Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Meghana Keshavan
Published on 2024-03-04 14:26:25
The biotech industry is a fast-paced and ever-evolving field, where scientific advancements and ethical considerations often intersect. In today’s newsletter, we explore some of the latest developments in the world of biotech, from innovative treatments for rare diseases to the potential of human embryo models in advancing medicine.
Let’s start with BridgeBio, a biotech company that recently sold European marketing rights to its treatment for a form of progressive heart disease, acoramidis, to the pharmaceutical giant Bayer. This deal could bring significant financial benefits to BridgeBio, with an upfront payment of $310 million and royalties on future sales in Europe. The drug is currently under review by European regulators, with a decision expected in 2025.
Another exciting development comes from Akero Therapeutics, which has extended the treatment duration of its experimental drug for MASH, a liver disease. The longer treatment period resulted in better outcomes for patients, including a threefold reduction in liver scarring compared to a placebo. This promising mid-stage study could pave the way for more effective treatments for MASH patients in the future.
In the realm of stem cell research, biologist Jacob Hanna has made headlines for his work on synthetic human embryos. By growing embryos without using traditional sperm or egg cells, Hanna’s research has raised ethical questions but also opened new possibilities for understanding human development. These synthetic embryos could play a crucial role in advancing organ transplant research and personalized medicine in the future.
On a more personal note, the parents of Lucas Guo, a child with the rare neurological disease ZTTK syndrome, are racing against time to raise funds for a potential treatment or cure. With a genetic mutation causing Lucas’s condition, his parents are reaching out to scientists, venture capitalists, and rare disease advocates in the hope of finding a solution for their son. The story of Lucas highlights the challenges faced by families dealing with rare diseases and the growing demand for targeted therapies tailored to individual mutations.
In India, the Serum Institute is ramping up production of an HPV vaccine to support a government initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The vaccine, India’s first homegrown HPV shot, is currently available on the private market but could soon be administered to girls aged 9-14 as part of a mass vaccination drive. The Serum Institute is working to increase its production capacity to meet the growing demand for the vaccine and plans to export it to other countries in the future.
These are just a few of the latest developments in the biotech industry, where scientific innovation and ethical considerations go hand in hand. As researchers and companies continue to push the boundaries of biotechnology, the potential for new treatments and cures for a wide range of diseases becomes increasingly promising. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the dynamic world of biotech.
