ICAHN School of Medicine At Mount Sinai

The Optilume BPH Catheter System, a minimally invasive treatment for LUTS due to BPH, preserves erectile and ejaculatory function while relieving symptoms, as shown in a study presented at the 2024 AUA Annual Meeting. Long-term data from PINNACLE and EVEREST trials support its effectiveness and safety.

Steven McCarroll's research uncovered the Synaptic Neuron-and-Astrocyte Program (SNAP), revealing coordinated gene expression between neurons and astrocytes crucial for healthy synapses. This coordination diminishes with age and in schizophrenia. Astrocytes, alongside neurons, play a significant role in brain health, aging, and diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, challenging the neuron-centric view of brain function.

BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx), the first IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor, is FDA-approved for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Supported by three Phase 3 trials, it offers rapid, lasting skin clearance, with 85-91% achieving clear or almost clear skin by week 16. UCB anticipates global peak sales exceeding €4 billion.

The article reviews the evolution of oncolytic immunotherapy (OI) since the FDA approved talimogene laherparepvec for melanoma in 2015. It discusses the development of next-generation herpes simplex virus-based OIs, focusing on genetic modifications for safety, tumor-selective replication, and immune stimulation. The review also covers clinical evidence supporting OIs in overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint blockade and explores combination therapies to enhance OI efficacy.

Elacestrant improved progression-free survival in HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer patients with ESR1 mutations, leading to updated ASCO guidelines recommending routine ESR1 mutation testing at progression. Blood-based ctDNA testing is preferred for its sensitivity and safety. Other treatments include endocrine therapy with targeted agents for non-ESR1 mutation cases.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a significant global health challenge. Combining radiation therapy (RT) with immunotherapy shows promise in enhancing treatment efficacy, improving survival rates, and reducing toxicity. This approach leverages RT's immunomodulatory effects to boost immunotherapy's impact. Ongoing research aims to optimize treatment combinations, minimize toxicity, and identify suitable patient populations for this combined therapy.

PharmaEssentia USA Corporation announced the start of dosing in the ECLIPSE PV Phase 3b study, evaluating an accelerated dosing schedule for ropeginterferon alfa-2b-njft (BESREMi®) in treating polycythemia vera (PV). The study aims to assess the efficacy of accelerated dosing for quicker hematologic and molecular responses, potentially offering long-term disease control. BESREMi®, approved by the FDA in 2021, targets PV, a rare blood cancer, with topline data expected by 2024.

Long COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), affects a significant number of individuals with symptoms lasting weeks to years post-infection. Research under the NIH's RECOVER initiative explores mechanisms like viral persistence, immune dysregulation, and gut dysbiosis. Therapeutic trials are underway, focusing on repurposed and novel treatments, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical trials to address this public health challenge.

DBV Technologies announced positive Phase 3 EPITOPE trial results for Viaskin Peanut in peanut-allergic toddlers, showing 67.0% of treated subjects met response criteria vs. 33.5% in placebo. The trial met its primary endpoint with a significant treatment effect (p<0.001) and consistent safety profile. DBV plans further analysis and regulatory exploration for children ages 1 to 3.

The Psychiatry Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee at Mount Sinai Health System aims to transform mental health care by addressing systemic racism, increasing diversity among providers, improving access for marginalized populations, and revising care approaches. Efforts include forming subcommittees, enhancing training, establishing anonymous feedback systems, and focusing on social determinants of mental health. The committee also supports BIPOC researchers and promotes equitable research, aiming for long-term, substantive change in mental health care.