BioSwift Talent

Cellular RNA enhances MAVS signalosome activation in antiviral immunity 🧬 Scientists have uncovered a new role for a cell's own RNA in fending off attacks by RNA viruses. Some of the cell's RNA molecules, researchers found, help regulate antiviral signaling. These signals are part of the intricate coordination of immune responses against virus invasion. It’s fascinating how our own RNA steps up as a defender against viral attacks! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Astellas pays Sangamo $20M upfront to improve neurological gene therapy capabilities 🧬🧠 Astellas is bolstering its neurological disease gene therapy capabilities by partnering with Sangamo Therapeutics, providing $20 million upfront to leverage Sangamo's capsid technology for improved delivery of genomic medicines across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). That’s a big bet on tech to tackle the blood-brain barrier challenge! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Syphilis family traced to Pre-Columbian Americas 🧬 In spring 1495, the Italian campaign of Charles VIII of France was interrupted by an intense outbreak of an apparently unknown illness – a disease of high mortality that quickly engulfed the whole of Europe and left its survivors with life changing impairments to their bodies and minds. This documented epidemic is now interpreted to be the first historical account of syphilis. It's wild to think how one outbreak could reshape history and understanding of disease. Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Holoclara wriggles roundworm-derived molecule into phase 1, burrowing into eosinophilic esophagitis 🩺🪱 Worm-inspired biotech Holoclara has had a busy year. After announcing a $16 million series A round in June, the Pasadena, California, company has now dosed the first patient in a phase 1 trial of its primary asset and planted a flag on its lead indication, the immune disease eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Exciting to see Holoclara making such rapid progress, great momentum this year! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Photocatalysed flow method accelerates synthesis of potent MC4R antagonist 💡⚗️ Asynt report that the Cresswell Group, led by Dr Alexander J. Cresswell at the University of Bath (UK), have demonstrated the synthesis of novel spirocyclic tetrahydonaphthyridines (THNs) expanding the chemical space of these important scaffolds for drug discovery. Sounds like an exciting breakthrough for drug discovery, great work by the Cresswell Group! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Biomea's diabetes drug improves glucose control 3 months after FDA hold lifted  🩺📈 Investors reacted cautiously to Biomea Fusion’s phase 2 diabetes trial results, with shares dropping 14% to $5.04 in early trading Tuesday, despite the company claiming a win just three months after its menin inhibitor was released from a clinical hold. It is interesting that Biomea had a positive trial outcome, but investors clearly expected more. Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Novel drug holds promise for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy 💊 Researchers at McGill University have identified an experimental drug, K884, that enhances muscle stem cells' repair capabilities, offering hope for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). This genetic disorder, affecting 1 in 5,000 boys globally, causes severe muscle degeneration, leading to early wheelchair reliance and life-threatening complications. Unlike current treatments, K884 targets the root cause of the disease. This new drug sounds like a real breakthrough for kids with DMD, hope it works out! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Medtronic's latest ingestible PillCam completes first patient GI procedure 🩺💊 Medtronic reported that a patient has completed the first procedure with the latest version of its ingestible camera, used to perform capsule-based endoscopy in the clinic as well as at home during a telehealth appointment. It's exciting to see how Medtronic's innovative ingestible PillCam is advancing both in the clinic and for at-home telehealth use! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

New discovery reveals twisting action of molecular motors in the DNA 🧬 Scientists from the Kavli Institute (Delft University) and the IMP Vienna Biocenter have uncovered a new property of SMC motor proteins, which shape chromosomes. Previously known to form DNA loops, these motors also twist the loops significantly, offering new insights into chromosome structure, function, and health impacts, such as developmental disorders like cohesinopathies. The findings are published in Science Advances. It's fascinating how these tiny molecular motors can twist DNA loops; it really shows how complex and intricate life is at the smallest scale. Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

FDA expands use of J&J's Impella heart pumps to pediatric patients ❤️🩺 The FDA has expanded its premarket approvals for Johnson & Johnson's Impella heart pumps, developed by Abiomed, to include certain pediatric patients. The approval covers the catheter-based Impella 5.5 and CP pumps for children weighing at least 30 kilograms and 52 kilograms, respectively. This expansion allows the use of these miniaturized heart pumps for pediatric patients suffering from acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock, offering a potential lifeline for children facing severe heart conditions. Great to see these heart pumps being extended to help kids with serious heart conditions! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐