McGill University

A novel drug molecule developed by Biogen could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease in younger patients by reactivating the parkin protein, which clears damaged mitochondria, according to research published in *Nature Communications*.

The CheckMate 77T trial showed perioperative nivolumab extended median event-free survival (EFS) in resectable NSCLC to 40.1 months. NEOSTAR and CA209-159 trials revealed neoadjuvant nivolumab or nivolumab plus ipilimumab provided durable long-term survival benefits, especially for patients achieving pathological response. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) clearance and PD-L1 status were key biomarkers influencing outcomes, suggesting personalized treatment approaches.

South Asians, despite lacking common heart disease risk factors, face elevated risks due to genetics and lifestyle factors, prompting research initiatives to understand and address these disparities.

Biopharma market growth strains global manufacturing capacities, prompting adoption of process intensification strategies like continuous manufacturing and perfusion technologies. These methods enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve sustainability, exemplified by Roche's efficiency gains leading to facility divestment. Implementation challenges include capital expenditures and regulatory requirements, but technologies like Repligen's XCell ATF System offer scalable solutions.

Telo Genomics Corp. is evaluating its minimal residual disease (MRD) biomarker assay technologies in multiple myeloma (MM) patients using Adaptive Biotechnologies' clonoSEQ assay technology. The TELO-DMRD clinical trial, conducted with McGill University, aims to validate the sensitivity of Telo's MRD assay and establish its clinical utility. The study includes up to ten patients, with potential for expansion, and has two objectives: quantifying MRD cells post marrow transplantation and profiling these cells using Telo's proprietary TeloView technology to assess disease aggressiveness.

Jonathan Lovell, UB professor, and NYS researchers are developing an immunotherapy vaccine targeting multiple epitopes of amyloid-beta and tau proteins to treat Alzheimer’s. The vaccine, tested on mice, showed reduced Alzheimer’s-related brain damage and improved cognitive performance without side effects. The team aims to secure FDA approval for human trials, potentially within the next few years.

Article lists affiliations and authors from various institutions including Nuffield Council on Bioethics, Stanford University, McGill University, National Institutes of Health, and more, across multiple countries.

UMB announces 2024 Founders Week Award winners: Dr. Adam Puche (Educator), Kathleen Hoke (Public Servant), Dr. Luana Colloca (Researcher), Dr. Joga Gobburu (Entrepreneur), and Nicol Tugarinov (Student) for their significant contributions and achievements.