Northwestern University Human Resources

Upadacitinib demonstrated sustained efficacy and a favorable safety profile through 76 weeks in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, according to results from 3 randomized clinical trials published in JAMA Dermatology.

Kelley's team developed an implantable protein sensor to monitor inflammation in real-time, addressing challenges in in vivo protein monitoring. The sensor, inspired by continuous glucose monitors, uses electrochemical sensors for cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, with a novel 'active-reset' mechanism to continuously track protein levels. Initial tests in rodents showed promising results, and the next steps involve clinical translation and addressing regulatory hurdles.

A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that airlines often fail to honor food allergy accommodations, leading to stress and uncertainty for travelers. Researchers surveyed over 4,700 individuals and found that 20% didn't receive promised cabin announcements, 17% lacked allergen-free buffer zones, and 23% were not offered allergy-free food options. Despite this, many travelers expressed hope that systematic policy implementation could alleviate anxiety.

Divya Gupta, MD, emphasizes the growing role of biomarker-driven therapies in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with ongoing research to apply these treatments in earlier stages and target untreatable mutations. She highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care, particularly tumor boards, to optimize patient outcomes, especially for early-stage cases now eligible for surgery due to treatment advancements.

Pregnancy challenges for women with epilepsy include medication risks like valproate's link to autism and lower IQ, and the need for dose adjustments due to faster metabolism. A study followed 298 children of women with epilepsy to age 6, finding no difference in verbal abilities compared to healthy women's children, though medication levels in the third trimester had nuanced effects. Folate supplementation was beneficial, while acetaminophen showed risks. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of various epilepsy drugs and genetic factors influencing outcomes.

A study finds that moderate drinkers taking obesity drugs like Mounjaro report reduced alcohol consumption, with about 50% cutting back. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, involved 14,000 Weight Watchers members, with those losing more weight more likely to decrease drinking. Researchers suggest the drugs' impact on the brain's reward system may explain the reduction in alcohol use.

NEA Management Company LLC increased its stake in Tempus AI by 17.8% in Q3, owning 5,385,979 shares, making it the fund's 2nd largest holding. Several other investors also added to their stakes, and Wall Street analysts have a 'Moderate Buy' consensus rating with a target price of $54.22.

Divya Gupta, MD, discusses personalized treatment in NSCLC using ctDNA and MRD assays to guide post-surgery care, and highlights the need for better second-line treatments for non-driver mutation patients, emphasizing the development of targeted therapies for unaddressed mutations.

Samsung Electronics appoints Samsung Bioepis CEO Ko Han-sung to lead its Future Business Planning Division, marking a strategic shift with his biotech expertise. Ko, with a Ph.D. in genetic engineering, has steered Samsung Bioepis for 13 years and will continue his role as KoreaBIO chairman. Samsung Bioepis also names Kim Kyung-ah, its first non-founder female CEO, as its new head, symbolizing innovation and diversity.

RLF-TD011, a hypochlorous acid spray by Relief Therapeutics, effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in epidermolysis bullosa wounds in a Phase 1 study, with 78% of wounds closing completely. The spray, granted orphan drug designation by the FDA in 2019, aims to advance wound care for these patients.