University of Maryland

Maryland engineers tackle medical challenges: Hannah Zierden develops preterm birth prevention using bacterial extracellular vesicles, Ryan Sochol creates 3D-nanoprinted soft robots for brain aneurysm treatment, and Jenna Mueller develops low-cost cervical dysplasia diagnosis and treatment technology.

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.

Macrophages, immune system's frontline soldiers, perceive biotech as threats if not properly designed, potentially causing inflammation or device failure. A meta-analysis co-led by Dr. Abigail Clevenger and Dr. Aakanksha Jha highlights the need to understand macrophage behavior in different contexts for improved biotech and targeted immunotherapy. The study emphasizes that mechanics significantly influence macrophage behavior, urging designers to consider these factors to prevent immune responses that could hinder device function or even aid tumor propagation.

A UMD-led study, published in Aging Cell, identified a protein, Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), linked to cardiovascular health in progeria models, potentially paving the way for new treatments targeting HGPS cardiovascular complications. The research, in collaboration with NIH and Duke University, suggests Ang2 could improve endothelial cell signaling and vascular functions, with broader beneficial impacts on other tissue types.

GEn1E Lifesciences announced a landmark study in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, detailing a next-generation immunomodulatory therapy, GEn-1124, which modulates the p38α:MK2 complex to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases without inhibiting p38 catalytic activity. The study highlights GEn-1124's efficacy in preclinical models, including a 4-fold survival improvement in acute lung injury and 5-fold in influenza-induced pneumonia, along with endothelial-stabilizing properties, positioning it as a potential breakthrough in inflammatory disease treatment.

Resolution Therapeutics raises £63.5 million in Series B financing led by Syncona Ltd. to advance RTX001, a first-in-class macrophage therapy for end-stage liver disease, into Phase I/II EMERALD study. Proceeds also support manufacturing and pipeline expansion into other inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Paul Sekhri appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Baltimore's first responders need access to all FDA-approved opioid reversal agents, including those for fentanyl, to effectively combat the evolving opioid crisis.