University of Oxford

Novavax has started a Phase 3 trial for its COVID-19-Influenza Combination vaccine and a stand-alone seasonal influenza vaccine, aiming to evaluate their immunogenicity and safety in adults aged 65 and older. The company is working with the FDA to explore accelerated approval and plans to provide updates by Q2 2025.

Novavax dosed first participants in COVID-19-Influenza Combination (CIC) and stand-alone seasonal influenza Phase 3 trial, aiming to evaluate immunogenicity and safety in adults aged 65+ compared to Novavax's updated COVID-19 vaccine and a licensed seasonal influenza vaccine. The company plans to progress through strategic partnerships and is working with the U.S. FDA for potential accelerated approval.

Novavax dosed first participants in COVID-19-Influenza Combination (CIC) and stand-alone seasonal influenza Phase 3 trial, aiming to evaluate immunogenicity and safety in adults aged 65+. The company plans to progress through strategic partnerships and work with the U.S. FDA for potential accelerated approval. Initial cohort of 2,000 participants is being recruited, with updates expected by Q2 2025.

Muna Therapeutics, a biotech company, collaborates with GSK to analyze brain tissue samples to identify new targets for Alzheimer’s drugs, potentially worth hundreds of millions. GSK provides €33.5 million upfront and up to €140 million in milestone payments per target. Muna will expand its dataset and find molecular switches, while GSK leads drug development and commercialization. Muna, formed in 2020, merges with K5 Therapeutics and raises $73 million. GSK, returning to neuroscience, sees Muna’s technology as key to understanding neurodegenerative diseases.

A new study finds Benralizumab injection more effective than steroid tablets for asthma and COPD, reducing further treatment needs by 30%. Researchers believe this could be 'game-changing' for millions, as it targets the overactive immune system component triggering attacks. The clinical trial was led by King’s College London and the University of Oxford, supported by AstraZeneca UK.

An injection during asthma/COPD flare-ups reduces need for further treatment by 30%, outperforming steroid tablets, potentially transforming management of these conditions.

Niven R. Narain emphasizes that AI investments in drug development require robust data and validation. GEN's A-List highlights 10 AI-based drug discovery leaders, including BPGbio, which focuses on cancer energy generation. Other notable companies include Nvidia and Palantir Technologies, though not on the A-List. The list includes specifics on companies like Anima Biotech, Atomwise, and Nimbus Therapeutics, detailing their AI platforms and drug development progress.

Mirikizumab (Omvoh) showed improved outcomes in Crohn's disease patients with previous standard therapy failure, with 38% meeting composite endpoint of PRO clinical response at week 12 and endoscopic response at week 52 vs. 9% on placebo (P<0.0001). Mirikizumab also met primary endpoint of PRO clinical response at week 12 and CDAI clinical remission at week 52 in 45.4% vs. 19.6% on placebo (P<0.0001). The study highlights IL-23's role in Crohn's disease pathogenesis and suggests mirikizumab's favorable benefit-risk profile.

A UK study found benralizumab, currently used for severe asthma, could be a new treatment for asthma attacks, outperforming standard steroid tablets. The ABRA phase 2 trial, led by King’s College London and the University of Oxford, showed benralizumab improved respiratory symptoms and reduced treatment failure rates. The drug, already approved for severe eosinophilic asthma, targets eosinophils and could reduce doctor/hospital visits. A phase 3 trial is planned for 2025.

A phase 2 clinical trial ABRA, led by King's College London and sponsored by the University of Oxford, found that repurposing the drug Benralizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting eosinophils, can reduce the need for further treatment and hospitalizations in asthma and COPD exacerbations. A single dose injected at the point of exacerbation was more effective than steroid tablets, potentially revolutionizing asthma and COPD care.