Damian O'Connell

Autologous cytokine rich serum (ACRS) is derived from whole blood and is preferentially enriched with growth factors and cytokines, specifically the anti-inflammatory compound interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Thus, ACRS is a powerful biologic for fighting inflammation of any kind including degenerative joint wear (OA) and skin inflammation. To watch IL-1Ra in action, please visit our website https://lnkd.in/gFEnbZv7 #PRP; #regenerativemedicine; #orthobiologics #PlateletRichPlasma; #mdbiologix; #HarvestPRP; #painmanagement

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See our latest issue for discussions on: • Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis: An updated consensus guidelines for managing moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in Singapore, including the use of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors. • Bayesian Approach to Corticosteroids for Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): This analysis investigates whether a Bayesian approach can offer clearer insights into the effectiveness of corticosteroids for severe CAP. • Gender Dysphoria in Children and Adolescents: This retrospective analysis provides valuable data and perspectives on gender dysphoria in Singapore. • Unplanned Hospitalisations Among Subsidised Nursing Home Residents: This data linkage study offers insights into improving care delivery and reducing hospital readmission rates for nursing home residents. Working on a systematic review, meta-analysis or clinical practice guideline? Submit your manuscript for peer review and publication: For instructions for authors, see: https://lnkd.in/gWj58mcV Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in healthcare, subscribe to our mailing list: https://lnkd.in/gyEt_w2c #AnnalsSG  #healthcare  #research  #Singapore  #medicine

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It was great to connect with Consortium members at the annual meeting in Singapore. The pace of advancements in MRgRT are incredible. Key trends observed during this meeting include:  1. Compelling clinical evidence for MRgRT for treating prostate cancer (NCT04595019 - HERMES), glioblastoma (NCT04726397 - UNITED) and large brain mets (NCT06405256) 2. Biomarker imaging with a key role for ADC 3. The emergence of sim-free workflows 4. Enhanced workflow efficiency through AI tools and RTT-led processes

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Emerging treatment in cancer research: PETRA trial insights Dr Timothy Yap shared with ecancer compelling updates from the PETRA trial during an interview with ecancer. This phase 1/2a clinical trial evaluates saruparib, a next-generation poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 selective inhibitor (PARP1i), targeting patients with advanced solid tumours who have specific genetic mutations. These findings suggest that saruparib could provide a new, more targeted therapeutic option for patients with these genetic backgrounds, potentially improving outcomes with less toxicity compared to traditional treatments. Watch the interview 👉  https://bit.ly/3UZiDH4 #CancerResearch #Oncology #PETRATrial #GeneticResearch #BreastCancer

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Innorna receives IND clearance for its RSV mRNA vaccine in China   June 5, 2024, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Nanjing - Innorna, a clinical stage biotech company pioneering its proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology to develop novel mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, announces that its bivalent Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) mRNA Vaccine IN006 has received Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance from China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).    IN006, a bivalent RSV prophylactic vaccine product developed by Innorna based on its proprietary mRNA-LNP technology platform, was designed to code conformation-stable pre-F proteins and has the broad-spectrum potency against both A and B subgroups of RSV compared to monovalent vaccines. IN006 received IND clearance from the U.S. FDA in January 2024. The IND clearance from China NMPA marks another important milestone for IN006 -- It is the first non-COVID-19 mRNA prophylactic vaccine approved for clinical trials in China.     About RSV and IN006   Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus with two major subtypes, A and B. RSV is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks in communities and hospitals. There are still the possibilities of re-infection with RSV in people who have been infected. Children under age 5 years, older adults over 65 years of age, or the immuno-compromised population are at high risk of severe manifestation and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Currently only supportive care and symptomatic treatment are avialable in clinical setting and there is still a lack of specific anti-RSV therapy. Therefore, active immunization via vaccination is a key measure to avoid severe manifestation of RSV infection and reduce case fatality. After decades effort in research and development, only two recombinant protein vaccines against RSV were approved in market by 2023, including AREXVY® (monovalent) from GlaxoSmithKline and ABRYSVO® (bivalent) from Pfizer. Moderna's RSV mRNA vaccine, mRESVIA® (monovalent), was approved in the United States in May 2024. There is no RSV vaccine currently approved in China.   IN006 uses Innorna's proprietary pre-F protein design and LNP delivery system. It is a bivalent mRNA vaccine that targets both RSV subgroups A and B, which usually alternate or circulate simultaneously during the individual season. In preclinical studies, IN006 has demonstrated a well-tolerated safety profile and a high potency to induce immune response and protect animals from viral infection.  

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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a growing #gastrointestinal (GI) disease in Asia, often shares similar symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhoea with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a common functional GI disorder. Delayed treatment in IBD can lead to chronic inflammation of and ulcers in the digestive tract, and severe cases may require the removal of a damaged intestine or the creation of a stoma. CUHK Medicine has, for the first time, discovered novel microbial signatures associated with inflammation of the GI tract and transformed such signatures into clinically applicable non-invasive tests for early diagnosis and timely intervention. This #invention can effectively differentiate common chronic gut disorders and is expected to minimise the need for endoscopies. Utilising nearly 6,000 faecal samples collected from different regions and ethnicities, the research team has developed the world’s #first droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) test targeting selected unique bacterial species. This novel non-invasive diagnostic test is a reliable tool to differentiate IBS and IBD, and is expected to be ready for clinical use in 2027. The findings were published in #NatureMedicine. Details: https://bit.ly/3Vpmi0R #CUHK #TheChineseUniversityofHongKong #CUHKresearch

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Making an impact on patients' lives by developing better ways to treat lymphoma and colorectal cancer in Singapore. IMCB is proud to be part of two recently awarded NRF OF-LCG projects led by National Cancer Centre Singapore, SYMPHONY 2.0 and Colo-SCRIPT. The OF-LCG grant call supports patient-centric translational research with the goal of advancing human health and wellness and creating economic value. These projects are made possible through the collaboration between National Cancer Center Singapore, National University of Singapore, National University Healthcare System, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and our fellow A*STAR sister institutions, Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) and Singapore Immunology Network. A huge congratulations to our Principal Investigators, Dr Valerie Yang (SYMPHONY 2.0), Prof Ashok Venkitaraman, Prof Vinay Tergaonkar and Prof Qi-Jing Li. Read more about the work here: https://lnkd.in/g9FvVuqq #IMCBastar #IMCBscience #IMCBcollab #lymphoma #colonrectalcancer #patienthealth #cancer

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🔬 🧪 Thank you for joining us at our SCRI Clinical Trials Symposium!   It was truly inspiring to see so many thought leaders, industry partners and clinical research professionals come together to share knowledge and practical insights into how clinical trials not only improve patient lives but also contribute to positive health and economic outcomes in Singapore and beyond.   Your engagement in thoughtful discussions on topics such as the integration of real-world data with clinical development, the benefits of decentralised clinical trials and the crucial role of patient advance in trial design, was invaluable.    Let us continue on this journey together to tap on the potential of clinical trials to improve patient outcomes and transform tomorrow’s health!   “We must seize the opportunities we have today to advance clinical research as we strive to create a healthier tomorrow. In particular, we must invest more in trials centred on upstream prevention, leverage new health-tech innovations, and tap on clinical trials to advance more sustainable healthcare systems,” said Guest-of-Honour DPM Heng in his Opening Address.   In addition, read more about the launch of clinical trials portal, CTSG, in this article by The Straits Times. CTSG aims to provide key information for patients, and to guide clinical investigators and trial sponsors.  https://lnkd.in/gCPJTDRF   ✨ Stay tuned for the event highlights video!   For more info on SCRI, please visit www.scri.edu.sg   #SCRIClinicalTrialsSymposium2024 #TransformingTomorrowsHealth #clinicaltrials #clinicalresearch

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We are excited to announce the launch of our latest resource, the ASEAN Booklet of Clinical Experts' Insights - BIOFIRE® BCID 2 Panel 📘 Rapid identification of pathogens grown in blood culture plays a pivotal role in managing bloodstream infections (BSIs). There has been an increase in the use of molecular syndromic panels in clinical practice for the identification of pathogens. This booklet contains insights from clinical experts on how they incorporate such testing approach in their clinical practice. 📖 What to expect from  this booklet? ●     Insights from leading clinical experts on how they prioritize the use of BIOFIRE® BCID 2 panel , the ideal diagnostic algorithm in BSI management and key examples of impact on patient management since implementing BIOFIRE® BCID 2 in their clinical practice. ●      Case summaries to showcase the complexities of BSI management and the role of the BIOFIRE® BCID 2 panel in managing these challenges. ●      Strategies in test prescriptions and reporting from key experts and highlights from guidance article ( Simner P.,et al. 2023) Don't miss out on this educational resource for healthcare professionals who are committed in assuring better management for patients with BSI. Link to download 📥 - https://lnkd.in/gjPMja-S

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Algorae Pharmaceuticals (#ASX: #1AI) strengthens advisory board with appointment of Dr Sarah Siggins to provide strategic advice over potential commercial partnerships in AI-generated drug targets. • Dr. Siggins has 8+ years experience at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and 5+ years at Bristol-Myers Squibb. • Appointment of Dr Siggins follows initial readout of 24 AI-generated drugs delivered by the AlgoraeOS AI-enabled drug discovery platform. https://lnkd.in/gEXnNFC5

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📖 IN REVIEW: A study in Asian populations found deucravacitinib effective for plaque psoriasis, outperforming apremilast and matching biologics in PASI responses. Deucravacitinib achieved PASI 75 in 66% and PASI 90 in 40% of patients. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5EPP4Qj

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On Day 1 of #BIO2024 in San Diego, DoH Chairman, H.E. Mansoor Al Mansoori, participated in a panel discussion titled “Global Policy Perspectives on the Next Generation of Rare Disease Medicines”. Moderated by Jannie Oosthuizen, the panel was also attended by Durhane Wong-Rieger, Karin Hoelzer and Ryan MacFarlane. With 2.8 million people affected by rare diseases in the Middle East, H.E. highlighted the significant strides Abu Dhabi is making in the realm of genomic research and gene therapies and the 5 pillars of policy development: 1. Investment in Technology and Innovation: The Emirati Genome Programme has mapped over 500,000 genomes, offering insights into genetic diseases affecting our population. 2. Financial and Policy Support: The DoH partnership with the Ma'an Fund for Research is fostering sustainable funding for innovation with a focus on rare diseases. 3. Advancing Research: Our agile regulatory processes are accelerating clinical trials and personalised medicine. 4. Prevention and Detection: Through screening programmes, we aim to prevent and detect rare diseases early and prevent them altogether. 5. Collaboration: Public-private partnerships, such as those with MSD, are vital in driving innovation and developing effective treatments. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is committed to accelerating a future where there are effective treatments – and cures – for many rare diseases. #AHealthierAbuDhabi #Healthcare

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Dr David Stamler - CEO - Alterity Therapeutics Limited (ASX:ATH) is developing first-in-class therapies to treat neurodegenerative disease. The company's lead drug candidate, ATH434, has demonstrated efficacy in several animal models of Parkinsonian disorders and is being evaluated in clinical trials. https://lnkd.in/ggs9JK5x

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NEWS📰🗞️SCG Cell Therapy Presents Promising Phase 1 Data for a Novel HBV-Specific TCR-T Therapy at AASLD Liver Meeting - [First Word PHARMA] 🔊SCG Cell Therapy Pte Ltd (SCG), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative immunotherapies for infectious diseases and associated cancers, announced late-breaking data from its Phase 1 trial of SCG101, a first-in-class autologous #hepatitisB virus (#HBV)-specific T-cell receptor-engineered T Cell (TCR-T) therapy targeting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The data was presented at the 2024 #AASLD Liver Meeting in San Diego. 📲 https://lnkd.in/e8CtAGkz

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We just finished our first Research Webinar by Prof. Ramray Bhat, who talked about how ageing accelerates the spread of cancer. 💻 Sharing the research article published by his group, for those of you who would like to deep dive into this work. 🔗https://lnkd.in/gSc48UyM Here's a brief snapshot of the research: Ovarian cancer is characterized by high morbidity owing to the rapid spread of cancerous cells and late-stage diagnosis. Interestingly, chemotherapy, a primary treatment for ovarian cancer, induces senescence in the mesothelia (or protective lining), a phenomenon known as therapy-induced senescence (TIS). In this paper, Dr. Ramray’s team at IISc (Bharat Vivan et al.) investigates how TIS exacerbates ovarian cancer progression. Their study revealed ovarian cancer cells adhered more rapidly to senescent mesothelial cells compared to non-senescent controls. Using time-lapse microscopy, they observed that senescent mesothelial cells are preferentially surrounded and cleared away by cancer cells. A multiscale computational simulation indicated that this process requires active extrusion of senescent cells and high adhesive interaction. Further examination of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of senescent mesothelial cells showed elevated levels of adhesive components, like fibronectin, hyaluronan and laminin as significant contributors to the increased adhesion. These findings collectively led the team to propose that the senescence-associated ECM profile of the peritoneal membrane enhances the colonization of invading ovarian cancer cells, thus contributing to the disease’s metastatic burden in the ageing individuals.

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Genome Editing without CRISPR - the next wave: Scientists led by Patrick Hsu at the Arc Institute in Palo Alto have unveiled a new form of gene editing that can add, remove or flip large stretches of DNA - all without the help of CRISPR. A long-standing aspiration for biologists has been to develop programmable methods to rearrange long DNA sequences in genomes. This capability would allow kilobase-scale DNA sequences to be inserted, inverted, deleted or moved to user-specified genome locations in cells in a single step. Recombinase and transposase enzymes that mediate genomic rearrangements of large sequences have therefore been studied intensively, but it has been challenging to reprogram these enzymes to precisely target user-specified genomic sites. Two papers in Nature now report the characterization of recombinases that are guided by a ‘bridge’ RNA molecule, and can thereby be reprogrammed to enable new genome-editing capabilities. A limitation of the current studies is that the characterization of the bridge recombinase was limited to in vitro biochemical experiments and to in vivo studies in E. coli. It remains to be determined whether their programmable activity will translate to the cells of other organisms, including mammalian cells. However, there is reason for optimism that these systems will function in other contexts, given that other RNA-programmable enzymes have been used in a wide range of cells and organisms, often after some optimization and engineering. In summary, this is a phantastic achievement and a great step forward towards the ultimate goal of programmable DNA-insertion of any length into any locus in the genome. Congratulations to Patrick Hsu and colleagues. Original publications: https://lnkd.in/enebXCha https://lnkd.in/edYad8tB Background reading: https://lnkd.in/et_UaBDm https://lnkd.in/eWtCDdTJ https://lnkd.in/emhRG6PY https://lnkd.in/eDviGFbH https://lnkd.in/e3DR54Z5 https://lnkd.in/eRVqBBRp

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