University College Dublin

Ireland Launches MAGIC-I: First National Genomics Study to Transform Childhood Cancer Care

a month ago

• Ireland has initiated MAGIC-I (Molecular and Genomic Interrogation of Childhood Cancer – Ireland), the country's first clinical genomics study in pediatric oncology, aiming to optimize treatment through advanced genetic profiling. • The five-year project will establish processes for comprehensive genomic analysis for all children and adolescents with cancer in Ireland, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches. • Developed through collaboration between Systems Biology Ireland, Children's Health Ireland, Precision Oncology Ireland, and industry partners, the study incorporates innovative concepts like digital twins and computational modeling.

OncoAssure's Novel Prostate Cancer Test Achieves Clinical Validation, US Launch Planned for Q1 2025

4 months ago

OncoAssure Ltd has announced clinical validation of their innovative prostate cancer biopsy test that improves risk assessment for cancer recurrence. The test, validated through a multi-institutional study, demonstrates enhanced ability to differentiate between aggressive and low-risk prostate cancers, addressing a critical need in treatment decision-making.

Clinical Trial Industry Faces Complex Challenges in 2025: Adaptive Designs, Political Shifts, and Diversity Requirements

4 months ago

• Clinical trials are becoming increasingly complex and expensive as they target smaller patient populations and face stricter regulations, driving the need for smarter and more efficient trial designs. • Political changes, including Trump's presidency, could lead to significant regulatory shifts in the clinical trial landscape, potentially affecting approval pathways and oversight mechanisms. • New legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act is expected to impact trial initiations and drug development, while diversity guidelines from WHO, FDA, and EMA present both opportunities and challenges for patient recruitment.

Eli Lilly's Zepbound Demonstrates Superior Weight Loss Compared to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in Head-to-Head Trial

6 months ago

• Eli Lilly's Zepbound (tirzepatide) led to a 20.2% average weight loss, significantly outperforming Wegovy (semaglutide) at 13.7% in a 72-week clinical trial. • The SURMOUNT-5 trial included overweight or obese adults without diabetes, showing Zepbound users experienced 47% more relative weight loss than Wegovy users. • Zepbound, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, helped 31.6% of participants achieve at least 25% body weight loss, compared to 16.1% with Wegovy. • The study's findings may influence treatment choices, with Zepbound potentially becoming a preferred option for greater weight loss outcomes, pending further data on tolerability.

Savara's Molgramostim Shows Promise in Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

6 months ago

• Savara Inc. presented results from the Phase 3 IMPALA-2 trial of molgramostim inhalation solution for autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (aPAP). • The presentation highlighted molgramostim's ability to improve pulmonary gas exchange and respiratory health-related quality of life in aPAP patients. • The data was presented at the British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting 2024, with slides available on Savara's website. • Molgramostim is a recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) delivered via eFlow Nebulizer System.

Savara Announces Presentation of Phase 3 IMPALA-2 Trial Results for Molgramostim in Autoimmune Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

6 months ago

• Savara Inc. will present results from the Phase 3 IMPALA-2 trial of inhaled molgramostim at the British Thoracic Society Winter Meeting. • The presentation will highlight molgramostim's impact on improving pulmonary gas exchange and respiratory health-related quality of life in aPAP patients. • The IMPALA-2 trial evaluated molgramostim, a recombinant human GM-CSF, delivered via eFlow Nebulizer, for treating autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. • Following the presentation on November 29, the slides will be available on Savara's website for further review.

Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Alcohol Consumption and Cravings

6 months ago

• A new study reveals that semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Wegovy, significantly reduces alcohol cravings and consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorder. • Participants on semaglutide experienced fewer heavy drinking days and decreased alcohol intake during lab tests compared to those on a placebo, indicating potential therapeutic benefits. • The research suggests semaglutide's effects on alcohol cravings may surpass existing treatments, offering a promising avenue for addressing the unmet needs in alcohol use disorder. • Further studies are warranted to explore semaglutide's long-term efficacy, optimal dosages, and safety, particularly for individuals without obesity or diabetes.

Weight Loss Drug Race Heats Up: Zepbound Outperforms Wegovy, New Therapies Target Muscle Growth

6 months ago

• Eli Lilly's Zepbound demonstrated superior weight loss compared to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in a head-to-head trial, with Zepbound users losing over 20% of body weight versus Wegovy's under 14%. • Several companies, including Eli Lilly, Regeneron, and Veru, are developing new weight loss drugs that aim to preserve or promote muscle growth, addressing concerns about muscle loss with existing GLP-1 therapies. • The obesity treatment market is experiencing rapid growth and innovation, with over 300 GLP-1R drugs in development and analysts projecting sales to potentially reach $150 billion annually by the early 2030s. • Upcoming trial readouts in 2025 from companies like Metsera, Skye Bioscience, and Eli Lilly may introduce novel mechanisms and improved convenience, further intensifying competition in the obesity market.

Cytoki Pharma Doses First Patient in Phase 2 Trial of CK-0045 for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

7 months ago

• Cytoki Pharma has initiated a Phase 2 trial of CK-0045, a lipidated IL-22 analogue, in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes to assess its efficacy and safety. • CK-0045 offers a novel approach, potentially prolonging healthy lifespan through muscle-sparing weight loss and broader cardiometabolic benefits beyond weight reduction alone. • The Phase 2 study is a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 90 patients, with results expected in the first half of 2026. • Previous Phase 1 data showed target engagement, exposure-dependent reductions in body mass, and improvements in LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance, supporting further development.

Ireland's First Dedicated Phase 1 Oncology Unit Opens in Dublin

7 months ago

• START Dublin, a collaboration between Mater Hospital, University College Dublin, and START Center for Cancer Research, has launched as Ireland's first dedicated Phase 1 oncology unit. • The unit aims to provide advanced cancer patients access to novel therapies, years before they might otherwise become available, addressing a critical gap in clinical research infrastructure. • Supported by a network of 70 oncologists, START Dublin anticipates enrolling approximately 50 patients in trials within the first year, with plans to increase to 300 patients. • The facility, backed by the Goodman Foundation, seeks to broaden research participation and accelerate the development of breakthrough cancer treatments for Irish patients.

AngioDynamics Launches RECOVER-AV Trial for AlphaVac System in Pulmonary Embolism Treatment

8 months ago

• AngioDynamics has initiated the RECOVER-AV trial to assess the AlphaVac F1885 System's safety and efficacy in treating acute, intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). • The multi-center, multi-national trial will enroll patients across Europe, evaluating the reduction in right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) ratio post-procedure. • The study follows the APEX-AV trial in the U.S., which demonstrated the AlphaVac system's safety and effectiveness in improving right ventricular function and reducing clot burden. • The AlphaVac F1885 System received CE Mark approval in Europe, allowing AngioDynamics to expand its reach in treating PE, where prevalence is higher than in the U.S.

Semaglutide Shows Promise for Long-Term Weight Loss, Dosage and Duration Key

9 months ago

• A recent study indicates that semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Wegovy, is effective for long-term weight loss in obese patients. • Higher dosages and consistent use of semaglutide for over 90 days correlated with more successful weight loss outcomes. • Research suggests semaglutide increases metabolic activity, challenging the belief that it solely reduces food intake. • The FDA has declared a shortage of Wegovy due to increased demand, highlighting the drug's popularity and impact.