Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Meghana Keshavan
Published on 2024-03-18 13:36:35
Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field that combines science and politics to drive innovation and advancements in healthcare. Staying informed about the latest developments in biotech is crucial for keeping up with the latest trends and opportunities in the industry. To stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today, sign up for our biotech newsletter to get timely updates delivered right to your inbox.
Today, we take a look at the bustling biotech scene in Boston, with a focus on the empty life sciences labs that have sprung up across the city. As the pandemic led to a surge in demand for life science facilities, real estate developers rushed to build new lab spaces to accommodate companies like Moderna that were on the forefront of medical innovation. However, as these new buildings near completion, many of them are sitting empty, highlighting the challenges of matching supply with demand in the biotech industry.
In other news, FDA advisors have recommended expanding the use of CAR-T therapies in the treatment of blood cancers. Two CAR-T medications, Carvykti and Abecma, have shown promising results in clinical trials, with experts advocating for their use in patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. While there are concerns about the side effects of these powerful therapies, the data suggests that the benefits may outweigh the risks for certain patients.
On the financial front, Contineum Therapeutics has filed for a $150 million IPO, adding to the growing list of biotech companies going public this year. The San Diego-based biotech is focusing on developing small molecules for conditions like depression and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with promising results in early-stage trials. The company’s partnership with Johnson & Johnson to test a novel drug for multiple sclerosis highlights the potential for innovative solutions in the biotech space.
In a move to protect profits after the introduction of biosimilars for the drug Humira, CVS Caremark devised a strategy to calculate rebate credits for its employer clients. This approach, while beneficial for CVS in the short term, has raised concerns among stakeholders about the transparency and fairness of such practices in the healthcare industry.
As the biotech landscape continues to evolve, investors are keeping a close eye on security and privacy startups in the AI healthcare space, while companies like Oxford Nanopore and Gilead are making strides in rare disease diagnostics and cancer therapy, respectively. The future of biotechnology holds endless possibilities for innovation and improvement in healthcare, and staying informed about the latest developments is key to navigating this dynamic industry.
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