KU Leuven

EQS-News: Andera Partners co-leads a €40 million Series A of Dualyx, a Belgian biotech developing novel Treg therapies for autoimmune diseases

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 15, 2023
TNFR2, Andera-ye Olya, TNF, VIB, Partner, GFF, Research, Regulatory T cell, Patient, BGV, Ghent University, PMV, Therapy, University of Würzburg, IND, KU Leuven, Independent, Pharmaceutical industry, Vaccine

Andera Partners co-leads a €40 million Series A of Dualyx, a Belgian biotech developing novel Treg therapies for autoimmune diseases

Key Points: 
  • Andera Partners co-leads a €40 million Series A of Dualyx, a Belgian biotech developing novel Treg therapies for autoimmune diseases
    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
  • Andera Partners co-leads a €40 million Series A of Dualyx, a Belgian biotech developing novel Treg therapies for autoimmune diseases
    Proceeds will enable the development of the Company’s lead autoimmune program DT-001, targeting TNFR2, as well as its pipeline of Treg-targeting candidates
    PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 15, 2023 – Andera Partners co-leads a €40 million Series A financing of Dualyx NV, a Ghent, Belgium based biotech developing next generation immune modulators.
  • Alongside Andera, Fountain Healthcare Partners and Forbion co-led the round, with support from existing investors V-Bio Ventures, BGV, PMV, VIB, HTGF, and GFF.
  • The funds raised will enable Dualyx to progress its lead autoimmune program DT-001, as well as its pipeline of Treg-targeting candidates.

NeuroTrauma Sciences Announces Key Appointments to its Executive Leadership Team

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Harvard School of Dental Medicine, PPD, KU Leuven, Research and development, NTS, Medical Affairs Bureau, Pfizer, Senior, University of Brussels, Traumatic brain injury, Université Laval, Stroke, New product development, MBA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, CMO, Concordia University, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, CNS, DSM-IV codes, Bachelor of Science, Central nervous system, Eisai, Public health, Doctor of Science, MD, Columbia Business School, Tropical medicine, Master of Science, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Quality assurance, Growth, Shirin David, Merck, Regulatory affairs, Biostatistics, MPH, VC, Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Injury, Management, Pharmaceutical industry, Neuroscience

Dr. de Somer brings more than 30 years of leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry to the NTS management team in his role as Chief Medical Officer.

Key Points: 
  • Dr. de Somer brings more than 30 years of leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry to the NTS management team in his role as Chief Medical Officer.
  • He held clinical development leadership responsibilities in Europe, the UK, and the US at Sandoz/Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
  • "We are pleased to welcome these industry veterans to our leadership team," said Carl Long, Chief Executive Officer.
  • We will value their leadership and direction as we advance NTS-104 through the clinic."

Peel Therapeutics Describes Excessive NETosis Induction in Long COVID

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Infection, NETS, DNA, Medicine, Heart failure, Neutrophil, COVID-19, Test pilot, Pathology, Cancer, Research, NET, COVID, Inflammation, Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, SALT, NTP, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Assistant, Fibrosis, Hospital, Journal, Patient, Blood, Neutrophil extracellular traps, Thrombosis, Peptide, Therapy, KU Leuven, Pharmaceutical industry, Long COVID

SALT LAKE CITY, April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Peel Therapeutics, an evolutionary-inspired, clinical-stage biotech company, announced research conducted by the company has been published in The Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. The study, NETosis Induction Reflects COVID-19 Severity and Long COVID: Insights from a Two-Center Patient Cohort Study in Israel, evaluated the ability of blood from Israeli patients with Long COVID to induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as a marker of ongoing inflammation. NETs are sticky webs of DNA released by activated immunes cells that contribute to immunothrombosis (mini-clots) and fibrosis. Peel scientists also correlated NETosis potential with acute disease severity in COVID-19. The study concluded that NET inhibitors may be a possible treatment approach for COVID-19 and recommended additional research to confirm findings. Peel Therapeutics is developing first-in-class Neutrophil Targeting Peptides (NTPs) – originating from natural NET inhibitors in newborns – to block inflammation leading to immunothrombosis and fibrosis.

Key Points: 
  • The study, NETosis Induction Reflects COVID-19 Severity and Long COVID: Insights from a Two-Center Patient Cohort Study in Israel , evaluated the ability of blood from Israeli patients with Long COVID to induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as a marker of ongoing inflammation.
  • In this study, Peel researchers examined NETs among people with and without COVID-19 and measured NET induction during and after infection.
  • The study concluded that increased NETosis induction can be detected in people with Long COVID, offering insight into the potential uses of NTPs and other NET inhibitors for the treatment of Long COVID.
  • People who experienced symptoms of Long COVID maintained higher NETosis induction compared to recovered convalescent patients.

Adcendo ApS to Present Data on the Expression of the Novel ADC target uPARAP in Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma at the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Abstract (summary), Molecular epidemiology, AACR, Drug development, Bone sarcoma, Catholic higher education, Faculty of Theology, Catholic University of Leuven, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, KU, American Association for Cancer Research, Soft-tissue sarcoma, STS, Sarcoma, Cancer, UZ Leuven, ADC, Poster, Receptor (biochemistry), Spacecraft, Laboratory, Tumor microenvironment, Cooper University Hospital, Medical imaging, KU Leuven

Based on its differentiated expression profile, uPARAP is an attractive novel target for development of uPARAP-targeting ADCs in a broad range of sarcoma subtypes.

Key Points: 
  • Based on its differentiated expression profile, uPARAP is an attractive novel target for development of uPARAP-targeting ADCs in a broad range of sarcoma subtypes.
  • Additionally, uPARAP receptor levels may serve as a potential biomarker for patient enrichment in clinical studies of such uPARAP-targeting ADCs.
  • Dominik Mumberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Adcendo, said: "We are excited to share data on the expression of uPARAP in soft tissue and bone sarcoma.
  • In addition to its differentiated expression profile in multiple sarcoma subtypes uPARAP is a constitutively recycling endocytic receptor with unique internalization properties, making it a highly attractive ADC target."

Adcendo ApS to Present Data on the Expression of the Novel ADC target uPARAP in Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma at the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Abstract (summary), Molecular epidemiology, AACR, Drug development, Bone sarcoma, Catholic higher education, Faculty of Theology, Catholic University of Leuven, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, KU, American Association for Cancer Research, Soft-tissue sarcoma, STS, Sarcoma, Cancer, UZ Leuven, ADC, Poster, Receptor (biochemistry), Spacecraft, Laboratory, Tumor microenvironment, Cooper University Hospital, Medical imaging, KU Leuven

Based on its differentiated expression profile, uPARAP is an attractive novel target for development of uPARAP-targeting ADCs in a broad range of sarcoma subtypes.

Key Points: 
  • Based on its differentiated expression profile, uPARAP is an attractive novel target for development of uPARAP-targeting ADCs in a broad range of sarcoma subtypes.
  • Additionally, uPARAP receptor levels may serve as a potential biomarker for patient enrichment in clinical studies of such uPARAP-targeting ADCs.
  • Dominik Mumberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Adcendo, said: "We are excited to share data on the expression of uPARAP in soft tissue and bone sarcoma.
  • In addition to its differentiated expression profile in multiple sarcoma subtypes uPARAP is a constitutively recycling endocytic receptor with unique internalization properties, making it a highly attractive ADC target."

Genetic Causes of Three Previously Unexplained Rare Diseases Identified

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Human Genome Sciences, Gene, Division, History of the University of Maryland, College Park, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Primary lymphedema, Mount Sinai Hospital (Manhattan), Huber loss, University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Rare disease, Deafness, Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Patient, Biology, Imperial College London, Rare, 100,000 Genomes Project, Associate, Disease, Diagnosis, Knowledge, Nature Medicine, Doctor of Philosophy, University, Literature, Medical genetics, Collection, Therapy, Vaccine, Pharmaceutical industry, Genetics, KU Leuven

NEW YORK, March 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Using a new computational approach they developed to analyze large genetic datasets from rare disease cohorts, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and colleagues have discovered previously unknown genetic causes of three rare conditions: primary lymphedema (characterized by tissue swelling), thoracic aortic aneurysm disease, and congenital deafness. The work was done in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Bristol, UK; KU Leuven, Belgium; the University of Tokyo; the University of Maryland; Imperial College London, and others from around the world.

Key Points: 
  • Rare diseases affect approximately 1 in 20 people, but only a minority of patients receive a genetic diagnosis.
  • Genome sequencing of large cohorts of rare disease patients provides a route toward discovering the genetic causes that remain unknown.
  • The researchers identified 260 associations between genes and rare disease classes, including 19 associations previously absent from the literature.
  • "We also plan to apply our methods in novel ways and in other datasets, with the aim of continuing to unravel the genetic causes of rare diseases."

VinFuture Foundation Launches Science and Technology Webinar Series 'InnovaTalk 2023'

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Research, Series, Health, VinFuture Prize, Agriculture, Professor, College of Engineering (KNUST), Science, New Normal, Thomson Reuters, University, Knowledge, Orchard, European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Management, KU Leuven

The VinFuture Foundation is organizing the InnovaTalk webinar series to connect outstanding minds to domestic and global scientists and enterprises.

Key Points: 
  • The VinFuture Foundation is organizing the InnovaTalk webinar series to connect outstanding minds to domestic and global scientists and enterprises.
  • Each InnovaTalk webinar will be chaired by a member of the VinFuture Prize Council or Pre-screening Committee, or by a world-renowned leading expert in the field of science and technology.
  • Through these webinars, the VinFuture Foundation hopes to elevate the importance of various fields of science and technology, as well as evaluate the practicality and potential of applying such technology in Vietnam.
  • "The InnovaTalk webinar series had an incredible response, with approximately 200 researchers and experts attending each webinar last year.

Sosei Heptares Operational Highlights and Consolidated Results for 12 Months ended 31 December 2022

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
D, GPCR, KU Leuven, Immunotherapy, Genentech, Glutamate (neurotransmitter), Investment, Inflammatory bowel disease, EP4, DSM-IV codes, Pfizer, Cancer, Obesity, Cancer Research UK, Patient, Schizophrenia, University, Diabetes, Research, G&A, Therapy, Anxiety, Takeda, IBD, USD, Mina, FDA, Growth, Neurocrine Biosciences, Drug discovery, AbbVie, NAM, CRUK, Fine chemical, Pharmaceutical industry, Vaccine, Bank, Cryptocurrency, Lilly, JPY

Sosei Heptares received an upfront payment of US$37 million and is eligible to receive milestones totalling up to US$694 million, plus tiered royalties on global sales.

Key Points: 
  • Sosei Heptares received an upfront payment of US$37 million and is eligible to receive milestones totalling up to US$694 million, plus tiered royalties on global sales.
  • PF-07081532 was discovered by Pfizer during a multi-target research collaboration in which its scientists had access to Sosei Heptares’ StaR® technology.
  • Clinical development agreement with Cancer Research UK – to advance Sosei Heptares’ immunotherapy candidate HTL0039732 into a Phase 1/2a trial.
  • Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2022 increased by JPY 6,470 million from the beginning of the year and amounted to JPY 66,557 million.

Aligos Therapeutics Announces Strategic Reprioritization of NASH and COVID-19 Programs and Confirms Key Timelines and Extension of Cash Runway to Year-End 2024

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
MSD, Pathogen, MBA, CHB, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Infection, COVID-19, Plasma protein binding, Metropolitan, Rega Institute for Medical Research, GLP, Sirna, Therapy, NASH, Jacob Aligo, NIH, Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies, NIAID, Patient, Fatty liver disease, SAN, Merck, Merck & Co., Degenerative disease, SAD, Liver disease, Workforce, Drug design, Doctor of Philosophy, Discovery, Research, KU Leuven, Pharmaceutical industry

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aligos Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALGS), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs in NASH and viral diseases, today announced a portfolio reprioritization. Aligos’ highest priorities will be focused on rapid advancement of its clinical NASH (ALG-055009) and COVID-19 (ALG-097558) programs as well as maintaining its ongoing NASH oligonucleotide research collaborations with Merck & Co. (MSD outside the U.S. and Canada). Additionally, the Company plans to complete the ≤48-week (ALG-000184) and single ascending dose (ALG-125755) cohorts for its two chronic hepatitis B programs and continue to invest in selected research programs and collaborations with external research organizations.

Key Points: 
  • As a result of the portfolio reprioritization, realignment of its workforce, and other cost-saving measures, the Company expects to maintain a strong balance sheet and extend its projected cash runway to the end of 2024.
  • “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the employees who are being affected by this reprioritization.
  • ALG-055009 – the Company’s THR-β agonist in development for NASH is expected to complete an ongoing Phase 1 study in H1 2023.
  • Aligos plans to continue to support its collaboration agreements, including the agreement with Merck & Co. to develop oligonucleotide candidates to address NASH.

Scenic Biotech Strengthens Drug Discovery Expertise in Management Team with the Addition of Kristof Van Emelen

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Health, Genetics, Clinical Trials, Research, Science, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Master of Science, Flanders Institute for Logistics, Johnson & Johnson, Gene, Medicinal chemistry, Therapy, Drug discovery, Patient, Patent, VIB, Kristof, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Innovation, Doctor of Philosophy, Flanders, Pharmaceutical industry, KU Leuven

Scenic Biotech , a pioneer in the discovery of genetic modifiers developing therapeutics to treat severe diseases, today announced the appointment of Kristof Van Emelen, PhD, as Vice President of Drug Discovery.

Key Points: 
  • Scenic Biotech , a pioneer in the discovery of genetic modifiers developing therapeutics to treat severe diseases, today announced the appointment of Kristof Van Emelen, PhD, as Vice President of Drug Discovery.
  • At Scenic Biotech, Dr. Van Emelen will be responsible for the development of the company’s pipeline candidates based on genetic modifiers, genes that counteract the effect of a disease-causing gene.
  • I am looking forward to working with the Scenic Biotech team as we create novel treatment options for patients living with severe diseases,” commented Dr. Kristof Van Emelen, VP, Drug Discovery at Scenic Biotech.
  • Prior to Scenic Biotech, Dr. Van Emelen served as the Head of Medicinal Chemistry for Ermium Therapeutics, a French biotech developing therapeutics to treat auto-immune diseases.