The possibilities offered by CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs and other new genome editing technologies are making the mouths of plant breeders water – and not just because the methods give seed developers new options when it comes to optimising traits such as yield, resistance to environmental stress, diseases or pests. Gene-edited plants could soon make inroads even with Europe’s strict regulators, and throw open the door to tastier, healthier food.
CRISPR & Co.: Brave new food
BackgroundThe possibilities offered by CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs and other new genome editing technologies are making the mouths of plant breeders water – and not just because the methods give seed developers new options when it comes to optimising traits such as yield, resistance to environmental stress, diseases or pests. Gene-edited plants could soon make inroads even with Europe’s strict regulators, and throw open the door to tastier, healthier food.
Implementation of EU Unitary Patent Court delaying
Latest NewsIn mid-June, the German Federal Constitutional Court asked the German President not to sign legislation designed to implement the EU Unified Patent Court (UPC, EU Agreement 16351/12) and Unitary Patent (EU Regulation 1257/12). Now, there are hints for a further delay. The constitutional complaint behind the delay, rumoured to be brought up by a German life sciences IP expert, has led to a stop of hiring German judges for the UPC.
Daratumumab meets endpoint as first-line multiple myeloma therapy
Latest NewsDanish Genmab A/S’ anti-CD38 antibody daratumumab has met the endpoint of progression-free survival in an interim analysis of Genmab’s pivotal Phase III study aimed at receiving FDA approval as first-line therapy in multiple myeloma.
Macrophage Pharma backed by Merck Ventures
Latest NewsMerck Ventures has joined the Series A investor syndicate of the British immuno-oncology specialist Macrophage Pharma Ltd.
Parkinson’s: factor protects from neuron decay
Latest NewsScientists at Swedish Karolinska Institute have identified a factor that supports growth of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons, the nerve cells that degenerate during of Parkinson’s disease.
Topas Therapeutics lands option deal with Eli Lilly
Latest NewsEvotec’s immunology spin-out Topas Therapeutics has inked a multi-year R&D collaboration with pharma major Eli Lilly. The initial focus of research, which will be financed by Eli Lilly, is on identification of antigens that specifically induce a T regulatory cell response in inflammatory and auto-immune disorders.
New CFO for Pharmalink
AppointmentsSwedish specialty pharmaceutical company Pharmalink AB Stockholm has Fredrik Johansson as new Chief Financial Officer.
Medivir licenses HCV drug MIV-802 to Chinese Ascletis
Latest NewsMedivir AB has exclusively licenced Greater China development and commercialisation rights of its preclinical candidate drug MIV-802 to Chinese drug developer Ascletis Bioscience Co. Ltd.
Checkpoint modulation: Blocking the tumour’s immune evasion strategies
BackgroundBelgian, Swiss, and US researchers have found a new way to boost efficacy in cancer immunotherapy. In mid-April, they reported that cancer cells actively block tumour infiltration of cytotoxic T cells, but that this process can be reversed using angiogenesis blockers. Some Big pharma companies have already jumped on the bandwagon of angiogenesis/PDL1 combination therapy.
Swedish reasearchers link up cancer survival to protein levels
Latest NewsUsing a national supercomputer, Swedish researchers have analysed how protein expression of the 315 known cancer genes translates into cancer overall survival.