Japanese researchers have transplanted human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in a primate model of myocardial infarction and were able to restore heart muscle and function in monkeys. Developed by Tokyo-based Heartseed Inc., the grafted iPSCs consist of clusters of purified heart muscle cells (cardiomyocyte spheroids) that are injected into the myocardial layer of the heart. Published in Circulation on April 26, 2024, the study showed that the cardiomyocyte spheroids survived long term and showed improved contractile function with low occurrence of post-transplant arrhythmias.

Repertoire Immune Medicines Inc. has entered a multiyear strategic collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (BMS) to develop tolerizing vaccines for up to three autoimmune diseases.

Peptidream Inc. and Novartis Pharma AG have expanded their peptide-drug conjugate discovery collaboration announced in 2019, adding additional peptide radioligand therapies and other programs.

Alligator Bioscience AB reported that Orion Corp. has selected the lead bispecific antibodies from the companies’ second development program, and is exercising its option to develop these molecules under the existing 2021 research collaboration and license agreement.

In one of the biggest startups ever, Xaira Therapeutics has launched with more than $1 billion from investors. The financing, according to BioWorld records, is roughly equivalent to Roivant Sciences Inc.’s $1.1 billion raise in August 2017 and Galderma Inc.’s $1 billion private placement in June 2023. Xaira said it plans to leverage advanced machine learning research and expansive data generation to power new models for developing new therapeutics.

Wave Life Sciences Ltd. has reported that GSK plc has selected its first two programs to advance to development candidates following achievement of target validation as part of the companies’ ongoing collaboration.

A computational program based on single-cell transcriptome sequencing has identified six types of senescent cells, enabling the design of more precise senolytic drugs. The success of these compounds depends on their ability to recognize senescent cellular patterns and avoid proliferating cells, differentiated cells, or quiescent (temporarily resting) cells.

Researchers from Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) have created a new orthotopic preclinical model of glioblastoma (GBM), designed to recapitulate patient response to standard-of-care and targeted treatments.

Circio Holding ASA has established technical in vivo proof of concept for its proprietary Circvec circular RNA platform by demonstrating statistically significant improvement in durability over mRNA-based expression.