CEO Samantha Singer said Abata Therapeutics Inc. “spent a considerable amount of time finding the right indication” for its approach, which deploys autologous regulatory T cells (Tregs) made to express T-cell receptors (TCRs). That disease is progressive, non-relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). “We’re going to be able to succeed with these patients where other options have failed,” she told BioWorld.
A China-U.S. study led by scientists at China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) and Harvard University has identified a new small-molecule antagonist of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, SN-011, and shown it to be safe, effective and specific in STING-driven inflammatory diseases.
The agreement between gout player Horizon plc and RNAi expert Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals Inc. could result in a subcutaneously given, infrequently dosed fix for the disease that takes aim at xanthine dehydrogenase. “They brought us the target – it wasn’t something we were developing,” said Arrowhead CEO Christopher Anzalone, but the Pasadena, Calif.-based firm’s research on hepatocyte-directed therapies provides confidence.
Morphosys AG is to acquire Constellation Pharmaceuticals Inc., financed by gambling a huge chunk of its income on the U.S. firm’s BET inhibitor pipeline drug – an approach that has to date produced mixed results in cancer.
With 10 cases of serious shock and anaphylaxis, including one death, in the month since Seikagaku Corp.’s osteoarthritis drug, Joyclu (diclofenac etalhyaluronate sodium), launched in Japan, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) issued a blue letter to health care professionals and is adding a warning section to the drug’s Japanese label.
While there is known to be an association between inflammation and depression, it is not known if there is cause and effect. Now, the power of the UK Biobank has been brought to bear to show that when all genetic, health and environmental factors are accounted for, people with depression have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies than controls.