#18 - Gene dreams, corporate U-turns & viral traps
The coffee break biotech roundup, by SomX.
Good day, DNA devotees,
This week, we have some big power plays: Pfizer's former execs pull an unexpected pivot, Brazil brings rare gene therapies to its public health system, researchers zoom in on ion hotspots for a new wave of antibiotics, and scientists create viral 'decoys' to stop infections in their tracks.
And, rounding it off, global efforts are underway to close the genomic gap, and ensure a more equitable healthcare landscape by diversifying genome datasets.
Thanks for reading,
Dodo
If there’s anything you’d like to see in future editions of Biotech Dodo, send us a message.
Discover 🔍
🇧🇷 GEMMABio secures $100M partnership with health ministry to bring rare disease gene therapies to Brazil (Fierce Biotech): Emerging from the embers of UPenn’s Gene Therapy Program, GEMMABio has landed a $100M partnership with Brazil’s Fiocruz, part of Brazil’s Ministry of Health. Together, they’ll advance gene therapies for rare conditions like GM1 gangliosidosis and Krabbe disease, integrating them into Brazil’s public health system. Excelente!
Our take: With the world’s largest public health system at the helm, this partnership signals a departure from biotech’s usual playbook of premium price tags and exclusivity. Fiocruz’s public backing widens access and sets a precedent: cutting-edge gene therapies delivered within a publicly funded, accessible framework. Utilising GEMMABio’s expertise, this collaboration aims to make complex therapies both accessible and homegrown – a sensible move for a country of over 200 million.
🩴 Former Pfizer CEO and CFO flip on activist and say they now support company (Endpoints): In a scene fit for a corporate drama, ex-Pfizer CEO Ian Read and former CFO Frank D’Amelio, who recently appeared to back activist investor Starboard Value, performed a sharp U-turn last week. Now they’re publicly rallying behind current CEO Albert Bourla and the board, praising their ability to deliver shareholder value. With Starboard holding a hefty $1 billion stake and a meeting with Pfizer’s board just days away, the stage is set for a fascinating tug-of-war…
Our take: The real drama here isn’t the pivot itself, but rather what it signals for Pfizer’s future. Starboard is trying to leverage their company stake to boost shareholder returns – a typical move for activist investors, who use large amounts of stock to gain influence (nothing new from Starboard). On the flipside, Read and D’Amelio’s pivot suggests a preference for stability under Bourla, a high-profile reversal that could undercut Starboard and intensify the clash at the top table.
🩻 X-ray scattering technique pinpoints new targets for antibiotic drug development (Phys): Researchers at City St George’s, University of London, have struck gold – or rather, magnesium potassium and chloride – in a pioneering study using X-ray scattering to map metal ions within bacterial structures. Conducted with cleverclogs at Diamond Light Source and Imperial College, scientists were able to map ion locations in exquisite detail, laying the groundwork for antibiotics that take aim at drug-resistant infections with surgical accuracy. Splendid work!
Our take: What’s intriguing here isn’t just the map of ions, but the potential it unlocks. These metal ion “hotspots” act as structural keystones in bacteria that could be strategically targeted to disrupt essential functions. By designing antibiotics to interact with these ion sites, we could create more resilient, multi-pronged attacks on bacterial cells, and make resistance a far greater challenge. This approach could extend antibiotic efficacy and provide a new angle in our ongoing battle against superbugs.
🪤 Study uncovers mechanism of MX protein in fighting HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus (News Medical): Ever wondered how our cells fend off viral invaders? Well, it’s through the MX protein. Researchers at VIB-UGent have decoded how this remarkable protein intercepts HIV-1 and herpes viruses by orchestrating decoy structures resembling nuclear pores, effectively halting viral replication. This discovery defines MX's role in immune defence and paves the way for therapies that harness its intricate mechanism to thwart viral infections at their earliest stages.
Our take: The MX protein’s clever decoy strategy could set a fresh standard in antiviral approaches, leveraging the cell’s own architecture to neutralise threats. By sidestepping the resistance issues seen in traditional protein-targeted drugs, this approach could lead to adaptable therapies that stay effective against evolving viral strains, offering a flexible framework to combat a wide array of pathogens. On a personal note…a decoy Dodo would be very handy!
And finally…
⚖️ Diverse genomes make medicine more equitable (GEN): The global genomic landscape is far from balanced, with non-European communities woefully underrepresented in genome datasets – resulting in a gap in effective, equitable healthcare. Character Biosciences, CariGenetics and IndyGeneUS AI are among those working to bridge this disparity within African, Hispanic and Indigenous populations – a worthy endeavour, since a lack of diversity and understanding means even those with access to sequencing may not fully benefit from it.
Our take: This is not simply a question of ethics – diversifying genome data promises deeper insights into genetic disorders and the potential to develop more inclusive, effective therapies across the board. Take Steel syndrome, for instance: a rare and understudied disease affecting Puerto Rican children. With expanded datasets, researchers can dig into unique conditions that hold the promise of a richer, more nuanced understanding of genetic landscapes in underserved populations.
Tune in 🎧
🦠 From Bench to podcast: Chloe Fishman
Chloe talks about a versatile new tool for bacteriophage gene editing, and how it could help in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
🏆 First Reactions | Nobel Prize Conversations | Gary Ruvkun
The Nobel Prize speaks to this year's winners for their reaction to the news regarding their win. This is the first of an 8-part series of sub-10 minute mini-episodes.
🚫 World-first ovarian cancer vaccine ‘hopes to wipe out disease’
Professor Ahmed Ahmed, director of the ovarian cancer cell laboratory at the University of Oxford, talks about the first ovarian cancer vaccine and how it could eliminate the disease.
Apply ✍️
🧪 Research Scientist, Isomorphic Labs: Fancy decoding biology’s toughest puzzles? In this role, you’ll drive computational drug discovery forward, working across disciplines to shape innovative treatments for complex diseases.
🧫 Cell Therapy Engagement Manager, AstraZeneca: Ready to build lasting connections? Shape critical partnerships at leading cell therapy sites, managing key patient processes and ensuring quality from apheresis to infusion.
👥 Scientific Junior Group Leaders, Roche (Institute of Human Biology): Want to propel transformative research? Lead pioneering projects in human biology, collaborate with top minds globally, and shape the future of medicine from the vibrant research hub of Basel.
RSVP 📆
👩🏿 23.10 | DEI Workshop: Future Black Leaders in UK Biotech | Online: Hear from an expert panel of sector leaders and early career talent on their experiences working in biotech, and their advice for working in the sector.
💊 5-7.11 | Global Pharma and Biotech Summit | London, UK: Stay on top of the latest trends with industry leaders and experts, who will discuss what’s new in drug discovery, clinical trials, market access and patient engagement.
⚙️ 18-19.11| Pharma Automation and Digitalisation Congress| Zurich, Switzerland: Listen to pharma professionals share their experiences on achieving digital maturity and building their way through the digital space.
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