Mcmaster University
🇨🇦Canada
- Country
- 🇨🇦Canada
- Ownership
- Private
- Established
- 1887-01-01
- Employees
- 5K
- Market Cap
- -
- Website
- http://www.mcmaster.ca
CLEAR OASIS 9 Trial: Colchicine and Spironolactone Show Limited Benefits After Myocardial Infarction
• Late-breaking results from the CLEAR OASIS 9 trial reveal that colchicine failed to reduce cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction despite lowering inflammatory markers.
• Spironolactone did not achieve its co-primary endpoints in post-MI patients, though secondary analysis showed some reduction in new or worsening heart failure.
• The 7,000-patient global study, presented by Dr. Sanjit Jolly of McMaster University, highlights the challenges of demonstrating treatment effects in modern cardiology with significantly improved baseline outcomes.
New Antibiotic Class Discovered in Soil Sample Could Combat Drug-Resistant Bacteria
• Researchers have identified lariocidin, the first new class of antibiotics to reach the market in nearly 30 years, discovered in bacteria from backyard soil samples.
• The novel molecule targets bacterial ribosomes with a unique mechanism of action, showing effectiveness against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including WHO-priority drug-resistant pathogens.
• Lariocidin demonstrated no toxicity to human cells in initial testing, representing a significant breakthrough in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, which causes approximately 4.95 million deaths annually.
CRISPR Breakthrough: Israeli Team Eliminates 50% of Head and Neck Tumors by Targeting Single Gene
• Tel Aviv University researchers have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing technology to eliminate 50% of head and neck tumors in model animals by targeting the SOX2 gene, challenging previous assumptions about CRISPR's limitations in cancer therapy.
• The groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Razan Masarwy and Prof. Dan Peer, utilized a novel nano-lipid delivery system with antibodies targeting the EGF receptor to precisely deliver CRISPR directly to tumor cells.
• This approach could potentially revolutionize cancer treatment by offering a more targeted alternative to conventional therapies, with researchers now expanding their work to other cancer types including myeloma, lymphoma, and liver cancer.
McMaster University Launches Phase-2 Trial of Novel Inhaled COVID-19 Vaccine
• Canadian researchers at McMaster University have begun phase-2 clinical trials for AeroVax, an innovative inhaled COVID-19 vaccine that directly targets the lungs and upper airways where infection begins.
• The $8M CIHR-funded study aims to recruit 350 participants across Hamilton, Ottawa, and Halifax, testing a needle-free alternative that preliminary data suggests induces stronger immune responses than traditional injected vaccines.
• This entirely Canadian-developed vaccine could potentially reduce recurrent infections by providing robust protection at the infection site, with plans to advance to phase-3 efficacy trials following successful completion.
Afynia Secures $5M to Advance Novel Blood Test for Faster Endometriosis Diagnosis
• Canadian biotech Afynia Laboratories has developed EndomiR, an innovative microRNA panel blood test that could significantly reduce endometriosis diagnosis time from the current 7-8 year average.
• The McMaster University spin-out's technology examines multiple biomarkers in blood samples, targeting various aspects of endometriosis including inflammation, blood vessel growth, and nerve growth factors.
• With $5M in seed funding led by Bio-Rad Laboratories, Afynia plans to launch their diagnostic test in Canada by summer 2024, followed by U.S. market entry in early 2025.
Phase 3 Trial Shows Promising Results for Novel Encapsulated Cell Therapy in MacTel Treatment
• Phase 3 clinical trials of NT-501, an encapsulated cell therapy delivering CNTF, demonstrated significant reduction in disease progression for macular telangiectasia type 2 patients, with up to 52% reduction in ellipsoid zone loss.
• The innovative implantable device, developed by Neurotech, maintains long-term viability with CNTF production documented for up to 14.5 years, offering a potential alternative to frequent intravitreal injections.
• FDA review of the therapy is currently underway with a PDUFA date set for March 18, 2025, marking a potential breakthrough in MacTel treatment.
USC Secures $10.8M PCORI Grant to Compare Hip Fracture Surgery Approaches in Elderly Patients
• USC researchers have received a $10.8 million PCORI grant to conduct the FASTER-Hip trial, comparing hip replacement versus internal fixation for minimally displaced femoral neck fractures in older adults.
• The study will enroll 600 patients across 32 clinical sites in the US, Canada, and Europe, focusing on patient-centered outcomes including independence and mobility rather than traditional surgical metrics.
• Led by Dr. Joseph Patterson, the trial uniquely incorporates input from patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to ensure research outcomes align with patient priorities and real-world needs.
Early Detection of Mixed Chimerism Predicts Leukemia Relapse Risk in AML Transplant Patients
A groundbreaking study at Hamilton Health Sciences reveals that detecting mixed chimerism in AML patients just one month after stem cell transplantation can predict cancer recurrence risk. This early detection method enables timely interventions and supports personalized treatment approaches, potentially improving survival rates for transplant recipients.
Breakthrough in Cancer Therapy: Modified Virus Shows Promise in Shrinking Tumors
A groundbreaking study reveals a modified virus therapy, NDV-GT, has shown significant promise in shrinking or halting the growth of tumors in patients with various types of advanced cancer. This innovative approach, leveraging a genetically modified Newcastle disease virus, marks a potential new direction in cancer treatment, especially for cases resistant to standard therapies. The therapy is now advancing to phase two and three clinical trials, offering hope for millions affected by cancer annually.
Bayer Advances Asundexian to Phase 3 Despite Phase 2 Efficacy Misses
• Bayer is proceeding with Phase 3 trials for asundexian, an oral Factor XIa inhibitor, despite it failing to meet primary efficacy endpoints in Phase 2 studies for ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction.
• The OCEANIC trial program will assess asundexian in up to 30,000 patients with atrial fibrillation, non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, or high-risk transient ischemic attack.
• Phase 2 PACIFIC studies showed asundexian's safety profile was comparable to placebo, without increased bleeding, supporting its continued development despite the lack of efficacy.
• Bristol-Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson are also developing a Factor XIa inhibitor, milvexian, which showed promising results in secondary stroke prevention, intensifying competition in this drug class.
UK Clinical Trial Aims to Resolve Debate on Puberty Blockers for Gender Dysphoria
• A clinical trial is being planned in the UK to evaluate the benefits and harms of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria.
• The trial aims to address the lack of high-quality evidence on the long-term effects of puberty blockers on mental health, brain development, and bone density.
• Ethical concerns are being debated, including whether it is ethical to withhold puberty blockers from some participants or to use a placebo group.
• The trial design is complex, with considerations for different intervention approaches and the inclusion of psychological and emotional support.
Theralase Expands Bladder Cancer Clinical Trial with New Sites and Promising Phase II Data
• Theralase has launched new clinical study sites in the U.S. and Canada for its Phase II trial of Ruvidar™ in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.
• Phase II data shows a 61.9% complete response rate among patients, with 43.6% maintaining this response for at least 12 months.
• The treatment has demonstrated a strong safety profile, with 100% of patients experiencing no serious adverse events related to the therapy.
• Theralase is actively seeking partnerships for the international commercialization of Ruvidar™, with regulatory approval targeted for 2026.
Jasper Therapeutics Doses First Patient in Phase 1b/2a Briquilimab Asthma Study
• Jasper Therapeutics has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1b/2a ETESIAN clinical study, evaluating briquilimab in allergic asthma.
• The ETESIAN study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing a single subcutaneous dose of 180mg briquilimab in approximately 30 patients.
• Briquilimab, a c-Kit inhibitor, aims to deplete mast cells in the airways, potentially offering a novel approach for asthma treatment.
• Initial data from the ETESIAN study is anticipated in the second half of 2025, providing insights into briquilimab's efficacy and safety.
Spironolactone Fails to Meet Primary Endpoints in Post-MI PCI Patients, Shows Potential Benefit in Heart Failure
• The CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS-9) trial found that spironolactone did not significantly improve composite outcomes in patients post-MI who underwent PCI compared to placebo.
• An on-treatment analysis suggested potential benefits with spironolactone, but high drug discontinuation rates complicate interpretation of these findings.
• Spironolactone was associated with a reduced risk of new or worsening heart failure in both intention-to-treat and on-treatment analyses.
• The study highlights the challenge of demonstrating additional benefits with new therapies in a patient population already receiving optimal post-MI treatment.
Spironolactone May Reduce Heart Failure Risk Post-Heart Attack
• A new study reveals spironolactone, a common hypertension medication, significantly reduces the risk of new or worsening heart failure in heart attack patients.
• The CLEAR SYNERGY trial, involving over 7,000 adults, showed a 31% lower risk of heart failure in participants taking spironolactone compared to placebo.
• While spironolactone reduced heart failure incidence, it did not significantly decrease the rate of death, new heart attack, or stroke.
• The study highlights the potential of spironolactone in post-heart attack care, but also notes a higher incidence of high potassium levels, leading to medication discontinuation.
CLEAR SYNERGY Trial: Colchicine Fails to Show Benefit in Post-MI Patients
• The CLEAR SYNERGY trial (OASIS 9) found that colchicine did not reduce cardiovascular outcomes in patients following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• The study revealed a notable side effect of diarrhea associated with colchicine use, impacting patient tolerability.
• Experts suggest the findings may lead cardiologists to reconsider colchicine for post-MI treatment, especially given existing medication burdens.
• Researchers emphasize the importance of continued investigation into post-MI inflammation, despite colchicine's lack of efficacy.
Partial Breast Irradiation Shows Acceptable Cosmetic Outcomes in Early Breast Cancer Trial
• A phase II trial found that partial breast irradiation (PBI) with either 30 Gy or 27.5 Gy resulted in acceptable adverse cosmesis in early breast cancer patients.
• At 2 years, both schedules met acceptability criteria based on photographic and nurse assessments of adverse cosmesis.
• Patient self-assessment at 3 years showed acceptable cosmesis with 27.5 Gy, but not with 30 Gy, while late toxicity was higher in the 30-Gy group at 5 years.
• The findings support the use of a lower dose in a phase III trial to optimize cosmetic outcomes in PBI for early breast cancer.
AtomVie and Radiopharm Ventures Partner to Advance 177Lu-BetaBart Radioantibody
• AtomVie Global Radiopharma partners with Radiopharm Ventures to manufacture 177Lu-BetaBart, a radioantibody targeting B7-H3 for multiple solid tumors.
• 177Lu-BetaBart, a 177Lutetium-conjugated radioantibody, is the first targeted radiopharmaceutical against the 4Ig subtype of B7-H3.
• Clinical trials for 177Lu-BetaBart are scheduled to begin in mid-2025, following production at McMaster University and later at AtomVie's new facility.
• The radioantibody utilizes a monoclonal antibody engineered at MD Anderson Cancer Center with reduced off-target toxicity for improved human trials.
Combination Therapy Shows Promise in Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer
• A phase 2 trial (SHARP) indicates that combining radium-223 dichloride with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and ADT is well-tolerated for mCSPC.
• The SHARP trial observed a median progression-free survival (PFS) of greater than 21 months in treated patients with mCSPC.
• MRI-guided SBRT demonstrates lower rates of genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity compared to CT-guided SBRT for prostate cancer.
• The RAVENS study found that adding radium-223 to SABR did not delay disease progression in bone-metastatic oligometastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.
SBRT vs. Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Stage I NSCLC: LUSTRE Trial Results
• The LUSTRE trial compared stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with hypofractionated conventional radiotherapy (CRT) for Stage I non-small cell lung cancer.
• The study found no statistically significant difference in local control at 3 years between SBRT and CRT, with SBRT showing 87.6% and CRT 81.2%.
• Severe toxic effects were limited in both groups, including patients with central tumors, suggesting both treatments are relatively safe.
• The findings suggest hypofractionated CRT could be a viable alternative to SBRT, especially in resource-limited settings.
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