Immunology

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps are a double-edged sword in the immune system, capable of both defending against pathogens and driving inflammatory diseases. Their complex role in health and disease is being approached by innovative researchers and biotechs, who are working to harness their power while mitigating their harmful effects.

Two investigational products have made it onto the European Medicines Agency’s priority medicines scheme so far this year. Meanwhile, of the 14 products that entered the scheme last year, six were advanced therapies.

CEO Christopher Viehbacher has said repeatedly that Biogen will build its pipeline internally and through deals, and Grogan reshuffled the research organization with that in mind.

Ouro Medicines, founded by Monograph Capital and GSK and helmed by HI-Bio veterans, aims to reset the immune system in B-cell-mediated diseases with options that are not CAR-T therapies.

In this episode of the In Vivo podcast, Harvard immunologist and co-founder of early-stage biotech Corner Therapeutics, Jonathan Kagan, talks about harnessing the power of the innate immune system by weaponizing dendritic cells and creating immunotherapies that are safer and more durable.

CytoCares’ CEO shares plans for CC312, a potentially first-in-class trispecific antibody for autoimmune disorders it sees as differentiated from global rivals.

Deal Snapshot: Genentech will pay $40m up front and in the near term, with milestone fees of up to $900m-plus, to use COUR’s tolerogenic nanoparticle treatments in an undisclosed autoimmune disease.

In a competitive immunology landscape, Eli Lilly is looking for novel agents, oral formulations of injectables, and combination therapies that can optimize response and expand the patient pool.

Detailed results for CD40L inhibitor dapirolizumab pegol showed consistent improvements over time with meaningful gains over placebo across all endpoints in its first Phase III study.

Novel targets for managing inflammation hold the promise of greater efficacy and safety for diseases not widely viewed as inflammatory in nature.