and alleged espionage, with 8 executions reported. Iran is experiencing its fifth week of nationwide internet blackout.