Shares in Dutch RNA editing specialist Proqr Therapeutics NV (NASDAQ:PRQR) surged by as much as 88% Dec. 22 news that Eli Lilly and Co. is substantially expanding an existing preclinical alliance. It is paying Proqr an initial $75 million, which consists of an up-front payment and equity investment, a potential $50 million option fee should it decide to widen the scope of the partnership even further, and up to $2.5 billion in new research, development, and commercialization milestones. Proqr would also receive royalties on any resulting product sales.
Eurocine Vaccines AB has reported findings from preclinical studies evaluating its mRNA and protein technology platforms for its therapeutic herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) vaccine candidates. Initial results from the study, comparing the two technology platforms at multiple doses, demonstrate that the mRNA and the protein vaccines were well tolerated and generated T-cell and antibody responses.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received clearance from the FDA for its IND application for VX-522, a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) therapy targeted at treating the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (CF).
Sunshine Biopharma Inc. has entered into a collaboration agreement with a leading lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation company to advance the development of Sunshine's mRNA-based anticancer macromolecule, K1.1.
The soluble form of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hsACE2) could prevent SARS-CoV-2 from binding to the host cell receptors through competitive inhibition, which may avoid viral infection. However, the relatively short half-life of the recombinant hsACE2 limits its clinical application.
Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a potentially fatal disease in vulnerable individuals, through the consumption of contaminated food. Vaccination strategies against Listeria are unavailable, primarily due to the lack of knowledge of immunodominant vector antigens.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have been awarded funding to advance work across mRNA research, cancer vaccines and single-cell genomic technologies.
It was a busy day at Moderna Inc. as Merck & Co. Inc. exercised its option to jointly develop and commercialize a personalized cancer vaccine with Moderna in a deal the two companies inked in 2016. Moderna also notched another emergency use authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine, this one targeting the omicron variant, for use by those under age 18.
Aim Vaccine Co. Ltd. priced an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising HK$70.01 million (US$9 million) to fund work on its late-stage vaccine pipeline. Its shares increased only 3.09% on debut Oct. 6 but closed the week at HK$24.80, up 54% over its listing price of HK$16.16.
Aim Vaccine Co. Ltd. priced an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising HK$70.01 million (US$9 million) to fund work on its late-stage vaccine pipeline. Its shares increased only 3.09% on debut Oct. 6 but closed the week at HK$24.80, up 54% over its listing price of HK$16.16.
