R&D

Chances of eliminating HIV infection increased by novel dual gene-editing approach

Gene-editing therapy aimed at two targets - HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS, and CCR5, the co-receptor that helps the virus get into cells - can effectively eliminate HIV infection, new research from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) shows. The study, published online in the journal The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), is the first to combine a dual gene-editing strategy with antiretroviral drugs to cure animals of HIV-1.

Study shows promising results for immunotherapy targeting skin cancer

A new class of immunotherapy shows promising results for fighting the most aggressive form of skin cancer.

The study, published today in Nature Communications by researchers from King's College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, investigates whether a novel antibody can target and treat melanomas.

Cocktail of modified antibodies provides strong effect against SARS-CoV-2

Is it possible to improve the antibodies that the body produces to fight SARS-CoV2? In a study led by researchers from Lund University in Sweden, this was investigated by redesigning antibodies and combining them against the virus. The modified antibodies have been tested in human cells and with mice.

Many antibodies used to treat covid infection during the pandemic have been so-called neutralizing antibodies that prevent the virus from infecting the cell.

T-cell vaccine for COVID-19 may last longer than current vaccines

The current COVID-19 vaccines are designed to trigger an antibody response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is vulnerable to mutations that could make the vaccine less effective over time. Focusing on the T-cell instead, Penn State researchers partnered with Evaxion Biotech on a study that was the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-generated vaccine in a live viral challenge model.

New therapy harnesses patients' blood cells to fight tumors

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has become a promising immunotherapy tool to help treat advanced melanoma. The therapy, which harnesses immune cells collected from the patient’s own tumors, could provide a new treatment option to cancer patients, potentially bypassing radiation therapies and harsh chemotherapy drugs.

CycPeptMPDB: A database aimed at promoting drug design using cyclic peptides

CycPeptMPDB, a novel database - created by Tokyo Tech researchers - focused on the membrane permeability of cyclic peptides, could accelerate the development of drugs based on these promising compounds. This database was created by gathering published information on thousands of cyclic peptides and organizing it neatly in an online-accessible platform.

A nasal spray protects against coronavirus infection - Effective also against recent immune-evasive variants

Researchers have developed a molecule that is, when administered nasally, extremely effective in preventing the disease caused by all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The molecule can be a key tool in preparing for future pandemics, as it is aimed at preventing both the transmission and spread of the virus.

In laboratory animal studies, a molecule known as TriSb92, developed by researchers at the University of Helsinki, has been confirmed as affording effective protection against coronavirus infection.

Research & Development

Chances of eliminating HIV infection increased by novel dual gene-editing approach

Study shows promising results for immunotherapy targeting skin cancer

Cocktail of modified antibodies provides strong effect against SARS-CoV-2

T-cell vaccine for COVID-19 may last longer than current vaccines

New therapy harnesses patients' blood cells to fight tumors

CycPeptMPDB: A database aimed at promoting drug design using cyclic peptides

A nasal spray protects against coronavirus infection - Effective also against recent immune-evasive variants

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