Modified vaccinia ankara

Bavarian Nordic signed a license and manufacturing agreement with Serum Institute of India (SII) for its mpox vaccine, MVA-BN. The partnership aims to facilitate the vaccine’s supply in India through technology transfer. SII will obtain regulatory approval and manufacture the vaccine, expanding global access during mpox outbreaks. The deal is based on a profit-sharing model without upfront payments. Bavarian Nordic is also pursuing partnerships in Africa to enhance vaccine accessibility.

New data from Rutgers University shows 90.9% of LGBTQ+ men in NY/NJ either got or planned to get the Jynneos mpox vaccine, rising to 95.1% among gay men. Factors like full-time employment and HIV status increased vaccine access. Despite supply issues, Jynneos was effective, though vaccine effectiveness may wane over time, suggesting booster shots could be needed.

GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide have expanded uses beyond diabetes and weight loss, potentially treating cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder. CRISPR drugs Casgevy for sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia entered the market, though uptake is slow due to complex treatment processes. Protein-folding algorithms by Baker, Hassabis, and Jumper revolutionized biochemical research and pharmaceutical applications. ADCs received significant investment, with firms exploring new linker chemistries. Amylyx Pharmaceuticals pulled an ALS drug after trial failure, continuing research for other uses. Kelly Chibale called for recognizing African scientific potential. Virologists monitored H5N1, mpox, and Marburg outbreaks, with ongoing research and emergency measures. Radiopharmaceuticals saw increased investment and market growth. Evidence suggests vaccines like shingles and flu jabs may protect against dementia.

Eight participants in the HBV003 trial achieved HBsAg loss, with two meeting criteria for functional cure. Two participants who discontinued NUC therapy seroconverted to HBsAb positivity, indicating potential for durable HBsAg loss and functional cure with VTP-300 and low-dose nivolumab.

NanoViricides reported Q3 2024 financials with $3.87M cash and $7.36M net property assets. Lead drug NV-387, a broad-spectrum antiviral, is advancing to Phase II trials for MPOX, RSV, Influenza, and COVID. A Phase Ia/Ib trial was completed with no adverse events. The company raised $1.71M through an ATM offering and has a $3M credit line, but additional funding is needed for planned Phase II trials. NV-387 showed promising results in animal trials, potentially offering superior effectiveness over existing treatments.

H5N1 in swine in Oregon, serosurvey in farm workers, fatal Lassa Fever in Iowa, WHO's top endemic pathogens list, potential CDC impact under another Trump administration, and Russia's bioweapons lab expansion.

Bavarian Nordic plans to expand MVA-BN mpox/smallpox vaccine approval to children aged 2-11, initiating a Phase II trial. The study, partially funded by CEPI, aims to compare safety and immunogenicity between children and adults. MVA-BN is marketed as Jynneos in the US and Imvanex in Europe, with recent label expansions by EMA and GAVI agreements.