University Of Birmingham

CRISM Therapeutics appoints Aixial Group, a specialist CRO, to progress its Clinical Trial Authorisation application for a Phase 2 study of ChemoSeed in glioblastoma patients. Aixial's expertise in rare diseases and brain tumour trials supports CRISM's goal for an accelerated CTA application and approval, with potential for international study centres to aid patient recruitment.

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Researchers advocate for integrating health economic analysis into MAMS-adaptive trials to ensure treatments are both effective and affordable, benefiting all patients. Current practices often analyze costs post-trial, but combining clinical and economic evaluations during trials could optimize resource allocation and decision-making.

Building relationships with diverse, underserved groups supports engagement, facilitates future research, and enhances strategies for involvement. Capacity built for community participation in future projects.

Iscalimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting an inflammatory pathway in Sjögren’s disease, showed improvements in clinician-reported disease activity and patient-reported dryness and fatigue in a Phase 2b trial, offering hope after prior drug failures.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new approach to target Aurora-A, a protein involved in cell division, by inhibiting its interactions with TACC3 and N-Myc, potentially leading to new anti-cancer drugs without the toxicity issues of previous inhibitors.

A study reveals salmonella can be genetically engineered to combat bowel cancer, with T cells in mice responding to engineered forms. The research identifies a protein hindering T cell function, offering a genetic target to enhance therapy. Further research is needed to refine this bacterial treatment.

DaRe2THINK, led by Professor Dipak Kotecha, aims to improve health by screening over 13 million NHS patients' records to prevent strokes, blood clots, and vascular dementia in atrial fibrillation patients. The project requires inviting only 5.3 patients for one to be randomized, surpassing other trials. Supported by a Patient & Public Engagement team, it transforms NHS trial conduct, enhancing participation and contributing to the UK's life science strategy.

Cocoa high in flavanols can protect blood vessels from the negative effects of stress-eating fatty foods, according to a study published in 'Food & Function'. The study found that high-flavanol cocoa prevented a decline in blood vessel function under stress, unlike low-flavanol cocoa. Researchers recommend consuming 400-600 mg of flavanols daily, achievable through teas and certain fruits.

Boston-based Parallel Fluidics secures $7m in seed funding to develop a custom microfluidic device manufacturing platform, enabling clients to design and produce devices at scale using prefabricated parts. The funding, led by J2 Ventures, aims to expand the platform, which is crucial for applications in healthcare from drug discovery to precision medicine.