Inflammation

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.

Certa and OccuRx both came out of Fibrotech and are now joining forces to advance asengeprast as a potential therapy for scleroderma and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Private Company Edition: TRexBio’s series B venture capital round will fund initial clinical trials for TRB-061, a TNFR2 agonist. And in addition to mega-rounds from Trace, Alentis and Metsera, Evommune and Axonis raised $115m each, while Elektrofi completed a $112.5m series C.

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

Concizumab sponsor Novo Nordisk and a number of other companies could soon learn whether or not the European Medicines Agency will give their respective drugs the marketing thumbs up.

Country Life Vitamins launches healthy aging support line as it announces less than half of US consumers in a recent survey were aware of biological processes that affect aging. Groupe Berken and Arctic Biosciences partner to bring to North America herring caviar oil extract in a supplement designed to support optimal health across all life stages.

Deal Snapshot: The Cambridge, UK-based company could be in line for payments just shy of $2bn if its partnership with the US giant comes up trumps.

Exosome-based treatments hold promise, but their reality has not yet materialized in the form of compelling clinical data. Belgian biotech Exo Biologics’ CEO Hugues Wallemacq believes his company can help move the field forward, both through its own clinical programs and by offering high-quality exosomes to others in the field.   

Rocatinlimab met its Phase III endpoints with results that appear uncompetitive with AD market leader Dupixent, while Uplizna may offer a compelling twice-yearly gMG treatment option.

An academic study of GLP-1 agonist showed promise in patients with the painful skin condition but with no signs that the Danish drugmaker will pursue the indication, smaller players in the space may be interested.