WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY

Ethan Atlan, a Biotechnology student at Anáhuac Mayab, won first place in the StartUp Texas Innovation Competition 2024 with his startup Accucell Biotechnology. The startup uses NASA technology and tissue engineering to create efficient preclinical testing devices, reducing animal testing and costs. This achievement highlights Anáhuac University Network's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Rice University's research team develops ROGUE implant, a 'living pharmacy' for obesity and type 2 diabetes drugs, aiming to reduce costs to under $1,000 annually and improve patient compliance through an app-monitored, minimally invasive procedure.

ARPA-H awarded $34.9 million to Rice University for developing ROGUE, a bioelectronic implant to improve type 2 diabetes treatment adherence. ROGUE, named Rx On-site Generation Using Electronics, will house cells producing T2D and obesity therapies based on patient needs. The device aims to transform biologics delivery and is designed for weekly recharging via a wearable.

Rice University leads a multiuniversity team awarded $34.9 million by ARPA-H to develop ROGUE, a bioelectronic implant for obesity and type 2 diabetes treatment, aiming to reduce costs and improve adherence. ROGUE functions as a 'living pharmacy,' producing biologics on demand, and is rechargeable via a wearable device, designed for outpatient deployment. The project, backed by over $100 million from ARPA-H and DARPA, includes collaborations with Carnegie Mellon, Northwestern, and other institutions, focusing on clinical translation and commercialization.

Moffitt Cancer Center collaborates with AstraZeneca to accelerate cell therapy development; SWOG develops a risk prediction model for advanced cancer patients in clinical trials; UC San Francisco launches a TBI drug development trial; Ohio State University tests a new DHODH inhibitor for cancer; UTHealth Houston integrates OpenAI's ChatGPT into healthcare education; Rice University and MD Anderson launch the Center for Operations Research in Cancer; Komodo Health introduces MapAI and MapExplorer; Splash Clinical partners with Cambridge Cognition for CNS trial recruitment; Veeva Systems releases Veeva Site Connect; Clinical ink launches EDCXtra, an integrated EDC system.

Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine received $2.8 million from NHLBI/NIH for ARDS research. Professors Omid Veiseh and Ravi Kiran Ghanta are developing a cell therapy platform using engineered RPE cells to locally produce cytokines, aiming to reduce inflammation and lung damage in ARDS patients.

MD Anderson and Rice launch Center for Operations Research in Cancer to use data for better operational decisions in cancer care, aiming to reduce costs, improve patient experience, and integrate cutting-edge technologies. The center will focus on mathematical modeling and data science to optimize treatment delivery and streamline operations, with a steering group from each institution guiding strategy and activities.

A new cancer treatment uses molecular jackhammers to destroy cancer cells with near-infrared light, potentially offering a more targeted and non-invasive option, reducing side effects and improving recovery outcomes.

ESMO 2024 in Barcelona will feature discussions on cancer therapeutics, including anticipated presentations on bispecific antibodies and anti-TIGIT therapies. Other topics include radioligand therapies and synthetic lethality assets. Experts are optimistic about the potential of these therapeutic classes, despite past challenges.

Walgreens awarded $25M for COVID-19 vaccine study; Oracle enhances AI solutions for life sciences; Merck collaborates with N-Power Medicine for expanded oncology research; AACR outlines clinical trial design considerations; Advarra centralizes patient recruitment; Heriot-Watt and ABHI collaborate for HealthTech excellence; ObjectiveHealth expands partnership with QualDerm; MD Anderson and Rice University form Cancer Bioengineering Collaborative; Univo IRB launches OneVerse platform.