Scientists have discovered an RNA-based mechanism that is involved in core hallmarks of a number of accelerated aging conditions and shown that therapies targeting this RNA reverses some of these hallmarks in human cells and extend life spans in mouse models.
Opthea Ltd. has secured nondilutive funding to complete phase III development and commence commercialization of its wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) treatment OPT-302, in a $170 million agreement with Launch Therapeutics, an operating company set up earlier this year by the private equity group Carlyle to manage biotech investments. Under the terms of the deal, Launch will now commit $120 million in three instalments at fixed time points, with an option to invest a further $50 million.
As the resident innate immune cells of the brain, microglia are emerging as key drivers of neurological diseases, but as yet there is no systematic way of exploring their potential as drug targets.
Scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in London have discovered that melanoma cells spread by harnessing a gene normally involved in the development of the nervous system.
Syncthink Inc. is preparing to launch its neurological impairment and disease diagnostic in Europe, after securing CE marking for the ocular biomarker device. The company is raising a new round of funding to support commercialization of the Eye-Sync system and has two projects exemplifying applications of the device running with academic collaborators in the U.K.
The largest study to date assessing the use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis to detect cancer in advance of symptoms has completed enrollment of 140,000 healthy volunteers. The study, being run in the U.K. National Health Service (NHS) by the charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and cfDNA diagnostics specialist Grail Inc., is using Grail’s Galleri test to look for cancer-specific methylation patterns in blood.
A first-of-its-kind comprehensive map of the network of connections in the human immune system has uncovered previously unknown interactions and filled in gaps in understanding why approved immunotherapies work in some patients and not others.
F2G Ltd. has raised a further $70 million in venture capital as it continues preparations to submit a new drug application to the U.S. FDA for its novel antifungal drug, olorofim, before the end of 2022.
Cognetivity Neurosciences Ltd. is making progress in promoting its cognitive assessment tool as the brain health equivalent of a blood pressure check, following feedback from clinicians indicating the test could have broad applicability.
The controversy about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the accusations that it escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, or even that it was deliberately engineered there, could – possibly – be brought to a close by two papers published July 26, 2022.
