UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

Photopharmics' Phase 3 trial of Celeste, a light-based therapy device for Parkinson’s, highlights the feasibility of fully remote, home-based studies. The trial aims to improve circadian rhythm regulation, addressing motor and nonmotor symptoms. Early findings show interest from patients typically excluded from trials, with 125 participants randomized so far. Remote trials could transform Parkinson’s research by increasing accessibility and inclusivity.

Knight Therapeutics announced COFEPRIS approval for TAVALISSE® (fostamatinib) to treat chronic ITP in Mexico, offering a new therapeutic option for adult patients with insufficient response to prior treatments. The approval marks a significant step in expanding ITP treatment options and reinforces Knight's commitment to improving patient outcomes in Latin America, with plans to launch TAVALISSE® in Mexico by mid-2026.

Eby Friedman and Steve Goldman, University of Rochester faculty, were elected as fellows of the National Academy of Inventors, recognizing their prolific innovations impacting quality of life. Friedman is known for high-performance integrated circuit design, holding 25 US patents, while Goldman pioneers neurological therapies, holding 36 US patents, with both contributing to economic development and societal welfare.

The 2025 Patients as Partners meeting focuses on patient-centric drug development, advocacy integration, and clinical trial efficiencies, featuring keynotes by Jayne Gershkowitz, Dr. Ify Osunkwo, Dr. Justin Hopkin, and Anthony Yanni. Topics include diversity, patient engagement measures, AI, digital tech, and regulatory updates.

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed StitchR, a method for large gene delivery in two halves, restoring protein expression in muscular dystrophy models. Published in *Science*, StitchR uses ribozymes to join mRNA halves, producing functional proteins efficiently.

Nivolumab (Opdivo) should be part of initial treatment for advanced Hodgkin lymphoma in teens and adults, according to an NCI-funded trial. Nivolumab combined with AVD chemotherapy showed better progression-free survival and fewer side effects compared to the standard brentuximab-AVD regimen. The trial also reduced the need for radiation therapy, potentially minimizing long-term side effects.

USC neuroscientist Berislav V. Zlokovic is on indefinite leave following allegations of research misconduct, leading to the cancellation of a stroke treatment trial. Steve Kay has been appointed acting director of Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute and the department of physiology and neuroscience. Zlokovic's research integrity is under investigation, with three papers retracted and eight others corrected or flagged.

A University of Rochester team led by James McGrath developed a simpler, faster, and more informative liquid biopsy tool for cancer detection using extracellular vesicles, reported in the journal *Small*. This digital imaging-based tool can detect cancer at earlier stages and analyze multiple biomarkers simultaneously.

UC Davis scientists identified new cell clusters in the amygdala with distinct gene expression patterns in humans and non-human primates, potentially leading to more targeted treatments for anxiety and other disorders.

At the STRIPE Annual Meeting & Consensus Workshop, ASP announced the inaugural STRIPE Double Helix Awards, recognizing excellence in pharmacogenomics through collaboration and outstanding achievement. Recipients include Kristine Ashcraft, Cynthia Bens, Burns C. Blaxall, Philip Empey, Jose Estabil, Bernard Esquivel, Christine Formea, Blaine Groat, Daniel Hertz, Carrie Hoefer, Geoff Hollett, J. Shawn Jones, Raymond Lorenz, Ryan Nelson, Micheal Pacanowski, Jai N. Patel, Victoria Pratt, Bronwyn Ramey, Sharmeen Roy, Robert Schuck, April Schultz, Jeffrey A. Shaman, Sharon Shriver, Patrick Silva, D. Max Smith, Annette Taylor, Wrenda Teeple, McKenna Tennant, Kelly E. Caudle, Emily Cicali, Andrea Gaedigk, Houda Houchad, Pamala Jacobson, Teri E. Klein, Akinyemi Oni-Orisan, Natasha Petry, Bani Tamraz, Kristin Wiisanen, and Michelle Whirl-Carrillo. Organizations honored include the Golden Helix Foundation, Department of Veteran Affairs - National Pharmacogenomics Program, and Advocates for Universal DPD/DPYD Testing.