Four biotech companies from South Korea announced new or planned financings mid-June, including GC Genome Corp. Rznomics Inc., G2Gbio Inc. and Mezzion Pharma Co. Ltd. Six major mid-June deals included R&D pacts between Y-Biologics Inc. and Crosspoint Therapeutics, Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Salipro Biotech AB, Next & Bio Inc. and GC Cell Corp., Galux Inc. and Hanall Biopharma Co. Ltd., Celltrion Inc. and Onconic Therapeutics Inc., and SK Plasma Co. Ltd. and Aimedbio Inc.
Researchers from Lifordi Immunotherapeutics Inc. have developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) called LFD-200 that aims to selectively deliver a potent glucocorticoid (GC) payload directly to immune cells. This strategy may potentially offer a new way to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions while minimizing systemic toxicity.
Four biotech companies from South Korea announced new or planned financings mid-June, including GC Genome Corp. Rznomics Inc., G2Gbio Inc. and Mezzion Pharma Co. Ltd. Six major mid-June deals included R&D pacts between Y-Biologics Inc. and Crosspoint Therapeutics, Daewoong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Salipro Biotech AB, Next & Bio Inc. and GC Cell Corp., Galux Inc. and Hanall Biopharma Co. Ltd., Celltrion Inc. and Onconic Therapeutics Inc., and SK Plasma Co. Ltd. and Aimedbio Inc.
At the ongoing International Society for Stem Cell Research meeting, Chinese researchers reported they demonstrated that SPT6 homolog, histone chaperone and transcription elongation factor (SPT6) promotes epidermal stem/progenitor cells differentiation by facilitating transcriptional elongation, but its role in vivo in skin homeostasis is not well defined.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain immune homeostasis by inhibiting excessive immune responses. Dysregulation of Tregs, characterized by reduced cell numbers or impaired suppressive function, is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy expands Tregs and enhances their suppressive capacity while minimizing the activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.
Monte Rosa Therapeutics Inc. has gained IND clearance from the FDA for MRT-8102, a NEK7-directed molecular glue degrader being developed to treat inflammatory conditions linked to NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-6 dysregulation.
Persistent activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), resulting from aberrant metabolism or mutations in STING1, can lead to inflammatory damage and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, inhibiting STING activity may offer therapeutic potential for treating these disorders.
After reporting in April that its gastrointestinal reprogramming product (Garp) failed to meet the primary efficacy endpoint in a phase II trial in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Anatara Lifesciences Ltd. conducted a further analysis that shows a positive trend toward efficacy.
Nibec Co. Ltd. announced May 28 the signing of a potential $435 million license deal for NP-201, its phase II-ready peptide-based pulmonary fibrosis therapy candidate, with an undisclosed U.S.-based biotech company.
Sanofi SA has exercised its option to exclusively license Nurix Therapeutics Inc.’s STAT6 program, including the drug development candidate NX-3911, an oral, highly selective STAT6 degrader.