This podcast highlights several exciting topics in the drug discovery world, including a new bi-specific treatment for lymphoma, advancements in in-space pharmaceutical manufacturing and a promising depression treatment. It also covers positive interim results of a study on reducing depressive symptoms, the approval of HIV treatment in China, and the approval of a gene therapy trial for young children with Hunter syndrome. Additionally, it discusses the efficient brain delivery of an enzyme for mice with Hunter syndrome using an Apo-E2 tagged sequence.
EPCORATIMAB has been granted conditional marketing authorization as a bi-specific treatment for relapsed or refractory-diffused large B-cell lymphoma, providing a new treatment option for this patient group.
The launch of Redwire's in-space pharmaceutical manufacturing platform aims to grow crystals of protein-based pharmaceuticals in space, potentially improving the drug discovery and development process.
Deep dives
MHRA grants conditional marketing authorization for bi-specific treatment for DLBCL
The MHRA has granted conditional marketing authorization for TEP Kinley, EPCORATIMAB, as a bi-specific treatment for adults with relapsed or refractory-diffused large B-cell lymphoma, DLBCL, after two or more lines of systemic therapy. EPCORATIMAB is the first licensed subcutaneous bi-specific treatment option for R/R DLBCL in Great Britain. It offers a new treatment option for this difficult-to-treat patient group.
Redwire will launch its in-space pharmaceutical manufacturing platform, PIL Box, on board SpaceX's 29th Carbo Resupply Services Mission. The platform aims to grow small batch crystals of protein-based pharmaceuticals and other relevant molecules for research. Growing crystals in space could yield a more uniform product with fewer imperfections, potentially improving the drug discovery and development process.
Gene therapy approved for young children with Hunter syndrome
The UK regulatory authorities have approved the first trial of a gene therapy for young children with Hunter syndrome. The therapy aims to remove the need for weekly enzyme replacement therapy and safely target the brain disease suffered by these patients. Preclinical studies in mice have shown promising results, including the normalization of working memory problems and skeletal features.
The latest episode of the DDW Highlights podcast is now available to listen to below. DDW’s Megan Thomas narrates five key stories of the week to keep DDW subscribers up-to-date on the latest industry updates.
The news highlights this week feature a variety of exciting clinical trial results and launches that are examining therapies for much-needed disease areas, new drug approvals and even a space mission with a pharma twist.