Ophthalmic diseases specialist Oculis Holding AG announced positive phase II data showing its serum-glucose corticoid kinase-2 activator OCS-05 protected nerve cells and improved vision in patients with acute optic neuritis. The placebo-controlled, randomized trial assessed the neuroprotective effect of OCS-05 in combination with standard-of-care steroid injections, against steroids alone, with a benefit seen in preserving both ganglions and retinal cell nerve fibers.

Researchers from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have successfully replicated the design of regulatory T cells, achieving local targeted immune suppression and protection from CAR T-cell cytotoxicity. Many of the treatments used so far in the context of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders lead to systemic immunosuppression. In this sense, limiting immunosuppression locally to targeted tissues may help overcome systemic toxicity.

On the heels of U.S. FDA approval for Neurophet Aqua, an updated version of its artificial intelligence (AI)-based magnetic resonance imaging analysis software for the brain, Neurophet Inc. is preparing for an IPO in 2025 and expansion into U.S. and European markets.

Poseida Therapeutics Inc. has updated progress made in its early-stage pipeline of differentiated T stem cell memory cell-rich allogeneic CAR T therapies in oncology and autoimmune diseases.

It’s a go for the two phase III Ensure studies of Immunic Inc.’s lead asset in treating relapsing multiple sclerosis. An unblinded data monitoring committee’s interim futility analysis concluded that the placebo-controlled, pivotal studies using vidofludimus calcium may continue as planned, with the program expected by the company to be completed in 2026.

Khalifa University and The University of Queensland presented preclinical data for a novel acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) inhibitor, Hi1a, evaluated in models of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Setpoint Medical Inc. received U.S. FDA investigational device exemption approval to initiate a study of its neuroimmune modulation platform in people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Setpoint plans to launch the 60-person trial in 2025 to evaluate the use of its implantable neurostimulation device to slow or reverse the nerve damage characteristic of multiple sclerosis.