Louis Welebob

UC Irvine study reveals circadian clock can be leveraged to enhance cancer immunotherapy Optimizing individual time-of-day delivery offers new avenues for prevention and treatment Irvine, Calif., May 28, 2024 — A multidisciplinary research team at the University of California, Irvine has revealed that the circadian clock – the biological pacemaker that governs daily rhythms in physiological processes, including immune functions – can be leveraged to enhance the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor cancer therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors block different proteins from binding to tumor cells, allowing the immune system’s T cells to kill the tumor. The study, published online today in the journal Nature Immunology, provides deeper insights into the intricate relationship among the circadian clock, immune regulation and tumor development and found that a therapeutic approach optimizing time-of-day delivery based on an individual’s unique circadian patterns offers new avenues for prevention and treatment. “Disruption of the internal biological pacemaker is an inherent aspect of modern society that may contribute to the rising incidence of many cancer types. We found that proper regulation of circadian rhythms is necessary to suppress inflammation and support peak immune function,” said corresponding author Selma Masri, UC Irvine associate professor of biological chemistry. “Understanding precisely how circadian disruption promotes disease progression could lead to behavior modification to reduce cancer risk.” Team members used an advanced single-cell RNA sequencing technique in a genetic model of colorectal cancer and identified clock-dependent changes controlling the number of myeloid-derived cells that suppress T cell activation. They discovered that disruption of the internal clock in the epithelial cells lining the intestine alters secretion of cytokine proteins, leading to heightened inflammation, increased numbers of immunosuppressive myeloid cells and cancer progression. These findings were leveraged to demonstrate that providing immunotherapy at the time of day when these immunosuppressive myeloid cells are most abundant significantly enhanced the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockades in solid tumors. https://lnkd.in/eJFkhSVi https://lnkd.in/ena2V39T

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Want to see what can be done with MS and polyclonal antibodies? Come and explore at our webinar!

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Immunologix Laboratories is excited to provide off-the-shelf MSD V-Plex Proinflammatory Panel 1 and Chemokine Panel 1 supported by a comprehensive analytical performance package designed to meet the needs of varied contexts of use. These panels measure 20 critical #biomarkers in human plasma and serum. In addition to delivering impeccable precision, our comprehensive approach aligns #biomarkeranalysis with specific context of use by fully evaluating how these methods perform with endogenous molecules in real samples. This brings a level of confidence to your analysis that cannot be achieved using surrogate molecules and matrix as typically quoted in manufacturer claims. https://lnkd.in/gSb3bwG

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If you're looking to expand your knowledge on working with FFPE tissue for #nucleicacid analysis check out "Successfully Overcoming the Challenges of Working with FFPE Samples," where @martyenseberger from Promega Corporation expertly summarizes the best practices for working with FFPE. #genomic #transcriptomic #FFPE

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Good overview of the impact of the LDT rule.

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Crisp IHC images that Pathologists like :-).

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U.S. Patent 10,646,644 Issued May 12th, 2020 – https://lnkd.in/gDsJ7zz covers bioelectric stimulation controlled release of SDF1 and PDGF known stem cell homing and proliferation factors as well as use of a re-fillable micro infusion pump for slow infusion of a mixed composition of stem cells, exosomes, micro RNAs, nutrient hydrogel, growth factor cocktail, selected alkaloids and anti-inflammatory agents with the intention of regenerating organs and healing tissues. SDF1 and PDGF highlighted in these new patent claims also have strong capabilities in promoting arteriogenesis (mature blood vessel growth).

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Yesterday marked the end of NanoString Technologies, Inc. 20-year journey as an independent company and my 14-year tenure as CEO of NanoString. We have found in Bruker a wonderful home for the enterprise so many people worked so hard to build. I know our customers will be well cared for, and my colleagues will continue our mission to Map the Universe of Biology. I have been reflecting on how much the NanoString team has accomplished. I joined a scrappy team of about 70 NanoStringer. Our nCounter gene expression platform was early in its life cycle, in a few dozen labs and generating just $12M in annual revenue. Our goal was clear: to increase nCounter adoption in research labs and advance it into clinical diagnostics. We succeeded and then some! We launched four generations of nCounter instruments and a much-emulated menu of RNA panels that powered immuno-oncology research. We took the Prosigna Breast Cancer Assay through FDA review, into treatment guidelines, and gained reimbursement.  Today, nCounter is the market leader in mid-plex gene expression, with >1,100 installed units and annual revenue >$60 million. Our scientific customers have used it to publish more than 7,000 peer-reviewed papers, and their scientific output continues to exceed 1,000 studies per year. Challenged by our scientific customers to advance our technology to reveal the locations of RNA and protein within tissue, we pioneered a new field and decided to call it “Spatial Biology.” We invented two revolutionary platforms: the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler and the CosMx Spatial Molecular Imager. Recently, we demonstrated the holy grail of biology: the ability to visualize the RNA from every gene in the genome, cell-by-cell, in an intact tissue sample. Just four years after the first instrument shipped, our Spatial Biology franchise generated annual revenue exceeding $100 million. Throughout this journey, we opted for a “big tent” strategy of shared success with many leading companies in biotechnology. We built cancer diagnostics with Celgene, Medivation, Astellas Pharma, Merck, and Veracyte, Inc.. We partnered with Lam Research to develop the CosMx platform. And we created a leading spatial biology ecosystem through partnerships with abcam, @AWS, Bio-Techne, Illumina, Leica Biosystems, NVIDIA, Visiopharm and others. These achievements were made possible through the hard work of hundreds of colleagues - extraordinarily gifted scientific, commercial, manufacturing, finance, HR, IT, lawyers, and Board members. Together, we made it from struggling start-up to global life sciences brand and formed friendships within the company, with our customers, and across our industry that will last a lifetime. To my NanoString teammates past and present: you have much to be proud of. I hope you carry with you our culture of Ambition, Authenticity, Customer-focus, Grit, and Ingenuity to whichever organization you are connected to in the future. We will always be NanoStringers!

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I will be in Tough Tech Summit on October 8th and 9th , if you are interested to learn more about Orgagen Biosciences about our new fully programmable organoid platform please DM me or drop a line here, looking forward to meet all of you and share our stories

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It's official 📰🚨 Bruker have agreed to acquire NanoString Technologies, Inc. for approximately $𝟯𝟵𝟮.𝟲 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 in majority cash 💰! Brad Gray, President and CEO of NanoString commented: “NanoString’s market-leading platforms for spatial biology and gene expression are enabling researchers to gain unprecedented insights into cancer, immunology, neurology, and other critical disease areas. As a global leader in the life science analytical instrument industry, Bruker is uniquely positioned to ensure ongoing customer access to NanoString’s innovations,” The transaction was agreed under a court-supervised chapter 11 sale process, in accordance with Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and is expected to close in early-May 2024. Good luck to all involved and long may Nanostring's contribution to the world of spatial biology and life science research continue 👏🏽 Link to full Business Wire press release below in comments🔗 #acquistion #lifesciences #masonharding

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𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟏/𝟐 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄™ 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐒𝐇𝐃 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNA) Avidity Biosciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company pioneering RNA therapeutics, shared positive initial data from the Phase 1/2 FORTITUDE™ trial of AOC 1020 (delpacibart braxlosiran, del-brax). The data show unprecedented and consistent reductions of over 50% in DUX4 regulated genes, functional improvement trends, and favorable safety in people with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). This has led Avidity to expedite the initiation of registrational cohorts in the FORTITUDE™ study. FSHD, a rare hereditary disorder, causes progressive muscle function loss, significant pain, fatigue, and disability. Del-brax is the first investigational therapy targeting DUX4, the abnormal gene expression causing FSHD. Currently, no approved therapies exist for FSHD treatment. Key findings from the FORTITUDE trial include: Over 50% mean reductions in DUX4 regulated genes. Mean reductions of 25% or more in circulating biomarkers and creatine kinase. Trends of functional improvements in muscle strength and function. Favorable safety with mild or moderate adverse events and no serious adverse events. Dr. Jeffrey M. Statland from the University of Kansas Medical Center highlighted the potential of del-brax to change the course of FSHD by improving muscle strength and function. The data will be presented at the 31st Annual FSHD Society International Research Congress in June 2024. Sarah Boyce Sarah Boyce, CEO of Avidity, emphasized the urgency of developing del-brax as a first-in-class therapy for FSHD, showcasing the potential of their AOC platform to revolutionize RNA therapeutics. Mark Stone, CEO of FSHD Society, expressed hope that del-brax could offer significant relief for those affected by FSHD. #Biotech #RNAtherapeutics #FSHD #ClinicalTrials #AvidityBiosciences #MedicalResearch #HealthcareInnovation #RareDisease #DrugDevelopment #Pharmaceuticals #RNA #AntibodyOligonucleotideConjugates

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Well for those of you that think our MOBIE platform is fantastic, you are RIGHT. But.....MOBILion Systems, Inc. has another announcement to make. Today, I'd like to bring to your attention the birth of our next generation HRIM-MS platform product concept which is being designed to overcome challenges associated with quadrupole filters and has the ability to significantly increase ion utilization and fragmentation rates. What does that mean???? More protein IDs in less time - greater sensitivity and speed. Single cell proteomics becoming a reality. A revolution in research not only in proteomics, but lipidomcis and metabolomics as well. What does it mean??? The FUTURE of MOBILion is here. We invite you to join this journey with us....get on the MOBILion innovation bus with our team and let's go on this journey together. It's like the third child I never had, we may just love this one the best (shhhhh). 😍 https://lnkd.in/e2q-4WXm

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#LNP for extrahepatic delivery is challenging. This paper from Dr. Robert (Bob) Prud'homme's lab explores the substitution of PEG lipid with biodegradable block copolymers (BCPs), specifically poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-b-PEG). BCPs offer strong anchoring for large macromolecules, potentially enhancing cell-specific targeting.   They found BCP-LNPs exhibit higher transfection efficiency in Hela cells and the targeted BCP-LNPs using a Cetuximab-conjugated formulation show significant promise in delivering cargo specific to EGFR-overexpressing cells (A549 cells), with up to 2.4 times higher transfection compared to nontargeted LNPs.  

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📢 More exciting news for #antibiotics! Qpex Biopharma, a Shionogi & Co., Ltd , received an additional $10m from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to advance antibiotic clinical development addressing drug-resistant infections. ​ ​​ Read here all about it ➡  https://lnkd.in/erGXEHXE ​

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In vivo CART with CD8-LNP: exiting preclinical and toxicology results from small/large animal models. Very promising platform for autoimmune therapy.

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Yesterday, I had an experience with my direct reports that made me pause and "rethink everything" – a core value at Alto Neuroscience. During a routine discussion, I raised a few technical issues that I believed warranted retraining. My intention was to encourage the team to always seek better, more efficient ways to do things, embracing innovation and continuous improvement. However, the message I intended to convey was not the one that was received. One of my team members ended the call with a statement that shook me to my core: "So, is there anything that we are doing correctly?" That made me pause—more than just a few seconds. I felt heartbroken, realizing that what I had communicated was not what I had meant. My goal had never been to imply that they weren’t doing a good job. Rather, I wanted to inspire them to rethink and refine their processes for better efficiency. In that moment, I realized I, too, needed to “rethink everything.” As leaders, we often focus on optimizing workflows or implementing new strategies. However, in doing so, we sometimes forget how our words and actions can be interpreted. My goal was to foster collaboration and brainstorming, not to make anyone feel inadequate or unappreciated. I thought to myself: "How did my feedback land as criticism? As if they weren’t doing a good job or that I wasn’t happy with their performance, which couldn’t have been further from the truth." I knew then that I must reconsider my approach moving forward. How, you may ask? 1) Start with positivity – Before introducing areas for improvement, acknowledge the hard work that has already been done. Recognize specific contributions, & emphasize that any suggested changes are meant to build upon the solid foundation they’ve already established. 2) Frame feedback as growth – rethinking doesn’t mean something is wrong. It’s about sharpening our skills, exploring new perspectives, & staying adaptable in a constantly changing environment - state that this is opportunity for growth, not criticism. 3) Communicate intent clearly – be transparent but involve them with the approach! I failed in telling them versus asking them how to improve efficiency! Use language that invites collaboration, such as "How can we improve on..." 4) Create dialogue – encourage the team to voice their feelings if they perceive feedback negatively. Reinforce a culture of open communication. Had I led with these recommendations, I believe the conversation would have taken a different tone, one that inspired confidence rather than self-doubt. It’s a reminder to all of us—leaders and team members alike—that retraining is not about what’s wrong but about making what’s right even better. Always begin with positivity & clarity. Uplift before you retrain. And remember, how you frame the conversation often determines how it’s received. I’ll leave you with this thought: "In the pursuit of improvement, we often forget that the first step is recognizing what’s already great."

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So Exciting! Johnson & Johnson 's Harsha Gunawardena is teaming up with Protein Metrics, LLC to do a webinar on Novilytic's #Proteometer fueled by #MASC. See https://bit.ly/4eCpPQh to learn how Harsha and his Team utilize this great software and AI to accelerate Biopharmaceutical Characterization and Quantification using MASC !!!

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Zai Lab (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688)'s partner Bristol Myers Squibb announced new topline results from the Phase 3 EMERGENT-4 and EMERGENT-5 open-label trials evaluating the long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of KarXT (xanomeline and trospium chloride) in adults with schizophrenia over 52 weeks of treatment. Zai Lab reported positive topline data from the Phase 3 bridging trial evaluating KarXT for the treatment of schizophrenia in China. Based on these results, Zai Lab is preparing to submit a New Drug Application (NDA) to China's NMPA in early 2025. #KarXT #BristolMyersSquibb #Schizophrenia #ClinicalTrials #Pharmaceuticals #NMPA #DrugDevelopment #QimingPortfolio #QimingHealthcare

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For iPSC-derived products designed for use in research and drug discovery applications, market competitors and industry leaders include FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc, Axol Bioscience Ltd., REPROCELL, Ncardia, and Evotec. For iPSC-derived cellular therapeutics, Cynata Therapeutics, iPierian Inc. (Bristol Myers Squibb), Fate Therapeutics Inc., Century Therapeutics, Inc, and BlueRock Therapeutics lead the way. Within the world of large-scale iPSC manufacturing, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc, TreeFrog Therapeutics, and Catalent Pharma Solutions (acquired Rheincell Therapeutics) are companies that are leading the charge. For iPSC-derived vaccines, iPSirius is one to watch. It's developing a therapeutic cancer vaccine that leverages the antigenic overlap between iPSCs and cancer stem cells to combat metastatic progression and relapse. Learn more about the rapidly evolving iPSC market at: https://lnkd.in/esH83uh #stemcells #ipscells #drugdiscovery #drugdevelopment #celltherapy

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