Researchers have used multivariate statistical analysis to identify new genomic loci related to aging, and new potential drug targets. They reported their findings online in Nature Aging on Aug. 7, 2023. Aging is a multifaceted process, and whether it is going well or not is determined by multiple factors. Most aging studies, however, focus on individual aspects of aging.

Alexion, Astrazeneca Rare Disease, part of Astrazeneca plc, has entered a definitive purchase and license agreement for a portfolio of preclinical gene therapy programs and enabling technologies from Pfizer Inc.

An mRNA vaccine candidate that acts in the liver by recruiting memory T cells could be the key against malaria, according to a study in mice that demonstrated its efficacy by including a natural killer T (NKT) cell agonist.

The Hubmap consortium has released the atlas of three human organs, a cell-by-cell map based on overlaid images from microscopy and molecular data. Maps of the intestine, the kidney and the placenta, published in three simultaneous articles, have revealed the cellular morphology and architecture of these organs in healthy and diseased conditions.

Using whole genome sequencing, scientists at Boston Children’s Hospital have studied the genes and mutations of ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) that would respond to treatments with splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Their work, published on July 12, 2023, in Nature, determined the appropriate individualized genetic therapy for these patients and identified a new drug.

Genequantum Healthcare Co. Ltd. and Inxmed Co. Ltd. have signed a collaboration agreement under which Genequantum has granted nonexclusive licensing of its proprietary conjugation technology to Inxmed, supporting the development of the next generation of targeted antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

A new study on the interleukin 1 (IL-1) pathway and its involvement in systemic inflammation and autoinflammatory diseases has described a mutation of the IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) receptor associated with chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). The variant p.Lys131Glu of this receptor was identified in a patient with CRMO. A peripheral blood mononuclear cell analysis showed an inflammatory event in lymphocytes, especially in monocytes and neutrophils. The research was conducted by a group of scientists at Zhejiang University in China and reported in the July 11, 2023, issue of Immunity.

Raya Therapeutic Inc. has entered into an early-stage R&D collaboration with Argenx SE to evaluate combinations of Raya’s pipeline of targeted small molecules with a potentially complementary product from Argenx.