In August, a press release from HHS announced the cancellation of 22 vaccine research projects based on mRNA, the latest available technology aimed at developing therapies for viral infections, cancer, and genetic conditions. What happens to mRNA innovation when funding dries up? This series explores how reductions in funding could impact mRNA technology, affecting innovation, research and future therapies.

Following a May phase II readout and a recent presentation of Tourmaline Bio Inc.’s long-acting anti-IL-6 IgG2 monoclonal antibody, pacibekitug, for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), Novartis AG offered $1.4 billion, or $48 per share, to buy the barely 4-year-old company. Previously shelved by Pfizer Inc., which had been developing it for autoimmune disorders, pacibekitug fell into the hands of New York-based Tourmaline through a May 2022 license agreement. In addition to the Tranquility phase II trial in ASCVD, the company’s lead product is also in the phase IIb Spirited trial for thyroid eye disease, a readout for which is expected in early 2026.

The envelope (E) proteins of Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) present a high degree of homology, which can lead to cross-reactive antibodies that exacerbate disease through antibody-dependent enhancement. This enormously challenges the development of effective ZIKV vaccines.

Tolerance Bio Inc. and Zipcode Bio have established a strategic research and development collaboration aimed at pioneering novel delivery methods for targeted thymus therapeutics.

IMU Biosciences Ltd. is working to transform society’s understanding of the immune system. The company’s platform maps the immune system at molecular, cellular and system levels, to unlock new insights into immune-related health and diseases, paving the way for clinical applications that could improve patient outcomes.

Biogen Inc.’s IND application for BIIB-142 has been accepted by the FDA. BIIB-142 is a degrader of IRAK-4 that Biogen intends to explore for therapeutic use in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Roivant Sciences Ltd.’s Immunovant Inc. unit unveiled phase II data in Graves’ disease with batoclimab, whetting appetites on Wall Street for the results with next-generation prospect IMVT-1402 from two potentially registrational trials that are enrolling now.

Onco3r Therapeutics BV has obtained clinical trial application (CTA) approval by the Belgian regulatory authorities for its SIK3 inhibitor O3R-5671. A first-in-human trial will be conducted in Belgium and is expected to open enrollment in the coming weeks. Final data are expected in the first half of next year and will inform subsequent patient trials across a range of autoimmune diseases, which are planned to commence next year.

Jynneos, a current vaccine against orthopoxviruses such as smallpox and mpox virus, elicits only modest antibody responses, highlighting the need to search for more immunogenic vaccines or treatments. The global outbreak of mpox virus infections in 2022 lent urgency to this challenge.