News

Immunotherapy for treating metastasised melanoma works better when there is a diversity of bacteria in the gut, according to a study by researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the US.

As embryonic stem cells divide, they are able to express the same genes as the original cell despite all the possibilities of mutation. Now, scientists from the Institut Pasteur have identified a transcription factor, Esrrb (estrogen related receptor beta), that makes this possible.

German scientists have successfully replaced damaged nerve cells in the brains of mice fueling hope that the wreckage caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease might be repaired in the future. Normally, nerve cell losses in the brain cannot be restored.

Cell Medica Ltd has expanded an existing partnership with the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, US to develop allogeneic cell therapies based on engineered immune cells generated from healthy donors. The cells are invariant natural killer T (NKT) cells.

CureVac AG, which is developing vaccines based on messenger RNA technology, has raised $29.5 million from two new German investors to advance its portfolio. This follows a private share placement in 2015 that raised $110 million.

Evotec AG reported a 37% increase in revenue to €120.6 million for the first nine months as its drug discovery business on behalf of Sanofi SA moved into high gear and revenue from other long-term partners increased.

France-based Nicox SA said it anticipates a regulatory review of its glaucoma drug latanoprostene bunod to take place soon, and if the result is positive, the treatment could be on the US market by mid-2017.

AstraZeneca Plc is accelerating development of its oncology portfolio and tightening its therapeutic focus with an eye to returning to growth by 2018, or possibly earlier. The company’s third quarter results, released on 10 November, showed group revenue down by 4% to $5.7 billion, but new therapies in oncology and diabetes posted stronger sales.

Syncona LLP, the evergreen investment fund of the Wellcome Trust, is poised to increase its investment in UK life science through a merger with the Guernsey-based investment fund BACIT Ltd. The new group will keep the Syncona name and be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

MorphoSys AG has confirmed that its revenue this year is expected to be in a range of €47 million to €52 million and that its operating loss will amount to between €58 million and €68 million. The forecast was issued with the publication of the company’s third and nine-month results.