Dalhousie University

BioVaxys and Sona Nanotech Partner to Develop Novel Cancer Immunotherapy Combining DPX Platform with Gold Nanorod Technology

14 days ago

• BioVaxys Technology and Sona Nanotech have formed a research collaboration to develop innovative cancer therapeutics by combining BioVaxys' DPX immune educating platform with Sona's targeted hyperthermia therapy using gold nanorods. • The joint research will evaluate the immune-stimulatory properties of DPX administered with photothermal cancer therapy, as well as explore DPX as a carrier for neoantigens expressed on tumor cell surfaces following immunotherapy. • Studies will be conducted at Dalhousie University under Sona's CMO Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, with both companies sharing ownership of any novel therapeutic candidates developed through the program.

FDA's Accelerated Approval Pathway Faces Ethical Scrutiny and Calls for Reform

6 months ago

• Scholars are debating the ethical implications and potential improvements to the FDA's accelerated approval pathway for drugs targeting serious conditions. • Concerns persist regarding the use of surrogate endpoints and the need for rigorous post-approval trials to confirm clinical benefits. • Experts propose various reforms, including independent review bodies and stricter post-market surveillance, to enhance transparency and accountability. • International comparisons reveal differing approaches to drug approval, highlighting the need for harmonized standards and greater transparency in post-marketing studies.

Ablation Shows Superior Outcomes as First-Line Treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia Post-Heart Attack

6 months ago

• A new study suggests ablation should be considered as a first-line treatment for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in heart attack survivors, rather than a secondary option after medication failure. • Ablation was found to reduce the risk of death or VT episodes requiring defibrillator shocks by 25% compared to anti-arrhythmic medications. • The minimally invasive procedure targets and destroys abnormal heart tissue causing VT, offering a more direct approach than systemic drug therapies. • Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to identify which patients would benefit most from ablation versus medication for post-heart attack VT.