Alacrita Consulting

In this edition, we highlight our two latest pieces. The first examines the evolution of immune checkpoint inhibitors - their progress, limitations, and emerging targets such as LAG-3 and TIGIT. The second explores the challenges of immune-excluded and immune-deserted tumor microenvironments that characterize 'cold' tumors and evaluates the potential of antifibrotic combination strategies to enhance immunotherapy efficacy.

Compounding pharmacies seem to be carving out an increasingly larger role in the industry—filling drug shortages, personalizing treatments, and challenging traditional pharma models. As their influence grows, so do the questions: Are they allies in patient care or a disruptive force to commercialization and pricing strategies? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eszUKgfb

While cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the landscape of treatment, significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing the immune-excluded and immune-deserted tumor microenvironments (TME). But could combination strategies involving antifibrotics be the key to breaking through the barrier? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e9E6E6gY

As we move into the new year, we hope the insights and articles we've shared throughout 2024 have provided valuable perspective and guidance helpful for navigating the opportunities and challenges to come. In this edition, you'll find our top publications from the year. Happy holidays from all of us at Alacrita!

Aggregate deals and financing in cell and gene therapy has dropped by 62% since the peak in 2021. In itself, that's not surprising as during the coronavirus pandemic when lockdowns and travel restrictions freed up so much time that the rate of dealmaking and investing was doubled - maybe fuelled by the extra available energy released by not having to endure the stress of travel or just simply boredom of WFH?. But there is a general loss of appetite in the C&GT field given that commercial returns have (of course) not lived up to the hype. However, underlying science continues to forge ahead and many suspect there will be a revival in the medium term.

Biotech startups often need experienced medical leaders at times when bringing on full-time hires simply isn't practical. Fractional CMOs offer a solution: high-level expertise on a flexible basis. These seasoned professionals bring invaluable experience to clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and investor relations, allowing startups to navigate key growth phases without the cost of a full-time executive. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eRahH39Z

Revitalized by biological discoveries and combined with strong pipelines, a plethora of new targets, and plenty of unmet therapeutic needs, the stage is set for a new phase of growth in dermatology drug development. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/epzHn3sG

Alacrita is pleased to announce that Michael Lombardo, PharmD, PhD, has joined our consulting team in the Cambridge, MA office. Michael has extensive experience with drug discovery, biomarker development, and small molecule therapeutics, along with expertise in oncology and infectious diseases spanning the full drug development lifecycle. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e5XPTpU9

Longer lives are great, but how about healthier ones? As lifespans increase, so can the gap between lifespan and healthspan, simply leading to more years spent with chronic disease. Our latest paper explores the senotherapy field and some of the current advances that hope to change that. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e3Uy_nJr 

A decade at Alacrita Consulting