EMORY UNIVERSITY

TRACeR-I modeling involved global docking, high-resolution RifDock, and Rosetta sequence design. Combinatorial libraries were constructed, yeast-displayed, and screened. Binder proteins were expressed, purified, and characterized. CD, BLI, and peptide library methods were used. Recombinant MHC proteins were expressed, refolded, and biotinylated. Tetramer libraries were prepared, and peptide exchange validated. SSM scanning and sequence-based selection identified cross-reactive peptides. Immunogenicity assays, IFNγ ELISpot, flow cytometry, and bispecific-induced cytotoxicity assays were performed. X-ray crystallography determined the TRACeR–pMHC I complex structure. Sequence conservation analysis and structural modeling were conducted. Ethical approvals and reporting summary are included.

Microbot Medical submitted a 510(k) premarket notification for its LIBERTY disposable endovascular robotic system to the FDA, seeking approval for commercial launch. The system aims to enhance care quality and reduce radiation exposure and physical strain on medical staff. FDA clearance is anticipated in Q2 2025, with a US launch targeted for the same period.

1 in 6 U.S. adults with asthma can't afford medications, risking asthma attacks and ER visits. Cost-related medication non-adherence has declined from 23% in 2011 to 13% in 2022, possibly due to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion. The Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act could further reduce costs if asthma medications are included in future negotiations.

Dr. Vikram M. Narayan discusses a study on nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg treatment in BCG-unresponsive non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, finding that 2/3 of patients with complete response at 3 months avoided cystectomy at 60 months, and only 6 of 44 cystectomy patients had muscle-invasive cancer.

The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at MGH awarded the sixth annual Sean M. Healey International Prize for Innovation in ALS to Leigh Hochberg, M.D., Ph.D., and the BrainGate Consortium team for their groundbreaking Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) aimed at restoring communication, mobility, and independence in neurological diseases including ALS.

Lenacapavir, a new injectable HIV prevention drug, is hailed as a gamechanger by Emory University experts. Participant Latonia Wilkins, a single mother, finds it easier than daily oral PrEP. The drug, tested at Grady Memorial Hospital, showed 96% effectiveness and requires an injection every six months. Wilkins hopes for affordability, while Dr. Valeria Cantos advocates for Medicaid expansion to ensure accessibility.

Merck initiates phase 3 MOVe-NOW trial to evaluate Lagevrio (molnupiravir) for Covid-19 treatment in high-risk adults, using a new 400-mg tablet formulation. The trial excludes those who cannot receive nirmatrelvir/ritonavir due to drug-drug interactions, allergy, previous adverse effects, or inaccessibility. Lagevrio, already used by over 8.3 million patients globally, aims to prevent severe Covid-19 outcomes.

New AI can identify women at higher breast cancer risk by tracking changes in mammograms, detecting subtle differences not visible to the eye. The AI was trained on over 100,000 mammograms and identified high-risk women 2.3 times more accurately than standard methods. Researchers are now testing the AI on diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

A study from Emory University suggests that FDA approval of Psilocybin-assisted therapy (PSIL-AT) could benefit 5 million people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). The study estimates that between 56% and 62% of individuals currently treated for these disorders could be eligible for PSIL-AT, with potential numbers ranging from 2.2 million to 5.6 million for MDD and 0.6 million to 1.7 million for TRD. However, uncertainties remain regarding access to trained providers and state-level regulations.