Messenger RNA, or mRNA, represents a relatively new class of therapeutics with the potential to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases. A well-known success story is of the mRNA vaccines that controlled the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fueled enthusiasm for the field. But biotechs are also developing mRNA candidates for several other infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, as well for cancer, autoimmune and allergic diseases. However, delivering nucleic acid therapeutics can be challenging, since mRNA cannot get into cells on its own.
Intron Biotechnology Inc. has entered into an official contract with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) to develop bacteriophages for combating uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) infections. DEVCOM, a subcommand of the U.S. Army Futures Command, has been working on a project to develop products that address the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among soldiers exposed to austere environments, such as when deployed or undergoing training.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have announced a renewed collaboration to accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
Gilead Sciences Inc. and Novartis AG have jointly reported pyrazolopyridinone compounds potentially useful for the treatment of herpes virus infections.
Wistar Institute of Anatomy & Biology has synthesized new 3C-like proteinase (3CLpro; Mpro; nsp5) (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 virus) inhibitors for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19).
Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) has launched a call for new chemical compounds to screen against malaria through its MMV open innovation (MMVoi) initiative. Submissions from both industry and academia allow for compounds that have already been synthesized but not yet tested against malaria to be identified.
Blood cancer drug venetoclax could potentially be used to deplete HIV latently infected cells and delay viral rebound, leading to a potential cure for HIV, according to a study from researchers in Australia who tested the drug in humanized mice models.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the University of Oxford have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of safe, effective and globally accessible vaccines against ‘disease X,’ the threat of unknown pathogens with the potential to cause pandemics.
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