UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

NIH Study: Single Dose of MEDI8852 Antibody Shows Complete Protection Against H5N1 Avian Flu in Primates

3 months ago

• A groundbreaking NIH study demonstrates that a single dose of MEDI8852, a broadly neutralizing antibody developed by MedImmune/AstraZeneca, provides complete protection against H5N1 avian influenza in macaques. • The antibody targets a stable portion of the influenza virus protein, offering extended protection that could last weeks after administration, making it a promising preventive tool for potential H5N1 outbreaks. • All macaques pre-treated with MEDI8852 survived H5N1 exposure with minimal or no symptoms, while untreated control subjects developed severe or fatal illness.

Theralase Expands Bladder Cancer Clinical Trial with New Sites and Promising Phase II Data

6 months ago

• Theralase has launched new clinical study sites in the U.S. and Canada for its Phase II trial of Ruvidar™ in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. • Phase II data shows a 61.9% complete response rate among patients, with 43.6% maintaining this response for at least 12 months. • The treatment has demonstrated a strong safety profile, with 100% of patients experiencing no serious adverse events related to the therapy. • Theralase is actively seeking partnerships for the international commercialization of Ruvidar™, with regulatory approval targeted for 2026.

Tiziana Life Sciences Advances Foralumab for MS and SCI Treatment

6 months ago

• Tiziana Life Sciences is expanding its Phase 2 trial of intranasal foralumab for non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (na-SPMS) to include more prestigious U.S. medical centers. • The company announced the discovery of new immune biomarkers in patients with na-SPMS treated with nasal foralumab, enhancing understanding of the drug's mechanism. • Preclinical studies show that nasal anti-CD3 treatment, foralumab, led to notable advancements in motor functions in models with spinal cord injury (SCI). • Tiziana Life Sciences has dosed additional patients in its Expanded Access Program for na-SPMS, with early data showing disease stabilization or improvement.

POP BIO Awarded $2.84M SBIR Grant to Advance SNAP-Flu Influenza Vaccine

6 months ago

• POP BIO receives a $2.84M Phase II SBIR grant from NIAID to develop SNAP-Flu, a hexavalent influenza vaccine using its SNAP technology. • The SNAP-Flu vaccine utilizes nanoliposomes with a cobalt-porphyrin moiety and TLR4-based adjuvant to display multiple influenza antigens. • Preclinical studies will assess SNAP-Flu's protection against influenza strains in mice, ferrets, and non-human primates, comparing it to existing vaccines. • The grant supports expanding the SNAP platform for novel influenza antigen designs, paving the way for clinical trials and antigen-sparing vaccine formulations.

Embolization Plus Surgery Reduces Repeat Operations for Subdural Hematomas

6 months ago

• A new study reveals that combining standard hematoma surgery with embolization of the middle meningeal artery significantly reduces the need for repeat surgeries in patients with subdural hematomas. • The trial, involving 400 patients, showed that the combination approach, using Medtronic's Onyx, decreased repeat surgeries within three months from 11.3% to 4%. • Embolization, a minimally invasive procedure, blocks the middle meningeal artery, preventing hematoma recurrence, particularly beneficial for older patients on blood thinners. • Researchers suggest this new approach could transform the treatment of subdural hematomas, reducing the need for multiple surgeries and improving patient outcomes.

MMA Embolization Plus Surgery Reduces Subdural Hematoma Recurrence

6 months ago

• A multi-center study, EMBOLISE, reveals that combining surgery with middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization significantly reduces chronic subdural hematoma recurrence rates. • The study found that recurrence or progression requiring surgery occurred in only 4% of patients treated with MMA embolization plus surgery, compared to 11% with surgery alone. • MMA embolization blocks blood vessels feeding the hematoma, decreasing the need for repeat surgeries and hospital readmissions, especially beneficial for older patients. • Researchers are now investigating the potential of upfront MMA embolization for patients with smaller hematomas to potentially avoid surgery altogether.

Historic Redlining and Contemporary Racism Linked to Reduced Life Expectancy, AHA Study Reveals

6 months ago

• Research presented at AHA 2024 Scientific Sessions demonstrates that both historical redlining and current structural racism significantly decrease life expectancy, particularly affecting minority populations. • Dr. Leonard Egede's study reveals how neighborhood-level social risk factors and historical discriminatory practices continue to impact mortality rates and health outcomes in minority communities. • The findings emphasize the crucial role of policy changes in housing, transportation, education, and resource allocation to address these longstanding health disparities.

Multi-Site Study to Evaluate Remote vs. In-Person Clinical Trial Methods

6 months ago

• A $2.1 million NCATS grant supports a multi-site study evaluating the effectiveness of remote versus in-person clinical trial methods. • The study will assess recruitment efficiency, retention rates, and data quality across different conditions like smoking cessation, depression, and opioid addiction. • Researchers aim to determine if remote methods enhance or hinder the inclusion of underrepresented populations in clinical trials. • The findings will be disseminated through a web-based toolkit, webinars, and a national conference to inform future trial designs.

Multi-Site Study to Evaluate Remote vs. In-Person Clinical Trial Methods

7 months ago

• A multi-site study has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from NCATS to evaluate the impact of remote versus in-person approaches to clinical trials. • The study will involve three clinical trials across four locations, focusing on smoking cessation, depression treatment, and opioid addiction. • Researchers aim to determine if remote methods improve recruitment and representation of underrepresented populations in clinical trials. • The findings will be disseminated through a web-based toolkit, webinars, and a national conference to inform future trial designs.

STRIPE Initiative Advances Pharmacogenetic Testing Standards with Focus on DPYD-Guided Chemotherapy

7 months ago

• Leading experts at the STRIPE Annual Meeting addressed the need for unified guidelines across FDA, EMA, CPIC, and NCCN for DPYD genotype-guided chemotherapy dosing in cancer treatments. • The innovative MetaCensus platform was introduced as a collaborative tool for evidence sharing and consensus building in pharmacogenetic testing, promoting transparent evaluation processes. • Pharmacists are playing a crucial role in advancing pharmacogenomics through clinical consultations and research, while emphasizing the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in precision medicine implementation.

Expert Outlines Key Factors in Selecting CAR T-Cell Therapies for Follicular Lymphoma

7 months ago

• Two FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapies, Yescarta and Breyanzi, are now available for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma patients who have received at least two prior lines of therapy. • Institution-specific factors, including product availability, established protocols, and healthcare team expertise, significantly influence the selection between different CAR T-cell therapies. • Patient-specific characteristics such as age, comorbidities, tumor burden, and treatment urgency play crucial roles in determining the optimal CAR T-cell product choice.

University at Buffalo Opens FOXG1 Research Center to Advance Gene Therapy for Rare Disorder

8 months ago

• The University at Buffalo (UB) has inaugurated the FOXG1 Research Center (FRC) to focus on developing treatments for FOXG1 syndrome and related neurodevelopmental disorders. • Researchers at the FRC are developing a viral gene therapy showing promise in preclinical studies, with potential human clinical trials planned for as early as spring 2026. • The center is supported by the FOXG1 Research Foundation, which has raised over $7 million to advance research and clinical trials for FOXG1 syndrome. • The FOXG1 Research Center aims to leverage AI to assist children with speech and language disorders, alongside developing effective treatments for FOXG1 syndrome.