WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Eisai presented findings on anti-MTBR tau antibody E2814 at CTAD 2024, showing reduced tau pathology biomarkers in DIAD patients. A Phase II study (Study 202) for early AD was initiated, evaluating E2814's safety and biomarker efficacy alongside lecanemab.

Eisai and Biogen presented lecanemab-irmb findings at CTAD, showing benefits of continued treatment for early Alzheimer's disease, including reduced disease progression and improved cognitive function. No new safety issues were reported, and a new method to quantify protofibrils in cerebrospinal fluid was developed, suggesting protofibrils' role in neurodegeneration. Long-term U.S. clinical studies indicated patient satisfaction with lecanemab, and the AHEAD 3-45 study, focusing on preclinical AD, completed enrollment in October 2024. Professor Lars Lannfelt received the CTAD Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to AD research.

Eisai and Biogen present lecanemab findings at CTAD, showing benefits of continued treatment in early Alzheimer's disease, including reduced disease progression and improved patient satisfaction. A new testing method highlights the link between protofibrils and neurodegenerative biomarkers, suggesting protofibrils' role in AD neurodegeneration. The AHEAD study uses blood biomarkers to predict brain amyloid accumulation in preclinical AD, improving screening eligibility.

Pfizer's sickle cell disease therapy Oxbryta was pulled from market due to risks, highlighting the challenges of accelerated approval. The FDA's program has brought nearly 300 drugs to market, often years earlier, but success rates vary. While many drugs have secured traditional approval, others like Oxbryta and Aduhelm were ultimately unsuccessful. The pathway relies on biomarkers predicting clinical benefit, but confirmatory trials are often delayed, raising concerns about safety and efficacy. Experts argue for tighter deadlines and better validation of biomarkers to improve the program's reliability.

Researchers developed an implant, Naloximeter, that detects opioid overdose and administers naloxone automatically, sending emergency alerts. The device, implanted in animals, successfully reversed overdoses, with potential for broader medical applications.

The CARMEN-LC03 trial did not meet its primary endpoints of progression-free and overall survival with tusamitamab ravtansine vs docetaxel in previously treated advanced nonsquamous NSCLC patients, leading to study termination in Dec 2023. Trends toward improved survival were observed in subgroups with high CEACAM5 expression, and a favorable safety profile was noted for tusamitamab ravtansine.

UCB's TOGETHER Phase 2a study results of bepranemab, an anti-tau antibody for prodromal to mild Alzheimer’s Disease, accepted for presentation at 2024 CTAD Meeting. Study highlights clinical, safety, and imaging endpoints, reflecting UCB's commitment to new Alzheimer's treatments. UCB regained global rights to bepranemab after terminating collaboration with Roche and Genentech.

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals reports positive Phase 2 HELIOS trial results for AMX0035 in Wolfram syndrome, showing sustained improvements in pancreatic function, glycemic control, and vision.

NT-I7 enhanced CAR T factors efficacy in relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients, with an 81.1% ORR, 63.6% CR, and 18.2% PR in a phase 1b study. NT-I7, a long-acting IL-7 agent, showed safety and enhanced CAR T expansion without cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity.

Hundreds gathered to celebrate Roy Vagelos' scientific accomplishments and his support for Columbia University, featuring a Broadway musical performance. Vagelos' contributions include revolutionizing drug discovery, leading Merck, and founding the Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences. A tribute video highlighted the 'Vagelos Effect' on biomedical science and education. The couple's $400 million gift to Columbia's medical school aims to expand the Vagelos Institute and inspire future scientists.