The new gene therapy aims to address the root cause of prion disease by using the CHARM epigenetic editing platform from the Whitehead Institute to target and silence the gene that codes for the disease-causing protein.
Medigene AG and Epimab Biotherapeutics Inc. have entered a strategic codevelopment agreement to research and develop off-the-shelf T-cell receptor (TCR)-guided T-cell engagers (TCR-TCEs) for the treatment of immune-related disorders, such as solid tumors.
Bridgene Biosciences Inc. has signed a strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. to discover small-molecule drug candidates against targets in immunology and neurology.
Epitopea Ltd. has signed a license and research collaboration agreement with MSD (Merck & Co. Inc.) to identify Cryptigen tumor-specific antigens in an undisclosed solid tumor. Cryptigen TSAs are shared, nonmutated, aberrantly expressed antigens that are derived from what were thought to be noncoding regions of the genome.
Xilio Therapeutics Inc. has announced three wholly owned preclinical programs for masked T-cell engagers targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) and six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 1 (STEAP1).
The Gates Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation and Wellcome have announced the launch of the Gram-Negative Antibiotic Discovery Innovator (Gr-ADI), a $50 million investment that will focus on combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused by a specific range of bacteria that are among the leading contributors to AMR-associated deaths.
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. has signed a collaboration agreement with GSK plc’s Global Health Unit (GSK GH) for the development of an anti-dengue virus antibody. Under this agreement, GSK GH will perform activities and explore potential funding for the initiation of clinical studies of AID-351.
Lifearc has announced a collaboration with Neuropeutics Inc. to develop a new small molecule for the treatment of motor neuron disease (MND), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Neuropeutics and Lifearc intend to develop a lead candidate therapeutic to prevent and reverse TDP-43 protein aggregation in MND/ALS.