WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

IMUNON reported Q3 2024 financial results, highlighting progress with IMNN-001 in advanced ovarian cancer and IMNN-101, a seasonal COVID-19 booster. IMNN-001 showed an 11.1-month OS improvement in OVATION 2 Study, with plans to start a Phase 3 study in Q1 2025. The company raised $10 million in a registered direct financing and added key leadership to support operational excellence.

Meningiomas, common brain tumors, often effectively treated but 20% behave aggressively and recur. Multiply recurrent meningiomas (MRM) resist treatment and recur multiple times. Researchers studied 1,186 patients, finding MRMs more numerous, larger, and common in men. MRMs exhibit greater chromosomal instability and DNA methylation, with reduced gene expression of EDNRB, associated with increased cell proliferation. This study provides insights into MRMs, potentially guiding precision medicine and predicting recurrence.

UC Santa Barbara professor Cristina Venegas and her sister, Emmy award-winning science journalist Marisa Venegas, are creating a documentary titled 'Mapping Alzheimer’s' to tell the story of a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease that has affected families in Colombia for generations. The film follows the collaboration between Colombian neurologist Dr. Francisco Lopera and UCSB neuroscientist Kenneth S. Kosik, who have been working together for 30 years to understand and find a cure for this early-onset form of Alzheimer’s, encoded in the families’ genes. The documentary aims to highlight the bonds and hope for a future without the disease.

New 3D maps of tumor structures reveal how tumor cells and their environment are organized, potentially leading to new cancer therapies. The analysis, part of the Human Tumor Atlas Network, includes data on breast, colorectal, pancreas, kidney, uterine, and bile duct cancers, showing varying metabolic and immune activities within tumors. These insights could guide targeted treatments and improve understanding of tumor spread and resistance.

Eisai and Biogen announce completion of BLA submission to FDA for lecanemab-irmb (LEQEMBI) autoinjector for Alzheimer's disease treatment, with a potential PDUFA action date. LEQEMBI, indicated for early AD, aims to maintain effective drug concentrations and reduce protofibril-induced neuronal injury, offering a more convenient subcutaneous administration method.

Eisai and Biogen announce completion of BLA submission to FDA for LEQEMBI autoinjector for Alzheimer's disease, based on Clarity AD data. LEQEMBI, indicated for early AD, aims to maintain effective drug concentrations and reduce hospital visits. Eisai leads global development and regulatory submissions, with co-commercialization by Eisai and Biogen.

Eisai completes rolling BLA submission to FDA for Leqembi subcutaneous autoinjector for weekly maintenance dosing in Alzheimer's disease patients.

Eisai presented 3-year data on lecanemab at CTAD, showing increased patient benefit for early Alzheimer's disease, with 46% of low amyloid patients improving or maintaining cognition. Safety profile remained consistent, and early treatment initiation may positively impact disease progression. BioArctic's CEO, Gunilla Osswald, highlighted the long-term benefits and safety of lecanemab.

AACR focuses on cancer prevention and early detection, with Kornelia Polyak's pioneering research highlighting the importance of early-stage disease study. The AACR established the Cancer Prevention Working Group in 2021 to support innovative science and public education. Liquid biopsies and multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are being developed to improve screening. The NCI's National Cancer Plan and President Biden's proclamation of April 2024 as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month emphasize the urgency of these efforts. Researchers are exploring liquid biopsies, MCED, cancer interception, and population science to advance early detection and prevention strategies.