Italian biotech company ReiThera srl has commenced safety trials of its experimental HIV vaccine candidate, GRAdHIVNE1, in Harare, Zimbabwe. Developed in partnership with the Ragon Institute at Harvard University, this innovative HIV vaccine targets conserved regions of the viral gag, env, and pol genes to stimulate a robust cytotoxic T-cell immune response.
New managing director takes over
AppointmentsUK-based contract research, development and manufacturing organisation (CRDMO) Arcinova announced the appointment of Dr Christian Dowdeswell as its new managing director at the beginning of August. Co-founder and CEO Paul Ryan steps down.
IO Biotech’s cancer jab falls short in Phase 3, but Danish firm still eyes FDA approval
Latest NewsIO Biotech has published top-line results from its pivotal Phase 3 trial evaluating the therapeutic cancer vaccine IO102-IO103 (Cylembio) in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced melanoma. While the combination achieved a notable improvement in progression-free survival (PFS), the study narrowly missed its predefined statistical threshold for significance.
Novartis’ Ianalumab achieves Phase III endpoint in Sjögren’s syndrome
Latest NewsNovartis AG has reported a clinical milestone in the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome, with its BAFF receptor blocker Ianalumab (VAY736) becoming the first investigational therapy to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in disease activity in pivotal Phase III trials, as measured by the ESSDAI score.
Dewpoint Therapeutics cuts workforce, refocuses pipeline
Latest NewsDewpoint Therapeutics Inc. has announced a significant corporate restructuring. Approximately 70% of its 130 employees will be laid off, and operations will be consolidated at the company’s Boston headquarters. The company will close its two German locations in Frankfurt and Dresden and streamline its pipeline.
EU Biotech Act: Have your say!
Latest NewsThe European Commission has launched a public consultation to support the development of the European Biotech Act, which is now being prioritised after a previous delay. The Commission plans to publish the legislative proposal by the end of 2025 and is inviting stakeholders across the biotechnology sector to provide feedback on regulatory, financial, and operational barriers.
ReiThera starts study on HIV vaccine
Latest NewsItalian biotech company ReiThera srl has commenced safety trials of its experimental HIV vaccine candidate, GRAdHIVNE1, in Harare, Zimbabwe. Developed in partnership with the Ragon Institute at Harvard University, this innovative HIV vaccine targets conserved regions of the viral gag, env, and pol genes to stimulate a robust cytotoxic T-cell immune response.
Imlifidase enables gene therapy in Duchenne patients with AAV antibodies
Latest NewsInitial clinical data indicate that the recombinant cysteine protease imlifidase, developed by Hansa Biopharma AB, may significantly reduce levels of anti-AAV antibodies, potentially enabling adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies in patients previously deemed ineligible due to pre-existing immunity.
Trump sets 60-day deadline for US pharma price reductions
Latest NewsUS President Donald Trump has set a deadline in a letter to the CEOs of the 17 leading Big Pharma companies for the announced reduction of prescription drug prices.
EMBL and BIS: Advancing Biological Imaging
BackgroundThe EMBL Imaging Centre has received €7 million in support from Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung to further advance its cutting-edge imaging technologies.
GSK licenses COPD blockbuster in US$12bn deal
Latest NewsFollowing Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD)’s US$10bn acquisition of Verona Pharma and its potential COPD blockbuster Ohtuvayre®, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has secured a US$12bn deal for another PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor.