Welcome to the Bioeconomy Newsletter!

Biotech startups overview 

1. HiFiBiO Therapeutics Closes $67 Million Series C Financing to Build on Recent Success and Advance Pipeline of Novel Antibody Drugs for Cancer and Autoimmune Disorders
2. Oncorus Adds $79.5M to Steer Cancer-Fighting Virus to Human Testing
3. Chinook Therapeutics Raises $65 Million Series A Financing to Advance Precision Medicines for Kidney Diseases
4. Juvenescence Closes $100 Million Series B Round, Plans Follow on and Incremental Investments in Longevity Drug Development
5. Finch Therapeutics Raises $53 Million to Advance Microbiome-Based Therapies for Recurrent C. Difficile, Autism and other Disease Areas

• Alnylam Presents New Clinical Research Findings at the Second European Meeting of ATTR Amyloidosis for Doctors and Patients 

Alnylam recently shared findings from a proteome-wide biomarker analysis of the Phase 3 study of ONPATTRO, and RNAi therapeutic for the treatment of hATTR amyloidosis in adults. The analysis was completed to observe system-wide changes in the proteome in response to treatment and identify potential biomarkers for early detection of disease. Results were positive and Alnylam is confident that this data could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis of polyneuropathy in patients with hATTE amyloidosis.

• GSK’s Cancer Comeback Continues With Data for Multiple Myeloma Drug

A GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) multiple myeloma treatment has achieved the main goal of another key study. Although complete data has yet to be published, the company stated that the treatment, an antibody drug conjugate, has showed a “clinically meaningful overall response rate” in patients with multiple myeloma. Following these positive results, GSK plans to file for regulatory approval by the end of this year. 

• Concept Medical racks up breakthrough designations for its drug-coated balloons, now for clearing dialysis fistulas

Recently, the FDA has awarded Concept Medical with a breakthrough designation for its balloon catheter. The catheter is designed to clear dysfunctional fistulas or grafts up to 100mm in length in order to provide easier access to the bloodstream for regular dialysis. The data has been very promising with no procedural failures or repeat interventions. 


Therapeutic Research

1. Genome Research:Targeted delivery of CRISPR interference system against Fabp4 to white adipocytes ameliorates obesity, inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance
2. Nature Communications:Blood–brain barrier permeable nano immunoconjugates induce local immune responses for glioma therapy
3. Cell:A Cell-Penetrating Scorpion Toxin Enables Mode-Specific Modulation of TRPA1 and Pain
4. Science:Genetic behavioral screen identifies an orphan anti-opioid system
5. Nature Communications:CAF hierarchy driven by pancreatic cancer cell p53-status creates a pro-metastatic and chemoresistant environment via perlecan
6. Science Translational Medicine: Multispecific anti-HIV duoCAR-T cells display broad in vitro antiviral activity and potent in vivo elimination of HIV-infected cells in a humanized mouse model

MassTERi Entrepreneurship Club (eClub)  acknowledges Alnylam as our sponsor.

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August Newsletter was edited by eClub steering committee member, Anna Wortman