Hepatology

Gilead Sciences Expands Liver Portfolio With Acquisition of CymaBay Therapeutics

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024
Science, Biotechnology, Research, Pharmaceutical, Health, FDA, Hospitals, Clinical Trials, Alkaline phosphatase, EMA, Woman, Gilead Sciences, Multimedia, Liver disease, Quality of life, Ascending cholangitis, PBC, Risk, Hepatology, Cirrhosis, Seladelpar, Therapy, Fatigue, PRIME, Primary biliary cholangitis, Patient, BofA Securities, Guggenheim Partners, Itch, Centerview Partners, Lazard, Pharmaceutical industry

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBAY) announced today a definitive agreement under which Gilead will acquire CymaBay for $32.50 per share in cash or a total equity value of $4.3 billion.

Key Points: 
  • Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBAY) announced today a definitive agreement under which Gilead will acquire CymaBay for $32.50 per share in cash or a total equity value of $4.3 billion.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240211034242/en/
    “We are looking forward to advancing seladelpar by leveraging Gilead’s long-standing expertise in treating and curing liver diseases,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences.
  • Seladelpar is an investigational, oral, selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) agonist, shown to regulate critical metabolic and liver disease pathways.
  • “Today’s agreement with Gilead is the culmination of years of focus and determination at CymaBay to advance seladelpar and bring new hope to people living with PBC and their families,” said Sujal Shah, President, and CEO at CymaBay Therapeutics.

SMC Laboratories Reveals Innovative STAM™-HCC/IO+ Mouse for Identifying and Developing Novel Therapeutic Drugs for Liver Cancer, Blazing a Trail in the Immuno-Oncology Field

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Inflammation, Growth, Liver cancer, Immunity, Immunotherapy, Research, JACC, Therapy, Prevalence, Tan, Metabolic syndrome, PNAS, MOA, JAMA Oncology, Sorafenib, Fibrosis, Bevacizumab, Immunogenic cell death, Laboratory, ICIS, Metabolism, Pembrolizumab, Neoplasm, MASH, Nivolumab, Hepatology, Liver, Cancer

The STAM™-HCC/IO+ mouse is a model that allows stable evaluation of the growth of multiple target lesions originating from the liver over a certain period.

Key Points: 
  • The STAM™-HCC/IO+ mouse is a model that allows stable evaluation of the growth of multiple target lesions originating from the liver over a certain period.
  • Furthermore, it can be used for testing molecular target drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and for other therapeutic targets while performing stable drug efficacy evaluations.
  • As the prevalence of liver cancer increases, it is anticipated that SMC Laboratories' STAM™-HCC/IO+ mouse will greatly contribute to the development of therapeutic drugs for liver cancer in the future.
  • Liver cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the world (Huang DQ et al, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 18, 223-238, 2021).

SMC Laboratories Reveals Innovative STAM™-HCC/IO+ Mouse for Identifying and Developing Novel Therapeutic Drugs for Liver Cancer, Blazing a Trail in the Immuno-Oncology Field

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Inflammation, Growth, Liver cancer, Immunity, Immunotherapy, Research, JACC, Therapy, Prevalence, Tan, Metabolic syndrome, PNAS, MOA, JAMA Oncology, Sorafenib, Fibrosis, Bevacizumab, Immunogenic cell death, Laboratory, ICIS, Metabolism, Pembrolizumab, Neoplasm, MASH, Nivolumab, Hepatology, Liver, Cancer

The STAM™-HCC/IO+ mouse is a model that allows stable evaluation of the growth of multiple target lesions originating from the liver over a certain period.

Key Points: 
  • The STAM™-HCC/IO+ mouse is a model that allows stable evaluation of the growth of multiple target lesions originating from the liver over a certain period.
  • Furthermore, it can be used for testing molecular target drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and for other therapeutic targets while performing stable drug efficacy evaluations.
  • As the prevalence of liver cancer increases, it is anticipated that SMC Laboratories' STAM™-HCC/IO+ mouse will greatly contribute to the development of therapeutic drugs for liver cancer in the future.
  • Liver cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the world (Huang DQ et al, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 18, 223-238, 2021).

Vilcek Foundation Awards $500,000 in Prizes to Immigrant Scientists and Designers

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Vilcek Foundation, Research institute, Bacteria, MD, Biochemistry, National academy, Chronic liver disease, Anatomy, Organization, Humanities, Bangladesh Technical Education Board, History, American Academy, Hepatology, Biomedical sciences, IRS, CRISPR, Medicine, University, Student, Foundation (nonprofit), Pratt Institute, Human, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Work, Organoid, Brain, Doctor of Philosophy, Rockefeller University, Cancer, Art, Research, Cell, Stem cell, Wheelchair, Pharmaceutical industry

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vilcek Foundation announces the recipients of the 2024 Vilcek Foundation Prizes. Comprising a total of $500,000 in awards, the prizes align with the foundation's mission and vision: To celebrate immigrant professionals in biomedical science and in the arts and humanities, and to recognize immigrant professionals' contributions to intellectual and cultural life in the United States.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vilcek Foundation announces the recipients of the 2024 Vilcek Foundation Prizes .
  • Vilcek Foundation awards $500,000 in prizes to immigrant professionals in Biomedical Science and Design.
  • In 2024, four prizes are awarded each in Biomedical Science and in Design: one $100,000 Vilcek Prize, and three $50,000 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise.
  • "The United States' leadership in biomedical science and research is in no small part due to the contributions of immigrant scientists," says Jan Vilcek, Chairman and CEO of the Vilcek Foundation.

Exicure, Inc. and Bluejay Therapeutics Inc. Enter into a Patent License Agreement to Develop Cavrotolimod for the Treatment of Hepatitis

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024
Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Health, Partnership, Hepatology, Blue jay, Patent, File, Hepatitis, Therapy, Pharmaceutical industry

Exicure, Inc., (NASDAQ:XCUR) a company that historically developed nucleic acid therapies, and Bluejay Therapeutics, Inc., a private clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on viral and liver diseases, announced today that Bluejay Therapeutics, Inc. ("Bluejay") and Exicure, Inc. ("Exicure") entered into a patent license agreement to develop cavrotolimod for potential treatment for hepatitis.

Key Points: 
  • Exicure, Inc., (NASDAQ:XCUR) a company that historically developed nucleic acid therapies, and Bluejay Therapeutics, Inc., a private clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on viral and liver diseases, announced today that Bluejay Therapeutics, Inc. ("Bluejay") and Exicure, Inc. ("Exicure") entered into a patent license agreement to develop cavrotolimod for potential treatment for hepatitis.
  • Under the terms of the agreement, Bluejay will receive an exclusive license in the field of hepatitis to all of Exicure’s relevant patents.
  • Bluejay paid Exicure an initial small, one-time payment after the execution of this Agreement.
  • "Our partnership with Bluejay continues the development of cavrotolimod," said Paul Kang, Chief Executive Officer of Exicure.

For Rare Liver Disease Patients, Care Transitions Pose Yet Another Risk

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024
Policy, Family, Calendar, GLI, Wilson's disease, Caregiver, Patient, Transplant, Diagnosis, Hepatology, Empowerment, PBC, Primary biliary cholangitis, Disease, Communication, Drug development, Human, Health care, Social, Health, Liver, Liver disease, Medicare, JD, Kidney disease, Nursing

Rare liver diseases, in many cases, require life-long management, including both inpatient and outpatient care, serious procedures, and lifestyle interventions.

Key Points: 
  • Rare liver diseases, in many cases, require life-long management, including both inpatient and outpatient care, serious procedures, and lifestyle interventions.
  • “Rare liver disease patients face needless obstacles just to receive an accurate diagnosis and the care they require,” shared Donna R. Cryer, JD, founder and CEO of GLI.
  • The campaign culminates in advocacy efforts to increase policy attention to rare liver diseases on the rarest day on the calendar, February 29 – Rare Disease Day.
  • No matter the role, each person can make a difference to ensure smooth transitions in care for patients with rare liver disease.

EQS-News: Abivax to host KOL Investor Event to review phase 2b clinical data and phase 3 trial design for obefazimod in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis on February 6, 2024

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Patient, Associate, UC, Personalized medicine, Nutrition, Euronext Paris, Division, Hepatology, Therapy, Ulcerative colitis, KOL, EST, Pharmaceutical industry

Abivax to host KOL Investor Event to review phase 2b clinical data and phase 3 trial design for obefazimod in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis on February 6, 2024

Key Points: 
  • Abivax to host KOL Investor Event to review phase 2b clinical data and phase 3 trial design for obefazimod in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis on February 6, 2024
    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
  • The event will feature Marla Dubinsky, MD, and Parambir Dulai, MD.
  • Along with Abivax’s management, they will be discussing the unmet medical need and current treatment landscape for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC).
  • He serves as the Director of GI Clinical Trials and Precision Medicine, as well as Director of the Digestive Health Foundation Biorepository.

Abivax to host KOL Investor Event to review phase 2b clinical data and phase 3 trial design for obefazimod in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis on February 6, 2024

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Patient, Associate, UC, Personalized medicine, Nutrition, Euronext Paris, Division, Hepatology, Therapy, Ulcerative colitis, KOL, EST, Pharmaceutical industry

The event will feature Marla Dubinsky, MD, and Parambir Dulai, MD.

Key Points: 
  • The event will feature Marla Dubinsky, MD, and Parambir Dulai, MD.
  • Along with Abivax’s management, they will be discussing the unmet medical need and current treatment landscape for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis (UC).
  • She is also Chief of the Division of Pediatric GI and Nutrition at the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital.
  • He serves as the Director of GI Clinical Trials and Precision Medicine, as well as Director of the Digestive Health Foundation Biorepository.

Sagimet Biosciences Announces Positive Topline Results from Phase 2b FASCINATE-2 Clinical Trial of Denifanstat in Biopsy-Confirmed F2/F3 NASH

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 22, 2024
Artificial intelligence, Patient, Cirrhosis, Fibrosis, SAN, University, AI, NAS, Division, LDL, Hepatology, Liver, FDA, Inflammation, NASH, FASN, ALT, Biopsy, DNL

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Sagimet Biosciences Inc. (Sagimet, Nasdaq: SGMT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel fatty acid synthase (FASN) inhibitors designed to target dysfunctional metabolic and fibrotic pathways, today announced positive topline results from its FASCINATE-2 Phase 2b clinical trial of denifanstat versus placebo in biopsy-confirmed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients with stage 2 or stage 3 fibrosis (F2/F3) at week 52. In this trial, denifanstat, an oral, selective FASN inhibitor, showed statistically significant improvements relative to placebo on both of the primary endpoints of NASH resolution without worsening of fibrosis with ≥2-point reduction in NAS, and ≥2-point reduction in NAS without worsening of fibrosis. Denifanstat-treated patients also showed statistically significant fibrosis improvement by ≥ 1 stage with no worsening of NASH, and a greater proportion of MRI-derived proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) ≥30% responders relative to placebo.

Key Points: 
  • “Denifanstat is designed to reduce the three main drivers of NASH, including fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis, both independently and in parallel.
  • “Sagimet is committed to creating novel approaches to target dysfunctional metabolic pathways, and we believe these positive results represent a major advancement in that endeavor.
  • “Denifanstat is the only FASN inhibitor currently in clinical development for the treatment of NASH with related fibrosis.
  • Moreover, the safety profile supports the further development of denifanstat in NASH patients.”

Texas Children's Announces Physician Leadership Team at North Austin Campus

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Senior, Child, Woman, Stanford University, Rodale, Inc., Patient, Uterine fibroid, Texas Children's Hospital, Endometriosis, Chiari malformation, Neurology, DRS, Cardiology, Intervention, Gynaecology, Plastic, Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, PALS, Pediatrics, Baylor University, Strategic planning, Obstetrics and gynaecology, Medicine, Hospital, Service, Radiology, Rheumatology, Most, Gastroenterology, ERAS, Plastic surgery, American College, Physician, Nursing

"We are honored to bring such amazing talent to our hospital," said Russ Williams , Senior Vice President of Texas Children's North Austin Campus.

Key Points: 
  • "We are honored to bring such amazing talent to our hospital," said Russ Williams , Senior Vice President of Texas Children's North Austin Campus.
  • A past winner of the Most Valuable Physician award at St. David's South Austin Medical Center, she is thrilled to bring her expertise to Texas Children's Hospital North Austin.
  • With these new appointments, Texas Children's Hospital North Austin Campus is ready to expand that tradition of exceptional care for children and women in Austin."
  • Located at 9835 North Lake Creek Parkway, Texas Children's North Austin will connect patients and families to Texas Children's numerous subspecialties including cardiology, oncology, neurology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, fetal care and more.