NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

The 63rd ACNP Annual Meeting featured discussions with NIH directors on strategic priorities in psychiatry and neuropsychopharmacology. NIAAA's Koob emphasized a 'whole-person health' approach to alcohol use disorders and sex differences in alcohol's effects. NIDA's Volkow highlighted the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing substance use and the success of the ABCD study. NIMH's Avenevoli focused on precision psychiatry and biomarkers for depression treatment. The NIH BRAIN Initiative's Beckel-Mitchener discussed advancements in neuroimaging and data-sharing. The VA's Smyth detailed the Million Veteran Program and emerging research into psychedelic therapies. NIA's Mackiewicz highlighted Alzheimer's research and the institute's 50th anniversary.

Donor search prognosis score equalizes transplant outcomes, enabling quicker HCT with alternative donors for blood cancer patients, as presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting.

Beam Therapeutics' ESCAPE platform, using anti-CD117 mAb conditioning, achieved long-term engraftment of base-edited HSCs and robust HbF production in NHPs, with BEAM-103 mAb dosing well tolerated. Beam plans to initiate Phase 1-enabling studies by end of 2024.

The Liquid Handling System Market, valued at USD 4.20 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 6.95 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.77%. This growth is driven by automation in drug discovery, genomics, and clinical applications, supported by technological advancements and increased demand for precision medicine.

Adding BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) to chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) in newly diagnosed pediatric patients with National Cancer Institute (NCI) standard risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), with a 3-year DFS of 96%.

Adding BLINCYTO to chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival in pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with a 3-year DFS of 96% compared to 87.9% with chemotherapy alone.

Adding BLINCYTO (blinatumomab) to chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) in newly diagnosed pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), with a 3-year DFS of 96% compared to 87.9% with chemotherapy alone.

Rochester-based Lucky Frog launches non-alcoholic beverage line with a launch party at Staple Vintage. Creator Kyle Waldron notes the growing popularity of non-alcoholic drinks, with 56% of Gen Z not drinking alcohol. The 'social tonic' features functional ingredients like ashwagandha, designed to be calming. Post-launch, Lucky Frog will be available at AltBar and Staple Vintage, with plans to expand.

CHOP and COG Phase 3 study shows blinatumomab plus chemotherapy significantly improves 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) in newly diagnosed NCI standard risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) pediatric patients, with DFS rates of 96.0% vs. 87.9% with chemotherapy alone.

MediciNova Inc. announced a positive interim analysis of its Phase 2b and Phase 3 trial for MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS, revealing correlations between six- and 12-month functional and survival metrics. The trial, with over 200 patients enrolled, is expected to complete assignments by mid-2025, with final results in 2026. The Data Safety Monitoring Board validated the results and recommended continuing the trial as per the protocol. Analysts rate the stock a Buy with a US$9 per share price target, highlighting MN-166's potential in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.