Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute and the IAVI Neutralizing Antibody Center are developing a novel experimental vaccine targeting the germline to stimulate precursor B cells and produce broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) against the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the gp41 protein found in the HIV-1 envelope.

Fibrobiologics Inc. has announced the development of a novel artificial thymus organoid that can restore immune function in a severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model.

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. has obtained clearance from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to conduct clinical trials in China with the first mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNP)-based CAR T-cell injection, SYS-6020.

Astrazeneca plc has added a novel target for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to its discovery portfolio through its collaboration with Benevolentai Ltd. The novel target was discovered using Benevolentai’s artificial intelligence (AI) drug discovery platform and experimentally validated by Astrazeneca.

A recent paper has identified the enhancer ETS2, located in a so-called gene desert, as a contributor to five separate immune disorders. It also showed that one of ETS2’s target genes mediating this inflammation was the eminently druggable MEK, a kinase that is the target of the FDA-approved inhibitors Mekinist (trametinib, GSK plc), Mektovi (binimetinib, Array Biopharma Inc.), Cotellic (cobimetinib, Roche Holding AG) and Koselugo (selumetinib, Astrazeneca plc/Merck & Co. Inc.).

Alivexis Inc. and Melodia Therapeutics AG have entered into an exclusive license agreement for the worldwide development, manufacturing and commercialization of Alivexis’ MDI-0151, a novel cathepsin C inhibitor identified in Alivexis’ MOD-A discovery program.

Ose Immunotherapeutics SA has presented preclinical data on its mRNA therapeutic platform for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The platform has been designed for the local delivery of mRNA into inflammatory tissue using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Interleukin-35 (IL-35) has been shown in preclinical studies to have a key role in controlling several immune-related disorders, including autoimmune diseases.

Exo Therapeutics Inc. has presented data on its preclinical program targeting TBK1/STING interaction of the cGAS-STING pathway. The company has identified potent, selective exosite-targeted TBK1/STING inhibitors, optimized properties toward development candidate nomination and demonstrated efficacy across preclinical models.

At the recent EULAR meeting, a presentation by Nanjing Leads Biolabs Co. Ltd. covered the discovery of LBL-047, a novel bifunctional fusion protein targeting both plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and B cells; it is being developed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.