In recent years, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have shown significant success in preventing viral and bacterial infections, as well as in cancer immunotherapy and other disease applications. In particular, the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA has revolutionized vaccine development thanks to several advantages, including elevated immunogenicity, rapid manufacturing and a generally favorable safety profile compared to viral vectors and traditional adjuvant-based vaccines.
Shanghai Henlius Biotech Inc. has entered into an exclusive global license agreement with U-mab Biopharma (Lianyungang) Co. Ltd., securing rights to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP) for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Newco Tecregen AG has raised CHF10 million (US$12.5 million) to advance a novel way of regenerating the thymus in order to boost T-cell production and stimulate recovery of the immune system following stem cell transplants and chemo- and radiotherapy.
Enodia Therapeutics SAS has raised €20.7 million ($25 million) in seed financing to advance its work developing novel small-molecule therapies for targeted protein degradation at the point of synthesis.
Jiangsu Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Hansoh Biomedical Co. Ltd. have identified TNF-α inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Immorta Bio Inc. has reported new data demonstrating that its combination therapy of Senovax, a first-in-class senolytic immunotherapy, and personalized mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs) from its breakthrough Stemcellrevivify platform, doubled lifespan and significantly extended healthspan in validated murine aging models.
Enanta Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced a new immunology program and updated progress in its immunology pipeline. The company’s new program is focused on developing oral MRGPRX2 inhibitors for type 2 immune driven diseases, with an initial focus on chronic spontaneous urticaria and other mast cell-driven diseases.
The concept of the 3 Rs – reducing, refining and replacing animal research – has been championed since the 1950s, when William Russel and Rex Burch argued in their book “The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique” that the 3 Rs could simultaneously improve the treatment of research animals and advance the quality of scientific and medical research and testing. Current standard practices of animal research undeniably cause animal suffering at the same time that they have prioritized replicability over translatability.