UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

MB-108, a second-generation HSV-1 oncolytic virus, received FDA orphan drug designation for malignant glioma. MB-108 is being tested in combination with MB-101 CAR T-cell therapy (MB-109) to treat recurrent glioblastoma, aiming to enhance MB-101's efficacy by making cold tumors 'hot'. MB-109's IND application was accepted by the FDA in October 2023, with ongoing phase 1 trials at City of Hope and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The FDA granted orphan drug designation to MB-108, a second-generation HSV-1 oncolytic virus, for treating malignant glioma. A phase 1 trial is ongoing, evaluating MB-108 for recurrent glioblastoma, showing it to be active and well-tolerated. MB-108, combined with MB-101 CAR T-cell therapy, aims to improve outcomes for malignant glioma patients.

UAB researchers identified 36 genes linked to cancer drug resistance, developing a polygenic risk score (UAB36) that predicts resistance better than existing methods. UAB36 showed higher predictive power for tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients, suggesting it could be a biomarker for personalized treatment plans.

Phase III studies at the 2024 International Myeloma Society Annual Meeting highlight the potential of MRD-guided treatment in multiple myeloma. The IFM 2020-02 MIDAS trial shows 95% response rates with Isa-KRd quadruplet regimen, while the AURIGA trial demonstrates that daratumumab plus lenalidomide doubles MRD-negative conversion rates and reduces progression risk by 47% compared to lenalidomide alone.

Researchers release flagship dataset from AI-READI study on type 2 diabetes, revealing heterogeneity among patients and associations with environmental factors. The dataset, including environmental sensors, survey responses, and biologic variables, aims to be mined by AI for insights on risks and preventive measures. The study, supported by NIH, includes diverse participants and aims to gather data from a more racially and ethnically diverse population.

UAB researchers developed UAB36, a polygenic score predicting drug resistance and patient outcome in breast cancer, outperforming existing gene signatures. High UAB36 scores indicate poorer survival and higher tamoxifen resistance, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for personalized medicine.

FDA grants orphan drug designation to MB-108, a second-generation HSV-1 oncolytic virus for malignant glioma treatment. MB-108 is active and well-tolerated in recurrent glioblastoma patients. MB-109, combining MB-108 with MB-101 CAR T-cell therapy, aims to enhance efficacy. FDA accepted MB-109's IND application for IL13Rα2-positive glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma treatment.

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A polygenic score, UAB36, developed by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, predicts tamoxifen treatment resistance in breast cancer patients better than conventional methods, offering potential for personalized medicine.

Virginia J. Howard, Ph.D., FAHA, distinguished professor at UAB, will receive the 2024 Population Research Prize at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024. Her research focuses on stroke disparities, cognitive functioning, and stroke risk factors, particularly in the REGARDS study. Dr. Howard's work has significantly contributed to stroke prevention and treatment, emphasizing early life factors, sex, race, and geographic location.