Medical University of South Carolina

Envoy Medical selects seven sites for its pivotal Acclaim® cochlear implant study, with initial enrollment expected Q1 2025. The fully implanted device, FDA-approved with Breakthrough Device Designation, aims to address severe hearing loss without external components.

FDA approved vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression in 2007, but limited by lack of insurance coverage. The RECOVER trial, sponsored by LivaNova, aims to provide evidence for CMS and insurers to cover invasive vagus nerve stimulation. The trial, still recruiting, plans to enroll 6,800 participants and observe for a year to assess gradual response to the treatment.

Lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer profoundly impact millions, with interconnected conditions exacerbating symptoms and outcomes. AstraZeneca is committed to addressing these challenges through innovative science, early detection, and equitable access to care, aiming to transform lung health globally.

A study shows a 62% drop in cervical cancer deaths over the last decade, likely due to HPV vaccination. The study tracked U.S. deaths among women under 25 from 1990 to 2021, finding a significant decline in deaths post-2019, from 50-60 deaths every three years to 13. Despite this, only about 60% of 13-to-15-year-olds have received the recommended HPV doses, raising concerns about future cervical cancer rates.

Biophytis participates in the 17th SCWD Congress and hosts an Obesity Investor Call on GLP-1 RA weight loss therapy-induced muscle loss, featuring experts like Professor Roger Fielding and moderated by Rob Van Maanen.

Charleston ranks as the fastest-growing life sciences hub, with SCBio hosting its first SCBioDrive event, attracting 125 attendees. The Medical University of South Carolina introduced Blue Sky Labs, a new innovation hub, aiming to foster discoveries and treatments within South Carolina. SCBioDrive, inspired by MassBio's MassBioDrive, aims to bring life science companies into the state, with plans for future joint events with MassBio.

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of Florida developed a novel strategy to treat type 1 diabetes using tagged beta cell transplants and localized immune protection via Tregs. This approach aims to create an off-the-shelf solution, overcoming organ shortages and immune rejection challenges. The study, published in Cell Reports, demonstrated the viability of the method in mice, showing protected beta cells remained functional. Future research will focus on human applications and expanding the approach to other diseases.

Helix presented research at ASHG 2024 demonstrating a precision effectiveness model predicting 12-month weight loss response to semaglutide, identifying individuals most likely to respond based on polygenic risk scores and comorbid factors. The model aims to improve treatment decisions and outcomes for obesity, leveraging data from the Helix Research Network, the largest precision clinical research network in North America.

UB's CTSI received a $2.1 million NCATS grant to evaluate remote vs. in-person clinical trials, involving researchers from Roswell Park, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. The study, titled “Improving Efficiency, Quality, and Equity: Randomized Controlled Evaluations of Remote vs. In-Person Clinical Trial Methods,” aims to rigorously assess the impact of remote methods on trial efficiency, quality, and equity. The grant includes additional funding if initial milestones are met, with plans for three trials across four locations, focusing on smoking cessation, depression treatment, and opioid addiction. Findings will be disseminated through a web-based toolkit, webinars, and a national conference.

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.