During the first talk of the Basic Science Seminar sessions at the 2023 EASL International Liver Congress, focusing on the gut-liver axis, Prof. Maria Rescigno from Humanitas University presented data on the interaction between the gut and the liver and the role of microbiota and intestinal permeability in health and disease.
Regulatory T-cell specialist Quell Therapeutics Ltd. has sealed a potential $2 billion agreement under which Astrazeneca plc is taking rights to two autologous Treg cell therapies for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and type 1 diabetes. Quell will receive $85 million up front, the majority of which is in cash, with a modest (undisclosed) equity investment. Reaching the $2 billion headline figure will involve a series of development and commercial milestones and royalties on sales.
Interactions between the gut microbiome and immune system influence cancer immune surveillance, though the mechanism through which these gut-primed immune cells regulate peripheral antitumor immune response is not well understood. Now, two recent studies in Science and Science Immunology using mouse models and human tissue samples have highlighted a group of intestinal T cells with the gut-homing α4β7 integrin receptors that play a critical role in mediating response to immune checkpoint blockade cancer immunotherapy.
The pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is complex and involves interactions among different cell types, including pancreatic acinar, ductal and stellate cells (PSC). Researchers from Calcimedica Inc. and the University of Szeged set out to assess the pathogenic pathways in these cells as well as evaluate the potential of the novel calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai1) inhibitor CM-5480 as a potential treatment for CP.
Canbridge Pharmaceuticals Inc. obtained marketing approval from China’s NMPA for CAN-108 (Livmarli; maralixibat chloride oral solution) to treat cholestatic pruritus in 1-year-old or older patients with Alagille syndrome, a development that the company touted for how quickly it followed similar approvals elsewhere.
Canbridge Pharmaceuticals Inc. obtained marketing approval from China’s NMPA for CAN-108 (Livmarli; maralixibat chloride oral solution) to treat cholestatic pruritus in 1-year-old or older patients with Alagille syndrome, a development that the company touted for how quickly it followed similar approvals elsewhere.
Additional data from a phase II trial of S1P modulator icanbelimod (CBP-307) reinforced earlier positive results in ulcerative colitis (UC), potentially putting Connect Biopharma Holdings Ltd. in a better negotiating position as it seeks a partner to take the program forward, while in-house activities remain focused on an early 2024 regulatory filing for atopic dermatitis candidate CBP-201.
Liminal Biosciences Inc. has nominated a lead preclinical candidate, LMNL-6326, from its oxoeicosanoid receptor 1 (OXER1) antagonist program, targeting the treatment of eosinophil-driven diseases such as eosinophilic asthma and atopic dermatitis.
Additional data from a phase II trial of S1P modulator icanbelimod (CBP-307) reinforced earlier positive results in ulcerative colitis (UC), potentially putting Connect Biopharma Holdings Ltd. in a better negotiating position as it seeks a partner to take the program forward, while in-house activities remain focused on an early 2024 regulatory filing for atopic dermatitis candidate CBP-201.