Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pleiotropic cytokine designated as a cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor and NK cell stimulator that interconnects innate and adaptive immunity. Studies in animal models have shown antitumor effects, but its translation into the clinic has been often linked to unacceptable toxicity.
Treatment with the fusion protein QL-1005 reduced caloric intake and body weight in mice and primates. In obese animals, it also improved insulin, fasting glucose and triglyceride levels. The design belongs to the Chinese biopharmaceutical company Beijing QL Biopharmaceutical, which will begin clinical trials in a year.
After comparing the response to the two types of vaccines for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) based on its fusion protein (F), prefusion (pre-F) versus postfusion (post-F) vaccines, scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Astrazeneca plc have demonstrated that targeting the pre-F protein led to better protection. No more bets on RSV immunization based on the post-F protein of the virus. Laboratories can now bet all on red for the pre-F technology.
A fusion protein removed beta-amyloid plaque without producing the neurotoxic inflammation associated with other treatments, such as aducanumab immunotherapy. It is based on the alphaA Beta-Gas6 fusion protein developed in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by a team of researchers at The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea.
As Acceleron Pharma Inc.’s phase II trial of sotatercept hit its primary endpoint and some key secondary endpoints in significantly reducing pulmonary vascular resistance, the stock (NASDAQ:XLRN) reacted accordingly, gaining 50% on Jan. 28. The stock ended the day at $79.39, up $26.52.
