#11 - Dermatological developments and DNA dealings
The coffee break biotech roundup, by SomX.
Good day, esteemed readers,
This week, we’re delving into the science of skin and the secrets of DNA…
Zenas BioPharma is gearing up for a $100 million IPO, Eli Lilly is testing its weight-loss shot in psoriasis, researchers are mapping malaria’s secrets within the liver, and Tome Biosciences are navigating some choppy waters.
And finally, savvy DNA scavengers are stepping up in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Keep those nitrile gloves handy,
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Discover 🔍
💉 Lilly to test Zepbound in psoriasis to follow up on weight-loss success (Bloomberg): Riding high on GLP-1 receptor agonist Zepbound’s weight-loss success, Eli Lilly is now eyeing up the world of immunology. This autumn, they’ll trial Zepbound in combo with psoriasis drug Taltz, marking the first major test of its anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune conditions. With Zepbound already impressing in diabetes and obesity studies, Lilly are also exploring how it might fare in inflammatory bowel disease, sleep apnea and heart failure... (Paywall free: BNN Bloomberg)
Our take: Well, It’s not just about weight loss anymore, is it? Eli Lilly is ingeniously repurposing GLP-1 agonists into versatile treatments that could have far-reaching implications for both metabolic and immunological diseases. This clever pivot propels Lilly to the forefront of a crowded weight-loss market, whilst tapping into the $117B immunotherapy sector. Are GLP-1 drugs becoming the panacea of our times? Probably not, but they seem to be a rather versatile elixir…
💰 US immunology biotech Zenas BioPharma files $100m IPO (pharmaphorum): Zenas BioPharma, fresh off a $200 million funding round, is now seeking an additional $100 million through a US IPO. The company is pushing its bifunctional monoclonal antibody, obexelimab, through advanced trials for IgG4-related diseases, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, MS and lupus. With trial results expected in 2025, Zenas aims to become a leader in immunology as it gears up for a Nasdaq listing.
Our take: In a market just beginning to rouse from its slumber, Zenas’ IPO is a calculated move to secure the funding needed to advance obexelimab against formidable foes like Amgen’s Uplizna. And, with biotech trials being notoriously costly, Zenas is wisely marshalling their resources to pushl obexelimab – and its fellow immunotherapy contenders – through the clinical gauntlet and beyond.
🦟 Spatial liver map unveils new paths for malaria treatment (GEN): Stockholm University researchers have mapped how the malaria parasite silently invades (and replicates dramatically in) the liver. Using spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing, the team have pinpointed exactly where the parasite alters gene expression across liver tissue. This spatio-temporal map could significantly propel malaria research, opening up the potential for some highly targeted interventions.
Our take: It turns out the malaria parasite enters the bloodstream via the liver, making it a prime organ target for anti-malaria vaccines. Mapping the exact molecular and cellular shifts occurring within the liver, in response to parasite infection, could deepen our understanding of how pathogens infiltrate human tissue – helping researchers identify novel drug targets and develop more effective vaccines.
🧬 Gene editing startup Tome struggles to stay afloat just months after launching (BioSpace): After bursting onto the scene in December 2023 with $213 million in funding to advance its programmable genomic integration (PGI) platform, Tome Biosciences is now operating at a reduced capacity. While its vision to develop “potentially curative treatments with a single drug per disease” remains bold, funds seem to have dried up, and the company are now exploring strategic options.
Our take: After such a hefty raise, Tome’s swift retreat to scaling back operations certainly raises eyebrows. How did they manage to burn through $213 million so quickly? It’s a classic biotech tale: groundbreaking science needs to be balanced with market realities and sustainable strategies. Here’s hoping they can navigate these choppy waters and emerge stronger on the other side.
And finally…
🚽 Study finds 'DNA scavengers' can stop some antibiotic resistance from spreading (Phys.org): Michigan State University researchers have discovered a novel way to combat antibiotic resistance by using "DNA scavengers" in wastewater treatment plants. The environmentally friendly restriction enzyme slices up antibiotic-resistant DNA found in our waste, before pathogenic bacteria can acquire them (and their resistant properties) – keeping antibiotics effective for far longer.
Our take: Ah, a familiar foe of scientists…antibiotic resistance. A ticking time bomb for decades, new antibiotics are regularly outmanoeuvred by crafty bacteria – lasting a measly 5 to 8 years. These new DNA scavengers provide a savvy way to nip the problem in the bud, by tackling resistance where it starts: in bacteria-laden wastewater. By disrupting the start of the cycle, we could finally see a meaningful step in combating antibiotic resistance.
Tune in 🎧
🎗️ Cancer vaccine trials and planning for cyber attacks
James Gallagher is joined by molecular biologist Dr Anne Willis, immunologist Dr James Thaventhiran, cyber security researcher Dr Saira Ghafur, and Steve, one of the first patients to trial the Cancer vaccine.
💼 Biotech Hangout
Eric Schmidt, Brad Loncar, Brad Skorney, Luba Greenwood and Josh Schimmer chat about biotech stocks, learnings from the Q2 earnings season, Charles River Laboratories and more.
🔬 How technology is impacting drug discovery
DDW Editors Megan Thomas and Reece Armstrong chat with CRB’s Peter Walters, Director Advanced Therapies and Grace Linton, Director Process Architecture, about laboratory automation and its effect on the pharmaceutical industry.
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🤖 Head of Robotics, Cellular Origins – Keen to program the future? With a knack for turning complex challenges into automated solutions, you’ll lead the charge in tackling large-scale challenges in cell therapy manufacturing.
📋 Project Manager UK&I, Amicus Therapeutics – Good at connecting the dots? With expertise in pharma or biotech – and a love of multitasking and organisation – you’ll piece together the puzzle of cross-functional projects, ensuring everything clicks into place.
📰 Senior Biopharma Journalist, Endpoints News – Ready to set the news agenda? With your deep biopharma knowledge and sharp reporting skills, you’ll cover the biggest stories and latest industry shifts, all while thriving in a fast-paced newsroom.
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🧠 11.09 | Intelligent Health | Basel, Switzerland: Featuring conversations on AI in medicine, and highlighting the companies and innovations driving adoption across biotech, pharma and healthtech.
🔬 14.09 | The Power of Bioengineering | London, UK: UCL Bioengineering lecturer Alvena Kureshi will share how leading-edge innovations in bioengineering are revolutionising our approach to wound care.
🏆 26.09 | Endpoints 11 | Boston, US: Join Endpoints at their annual awards event, for an evening of fireside chats and editorial conversations. Plus, network with the most promising biotechs in the industry.
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