UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

FDA Approves Genus PIC's Gene-Edited PRRS-Resistant Pigs in Landmark Decision

a month ago

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for Genus PIC's gene-edited pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), marking a significant milestone in agricultural biotechnology. • Despite FDA approval, Genus plans to delay broad U.S. commercialization until key export markets including Mexico, Canada, Japan, and China also grant regulatory clearance to ensure market viability. • PRRS costs the global pork industry approximately $2 billion annually, with the gene-edited solution potentially reducing antibiotic use by over 200% while improving animal welfare and farm economics.

Antidepressants Linked to Increased Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death, Danish Study Reveals

a month ago

• New research from Denmark shows antidepressant use is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, with risk rising based on duration of exposure. • The study found younger adults (30-39) taking antidepressants for 6+ years had a fivefold increased risk of sudden cardiac death, while middle-aged adults (50-59) faced a quadrupled risk. • Researchers note the mechanism behind this association remains unclear, potentially involving medication side effects, underlying illness severity, or lifestyle factors associated with depression.

AI Advances in Breast Cancer Detection: New Technologies Show Promise for Earlier Diagnosis

a month ago

• AI technology developed at Washington University can analyze sequential mammograms to identify subtle tissue changes, predicting breast cancer risk 2.3 times more accurately than standard methods. • Scottish researchers have combined AI with laser spectroscopy analysis of blood samples, achieving 98% effectiveness in detecting stage 1a breast cancers and 90% accuracy in differentiating between cancer subtypes. • These AI-powered diagnostic approaches could significantly improve early detection rates, potentially increasing treatment success and survival outcomes for breast cancer patients.

Sofinnova Partners Secures €1.2 Billion to Fuel Next Wave of Biotech Innovation

3 months ago

• European venture capital firm Sofinnova Partners has raised €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) in fresh funds to invest in life sciences and healthcare companies, with plans to support 50-60 new ventures. • Since 2022, Sofinnova has backed 21 biotech companies across various therapeutic modalities, including gene therapy company Chroma Medicine and AstraZeneca-acquired firms CinCor Pharma and Amolyt Pharma. • The fundraise comes amid a shifting venture capital landscape, where total biotech funds have decreased from 137 in 2021 to 38 in 2024, with investors increasingly prioritizing companies with validated clinical data and clear commercialization pathways.

Breakthrough: Combined Drug Therapy Shows Near-Complete Elimination of Liver Cancer in Study

3 months ago

• Scottish researchers discover that combining cladribine with lenvatinib nearly eradicates hepatocellular carcinoma tumors in groundbreaking preclinical study led by Professor Tom Bird. • The research utilized innovative "genetic avatars" in mice to test treatment combinations, identifying cladribine, an existing leukemia and multiple sclerosis drug, as highly effective against liver cancer. • The findings offer new hope for liver cancer patients, with researchers now planning clinical trials to validate these promising results in human subjects.

GLP-1 Agonists Linked to Reduced Risk of 42 Health Conditions in Large Study

4 months ago

• A large observational study of nearly 2 million patients found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are associated with a reduced risk of 42 health conditions. • The study, which included 215,000 GLP-1RA users, showed benefits beyond glucose control and weight loss, including neurological and respiratory conditions. • While GLP-1RAs demonstrated broad benefits, the study also identified increased risks for certain conditions like kidney stones and low blood pressure. • Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects of GLP-1RA therapy.

Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Trial Pipeline Gains Momentum

4 months ago

The liver cirrhosis treatment market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in antiviral therapies and regenerative medicine. Over 30 companies are actively developing new treatments, with several promising therapies currently in clinical trials.

2025: Cure Parkinson's Research Highlights and Future Insights

5 months ago

Cure Parkinson's reflects on a productive 2024, highlighting key research advancements and clinical trials, including the promising results of lixisenatide and the initiation of new studies like DAPA-PD and low-dose lithium. The organization also looks ahead to 2025, anticipating the start of significant trials such as ASPro-PD and EJS ACT-PD, and the publication of AZA-PD trial results.

Active Monitoring Shows Promise for Low-Risk DCIS Breast Cancer

5 months ago

• A recent study suggests active monitoring may be a safe alternative to standard treatment for low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). • The COMET trial found that women with low-risk DCIS who underwent active monitoring had similar cancer development rates compared to those treated with surgery and radiation. • Active monitoring included regular mammograms and hormone therapy, offering a less invasive approach for suitable candidates. • Experts emphasize the need for longer-term follow-up to validate these findings and refine treatment strategies for DCIS.

Real-World Study Confirms High Effectiveness of RSV Vaccines in Older Adults

5 months ago

• A real-world study among older US veterans showed RSV vaccines are highly effective against infection, ED/UC visits, and hospitalization. • The study found vaccine effectiveness of 78% against RSV infection, 79% against ED/UC visits, and 80% against hospital admissions. • Vaccine effectiveness against RSV infection was 72.3% in veterans aged 80 years and older and 71.6% in those with weakened immune systems. • The findings support current recommendations for RSV vaccination in adults aged 60 years and older, with updated CDC guidance for the 2024-2025 season.

Chest Wall Irradiation May Not Improve Survival in Intermediate-Risk Breast Cancer After Mastectomy

5 months ago

• A new study suggests that chest wall irradiation (CWI) after mastectomy does not significantly improve 10-year overall survival for intermediate-risk breast cancer patients. • The BIG 2-04 MRC SUPREMO trial found similar survival rates between patients who received CWI and those who did not (81.4% vs. 82.0%). • The research indicates that omitting CWI post-mastectomy may be safe for patients with one to three positive lymph nodes or node-negative disease with high-risk factors. • These findings can inform shared decision-making between clinicians and patients regarding the necessity of post-mastectomy CWI.

Savana Leverages AI to Transform EHR Data into Actionable Clinical Insights

4 years ago

• Savana's AI-powered platform analyzes unstructured electronic health record data across 14 countries in five languages, enabling unprecedented access to real-world clinical evidence. • The company's technology has demonstrated significant value during COVID-19 pandemic through the BigCOVIData study, revealing key insights about disease characteristics and predictive factors. • Using advanced Natural Language Processing and privacy-preserving techniques, Savana helps pharmaceutical companies and researchers unlock previously inaccessible clinical data while maintaining patient confidentiality.