Lupus

Kymera Therapeutics Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results and Provides a Business Update

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

Under the terms of the Sanofi/Kymera collaboration, the dosing of the first patients generated milestone payments totaling $55 million.

Key Points: 
  • Under the terms of the Sanofi/Kymera collaboration, the dosing of the first patients generated milestone payments totaling $55 million.
  • Enrollment in both trials is ongoing, with topline data expected to be reported in the first half of 2025.
  • Kymera unveiled its first-in-class oral STAT6 degrader, KT-621, at its Immunology R&D Day in January.
  • To access the conference call via phone, please dial +1 (833) 630-2127 or +1 (412) 317-1846 (International) and ask to join the Kymera Therapeutics call.

Galapagos announces full year 2023 results and outlook for 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 22, 2024

In addition, we entered into a strategic collaboration with BridGene Biosciences to advance our growing early-stage pipeline in precision oncology.

Key Points: 
  • In addition, we entered into a strategic collaboration with BridGene Biosciences to advance our growing early-stage pipeline in precision oncology.
  • Signed an agreement with Boston-based Landmark Bio and started the technology transfer for the decentralized production of Galapagos’ CAR-T cell therapy candidates.
  • Further streamlined our operations with a reduction of approximately 100 positions across the Galapagos organization to align with the Galapagos’ renewed focus on innovation.
  • Signed a strategic collaboration and license agreement with BridGene Biosciences to further strengthen Galapagos' growing early-stage oncology precision medicine pipeline.

CRISPR Therapeutics Provides Business Update and Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

R&D Expenses: R&D expenses were $95.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $103.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Key Points: 
  • R&D Expenses: R&D expenses were $95.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $103.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses were $16.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $21.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • Collaboration Expense: Collaboration expense, net, was $20.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $6.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.
  • Net Income (Loss): Net income was $89.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to a net loss of $110.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Common Immune Response Protective Across Many Diseases

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

In a just-published paper in the journal Cell Reports , Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) researchers highlight a novel discovery of how the human immune system works in common ways across diseases, and offer promising avenues for exploring multi-disease therapeutic strategies.

Key Points: 
  • In a just-published paper in the journal Cell Reports , Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) researchers highlight a novel discovery of how the human immune system works in common ways across diseases, and offer promising avenues for exploring multi-disease therapeutic strategies.
  • To address these challenges, ISB researchers have identified two immune cell receptors – NKG2A and NKG2C – as factors influencing immune responses across diseases.
  • Through a comprehensive analysis, they found that an NKG2A-dominant immune response correlates with decreased disease severity and mortality, and lower prevalence of post-acute chronic conditions across all disease contexts.
  • The study also identified distinct immune cell profiles associated with NKG2A and NKG2C biases, which could lead to potential therapeutic targets for modifying immune responses across diseases.

Atara Biotherapeutics Receives FDA Clearance of IND Application in Lupus Nephritis for ATA3219, an Allogeneic CAR T Therapy

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024

We are eager to address the significant unmet need in lupus nephritis as we initiate our Phase 1 trial,” said Pascal Touchon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atara.

Key Points: 
  • We are eager to address the significant unmet need in lupus nephritis as we initiate our Phase 1 trial,” said Pascal Touchon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atara.
  • Subjects will receive lymphodepletion treatment followed by ATA3219 at a dose of 40, 80, or 160 x 106 CAR+ T cells.
  • “CAR T cells can naturally infiltrate deep into target tissues to mediate B-cell depletion and produce durable responses.
  • The ATA3219 IND submission included in vitro data reflecting the CD19 antigen-specific functional activity of ATA3219 and CAR-mediated activity against B cells from SLE patients.

"Double Life" of Key Immune Protein Reveals New Strategies for Treating Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

The same findings also support experimental treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body, because stimulating the action of PD-1, as opposed to restricting it, can potentially block an overactive immune response.

Key Points: 
  • The same findings also support experimental treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body, because stimulating the action of PD-1, as opposed to restricting it, can potentially block an overactive immune response.
  • The study results revolve around the body's immune system, which is primed to attack virally infected and cancerous cells while leaving normal cells alone.
  • The immune system recognizes tumors as abnormal, but cancer cells can hijack checkpoints to turn off immune responses.
  • At the same time, PD-1 signaling is slowed in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes, such that the action of unchecked immune cells creates inflammation that can damage tissues.

Lupus Research Alliance Announces Recipients of the Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce the recent recipients of the Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award (LMTA), whose research will investigate molecular pathways or targets that will lead to new or improved therapies for individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is pleased to announce the recent recipients of the Lupus Mechanisms and Targets Award (LMTA), whose research will investigate molecular pathways or targets that will lead to new or improved therapies for individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • The development of targeted treatments is hindered by an incomplete understanding of lupus and its devastating complications.
  • These seven talented investigators will identify targets for new treatments and test novel therapeutic avenues to revolutionize the field and improve the lives of individuals with lupus.
  • Surgical biopsies of the kidneys are often needed to diagnose lupus nephritis (LN), kidney inflammation caused by lupus that can result in severe and sometimes life-threatening organ damage.

Atara Biotherapeutics Announces Submission of Investigational New Drug Application for ATA3219 for Treatment of Lupus Nephritis

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 14, 2024

“We are dedicated to advancing medical breakthroughs with innovative cell therapies that truly make a difference.

Key Points: 
  • “We are dedicated to advancing medical breakthroughs with innovative cell therapies that truly make a difference.
  • Treatment will be facilitated for patients and physicians in avoiding apheresis and lengthy patient-by-patient manufacturing as ATA3219 would be rapidly available as an off-the-shelf treatment from finished product inventory.
  • The ATA3219 IND submission includes robust in vitro data reflecting the CD19 antigen-specific functional activity of ATA3219 and CAR-mediated activity against B cells from SLE patients.
  • Despite recent advances in treatment strategies, the response rate using existing therapies remains low, with significant risk of long-term morbidity and mortality associated with refractory LN.

Aptar Signs Enterprise Agreement with Biogen to Operate and Develop Digital Health Solutions

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 9, 2024

Aptar Digital Health, part of AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR), a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, has entered into an enterprise agreement with Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) to operate and develop digital health solutions for neurological and rare diseases.

Key Points: 
  • Aptar Digital Health, part of AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR), a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies, has entered into an enterprise agreement with Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) to operate and develop digital health solutions for neurological and rare diseases.
  • As part of the agreement, Biogen will transfer ownership of select digital health solutions to Aptar Digital Health (Aptar).
  • In addition to these solutions, Biogen and Aptar will further collaborate to potentially develop and bring to market new digital health solutions for the management of spinal muscular amyotrophy, Friedreich’s ataxia and lupus in selected countries.
  • “We are excited to leverage our end-to-end capabilities to support Biogen and enable patients and their care teams to benefit from advanced digital solutions for better disease management,” said Pierre Leurent, President, Aptar Digital Health.

Awaken Hope, Embrace Healing: The Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmune Summit 2.0

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 9, 2024

CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DrTalks, a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing health, wellness, and medicine knowledge, is proud to announce Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmune Summit 2.0. This groundbreaking virtual event serves as an important platform for people grappling with multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmune conditions, offering a beacon of hope and a wealth of knowledge. Set to take place from August 20 to 26, 2024, this summit offers free online access to everyone interested in the latest breakthroughs in holistic and natural treatments for neuroimmune conditions.

Key Points: 
  • The Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmune Summit 2.0 is a premier virtual event that provides hope, knowledge, and support for people with multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DrTalks , a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing health, wellness, and medicine knowledge, is proud to announce Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmune Summit 2.0 .
  • This groundbreaking virtual event serves as an important platform for people grappling with multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmune conditions, offering a beacon of hope and a wealth of knowledge.
  • Dr. Wahls brings to the summit a unique perspective on neuroimmune conditions having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.