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Blood-Based Protein Analysis Achieves 85.8% Accuracy in Predicting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Immunotherapy Response

  • Researchers at Fudan University developed the Plasma Immuno Prediction Score (PIPscore) using six immune-related plasma proteins to predict immunotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer with 85.8% accuracy.
  • The study identified key biomarkers ARG1, NOS3, and CD28 from analysis of 92 proteins in 195 TNBC patients, offering a non-invasive alternative to tumor biopsies for treatment prediction.
  • The PIPscore demonstrated 96% precision in predicting 12-month progression-free survival, potentially enabling personalized treatment strategies and early identification of non-responders.
  • This plasma proteomics approach addresses limitations of current biomarkers like PD-L1 expression by providing dynamic assessment of systemic immunity rather than tumor-localized signatures alone.

Standard BioTools' SomaScan Platform Selected for Singapore's Landmark 100,000-Sample Precision Medicine Study

  • Standard BioTools' SomaScan 11K Assay was selected by Singapore's PRECISE-SG100K initiative to analyze 100,000 plasma samples in one of the world's largest population health research studies.
  • The collaboration aims to transform precision medicine by discovering novel genetic associations and biomarkers through comprehensive proteomics analysis of Singapore's multi-ethnic population.
  • This partnership reinforces SomaScan's leadership in population proteomics, with the platform now being used in more than 30 biobank studies worldwide totaling nearly 160,000 samples this year alone.

Revvity Launches pHSense Reagents to Accelerate GPCR and ADC Drug Development

  • Revvity has launched pHSense™ reagents, a breakthrough technology designed to advance internalization studies for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) in drug discovery.
  • The reagents combine pH-sensitive dye with time-resolved fluorescence readout to deliver robust kinetics and high signal-to-background ratios, even at low endogenous receptor expression levels.
  • pHSense reagents are designed for high-throughput, plate-based workflows and can help researchers accelerate preclinical development timelines while potentially reducing overall development costs.
  • The technology addresses critical limitations of current internalization assay technologies, including low throughput and suboptimal signal-to-noise ratios in drug development workflows.

Dana-Farber, Boston Children's Hospital, and Broad Clinical Labs Launch BrightSeq Initiative for Pediatric Cancer Genomics

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, and Broad Clinical Labs have formed BrightSeq, a collaborative initiative to develop clinical molecular testing assays specifically for pediatric cancers.
  • The initiative aims to provide CLIA-certified somatic whole exome sequencing and liquid biopsy testing for pediatric solid malignancies and sarcomas, addressing the urgent diagnostic needs in rare childhood cancers.
  • Each institution will contribute specialized expertise, with Boston Children's leading clinical interpretation, Broad Clinical Labs handling sequencing operations, and Dana-Farber driving patient engagement and research innovation.
  • The collaboration builds on foundational research demonstrating that circulating tumor DNA is a clinically meaningful biomarker for pediatric solid tumors, supporting the integration of liquid biopsy technologies into routine clinical care.

Flare Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1B Trial of First-in-Class PPARG Inhibitor FX-909 for Advanced Urothelial Cancer

  • Flare Therapeutics has dosed the first patients in a Phase 1B trial evaluating FX-909, a first-in-class oral PPARG inhibitor for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
  • The trial targets patients with high PPARG expression, representing approximately 65% of advanced urothelial cancer cases, using a validated immunohistochemistry-based biomarker test.
  • FX-909 achieved clinical proof-of-concept in Phase 1A studies, with efficacy data from the biomarker-defined population expected in Q1 2026.
  • The study will evaluate 30 mg and 50 mg daily doses in approximately 40 patients to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose.

Yatiri Bio Acquires NGeneBioAI to Strengthen AI-Powered Proteomics Platform for Precision Medicine

  • Yatiri Bio has successfully acquired NGeneBioAI, a San Diego-based company specializing in plasma proteomics and AI-powered diagnostics, to strengthen its position in biomarker discovery and translational drug development.
  • The acquisition expands Yatiri Bio's operational capabilities by integrating CLIA- and CAP-certified laboratory infrastructure and enhancing its AI-proteomics platform that uses deep learning to map disease biology.
  • The expanded platform will support biomarker-driven programs across oncology, immunology, and neurodegeneration while strengthening partnerships with biopharma companies seeking companion diagnostics.
  • Yatiri Bio's platform uses deep neural networks to integrate proprietary proteomics, clinical metadata, and functional testing to identify responsive patient populations for clinical candidates.

Marengo Therapeutics Strengthens Leadership with Pfizer Veteran Dolsten and Oncology Expert Tabernero

  • Marengo Therapeutics appointed former Pfizer Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten to its Board of Directors and renowned oncologist Josep Tabernero to its Scientific Advisory Board in July 2025.
  • Dolsten brings over 16 years of R&D leadership experience at Pfizer, where he oversaw more than 36 drug approvals including breakthrough oncology therapies.
  • Tabernero, Director of the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology and former ESMO President, will advise on clinical development of Marengo's immunotherapies across multiple tumor types.
  • The appointments come as Marengo advances invikafusp alfa, which has shown encouraging clinical signals in PD-1-resistant tumors with a 63% disease control rate in TMB-H gastrointestinal cancers.

Fresenius Medical Care Partners with Azenta to Advance Precision Kidney Disease Care Through Genomic Analysis

  • Frenova, Nephronomics, and GENEWIZ by Azenta Life Sciences have formed a strategic collaboration to advance genomic analysis of Frenova's My Reason® genomics research program.
  • The My Reason® program has registered over 35,000 participants with biospecimens, aiming to reach 50,000 participants over the next two years to build the world's most comprehensive kidney disease database.
  • The collaboration will leverage whole genome sequencing and AI/machine learning models to identify novel disease subtypes, protective genetic variants, and therapeutic targets for cardio-kidney-metabolic diseases.
  • GENEWIZ will provide DNA sequencing technologies and long-term sample storage through Azenta's global biorepository network to extract insights from the genomic and clinical data registry.

AstraZeneca and Revna Biosciences Launch Targeted EGFR Therapy for Lung Cancer Patients in Ghana

  • AstraZeneca has launched a targeted therapy for EGFR-mutated lung cancer patients in Ghana through its strategic partnership with Revna Biosciences, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to precision oncology in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • The collaboration has operationalized EGFR biomarker testing within diagnostic workflows at leading cancer centers, enabling targeted therapy selection at the point of care and accelerating time-to-therapy for patients.
  • The partnership has established a comprehensive infrastructure that integrates advanced molecular diagnostics with personalized treatment pathways, while building real-time data integration capabilities for enhanced clinical decision-making.
  • This initiative represents a new standard of care for historically underserved patients in the region, combining cutting-edge diagnostics with access to targeted anti-cancer therapies to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment timing.

Actio Biosciences Receives FDA Clearance and Fast Track Designation for First-in-Class KCNT1 Epilepsy Treatment

  • The FDA has cleared Actio Biosciences' IND application and granted Fast Track designation for ABS-1230, a first-in-class oral KCNT1 inhibitor targeting rare pediatric epilepsy affecting approximately 2,500 individuals in the U.S.
  • ABS-1230 demonstrated the ability to inhibit all recurrently observed pathogenic KCNT1 mutations and rapidly suppress seizures in preclinical models, addressing the root cause of this devastating condition.
  • The company plans to initiate Phase 1 trials in healthy volunteers in fall 2025, followed by a proof-of-concept Phase 1b study in KCNT1-related epilepsy patients in early 2026.
  • KCNT1-related epilepsy is a severe and often fatal pediatric condition causing up to 20 seizures daily, with no current disease-modifying therapies available.

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