Atara Biotherapeutics Inc.’s allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy, Ebvallo (tabelecleucel), for Epstein-Barr virus-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease isn’t out of the running yet. Despite grim predictions in the wake of the U.S. FDA’s second complete response letter for the drug in January, Atara and partner Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals Inc. reached agreement with the regulator on a path for resubmitting the BLA.
Scientists at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified and characterized human antibodies that neutralize the measles virus by blocking its entry into the cell. This is the first time that antibodies have been shown to bind effectively to two essential viral proteins, creating a dual blockade that prevents infection. Unlike the current vaccine, which is based on an attenuated virus and is not recommended for immunocompromised individuals, these monoclonal antibodies could be used both as a new vaccine approach and as a treatment for the entire population.
UCB SA agreed to pay $2 billion up front to acquire bispecific T-cell engager (TCE)-maker Candid Therapeutics Inc. and lead BCMA/CD3 TCE asset cizutamig (CND-106), continuing big pharma’s spree for China-made autoimmune assets in 2026.
Deepcure Inc. has synthesized new 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones acting as bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BD2 domain) (BRD4 BD2) inhibitors. As such, they are described as potentially useful for the treatment of autoimmune, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disorders, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, gout, obesity, and sepsis, among others.
Evotec SE has announced the nomination of a small-molecule preclinical development candidate from its multi-target drug discovery alliance in medical dermatology with Almirall SA. The program is aimed at developing novel treatments for immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases with high unmet medical need. The collaboration, established in 2022, leverages Evotec’s fully integrated, AI/machine learning enhanced discovery and preclinical development platforms.
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) approved Curocell Inc.’s Rimqarto (anbalcabtagene-autoleucel; anbal-cel) April 29 as the first homegrown CAR T-cell therapy to treat patients with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.
UCB SA agreed to pay $2 billion up front to acquire bispecific T-cell engager (TCE)-maker Candid Therapeutics Inc. and lead BCMA/CD3 TCE asset cizutamig (CND-106), continuing big pharma’s spree for China-made autoimmune assets in 2026.
A new vaccination strategy designed to induce antibodies that recognize the apex of the HIV Env protein uses Env trimers displayed on liposomes to increase their density and orient them correctly. This presentation enhanced apex-focused antibody responses in macaques, and the monoclonal antibodies isolated after immunization showed binding modes and structural features resembling human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), indicating that the vaccine can steer the antibody response toward this vulnerable site.
Genomics Ltd. has established a strategic relationship with Grey Wolf Therapeutics Ltd. (Greywolf) to develop first-in-class treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in immune cells enhances anti-inflammatory pathways and limits pathogenic immune responses. Equillium Inc. has recently presented data for their AhR agonist EQ-504 for the potential treatment of immune-related diseases.
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