University of Pennsylvania

EDG-7500, an oral cardiac sarcomere modulator, showed robust LVOT gradient reductions in obstructive HCM patients without affecting LVEF, according to Phase 1 and CIRRUS-HCM trial data. Edgewise Therapeutics initiated the 28-day CIRRUS-HCM trial for both obstructive and non-obstructive HCM patients, with initial 28-day data expected in Q1 2025.

Kesimpta (ofatumumab) demonstrated efficacy in reducing disability progression and disease activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) patients, according to ALITHIOS and OLIKOS trials. First-line treatment with Kesimpta for up to six years produced less disability and disease progression in recently diagnosed (≤3 years) and treatment-naïve RMS patients compared to those switching from Aubagio. Continuous use of Kesimpta led to fewer disability worsening events and progression independent of relapse activity events, particularly in treatment-naïve patients. The OLIKOS trial found no new gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions at 12 months in clinically stable RMS patients switching from IV anti-CD20 therapy to Kesimpta.

At the Skin of Color Update 2024 conference, Susan C. Taylor discussed diagnosis and management of hair disorders in skin of color patients, focusing on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), which can lead to misdiagnosis and psychosocial burden. CCCA is common in men and often underdiagnosed, with dermatoscopic features like peripilar halo and honeycomb pattern. Comorbidities include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Taylor also introduced other hair loss types like lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and traction alopecia, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment in diverse populations.

Quantum Leap Healthcare Collaborative's I-SPY 2.2 trial aims to personalize treatment for high-risk early-stage breast cancer patients, potentially preventing recurrence and improving outcomes. The trial's adaptive design allows for treatment optimization based on individual responses, accelerating drug development and delivery for various diseases.

IBI363 received FDA fast track designation for melanoma; Boruzu, a ready-to-use bortezomib, was approved for multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma; combining lenvatinib with pembrolizumab shows efficacy in non-clear renal cell carcinoma; cost-effectiveness of TKIs in chronic myeloid leukemia was discussed; immunotherapies for T-cell lymphomas were reviewed.

New dual-layer nanopore system, GURU, offers precise detection and control of molecules like DNA, enhancing sequencing technology and overcoming limitations of protein-based systems.

Researchers led by Marija Drndić and Dimitri Monos have developed a dual-layer nanopore system (GURU) that enhances DNA sequencing and protein identification by providing precise control and detection of molecules. This platform, eliminating the need for proteins, offers improved accuracy and longer operational lifespans, potentially revolutionizing sequencing technologies for complex genomic regions like HLA genes.

Tyra Biosciences appoints Dr. Doug Warner as Chief Medical Officer to oversee clinical portfolio and lead development strategies for TYRA-300, TYRA-200, and TYRA-430, aiming to improve clinical outcomes in oncology and skeletal dysplasias.

Roivant acquires mosliciguat from Bayer for pulmonary hypertension; Viridian's thyroid eye disease treatment succeeds in Phase 3; Verily alums launch Highlander Health for clinical research optimization; House passes BIOSECURE Act restricting business with Chinese biotechs; Candid Therapeutics raises $370M for bispecific antibody therapies; Merck's Keytruda faces potential competition from Akeso's ivonescimab; Penn's gene therapy ATSN-101 shows promise for rare blindness.

Adfire Health's Talent Engagement division spins off into Rave Health, expanding to include patient marketing services under CEO Richard Kaskel. Rave Health aims to enhance healthcare marketing through advanced data analytics and technology.