Anshul Mangal’s Post

The #radiopharmaceutical sector is booming with significant #investments and deal-making activity. In the past two years alone 12 private radiopharmaceutical companies have raised nearly $1.3 billion in #venturefunding. Notable moves that highlight the sector's potential include AstraZeneca's $2.1 billion acquisition of Fusion Pharmaceuticals and Bristol-Myers Squibb's $4.1 billion acquisition of Rayze Bio. Radioactive #isotopes offer a more targeted treatment and therefore potentially reduced side effects, creating an opportunity to revolutionize the way we treat #cancer. With this influx of venture funding, major #acquisitions, and promising #clinicaltrialresults, the radiopharmaceutical sector holds immense potential for #cancerpatients across a number of critical indications.

Next week I’ll be joining the Cell & Gene Congressional Fly-In led by the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine in DC to show support for critical legislation in advanced therapies. Members will have the opportunity to connect with policymakers and attend educational sessions to support the pivotal matters that await decisions on #CapitalHill. Ensuring patient access to transformative medicines requires the support and collaboration of the entire care ecosystem. I'm honored to take part in this critical conversation to help deliver life saving medicines. #CGFlyIn #CellandGeneTherapy

In the latest development of the #BiosecureAct, which holds implications for #biotechs leveraging certain “companies of concern” outside the US, House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced a planned vote this year. The bill, which allows US firms until 2032 to transition away from the companies cited in the legislation, ultimately aims to address #nationalsecurity risks. Although the Biosecure Act faced challenges in June, it now has renewed momentum in the House. However, its future in the #Senate remains uncertain, as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has yet to schedule a floor #vote. Industry leaders are watching closely to see how this #legislation develops, as it could significantly impact contracting practices and #supplychain strategies across the entire #biotech industry. 

This fall, 12-year-old Kendric Cromer will be the first in the nation to receive a groundbreaking #genetherapy aimed at curing his #sicklecell disease. Sickle cell affects roughly 100,000 people in the US, causing debilitating pain and severe organ damage. Kendric’s treatment will genetically modify his cells to produce normal red blood cells, potentially ending his painful disease, allowing him to attend school and participate in everyday activities with friends. As Dr. Andrew Campbell of Children’s National Hospital notes, this therapy is a game changer offering hope to many patients and their families for a future free from constant pain. As the family prepares for Kendric to receive treatment his mother says, “It’s hard for us as parents to watch our children go through things. I’ve cried almost every day since Kendric has been approved because I’m just so excited for what the future holds for our family.” Kendric’s journey marks a significant milestone in the fight against sickle cell disease and highlights the incredible potential of gene therapy to transform lives.

Reflecting on the groundbreaking advancements in #CARTcelltherapy, Medicine Maker revisits a powerful interview with Carl June, the pioneer behind this revolutionary treatment. June reflects on the development and unexpected success of CAR-T #celltherapy, and the emotional impact of personalized cell therapy on both patients and researchers. This technology has provided a unique, rewarding experience of working closely with patients throughout their treatment. June also discusses the partnership with #Novartis highlighting how such fruitful collaborations between #academia and industry are critical to advancing innovations. The evolution of CAR-T therapy sheds light on the profound impact of #personalizedmedicine and the exciting journey of scientific breakthroughs.

In an exciting win for patients suffering with #Alzheimers, Eli Lilly and Company's early Alzheimer's treatment, #donanemab (#Kisunla), has received #FDAapproval, making it the second drug in the US aimed at slowing the progression of the disease. This approval marks a significant milestone and crucial step forward in the fight against this devastating condition. #Clinicaltrials have shown promising results for patients, and the potential to stop treatment once #amyloidplaques are cleared could offer cost-effective benefits. While there are still some unknowns regarding the drug's long-term effects and logistical considerations, this approval is an important win and a milestone of progress towards more effective #Alzheimerstreatments.

#Adenoviruses are paving the way for revolutionary advancements in #genetherapy and #geneediting. Accounting for about 15% of gene therapy efforts, these versatile viruses deliver therapeutic genes directly into target cells, offering promising treatments for #geneticdisorders and cancers. Adenoviruses allow for sustained gene expressions and recently discovered isolates offer unique advantages like reduced antibody resistance and enhanced targeting capabilities, opening doors for novel therapeutic applications. #Clinicaltrials have shown potential applications of adenovirus-based treatments for #cysticfibrosis, #hemophilia, and even #cancer. As research progresses, the combination of adenoviruses with #CRISPR technology holds transformative potential for the future of gene editing and therapy.

Congratulations to my incredible wife, Rishi Lilly, for being named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Texas by Women We Admire! A much deserved acknowledgement, your dedication to the mission at Oak Street Health is truly inspiring.

The second half of 2024 holds immense promise for advancing treatments for conditions that currently have limited therapy options. Key #FDAdecisions to watch include a potential treatment for cognitive decline in #Alzheimer’s patients from Eli Lilly and Company, and a first of its kind engineered #Tcell therapy for #solidtumors from Adaptimmune. Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca’s Dato-DXd may become the first TROP2-directed ADC for #nonsmallcelllungcancer. These among other exciting anticipated approvals represent a new era of hope and first of their kind innovations for patients with challenging conditions. Read the full article in the comments below for the full list of upcoming #FDA decisions.

Join me in supporting the growth of the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), an organization that is essential to driving progress in our industry. ARM stands at the center of the entire care ecosystem, functioning as a vital engine for collecting and disseminating industry knowledge and insights. This organization is truly dedicated to championing the benefits of #cellandgenetherapies to advance these critical medicines. I’m honored and proud to serve on the Board of ARM, a group made up of patient organizations, therapeutic developers, service providers, and other key stakeholders who work together to guide collaborations with #regulatory agencies and #legislators in the US and EU. If you are looking for an opportunity to engage with and support this vital network of leaders and innovators, I encourage you to become a member of ARM today.