UCSF

Apple Tree Partners Unveils Deep Apple Therapeutics to Dramatically Accelerate Drug Discovery with Structure-Based, Ultra-Large Library Virtual Screening and Deep Learning Models

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, December 14, 2023
ZINC, Terra Venture Partners, Partner (business rank), SAN, Therapy, UCSF, Inflammation, Doctor of Philosophy, Obesity, G protein-coupled receptor, DSM-IV codes, Stanford University, University, Drug discovery, Deep learning, ATP, GPCR, Fine chemical

SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Apple Tree Partners (ATP), a leader in life sciences venture capital, today announced $52 million in Series A funding for its portfolio company Deep Apple Therapeutics, created and incubated by ATP to rapidly discover novel small molecule therapeutics for high-value targets through virtual screening of AI-generated virtual libraries. With a powerful discovery engine that combines ensemble cryo-EM, deep learning, and molecular docking screens of ultra-large libraries, Deep Apple can go from target identification to lead optimization in less than 12 months – a fraction of the industry standard time – and can pursue biological target signaling inaccessible to conventional discovery approaches. Deep Apple's discovery engine is broadly applicable across disease areas and is particularly well-suited to expedited hit-finding against integral membrane proteins. The company currently is advancing multiple programs focused on GPCR modulators, a proven target class with applications in metabolic disorders, inflammation, immunology, and endocrine diseases.

Key Points: 
  • Deep Apple's discovery engine is broadly applicable across disease areas and is particularly well-suited to expedited hit-finding against integral membrane proteins.
  • "ATP created Deep Apple to revolutionize drug discovery in terms of speed, cost, and effectiveness," said Spiros Liras, Ph.D., founding CEO of Deep Apple and a Venture Partner at ATP.
  • And our virtual large-scale docking enables us to quickly home in on the right drug for the right target."
  • Wet-lab interrogations of the chosen virtual compounds feed back into the company's deep learning models to continually improve predictive performance.

The ACSR Democratizes Access To Pathology Data With Proscia, Advancing Breakthroughs For HIV Cancer Patients

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Research, SAN, Pathology, National Cancer Institute, UCSF, Patient, Informatics, ACSR, HIV, Melanoma, Person, Cancer, Software, AIDS, Bangladesh Technical Education Board, News, Medical imaging, Biostatistics, PLWH, Epidemiology

SAN FRANCISCO and PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR), a biorepository of specimens collected from persons living with HIV (PLWH) established in 1994 and funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, is using software from Proscia®, a leading provider of digital and computational pathology solutions, to encourage scientific exploration and discovery in cancer in PLWH. Concentriq® for Research has enabled the ACSR to provide near real-time access to pathology data to investigators around the world.

Key Points: 
  • Concentriq® for Research has enabled the ACSR to provide near real-time access to pathology data to investigators around the world.
  • As digital pathology shifts the standard from microscope to high-resolution images, the ACSR recognized an opportunity to improve access to its data and drive further breakthroughs by adopting the technology.
  • Since selecting Concentriq for Research, the ACSR has reduced the time it takes to provide investigators with pathology data from days to hours.
  • "It enables breakthrough research with its pathology data and has meaningfully improved access to this critical source of insight with our platform.

Clipper® BayPass Welcomes Aboard UCSF as First Employer to Offer Workers Unlimited Free Transit

Retrieved on: 
Friday, December 8, 2023
Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai), Metropolitan Transit Commission, SAN, Policy, State university system, Student, UCSF, San Francisco State University, COVID-19, MTC, BART, University, Housing, Partnership, Muni, Travel, Airline, Renewable energy, San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) today finalized a partnership agreement through which UCSF will provide up to 6,000 of its employees with passes for unlimited free travel for one year on any of 24 Bay Area transit agencies beginning Jan. 1, 2024. The agreement, approved at the December meeting of MTCs Regional Network Management Committee, makes UCSF the first Bay Area employer to join Phase 2 of the Clipper® BayPass program, which is jointly managed by MTC and BART.

Key Points: 
  • UCSF's goal is to make public transit more accessible to employees in the university's lower salary tiers.
  • MTC teamed with BART and other transit agencies to launch Phase I of the Clipper BayPass pilot in August 2022.
  • Clipper BayPass partcipants used their passes for more than a combined 2 million transit trips in the first year of the pilot.
  • Transit agencies in 2024 will expand fare integration with the launch of a pilot program for no-cost and reduced-cost transfers between agencies.

$100M Saved in Drug Costs… And Growing

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
EHR, ROI, Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharmacist, UCSF, Patient, Pharmacy, Growth, Blue Shield, Prescription, Health care, Workflow, MD, Partnership, JAMA, Nursing, Pharmaceutical industry, Gemini

SAUSALITO, Calif., Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gemini Health LLC, a California-based drug cost transparency platform company, announced today that it has surpassed $100M in drug cost savings in partnership with major health plans. The savings were generated over the past three years by identifying and delivering lower cost, high-quality drug and pharmacy alternatives for roughly half of all prescriptions - ten times the industry average. Alternatives and related savings are then sent to prescribers and pharmacists in workflow, as well as to members, via five patented Gemini services. Savings are identified in actual claims and are calculated based upon switches from higher cost drugs and pharmacies to lower cost alternatives that occur after a Gemini alternative was presented.

Key Points: 
  • SAUSALITO, Calif., Nov. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gemini Health LLC, a California-based drug cost transparency platform company, announced today that it has surpassed $100M in drug cost savings in partnership with major health plans.
  • The savings were generated over the past three years by identifying and delivering lower cost, high-quality drug and pharmacy alternatives for roughly half of all prescriptions - ten times the industry average.
  • Alternatives and related savings are then sent to prescribers and pharmacists in workflow, as well as to members, via five patented Gemini services.
  • The Business Group on Health recently released its annual survey of large employers, naming drug costs as a top concern.

Stronger Thigh Muscles May Prevent Knee Replacement Surgery

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 27, 2023
Health, Hip, RSNA, Gait, Research, Osteoarthritis, Knee, Risk, UCSF, Patient, Multimedia, Thigh, Hamstring, Arthritis, University, Newsroom, Pain, Disability, MRI, Facial muscles, Bangladesh Technical Education Board, Society, Palmar interossei muscles, Radiology, Radiation, Education, Shipbuilding, Dietary supplement, Medical imaging

In the U.S. alone, 14 million adults have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, and more than half of those diagnosed are projected to eventually undergo total knee replacement surgery.

Key Points: 
  • In the U.S. alone, 14 million adults have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, and more than half of those diagnosed are projected to eventually undergo total knee replacement surgery.
  • While stronger muscle groups are generally understood to be associated with a lower rate of total knee replacement, their relative importance is not well established.
  • They compared 67 patients who underwent total knee replacement of a single knee with 67 control participants who had not undergone knee replacement.
  • Comparing patients who had total knee replacement with the control group, a higher ratio of quadriceps to hamstring volume was significantly associated with lower odds of total knee replacement.

Together Senior Health Partners with Leading ACO Rainier Health Network, an Affiliate of CommonSpirit, to Bring Dementia-Specific Care Programs to Dementia Patients

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Alzheimer's disease, Research, SAN, RADAR, Risk, Chairperson, Dementia, Disease, UCSF, CommonSpirit Health, Patient, Acos, ACO, Moving, NIH, MD, Caregiver, Alzheimer's Association, University, Partnership, Medicare, NPS, Quality of life, Bangladesh Technical Education Board, Accountable care organization, Nursing, Health insurance, Residential care, Together, Lecanemab, Health

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Together Senior Health, a brain health company delivering evidence-based solutions for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), today announced a new strategic partnership with Rainier Health Network, a prominent Accountable Care Organization (ACO) overseeing the healthcare of over 60,000 Medicare patients. Rainier Health Network is solely owned by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a division of the national nonprofit health system CommonSpirit Health. The partnership will introduce Together's evidence-based suite of dementia-specific programs, including in-home virtual interventions, to patients across Rainier Health Network in Washington state.

Key Points: 
  • Rainier Health Network is solely owned by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, a division of the national nonprofit health system CommonSpirit Health.
  • The partnership will introduce Together's evidence-based suite of dementia-specific programs, including in-home virtual interventions, to patients across Rainier Health Network in Washington state.
  • Rainier Health Network, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and CommonSpirit are deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations, including making dementia care more accessible.
  • "Supporting our members with ADRD is critical," said Dr. Francis Mercado, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Board Chair, Rainier Health Network.

DSST PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ARC INSTITUTE RECEIVE DONATIONS AS PART OF THE SINGLETON FOUNDATION FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP's 2023 CEO PRIZE EVENT

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Entrepreneurship, Alzheimer's disease, DSST Public Schools, Research, Financial literacy, STEM, Engineering, Organization, University of California, Berkeley, Liberty, Student, UCSF, Patient, Health, Stanford University, DSST, Arc, Liberty Media, Stripe, Inc., Ageing, AI, Singleton, UC, Pharmaceutical industry, Management, Science

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship announces today donations to DSST Public Schools (previously known as Denver School of Science and Technology) and Arc Institute as a part of the Foundation's 2023 CEO Prize.

Key Points: 
  • LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship announces today donations to DSST Public Schools (previously known as Denver School of Science and Technology) and Arc Institute as a part of the Foundation's 2023 CEO Prize.
  • Additionally, a new award was introduced this year with Patrick and John Collison, Cofounders of Stripe, Inc, receiving the inaugural Next Generation CEO Prize.
  • This year, DSST Public Schools, designated by Dr. John Malone, will receive the $250,000 gift and Arc Institute, designated by Patrick and John Collison, will receive the $100,000 gift.
  • "The CEO Prize is an important component of the Singleton Foundation," said Shelley Miles, CEO of the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship.

Spectral Medical Provides Tigris Trial Update

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
UCSF, NYSE, Septic shock, UAB, Emory Healthcare, Mortality, University of California, San Francisco, Hospital, University, University of Alabama, Sepsis, Patient, Randomized controlled trial, Lipopolysaccharide, TSX, Pharmaceutical industry, Nursing

TORONTO, Nov. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  Spectral Medical Inc. (“Spectral” or the “Company”) (TSX: EDT), a late-stage theranostic company advancing therapeutic options for sepsis and septic shock, today announced that it has enrolled a total of 76 patients for the Company’s Tigris trial, a Phase 3 follow-on study evaluating the use of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion (“PMX”) in a randomized controlled trial of adults treated for endotoxemia and septic shock.

Key Points: 
  • TORONTO, Nov. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spectral Medical Inc. (“Spectral” or the “Company”) (TSX: EDT), a late-stage theranostic company advancing therapeutic options for sepsis and septic shock, today announced that it has enrolled a total of 76 patients for the Company’s Tigris trial, a Phase 3 follow-on study evaluating the use of Polymyxin B Hemoperfusion (“PMX”) in a randomized controlled trial of adults treated for endotoxemia and septic shock.
  • Emory Healthcare newest trial site addition (Tigris site #20) enrolling out of two hospitals.
  • University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) continue to be strong Tigris enrollers, with the enrollment of patients 75 and 76 at the end of October.
  • Dr. John Kellum, Chief Medical Officer of Spectral, commented, “After a somewhat sluggish September, we are pleased with October’s robust screening activity which resulted in two new enrollments at the end of October.

GENFIT to Present Update on Scientific and Corporate Progress at The Liver Meeting® 2023

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Transplant, Labcorp, UCSF, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, BMI, Hepatology, MD, University of California, MBA, ACLF, PBC, Gubra, NAS, Poster, Division, NASH, GAN, Biopsy, University, CET, Primary biliary cholangitis, FACP, Ipsen, Patient, Abstract, Liver support system, IQVIA, AASLD, Medical device, Pharmaceutical industry, Medical imaging, Euronext, Gastroenterology

Participants include study investigators, principal investigators and other healthcare professionals from the US, France, Germany and the UK.

Key Points: 
  • Participants include study investigators, principal investigators and other healthcare professionals from the US, France, Germany and the UK.
  • Two Patient Advocacy Council sessions will be held on Saturday November 11, 2023.
  • Participants in this event include Dr. Jennifer Lai (MD, MBA, FACP) and the Global Liver Institute.
  • GENFIT will present new data on its NASH diagnostics technology, including:
    The impact of BMI on NIS2+™ and established non-invasive tests for the evaluation of non-alcoholic liver disease (15’ Oral Presentation #238, Pr.

Engine Biosciences Secures $27 Million Series A Extension to Advance Development of Precision Oncology Medicines and Novel Biomarkers for Patient Selection

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Biotechnology, Professional Services, Health, General Health, Pharmaceutical, Oncology, Health Technology, Research, Genetics, Science, Finance, Neoplasm, Polaris Partners, MIT, Enterprise Singapore, UCSF, Silicon, Biomarker, Therapy, Economics, UCSD, Liver, Amaravati seed capital road, INVU (song), Drug development, Enterprise, Temasek, Lung, Growth, PKMYT1, Medicine, Biology, Machine learning, SEEDS, Doctor of Philosophy, Mayo Clinic, Medical imaging, Pharmaceutical industry, Engine

Engine Biosciences , a company leveraging machine learning and high-throughput biology to discover and develop precision oncology medicines, today announced the completion of a $27 million Series A extension.

Key Points: 
  • Engine Biosciences , a company leveraging machine learning and high-throughput biology to discover and develop precision oncology medicines, today announced the completion of a $27 million Series A extension.
  • Engine’s precision medicine R&D platform deciphers biological networks and pinpoints key genetic interactions driving diseases, overcoming challenges presented by biological complexity.
  • These insights reveal targets and therapeutics to be used in biomarker-defined patient populations, allowing for more rapid identification of effective precision medicines.
  • In addition to high-value targets and drug candidates, Engine identified new patient selection biomarkers for several distinct classes of targeted therapies.