Tenofovir

Merck announced positive Phase 3 trial results for DOR/ISL, a once-daily, oral, two-drug regimen for virologically suppressed HIV-1 adults, demonstrating non-inferiority to current therapies. Safety profiles were comparable, and Merck plans to present findings and file with regulators.

nChroma Bio, formed by Chroma Medicine and Nvelop Therapeutics, secured $75M to develop CRMA-1001, a liver-targeted epigenetic editing therapy for chronic hepatitis B and D. Preclinical studies show CRMA-1001's potential to silence HBV biomarkers durably, offering superior cure rates. Chronic HBV and HDV remain global health issues, highlighting the need for advanced therapies.

2024 HIV treatment guidelines emphasize simplification of ART regimens, including dolutegravir and bictegravir options for pregnancy and virologic failure. Long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine is highlighted for virologic suppression, though access remains limited. New sections address cancer and cardiovascular health, and updates include recommendations for latent tuberculosis and HIV prevention, stressing the need for equitable access to advanced treatments.

Developing drug combinations for diseases like cancer faces challenges due to multiple molecular pathways and regulatory hurdles. The FDA and EMA evaluate combinations based on safety and efficacy, with flexibility in initial trials. Dose-ranging and efficacy of individual components are generally expected before codevelopment. Examples of NCE combinations exist, but each case is evaluated based on provided evidence. Computational methods aid in identifying effective combinations and predicting safety, though human safety predictions remain complex.

The ATTENTION trial in Korea and Taiwan showed Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) significantly reduced liver-related events in non-cirrhotic hepatitis B patients with normal ALT levels, emphasizing early treatment's importance to prevent HCC and reduce healthcare costs.

Top 20 biopharmaceutical companies saw a 2% market cap increase in Q3 2024, driven by FDA approvals and strategic alliances. Bristol Myers Squibb led with a 24.6% growth, fueled by Cobenfy's approval and a $3.5bn deal with Prime Medicine. Gilead Sciences and Sanofi also grew significantly due to new drug approvals. Despite some declines, industry recovery is expected, supported by Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

NIH launches trial to assess safety and acceptability of a rectal microbicide douche containing tenofovir for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men. The study will compare this 'on-demand' method with oral PrEP, enrolling 150 participants across eight U.S. sites.

NIH launches trial to test safety and acceptability of a rectal microbicide douche containing tenofovir for HIV prevention among men who have sex with men. The study, HPTN 106, will compare the microbicide douche with oral PrEP over two two-month periods, assessing acceptability, adherence, and preference. The trial aims to expand HIV prevention options for at-risk populations.

IOCB Prague launches a new lab in Boston, aiming to become an outpost for Czech science abroad, with a focus on medicinal chemistry and technology transfer. The branch, supported by private donations and IOCB revenues, plans to expand with additional research labs.