Zhenhua Wu

🔎 𝐇𝐢𝐁𝐢𝐓 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐲 Measure target cell killing induced by a variety of biologic drugs, including mAbs, bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cells. ✅ Off-the-shelf HiBiT Target Cells expressing common immunotherapy targets (CD19, CD20, BCMA, etc.) ✅ Custom development of HiBiT Target Cells and assay optimization to meet your needs 📋 List of available HiBiT Target Cells: https://bit.ly/3QNW3i9

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Discover how computational sequence analysis and 3D structural modeling can speed up your therapeutic discovery process, uncovering potent antibody leads while minimizing liabilities. Learn more about Orion’s Antibody Discovery Suite.

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Drug development for treating ALS requires an understanding of how genetic mutations lead to the ALS phenotype. Learn more from bit.bio about how scientists can quickly generate human-relevant cell models for functional assays for ALS drug discovery. #AD Click the link below to learn more: https://ow.ly/zXtn50RKGlR

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There is great news for Illumina embedded in a new DeciBio liquid biopsy report. DeciBio projects the LB market to grow at 30% and reach $10B in 2029 and as they note, it's a crowded market with numerous approaches. But NGS is the common them as it's the ubiquitous technology for generating data for DNA, Methylation, RNA and multiomics (assuming genomics is base-line in omics). Trying to put a number on this effect from the figure below, NGS is the underlying technology for 151/217 = 70% of the LB companies. That makes LB a huge opportunity for Illumina (primarily) and other low cost SR providers. Situation is challenging for LR (PacBio and Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and slow/no scaling SR providers (Thermo Fisher Scientific, gotta buy Element Biosciences🤣).

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Good afternoon everyone! Today's blog dives into the power of a new AI-based predictive model (published in June in Nature Methods) that can effectively extract valuable drug discovery insight - but only after being trained on tons of single-cell RNA-seq datasets (more than 50 million data sets in fact). This exciting new predictive model, called as scFoundation, is designed to predict cellular responses to changes, gene interactions, and potential drug targets based on single-cell RNA sequencing data. It also improves the prediction of cancer drug responses and cellular responses to perturbations. In essence, it uses patterns in the data to make predictions about various aspects of cellular behavior. This makes it a valuable tool in fields like precision medicine, targeted cancer therapy, and understanding of complex cellular behaviors. Hope you enjoy! #bioinformatics #scRNA-seq #AI #predictivemodels

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Since 2015, Dana-Farber researchers have been participating in clinical trials that evaluate the use of bispecific antibodies for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Three bispecific antibody therapies have been FDA approved with more on the horizon. These are exciting new medicines that rally the immune system in a powerful way to fight blood cancers. But rolling out a new type of medicine is a project of its own. The experts at Dana-Farber who have been treating patients with these new medicines are now working on expanding their use. Philippe Armand, MD, PhD, chief of the Lymphoma Program, and Jennifer Crombie, MD, Reid Merryman, MD, and Christine Ryan, MD, physicians and clinical investigators in the Lymphoma Program, are using what they have learned as clinical investigators to run new trials to determine if these medicines could have benefits earlier in treatment, in combination with other therapies, or in other types of lymphoma. “The hope is that these drugs will help improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma,” says Crombie, who has been the principal investigator of a bispecific antibody trial for the past few years. Monoclonal antibodies treat cancer by binding to markers on cancer cells and rallying the immune system to destroy them. Bispecific antibodies are designed to recognize and bind to more than one cell marker. The bispecific antibodies approved for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma recognize CD20, a marker known to be on B cells, and CD3, a marker known to be on T cells, which are immune cells that can attack cancer cells. By binding to both, the bispecific antibody pulls the T cells closer to the cancerous B cells, increasing the chances that the T cells will recognize and kill the cancer. “Bispecific antibodies can be a powerful immune-based mechanism because of their dual binding properties,” says Crombie. These medicines are currently approved for use alone in patients with follicular lymphoma or diffuse large-cell lymphoma who have received three lines of treatment and need a new therapeutic option. Some patients may choose to try bispecific antibody therapy after CAR T-cell therapy. Others may opt to try bispecific antibodies before trying, or in lieu of, CAR T-cell therapy. Recommendations will vary depending on the type of lymphoma and other individual factors. These new therapies are administered via infusion or an injection under the skin. However, these immunotherapies can cause side effects that many centers are learning how best to manage. In clinical trials of bispecific antibodies, investigators noted side effects that are like those experienced by patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. The reactions, however, are often less frequent and less severe. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e4D8T2GG

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Can failure be a faster path to success? When it comes to drug development, sometimes it can be better to fail faster, earlier. Sarah Gould, Director and Senior Principal Scientific Advisor for Charles River Laboratories, shares her insights on this in the newest #Big4BioPodcast episode. We spoke about the types of risks that can be detected through preclinical testing, strategies that can be used to de-risk programs, and why doing so in the current environment can take on growing importance for companies seeking funding or licensing agreements. 🎙 Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eDu6wx8Z #biotech #biotechnology #drugdevelopment #preclinical��

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In business news, Nona Biosciences, a global biotechnology company providing a total solution from “Idea to IND”, ranging from target validation and antibody discovery through preclinical research, announced that it has entered into a license agreement with AstraZeneca for preclinical monoclonal antibodies that will be used to create targeted therapies in oncology. Under the terms of the agreement, Nona Biosciences shall receive US$19 million upon completion of the transaction. Nona is eligible to receive an additional US$10 million in potential near-term milestone payments and up to US$575 million upon achieving specified development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalty payments on net sales. In addition, Nona is eligible to receive payments for the option programs should AstraZeneca exercise these options. #mabs https://lnkd.in/gEWxTyx2

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Acurx Pharmaceuticals Announces Presentation of Ibezapolstat Phase 2 Clinical Trial Results for CDI at Scientific Conference   • Additional analyses of clinical and microbiological data from the Phase 2b segment show favorable gut microbiome changes including increased relative proportion of Actinobacteria in ibezapolstat-treated patients with C. difficile Infection (CDI) • Results consistent with those shown in earlier human volunteer studies and Phase 2a studies • Preservation and increased concentrations of beneficial Firmicute (Bacilotta) phylum known to be involved in bile acid homeostasis and short chain fatty acid metabolism was demonstrated  • Actinobacteria and Bacteroides preservation also confirmed using quantitative analysis   https://lnkd.in/eseFt8GZ   #nasdaq #acxp #antibiotics #acurx Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACXP) David Luci

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🎤 uBriGene Presents Exclusive Sessions at SAPA 2024 @Philly CGT Annual Conference 🎤 🚀 We're thrilled to announce our participation at 2024 @Philly Cell and Gene Therapy Annual Conference with two exclusive sessions aimed at revolutionizing the field: 1️⃣ An Innovative Technology for High Yield and More Stable #CRISPR Guide RNA: Discover how our innovative approach of using in vitro transcription (IVT) in producing guide RNA (#gRNA) that can simplify the process while being more cost-effective and free of organic chemicals. Join us to delve into the future of precision gene editing. 2️⃣ How Could CDMO and Technology Innovations Make CGT Affordable: Dive into the intersection #CDMO of and technological advancements with uBriGene. Learn about our strategies to drive down costs without compromising quality or efficacy. Let's explore how cutting-edge technology can make #CellandGeneTherapy more accessible to all. 2024 @Philly Cell and Gene Therapy Annual Conference brings together the innovators and business leaders to foster collaborations and advance cell and gene therapy in the #GreaterPhiladelphia area. 💡 Join #uBriGene to be at the forefront of innovation and collaboration in the dynamic world of cell and gene therapy and let's make cutting-edge cell and gene technology more accessible!

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We're pleased to share new #GeneTherapy research that provides critical knowledge to support adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapies. In this recent publication, Christos J. Petropoulos, vice president for Labcorp’s research and development, and Terri Wrin, technical director for Labcorp’s virology research and development, uncover the global seroprevalence of neutralizing antibodies against AAV serotypes crucial for human gene therapies. With data from 10 countries, this study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of neutralizing antibodies across different demographics. Explore the full research article to learn how these findings are shaping the future of clinical gene therapies: http://spr.ly/60469oeqs #AAVGeneTherapy #NAb

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Are you passionate about cutting-edge advancements in genetic medicine? ⚕️ Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders at the forefront of mRNA technology. Join us at the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Xchange, Maryland 2024 Register for free! https://lnkd.in/eQK2u8qu 🔬 Key Topics: 1. Optimizing mRNA Stability and Translation Efficiency 2. Targeted Delivery and Uptake by Immune Cells 3. Balancing Immune Activation and Safety 🗣️ Xiaoyong is the Director of Oligonucleotide and Genetic Medicine at Eli Lilly and Company. Mr Lu is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in RNA delivery systems and oligonucleotide synthesis. 📅 Wednesday 30 October, 2024 🕒 09:05 - 10:05 📍 Marriott Hotel, Maryland Don't miss this chance to network with top professionals and enhance your knowledge in the dynamic field of genetic medicine. Register now and be part of the future of mRNA therapeutics! Only available for Senior Scientists and above, from Bio and Pharma companies, with a drug pipeline. 💊 #BiotechInnovation #RNAResearch #PharmaLeadership #DrugDevelopment #OligonucleotideResearch #MedicalAdvancements #Biopharmaceuticals #ClinicalResearch #Therapeutics #HealthcareInnovation #GeneticResearch #LifeSciences #mRNADevelopment #Immunotherapy #ScienceAndTechnology #ExpertInsights #MedicalResearch #PharmaIndustry #FutureOfMedicine #HealthcareProfessionals #ScientificRoundtable #hubXchange #Xchanges #Roundtable #FreePass #RegisterNow #ComplimentaryPass

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How can you leverage experimental and in silico protein structures to accelerate your SBDD projects?🤔 🔬Discover how 3decision can integrate both experimental and computational structures to generate new drug design ideas from structural data! ✔️See how it was done with our use-case study on retinoid x receptors: https://bit.ly/4dQ4GCB #3decision #structureregistration #drugdiscovery #SBDD

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With the challenges facing clinical toxicology laboratories, including POLs, the industry must look beyond the next client acquisition and develop a vision for the future. With an ever-changing market landscape labs must innovate to maintain relevance. No longer is it enough to generate results without context. Providers must quickly grasp essential information and make decisions. SafeDrugs reporting, integrates with existing LIS services to provide additional context related to drug safety. #LCMS #Toxicology #DrugSafety #SafeDrugs #Contraindications #DrugDrugInteractions

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https://lnkd.in/e_NzGRwZ The 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway provides an attractive avenue for drug developers to bring new products to market by leveraging existing data on approved drugs. This pathway allows modifications and improvements to be made to existing drugs, while potentially reducing development costs and timelines compared to the traditional new drug application (NDA) route. Here are some key advantages and examples of how the 505(b)(2) pathway enables innovation:

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A novel case of BiTE (EGFRxCD28) plus anti-PD-1: Targeting the 'right' patients counts! Colon cancer with microsatellite stability (MSS), 85% of patients¹, is non-responsive to anti-PD-1 therapy²⁻³. Recently, REGN7075, a EGFRxCD28 BiTE, plus anti-PD-1 showed encouraging efficacy, 6% (3/51) objective response rate (ORR); moreover, all responders were non-metastatic patients. Among the subset of non-metastatic patients (15), ORR became 20% (3/15)³. This validated our proposal that BiTE or anti-PD-1 or duo is more applicable to early-stage non-metastatic, instead of late-stage metastatic, solid-tumour cancer patients (see recent POSTs). The wild-type (WT) EGFRs are expressed on normal and cancer cells⁴, and colon cancer expresses WT EGFR⁵. A novel EGFR mAB targeted the epitope in Domain II (CR1) of extracellular domains⁵. The Domain II is masked in quiescent EGFRs of normal tissues, yet is exposed in EGFRs of cancer cells⁵. We deduced that REGN7075 also targeted the epitopes in Domain II, resulting in minimal on-target off-tumour toxicity of normal cells. TGN1412, a CD28 mAB, induced severe cytokine release syndrome⁶ (CRS); however, a novel CD28 mAB had shown lower CD28 affinity by targeting the epitope near the apex, instead of TGN1412's targeting the lateral epitope near cell membrane⁷. We deduced that REGN7075 also targeted the epitope near the apex of CD28, resulting in low CRS rate. By targeting novel epitopes of EGFR & CD28 presumably, REGN7075 incurred 35% of patients with grade 3/4 adverse events³ vs typical BiTE's 62-87%⁸⁻⁹. The CD3-based BiTE mimics signal 1 for T-cell activation by binding CD3. The CD28-based BiTE mimics signal 2 by binding the costimulatory CD28 receptor (ligands: CD80/86). The 'functional' DCs have become rare in tumour milieu and tumour itself does NOT emit danger signals to activate these rare DCs for upregulating CD80/86. Thus, there is the scarcity of CD80/86 (signal 2) in tumour milieu for properly 'reactivating' subprimed PD-1⁺ tumour-infiltrating T cells, which were initially 'subprimed' in lymph nodes by only signal 1 (see recent POSTs). By using anti-PD-1 (low dose) for T-cell 'reactivation'¹⁰ as signal 1 and CD28-based BiTE for direct CD28 binding as signal 2, the sub-primed PD-1ˡᵒʷ⁻ᶦⁿᵗ CD8⁺ T cells can resume cytotoxic effector function (granzymes and perforin) to kill tumours. Thus, Regeneron's novel duo of CD28-based BiTE plus anti-PD-1 is an encouraging therapy for early-stage non-metastatic colon cancer patients with MSS. 1. Brenner, Lancet, 2014 2. Lin, Cancer Immunol Immunother, 2023 3. https://lnkd.in/gH876tXN 4. S Khaznadar, Oncotarget 5. Gan, Cancer Res, 2012 6. S Suntharalingam, New Engl J Med 7. A Elsayed, MABS 8. Dickinson, New Engl J Med, 2022 9. Kantarjian, New Engl J Med, 2017 10. T Elliot, Immunity #Immunotherapy #ImmunoOncology #BiTE #PD1 #Costimulation #Pharmaceutical

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BIG NEWS! Genezen has signed an agreement to acquire uniQure’s commercial gene therapy manufacturing operations in Lexington, Massachusetts. This strategic acquisition will enable Genezen to deliver late-phase and commercial gene therapy development and manufacturing services to customers around the world. Steve Favaloro, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genezen, commented, “...This acquisition significantly enhances Genezen’s scale and differentiated capabilities, directly aligned with our mission to advance cell and gene therapies by providing top-tier, science-driven development and manufacturing solutions. We are honored to deliver these services to our current customers and the patients they serve, and are well positioned to immediately extend our support to even more customers in Lexington.” #cdmo #viralvectors #cellandgenetherapy #celltherapy #genetherapy #precisionmedicine #mergersandacquisitions #investment #finance #pharma #biotech CSL Ampersand Capital Partners https://lnkd.in/eqDDc_cf

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