STANFORD UNIVERSITY

FDA approved isatuximab plus bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) for first-line treatment of transplant-ineligible multiple myeloma patients, based on IMROZ trial data. The quadruplet regimen showed superior progression-free survival and minimal residual disease negative rates compared to the triplet regimen, highlighting the importance of anti-CD38 antibody-based treatments.

Quantum for Life Centre researchers developed a quantum algorithm to scale up quantum simulators, potentially accelerating drug development by predicting drug behavior in the body before lab trials.

Real-world patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma showed deep responses with ciltacabtagene autoleucel (cilta-cel), with an 89% objective response rate (ORR) and 70% complete response (CR) rate. Safety aligned with clinical trial data, and 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 68% overall, 72% in conforming cilta-cel recipients, and 73% in those with fludarabine/cyclophosphamide lymphodepletion. Despite over half not meeting trial eligibility criteria, cilta-cel demonstrated feasibility and durability in this population.

Missouri seeks expert help to award $5M for psilocybin research on opioid use disorders, despite legislative ambiguity. The Department of Mental Health aims to develop competitive grants, focusing on psilocybin's potential to treat opioid addiction.

Tyson Ruetz, PhD, identified dynamic brain regions with neuron replacement, developed in vivo tests for genetic pathways, and demonstrated glucose transporter gene knockout's effect on neural stem cell activation and new neuron production in mice. The study suggests potential therapies for brain aging and injury, including low carbohydrate diets, and explores primary cilia's role in neural stem cell function.

A Stanford study reveals major storms like Helene can cause excess deaths for over a decade, with 7,000 to 11,000 deaths attributed to storm aftermath. The study estimates 3.6 to 5.2 million American deaths since 1930 due to storms, exceeding deaths from motor vehicle accidents, infectious diseases, or war. The long-term impact includes economic strain, weakened social networks, and health care resource shifts, disproportionately affecting Black Americans and areas less accustomed to such disasters.

Dr. Lu Tian, ScD '02, to receive the 2024 Lagakos Distinguished Alumni Award for contributions in biostatistics, precision medicine, and teaching at Stanford.

Bob Duggan's experimental cancer drug, ivonescimab, showcased at the World Conference on Lung Cancer, led to a 700% surge in Summit Therapeutics' stock, boosting Duggan's net worth to $16 billion. The drug outperformed Merck's Keytruda in trials, showing potential for future cancer treatments.

A workshop on disability trends among U.S. working-age populations (25-64) will be held Oct 15-16, 2024, focusing on measurement, social/economic factors, and COVID-19 implications. It aims to identify research and data priorities, considering labor force participation and public programs, and will discuss interventions and social safety net policies.

The FDA approved Cobenfy, a new schizophrenia drug with fewer side effects, marketed by Bristol Myers Squibb. Unlike traditional dopamine-focused drugs, Cobenfy targets muscarinic receptors, reducing negative symptoms like apathy. Available from October at $1,850/month, its long-term safety and efficacy remain uncertain.