University Medical Center Groningen

Brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel; Tecartus) showed an objective response rate (ORR) of 91% in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients naive to BTK inhibitors, with a complete response (CR) rate of 73% and partial response (PR) rate of 17% after a median follow-up of 15.5 months. High ORRs were observed across various high-risk subgroups, supporting brexu-cel's use in this setting.

Avextra partners in PsyPal, a Horizon Europe-funded Phase 2 trial examining psilocybin-assisted therapy for palliative care patients with COPD, MS, ALS, and APD. The multi-centre study, spanning four European countries, aims to evaluate safety, efficacy, and long-term impact, while also considering caregiver effects. Coordinated by the University Medical Center Groningen, the consortium includes 19 organizations from nine countries.

Team sports like soccer and volleyball improve children's executive function skills, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers found that kids participating in team sports scored higher on cognitive tests compared to those in individual sports or no sports. Team sports enhance executive function through high cognitive demands, requiring rapid and dynamic responses.

Avextra leads EU-funded PsyPal project, a Phase II study on psilocybin-assisted therapy for palliative care patients with depression, funded by a €6.5 million grant from Horizon Europe. The study, starting in 2025, involves 19 partners across 9 European countries, aiming to evaluate safety, efficacy, and impact on mental health, well-being, and quality of life for patients with life-limiting diseases and their caregivers.

Kite, a Gilead Company, presented Tecartus durability data at ASH, showing 91% ORR and 73% CR in BTKi-naïve R/R MCL patients, with 39% alive after 5 years. Real-world evidence in R/R B-ALL showed high effectiveness and safety, consistent with ZUMA-3.

Ozempic (semaglutide) reduces kidney damage by 52% and inflammation by 30% in obese people without diabetes, per a study in Nature Medicine. The drug's effects include weight loss, lowered blood pressure, and direct kidney benefits, according to researcher Hiddo Heerspink.

Atrasentan significantly reduced proteinuria in IgA nephropathy patients, showing a 36.1 percentage point greater reduction in urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) compared to placebo in the ALIGN study. The drug demonstrated a 38.1% reduction in UPCR over 36 weeks, with significant reduction by week 6. The study's final results will confirm if this reduction translates to preserved kidney function.

Semaglutide, known for weight loss, improves kidney health in CKD patients, reducing protein in urine by 52%, kidney inflammation by 30%, and heart failure risk by 33%, with average weight loss of 10%. Direct benefits include reduced kidney inflammation and fat deposits, while indirect benefits stem from weight and blood pressure reduction. Future studies aim to explore semaglutide's potential to reduce dialysis and transplant needs.