Investigators are working to develop electrogenetic devices that use remote-controlled electrical stimulation to elicit specific behaviors in engineered cells. They are following in the footsteps of optogenetics, which use specific wavelengths of light to control cell function remotely. A new study published in Science used such a device paired with encapsulated, engineered human pancreatic beta cells to express enough insulin to restore normal glycemic levels in mice models of diabetes.
Privately held Viacyte Inc., of San Diego, has closed on about $27 million in private funding, the remainder of its $80 million series D stock financing from late 2018.
So far, the excitement surrounding “living drugs” is that of pioneer work, with the Carl June and Steve Rosenberg playing the roles of Lewis and Clark or the Wright brothers.
HONG KONG – France’s Sanofi SA has informed Hanmi Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. of its intention to return all the rights to efpeglenatide, the South Korean company’s diabetes drug candidate.
DUBLIN – For quite some time, cardiometabolic disease has been largely off the map for most small biotechs and for the venture capital investors that support them. Is that situation about to change? Maybe, maybe not was the mixed message arising from a Bio-Europe Spring 2020 virtual panel discussion on cardiometabolic disease.
Anti-drug antibodies noted in the phase Ib portion of the PREVAIL study in lupus drew queries for Oldwick, N.J.-based Provention Bio Inc. during a conference call related to earnings, but analysts seemed more interested in the company’s later-stage push in type 1 diabetes (T1D).
PERTH, Australia – While the coronavirus captures the world’s attention, another global pandemic is quietly killing 100 million people under the age of 60, and Australian investors are putting up AU$53 million (US$34.58 million) to back late-stage projects at the George Institute for Global Health.
HYDERABAD, India – To continue expanding their footprint and capabilities beyond simple generics to biosimilars and new chemical entities, Indian pharmaceutical companies will have to improve their quality controls, compliance capabilities and, just as importantly, adopt more effective digital strategies.
With the Simpliciti-T1 phase II trial testing new-mechanism TTP-399 as adjunct therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1D), High Point, N.C.-based Vtv Therapeutics Inc. nailed the HbA1c endpoint with none of the safety concerns foiling developers of type 2 diabetes (T2D) drugs who sought to broaden their labels.
LONDON – Oculis SA reported positive results for its topical nanoparticle formulation of dexamethasone in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), showing the eye drops reduced central macular thickness (CMT) in the phase II proof-of-concept trial.
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