UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

FemPulse™ announced FDA IDE approval for its EVANESCE II trial in OAB patients, using a vaginally-inserted, removable FemPulse Ring™ for continuous neuromodulation therapy. The trial aims to confirm the Ring as a first-line alternative to medications, with potential EU commercial availability in 2025.

FemPulse™ announced FDA IDE approval for its EVANESCE II trial targeting overactive bladder (OAB) in women, utilizing its patented FemPulse Ring™, a vaginally-inserted, removable neuromodulation device. The trial aims to confirm the Ring as a first-line alternative to medication, offering a non-invasive option compared to surgical treatments. FemPulse also advanced to the final stage of the EU's MDR process, potentially enabling commercial availability in 2025.

Xaira Therapeutics, an AI-driven biotech startup, raised $1 billion, bolstering leadership and relocating to South San Francisco to advance drug discovery using AI technologies.

The Cretostimogene Grenadenorepvec Expanded Access Program (EAP) aims to generate real-world data on the drug's performance in a diverse patient population, offering treatment to those unable to access FDA-approved options. Cretostimogene, an oncolytic immunotherapy for BCG-unresponsive high-risk NMIBC, received FDA Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy Designations. Topline BOND-003 trial data showed efficacy and tolerability, with a 74.5% overall CR rate. The EAP seeks to recruit diverse sites and collect quality-of-life data, with safety as the primary objective.

The 115th Nobel Prizes, established by Alfred Nobel, include awards in Medicine, Chemistry, and more, with laureates like Victor Ambros, Gary Ruvkun, David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper. Ambros and Ruvkun discovered microRNA, influencing drug development for conditions like heart failure and cancer. Baker's AI-driven protein design and Hassabis and Jumper's AlphaFold advancements revolutionize protein structure prediction and therapeutic development.

Mary-Claire King's discovery of the BRCA1 gene, linked to breast cancer, has saved lives through genetic tests and targeted drugs. Despite this, access to testing remains limited, and better prevention options are needed for those with BRCA1/2 mutations.

BRUKINSA reduces CLL progression or death risk by 71% vs. bendamustine-rituximab, per SEQUOIA study. Sonrotoclax with BRUKINSA shows 99% response rate in CLL. BGB-16673 shows promise for resistant CLL. BeiGene leads in CLL/SLL treatment advancements.

Wildfire smoke from Canada's intense 2023 season affected cities as far east as Baltimore and New York, with Western states experiencing the highest smoke levels. Smoke caused health issues, including asthma attacks, and traveled thousands of miles. Oregon's Medford, Grants Pass, and Bend were the smokiest cities, while Sacramento was the smokiest with over a million people. Wildfire patterns are changing due to global warming, impacting more areas.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, founded without a hospital or large endowment, achieved groundbreaking success in bone marrow transplantation, curing blood diseases and advancing cancer research. Overcoming initial skepticism and technical challenges, the center's persistence led to life-saving treatments, inspiring further medical breakthroughs. Today, Fred Hutch is a global leader in cancer and infectious disease research, pioneering precision oncology and vaccine development, with a legacy of tackling complex medical challenges to improve patient outcomes.

A Tufts University study links 2.2M new type 2 diabetes and 1.2M cardiovascular disease cases annually to sugar-sweetened beverages, with significant impacts in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa are notably affected. Researchers urge global interventions to reduce consumption.