EMORY UNIVERSITY

A nasal swab could predict COVID severity, showing 70% of mild/moderate cases develop nasal autoantibodies linked to fewer symptoms, better immune response, and faster recovery, contrary to blood autoantibodies linked to severe COVID. Researchers aim to develop a nasal swab test for real-time COVID severity prediction.

Dr. Tim Jancelewicz, co-principal investigator, leads an $11.4 million, multi-institutional clinical trial to study the efficacy of nitric oxide in treating newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The NoNO Trial, funded by the NIH, involves 19 institutions and aims to determine if nitric oxide reduces the need for invasive care like ECMO. The trial also explores barriers to de-implementation of nitric oxide and its continued use despite lack of supporting evidence.

Dr. Jessica Williams focuses on advancing lupus research, emphasizing overcoming racial disparities in clinical trials. Lupus disproportionately affects women and minorities, with challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trial participation. Initiatives like PALS and Project CHANGE aim to increase awareness and diversity in lupus research, addressing barriers such as mistrust, lack of awareness, and practical issues.

Laura Finzi, a molecular biophysicist, has been appointed the inaugural Dr. Waenard L. Miller, Jr. ’69 and Sheila M. Miller Endowed Chair in Medical Biophysics at Clemson University. Her research focuses on DNA transcription mechanics, aiming to advance precision medicine. Finzi holds a joint appointment with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Bioengineering.

Aligos Therapeutics announces FDA clearance for Phase 1 DDI study of ALG-000184, a CAM-E for CHB, with Phase 2 filing planned for Q1 2025.

Clinical trials for rare diseases face misconceptions about interest, information, and clinician access. Progress is evident with global R&D investments and patient advocacy. FDA collaborates internationally, involves patient groups, and emphasizes early communication with sponsors. Strategies include natural history studies, early clinical program formulation, and addressing regulatory challenges for orphan drugs.

Emory researchers discovered an enzyme, CU43, effective in treating IgG-mediated pathologies like myasthenia gravis, requiring 4,000 times less dose than current drugs, potentially offering a more effective treatment option with fewer side effects.

Researchers discovered a powerful enzyme, CU43, that outperforms existing treatments for myasthenia gravis and other autoimmune diseases in mouse models, requiring 4,000 times less enzyme to achieve the same effect. CU43 targets a specific glycan in IgG antibodies, reducing their pathogenicity without immunosuppressive effects, and shows potential for treating a wide range of IgG-mediated pathologies.

The 2024 presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could significantly impact U.S. health care, particularly prescription drug costs, health coverage, and reproductive rights. Harris pledges to build on existing programs to make health care more affordable, while Trump aims to reduce federal health spending. Both candidates have different approaches to lowering prescription drug costs and expanding health coverage, with Harris supporting the Affordable Care Act and Trump advocating for state-level decisions on reproductive rights.

FDA approves Novocure’s Optune Lua for use with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or docetaxel in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients who have progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. Optune Lua, a portable device delivering Tumor Treating Fields, offers an alternative treatment without systemic toxicity, significantly improving median overall survival in the Phase 3 LUNAR trial.