Excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines or aging-related chronic inflammation disrupts immunity and diminishes the efficacy of vaccines, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Moreover, these pro-inflammatory cytokines are linked to adverse vaccine reactions. These two issues can lead to vaccine hesitancy, resulting in lower vaccination rates.

Armatus Bio Inc.’s development of ARM-201, an AAV-delivered microRNA therapy for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), has been boosted by a $3 million investment by Solve FSHD.

Spark Therapeutics Inc. has presented a proprietary adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing an artificial miRNA targeting human α-synuclein (α-Syn) mRNA. Accumulation of misfolded and insoluble α-Syn causes neuronal toxicity in preclinical models and has been identified as the underlying cause of synucleinopathies.

Mirxes Holding Company Ltd. raised $50 million in a series D funding round to expand its cancer early detection blood tests, including its lead product stomach cancer blood test Gastroclear, in the Asia Pacific region. Mirxes uses RNA technology to develop diagnostic solutions for the early detection of diseases.

Difficulty in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis leaves many women spitting mad, but they may soon find that saliva is the key to escaping the diagnostic maze. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine validated the Endotest developed by Ziwig SAS based on results from a study involving 200 symptomatic patients monitored in five hospital units and specialized centers in France since November 2021. The findings demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of more than 95%.

New genomic research has increased the understanding of surprising links between diabetic foot ulcers and carcinomas.

PARIS – Ziwig SAS has developed the Endotest saliva test, for quickly detecting endometriosis. François Golfier, head of the gynecology-obstetrics department at Angers University Hospital and chairman of the endometriosis committee for the National College of French Gynecologists and Obstetricians, claims this new generation of in vitro diagnostic medical devices is going to be a game-changer “as it finally allows this chronic debilitating disease to be detected sooner and within the space of just a few days.”

A packaged nanoparticle that delivered a relaxin-encoding gene therapy with microRNA reduced liver fibrosis, researchers in the laboratory of Leaf Huang at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy described in the Jan. 21, 2021, issue of Nature Nanotechnology.