The development of an embryo in its early stages involves a series of processes in which cells interact and organize to form tissues. In humans, these stages are studied with animal models, stem cells and cell aggregates that mimic natural development phases, or with human embryos, depending on their availability and a strict protocol. Now, in back-to-back papers published online in Nature, scientists from Yale University and the University of Cambridge have two new embryonic models formed from human stem cells to study development after embryo implantation in the uterus.

With CRISPR-Cas9 technology making its way toward clinical practice, laboratories are studying different gene-editing techniques, from base editors to prime editors, to correct mutations associated with various pathologies. Researchers at Tessera Therapeutics Inc. have been inspired by retrotransposons to develop a tool for editing DNA using RNA and reverse diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU) or sickle cell disease (SCD).

Confo Therapeutics NV has entered into a research collaboration with Abcellera Biologics Inc. for the discovery of therapeutic antibody candidates targeting two undisclosed GPCR targets.

Two new polio vaccine candidates designed to prevent the emergence of vaccine-derived virulent polioviruses have been shown to induce immune responses in mice, raising the possibility of eradicating the virus. For that to happen, the transmission of all poliovirus serotypes must be blocked. However, the vaccine used to control polio prevents disease but does not stop transmission, enabling the virus to mutate and regain virulence.

Iktos SA and Curreio Inc. have established a collaboration agreement using artificial intelligence (AI) for new drug design. Under this collaboration, Iktos will leverage its de novo generative design technology in combination with Curreio’s cryo-electron microscopy (EM) platform to facilitate the rapid design of novel preclinical drug candidates for an undisclosed target.

Despite the title of the Sunday, June 4 lead-off presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in Chicago, there was little room left for doubt about the increasingly important place of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug development. The program, Artificial Intelligence for Drug Development: Fad or Future, ultimately pointed to a positive future, with the only faddish part being discarded approaches that no longer work.

Xtalpi Inc. has entered into an artificial intelligence (AI) drug discovery collaboration with Eli Lilly & Co. The collaboration, valued at up to $250 million in upfront and milestone payments, will leverage Xtalpi’s integrated AI capabilities and robotics platform to de novo design and deliver drug candidates for an undisclosed target. Xtalpi seeks to deliver a novel compound, which Lilly will pursue in clinical and commercial development.

Evaxion Biotech A/S has unveiled the technology behind its proprietary genetic adjuvant developed to enhance the effectiveness of DNA and mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer.