Ophthalmic diseases specialist Oculis Holding AG announced positive phase II data showing its serum-glucose corticoid kinase-2 activator OCS-05 protected nerve cells and improved vision in patients with acute optic neuritis. The placebo-controlled, randomized trial assessed the neuroprotective effect of OCS-05 in combination with standard-of-care steroid injections, against steroids alone, with a benefit seen in preserving both ganglions and retinal cell nerve fibers.

Institut Pasteur Korea has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with four Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)-affiliated research institutes with the aim of pursuing joint research on mRNA vaccine and treatment development.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare and severe condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with intestinal manifestations. The most common clinical features include fever, abdominal pain, rash, myocardial dysfunction and elevated inflammatory biomarkers.

Novel vaccines that can effectively target both coronaviruses and influenza viruses would be desirable to counteract the significant health burden these respiratory pathogens pose.

Hervolution Therapeutics ApS (formerly Inprother Aps) has announced a $11.7 million series A financing to support its work developing novel human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-targeted immunotherapies to address diseases of aging.