Life sciences
NHS patients in England with von Hippel-Lindau disease - a rare genetic disease that causes tumours in major organs, including the brain and spine - can now benefit from the first-ever therapy which could shrink their tumours to help them avoid high-risk surgery. In clinical trials of belzutifan, 95 per cent of patients did not [...]
The invention of a tool capable of unlocking previously impossible organic chemical reactions has opened new pathways in the pharmaceutical industry to create effective drugs more quickly. Traditionally, most drugs are assembled using molecular fragments called alkyl building blocks, organic compounds that have a wide variety of applications. However, because of how difficult it can [...]
Oxford-based SynaptixBio has been awarded a £2 million BioMedical Catalyst grant from Innovate UK to support first-in-human clinical trials of the company's leukodystrophy treatment targeting H-ABC, the most severe form of TUBB4A leukodystrophy. TUBB4A-related leukodystrophies are a group of rare neurodegenerative diseases primarily affecting young children. They are caused by mutations in the TUBB4A gene, [...]
In a new study, researchers have demonstrated the use of exosomes to successfully target squamous cell cancer tumours that are usually resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). The research is the first where exosomes have been applied to target TKI-resistant cancers in Singapore. Epidermal growth factor receptor, also known as EGFR, is [...]
When taken at the first signs of a migraine, before headache pain begins, a drug called ubrogepant may be effective in helping people with migraine go about their daily lives with little or no symptoms, according to a new study. The study focused on people with migraine who could tell when an attack was about [...]
A breakthrough finding of a DNA code – coined “spatial grammar” – holds a key to understanding how gene activity is encoded in the human genome. A recent study has revealed a long-postulated hidden spatial grammar embedded in DNA. The research could reshape scientists’ understanding of gene regulation and how genetic variations may influence gene [...]
Researchers have successfully developed a quantum microprocessor chip for molecular spectroscopy simulation of actual large-structured and complex molecules in a world-first achievement. Quantum simulation enables scientists to simulate and study complex systems that are challenging or even impossible using classical computers across various fields, including financial modelling, cybersecurity, pharmaceutical discoveries, AI and machine learning. For [...]
Third Arc Bio has announced a $165 million oversubscribed Series A financing that will advance the company through clinical studies to address significant unmet needs in oncology and autoimmunity. Third Arc Bio, a biotech company developing multifunctional antibodies that are optimised for T cell engagement across solid tumours and inflammatory & immunology disease, was launched [...]
A new pathway that is used by cancer cells to infiltrate the brain has been discovered by a team of Canadian and American research groups. The research, led by the Singh Lab at McMaster University, has also revealed a new therapy that shows promise in blocking and killing these tumours. The findings could lead to [...]
Cyber attacks pose the greatest technology-related risk within the life sciences industry, a poll of digital leaders in the sector shows. And the findings suggest that industrial espionage is as much a motivation for these attacks as financial gain. The report also identifies concerns about both the danger of accidentally losing or releasing data, and [...]
