#26 - NICE moves... it’s giving big squid energy!
The coffee break biotech roundup, by SomX.
Step right up, you dazzling disco darlings.
This week: the UK shows off its NICE (dance) moves as it becomes the first EU country to reimburse a weight-loss jab, a squid-and-cotton duo gracefully cleans up microplastics, AstraZeneca resets its steps in China, Charles River gives fresh faces centre stage, and GSK stretches their legs into a new London partnership.
Stay groovy,
Dodo
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Discover 🔍
👑 UK first country in Europe to reimburse tirzepatide (European Biotechnology): The UK has taken the crown for being the first to reimburse Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 blockbuster tirzepatide. The reimbursement, through NICE, has adopted a slightly more refined eligibility approach. Instead of the original BMI≥30, NICE targets patients with BMI≥35 plus at least one complication – inspired by SURMOUNT-5’s impressive results showing 47% greater weight loss compared to semaglutide. The rollout begins with those in specialist weight management services, aiming to benefit around 220,000 people over three years.
Our take: The NHS rarely jumps headfirst into pricey treatments, making this move a significant bellwether. With 64% of English adults battling overweight or obesity, NICE’s targeted focus on higher BMI means tirzepatide should reach those who’ll benefit most. However, rare but serious adverse events – including pancreatitis and fatalities – remind us that no treatment comes without risk and as the race heats up for the next GLP-1 therapy to secure reimbursement.
🦑 Cellulose and chitin foam can remove nearly all microplastics from water (Chemistry World): Armed with squid-sourced chitin and cotton-derived cellulose, researchers in China have whipped up a biopolymer foam that removes a staggering 99.9% of microplastics from water. Its porous, charged structure lures microplastics like a magnet and keeps performing even after five rounds of use. Impressively, the foam shines brightest when paired with bacteria or lead in the water – a surprisingly symbiotic clean-up crew.
Our take: Microplastics are the glitter of pollution – ubiquitous, stubborn, and impossible to clean up. This biopolymer foam could offer a genuine breakthrough: scalable, sustainable, and shockingly efficient. By tapping into two of nature’s most abundant polymers, it’s giving innovative and inevitable. Proof that sometimes, the simplest materials yield the most extraordinary results. Water purification has never looked so buoyant!
⛓️ Drugmaker AstraZeneca names new China chief to replace detained executive (CNN): AstraZeneca is making quick work of a leadership change in China. Iskra Reic – architect of its COVID-19 vaccine – has been appointed as its new China chief following Leon Wang’s extended leave under investigation due to an anti-corruption crackdown in the healthcare sector. This comes amidst turbulence… a recent medical insurance fraud investigation sentenced about 100 former employees and there’s another probe into the illegal importation of cancer drugs into China.
Our take: With China’s pharma market forecast to hit $300 billion by 2025, it’s hardly surprising that AstraZeneca – already reaping 14% of its global revenue there – is determined to remain on good terms. Yet thriving in this lucrative arena means deftly managing regulatory thorns and lessons learned from past scandals (such as GSK’s $489 million fine for bribery). Netflix dramatisation inbound.
🌎 Charles River Introduces Global Biotech Incubator Program (GEN): Charles River has unveiled a snazzy incubator programme to help fledgling biotechs hatch their cell and gene therapy dreams. Building on its global CGT Accelerator Program (CAP), this cosy initiative bundles regulatory know-how, quality advice, training, and lab gear into one neat package. The next cohort will be shortlisted during the Cell and Gene Therapy Summit in March with keen contenders encouraged to reach out to Charles River reps at January’s Advanced Therapies Week.
Our take: Piecemeal solutions often derail biotech startups, but Charles River’s Incubator Programme (CIP) tackles this head-on. By marrying early discovery know-how with regulatory insight and manufacturing brains, it spares nascent biotechs from costly detours. If it works as intended, we may see more small players leaping from concept to clinic with grace and gusto. Splendid!
And finally…
💂GSK puts its faith in London biotech firm with $300m deal (The Times): GSK is teaming up with London’s Relation Therapeutics – an upstart, blending machine learning and human tissue data, to find fresh therapies for osteoarthritis and fibrotic diseases. Relation gets $45 million upfront (including $15 million in equity), plus success-based payouts potentially totalling $300 million per target. Led by former Pfizer R&D head David Roblin, Relation hopes to accelerate drug discovery and refine target selection, tapping into London’s burgeoning science hub.
Our take: Osteoarthritis and fibrosis are tough nuts to crack - animal models aren’t always reliable, meaning early-stage efforts are fraught with risk. Relation’s ML approach looks to uncover biologically relevant targets from human tissue data and cut down on late-stage failures. For GSK, it’s a sharp move to tap into London’s surging biotech ecosystem. With their headquarters now rooted in the city, GSK is doubling down on the UK’s academic talent and computational prowess, reinforcing London’s status as a global life sciences hub.
And speaking of GSK partnerships…
Our friends at Ochre Bio – who have also partnered with GSK in liver disease therapy discovery and development – are vying for a spot at SXSW’s new conference spin-off in London! SXSW brings together tech, art, and innovation, and Ochre Bio has two talks in the running. This conference can be shaped by you, the attendee, so sign up and cast your vote for Ochre Bio below:
Tune in
🧬 Gene Drives: Engineering Nature’s Future
Explore the promise and perils of gene drives – precision tools with the power to combat disease, protect ecosystems, and spark ethical debates worldwide. Note: this is an AI-generated podcast.
🤖 Using AI to save lives through Biomedical Imaging
Explore how cutting-edge technology is reshaping healthcare, from evolving digital trends to the transformative potential of AI and machine learning.
🦵 Knee-deep in meniscus redesign: the story of Atlanta’s OrthoPreserve
With 1.4M meniscectomies yearly, the loss of cushioning accelerates arthritis, leaving many in pain. Is there a better solution for knee health?
Apply ✍️
🧪 Laboratory Analyst - In Vitro Metabolism, Labcorp: Fancy exploring the fate of molecules? Get hands-on with metabolism studies, hone lab skills, and contribute to cutting-edge science in an environment built for growth.
🔎 Head of Biology (Oncology, Director or VP level), CHARM Therapeutics: Love cracking cancer conundrums? Lead groundbreaking research, drive oncology innovation, and push the boundaries of AI-powered drug discovery.
🧫 QC Senior Microbiologist, Eisai: Can you outwit the tiniest troublemakers? Take the lead in microbiological testing, guide your team, and ensure top-notch pharmaceutical quality every step of the way.
RSVP 📆
🇺🇸 13–15.01 | Biotech Showcase | San Francisco, USA: Dive into cutting-edge biotech as startups pitch, investors scout opportunities, and industry leaders forge collaborations to advance therapeutics and healthcare solutions.
🌱 16.12 | Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst webinar series | Online: Learn how salt-tolerant microorganisms are transforming biopolymer production with insights on feedstocks, process engineering, and sustainable biotech applications.
🍽️ 30.01 | BIA Gala Dinner 2025 | London, UK: Celebrate life sciences at the Roundhouse with fine dining, networking, fundraising, and live music alongside 760+ industry leaders and innovators.
Got news, jobs or events you think are worth coo-ing over? Post an event here, or email us at biotechdodo@substack.com!
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