Ginkgo Bioworks

Bioinformatics market to grow by USD 13.2 billion from 2024-2028, driven by reduced genetic sequencing costs and advanced tools for NGS, despite a shortage of trained professionals.

State Grid Shaoxing Power Supply Company completed final safety checks on Zhejiang Zhenyuan Biotechnology's electrical equipment, enabling streamlined power access. The company's demonstration project, utilizing synthetic biology technology, was listed among the first batch of green low-carbon advanced technology projects by the National Development and Reform Commission, promoting industrial upgrading in Shaoxing.

Cradle, an AI-powered protein engineering platform in Amsterdam, raised $73m in Series B funding, led by IVP with existing investors. The platform is used across pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing, with clients like Novo Nordisk and Johnson & Johnson. Cradle emphasizes data security and IP protection, accelerating R&D timelines up to 12 times. The company aims to scale its technology and reach one million scientists globally.

Keeping the nucleolus small may delay aging, according to Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. Their study in yeast, published in Nature Aging, suggests nucleoli expansion serves as a mortality timer. Small nucleoli mimic the effects of calorie restriction, delaying aging and maintaining rDNA stability. The researchers plan to explore nucleolar effects on human stem cells for potential longevity treatments.

Eisbach Bio relocates to Houston with a $4.75 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to develop EIS-12656, a cancer therapy targeting HRD tumors. The grant supports Phase 2 trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center, positioning Texas as a hub for innovative cancer treatments.

WEF identifies 12 cancer breakthroughs, including Novelna's early-stage cancer test, precision oncology, liquid and synthetic biopsies, and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Merck licenses a new cancer drug from LaNova Medicines for $588 million upfront and up to $2.7 billion in milestone payments. GOP-controlled Congress gives Trump broad power over health care policies. Vertex Pharmaceuticals plans to announce results from a mid-stage trial for sciatica treatment by year-end. CDC and FDA officials warn of anti-vaccine consequences. Tune Therapeutics to begin human testing of a gene-editing therapy for hepatitis B. Amgen defends its obesity drug amid bone concerns. Neurogene criticized for not conducting randomized, placebo-controlled trials for its Rett syndrome gene therapy.

A genetic test, originally developed for spinal fluid, now adapted for respiratory infections, can rapidly detect and identify almost any disease-causing microorganism, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, within 12 to 24 hours, potentially revolutionizing infection diagnosis and treatment.

Advances in microscopy and live-cell imaging are crucial for understanding dynamic cellular processes, moving beyond static imaging to observe real-time changes. This shift is essential for developing more accurate models of disease and drug discovery, with technologies like light sheet microscopy and genetically encoded calcium indicators enhancing our ability to study cellular behavior without harming cells. The industry is also transitioning from 2D to 3D cell cultures to better mimic in vivo conditions, and phenotypic screening is regaining importance as a method to identify first-in-class drugs. Label-free imaging and sophisticated software are further advancing live-cell analysis, enabling more detailed and less invasive studies.

Dr. Nir Barzilai highlights the potential of gerotherapeutics to combat aging, emphasizing the need for clinical trials to prove efficacy. Four FDA-approved drugs—GLP-1s, SGLT2 inhibitors, bisphosphonates, and metformin—show promise in targeting aging mechanisms, though not approved for anti-aging. Lifestyle changes remain crucial for healthy aging.