Transplanting an animal organ into a human is now a closer reality following the successful xenotransplantation of a genetically modified pig liver into a patient diagnosed with brain death in China. The operation was intended to evaluate organ function over a 10-day period. This is a complex experimental trial that did not involve removing the patient's liver and still requires further study. However, the positive preclinical results suggest this strategy could save the lives of those waiting for a human organ, at least in certain cases.
An Institut Pasteur team has developed an original vaccine platform known as MOPEVAC, that will strengthen the organization’s pandemic preparedness initiatives, with the platform’s first vaccine candidate, which targets Lassa fever, set to enter the clinic.
The ability of influenza virus to rapidly undergo antigenic shift to evade immunity raises the need for effective influenza antivirals with a broad spectrum. In a recent Nature Microbiology article, Cidara Therapeutics Inc. provided preclinical data for their drug-Fc conjugate compound CD-388, which has the potential to be a robust therapeutic option for the universal prevention of both seasonal and pandemic influenza.
Transplanting an animal organ into a human is now a closer reality following the successful xenotransplantation of a genetically modified pig liver into a patient diagnosed with brain death in China. The operation was intended to evaluate organ function over a 10-day period. This is a complex experimental trial that did not involve removing the patient's liver and still requires further study. However, the positive preclinical results suggest this strategy could save the lives of those waiting for a human organ, at least in certain cases.
Asthma affects about 300 million people worldwide. Inflammation in asthma may drive irreversible airway remodeling due to subepithelial fibrosis, extracellular matrix degradation and increased smooth muscle cell mass levels, among others. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to test MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) as a therapeutic target in allergic airway inflammation.
Hillstar Bio has successfully closed a $67 million series A financing round to support its development of next-generation precision immunology therapies for autoimmune diseases. The company’s approach selectively targets and depletes pathogenic immune cells with the potential to reset the immune system.
Dengue virus (DENV) is a member of the flavivirus family causing dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease that can be life-threatening. Despite DENV’s widespread presence in over 80 countries and the significant health burden posed by the infection, there is still a critical need for therapeutics and vaccines, with current treatment options only providing supportive care.
Marengo Therapeutics Inc. has entered into a multiyear research collaboration in oncology and autoimmune diseases with University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. The research collaboration will provide deeper insights into the mechanism of action of Marengo’s selective dual T-cell agonists in oncology.
CEPI is partnering with Astrazeneca plc to advance VHH-based multispecific antibodies targeting influenza, while Harbour Biomed Ltd. has entered into a global strategic collaboration with Astrazeneca to discover and develop next-generation multispecific antibodies for immunology, oncology and other diseases.