Stem cell models of human spine development unveiled

Drug Target Review | January 15, 2020

Scientists have created the first lab-dish models of the cellular clock, where each ‘tick’ stimulates the formation of the vertebra, which uses stem cells derived from adult human tissue. Over 20 years ago, Olivier Pourquié’s lab at Harvard University, US discovered a cellular clock in chicken embryos where each ‘tick’ stimulates the formation of a structure called a somite that ultimately becomes a vertebra. Now, Pourquié has led one of two teams to create the first lab-dish models of the segmentation clock that use stem cells derived from adult human tissue.

Spotlight

Nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) are key building blocks of many nucleic acid therapeutics and vaccines. These molecules are a vital component of revolutionary new medicines.

Spotlight

Nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) are key building blocks of many nucleic acid therapeutics and vaccines. These molecules are a vital component of revolutionary new medicines.

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MEDTECH, INDUSTRIAL IMPACT

Synergy Oncology to use SOPHiA DDM for New Cancer Profiling Solution

SOPHiA GENETICS | March 01, 2023

On February 28, 2023, SOPHiA GENETICS, a leading cloud-native software solutions provider in the healthcare space, announced that Synergy Oncology, a part of Synergy Laboratories based in Mobile, Alabama, will utilize SOPHiA DDM™ to develop a new cancer profiling solution. Synergy Oncology is a specialist in innovative platforms that improve patient care. The use of SOPHiA DDM™ for Hereditary Cancers Solution in Synergy Oncology's state-of-the-art laboratory technologies will lead to the launch of Totality, a comprehensive end-to-end solution for tumor profiling that will assist clinical studies, cancer research and patient care. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is commonly used to detect biomarkers for hereditary cancers, but the resulting datasets are vast and complex, requiring sophisticated analysis. The SOPHiA DDM™ for Hereditary Cancers Solution leverages machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with patented technologies to evaluate raw NGS data, simplifying interpretation and expediting reporting. As Synergy Laboratories seeks to expand into other oncology offerings, the SOPHiA DDM™ platform could serve as a one-stop solution. Synergy's new product, Totality, examines genes from solid tumor tissue and, by using SOPHiA DDM™ for Hereditary Cancers, provides physicians with a consolidated report that matches detected molecular alterations with clinical trials and FDA-approved therapies. By combining SOPHiA DDM™ for Hereditary Cancers with Synergy Oncology's technology, experts will be able to analyze and interpret findings from NGS data confidently, transforming high-quality data into valuable insights for researchers and care providers. Synergy Oncology provides the most comprehensive NGS kit of its kind, including hereditary testing, liquid biopsy testing, and myeloid malignancies. The combination of Synergy Oncology and SOPHiA GENETICS technology will expand Synergy's oncology portfolio while helping to further the U.S. oncology market. About SOPHiA GENETICS SOPHiA GENETICS is a leading cloud-native software solutions provider in the healthcare space. It aims to establish data-driven medicine as the standard of care for life sciences research. The company combines expertise in life sciences, data computing and medical disciplines to bring data analytics solutions to market. SOPHiA GENETICS achieve its mission through the global adoption of SOPHiA AI, which uses pattern recognition, statistical inference and machine learning to provide equal benefits to all users. SOPHiA AI also encourages expert knowledge sharing for a sustainable impact on future patients. The company believes digital technologies are the key to unlocking the era of Data-Driven Medicine, where secure data pooling and knowledge sharing will be precious for patients. The company also focuses on combining the first two pillars of Data-Driven Medicine, Radiomics and Genomics, to ensure that the data used to help patients today will also benefit tomorrow's patients.

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CELL AND GENE THERAPY, INDUSTRIAL IMPACT

Exelixis and Sairopa Announce FDA Clearance of IND Application

Exelixis | February 14, 2023

On February 13, 2023, Exelixis, Inc., a leading global oncology firm innovating next-generation medicines and regimens at the forefront of cancer care and Sairopa B.V. (Sairopa), a renowned firm developing novel therapeutics for cancer by modulating the patient's immune system, announced that FDA has approved Sairopa's Investigational New Drug (IND) Application to assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of ADU-1805 in adults with advanced solid tumors. ADU-1805, being a monoclonal antibody active against all human SIRPα alleles, has the potential to reach a broader patient population than existing SIRPα-directed therapeutics. ADU-1805 has the potential to boost the immune system's ability to combat tumors by suppressing SIRPα, an important immuno-suppressive component of the tumor microenvironment. When compared to other SIRP family members, ADU-1805 has been designed to bind preferentially to SIRPα, which may improve its capacity to stimulate immune cells. In accordance with the clinical development and option agreement announced in November 2022, Exelixis has the option to obtain an exclusive, global license to commercialize and develop ADU-1805 and other anti-SIRPα antibodies after reviewing data from predetermined phase 1 clinical studies of ADU-1805 to be conducted by Sairopa during the option period. This IND approval results in a $35 million milestone payment to Sairopa to be paid in the first quarter of 2023. About Exelixis Founded in 1994, Exelixis is a leading global oncology firm at the vanguard of cancer care, developing next-generation drugs and regimens. Fueled by bicoastal centers of research and development expertise, its clinically distinct pipeline of small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates, and other biotherapeutics is quickly expanding its product portfolio to address a growing spectrum of tumor types and indications. In addition, the company has demonstrated an excellent track record of endurance in the face of adversity after working in the competitive biotech industry for over 25 years. Its main product's success has provided it with a robust commercial basis, allowing re-energizing research activities and team expansion in clinical development, drug discovery, and commercial areas.

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CELL AND GENE THERAPY, MEDICAL

Be The Match BioTherapies® Introduces CIBMTR® CRO Services

Be The Match BioTherapies® | January 18, 2023

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