Monthly Archives: October 2021

Human Behavior

Rhythm of War Reread: Chapter Fifty-Five – tor.com

Hey, my Cosmere Chickens, its Thursday againtime for another Rhythm of War reread chapter. Welcome back, as we rejoin Kaladin for some sober conversation with Syl, and some very sneaky sneaking around the Tower. Also an Observation, and a realization that leads to a very tense mission which well get to in another three weeks. Come on in and join the discussion!

Reminder: Well be discussing spoilers for the entirety of the series up until now. If you havent read ALL of the published entries of The Stormlight Archive (this includes Edgedancer and Dawnshard as well as the entirety of Rhythm of War), best to wait to join us until youre done.

There are no Cosmere spoilers in the post this week; no promises about the comments, though!

Heralds: Palah (Pailiah, Paliah). Truthwatchers. Learned/Giving. Role: Scholar.

Vedeledev (Vedel). Edgedancers. Loving/Healing. Role: Healer.

A: Im not terribly confident in this, but my best guess is that Vedel is here for Kaladins skillful care-taking of the unconscious Teft, and possibly for the mental-health-and-grieving discussion with Syl. Palah maybe for his search for information about the Oathgates, or his creative use of Adhesion in pursuit of that information? Or could she be a subtle hint that eventually Dabbid will join the Truthwatchers? (If so, Im betting hell be like Renarin and Rlain in bonding one of Sja-anats children.)

Icon: Banner and Spears for a Kaladin POV.

Epigraph: From Rhythm of War, page 6 undertext:

We must not let our desires for a specific result cloud our perceptions.

P: This sounds like Raboniel, since I dont feel that Navani has any expectations.

A: I agree. Its all so new for Navani; shes never had this much freedom to explore possibilities before. Raboniel, on the other hand, is looking for something very particular; shes the one who needs to be careful not to bias her interpretation of data based on what she hopes to find.

WHO: KaladinWHEN: 1175.4.6.5 (within an hour or so after Chapter 49)WHERE: Urithiru

(Note: For the when notations, we are using this wonderful timeline provided by the folks at The 17th Shard.)

RECAP: With Stormlight to see by, Kaladin arranges Teft suitably for hospital care, giving him water which he takes eagerly. As he works, Syl asks some reflective questions, and reveals her grief over the loss of her first Radiant, whom she now remembers. Kaladin helps her understand herself in human terms, and then they hear noises at the door. Dabbid is outside with broth, sent by the Sibling. Kaladin leaves him feeding Teft and begins his search for information about how the Fused are working the Oathgates. Using Adhesion to attach handles and his boot toes to the outside of the tower, he descends some nine levels before he sees the Oathgate flash with a dark light. A group of singer scouts (which hed had to avoid once already) begin packing up their spyglasses, and he realizes that hes not going to get a chance at the Oathgates this night. Then he realizes that, since they appeared to have been watching for Windrunner scouts to make sure no one saw them using Voidlight to activate the Oathgate, they must be using spanreeds, which means they have Voidlight fabrials, which is really what Navani needs, which means he needs to steal it

With Stormlight, Kaladin had been able to investigate his little hideout, finding it slightly larger than hed pictured.

P: I was so relieved at this point that Kaladin had Stormlight. Hugely relieved. Not that Kaladin without Stormlight is entirely helpless, but when youre up against creatures like the Pursuer and an occupying army, Stormlight is a handy thing to have, even for one whose powers are limited.

A: Its also nice to see him with a little light. It may not be the daylight and open skies he craves, but its much better for him than being in the dark. (Also intensely practical, for things like putting Teft in a position and clothing that makes it easier to care for him, and for getting that water syringe actually in his mouth

Teft lapped up the contents eagerly. He seemed so close to coming awake, Kaladin expected him to start cursing at any moment, demanding to know where his uniform had gone.

Syl watched, uncharacteristically solemn. What will we do if he dies? she asked softly.

Dont think about that, Kaladin said.

What if I cant help thinking about it?

Find something to distract you.

A: What a contrast between Teft and Syl here! Teft, normally the grumpy one, is so hopeful, looking like he might wake upand wouldnt that be fantastic? And then Syl, the always-perky-and-cheerful one, is fearful, worrying that Teft might die.

P: This is so heart wrenching, to have Syl thinking this kind of thing. While I know the situation in the tower is likely weighing heavily on her, shes also showing more human behavior.

A: We saw just a hint of this in her Interlude, and now its really expanding. While its wonderful character development, its also rather painful to watch her learning to deal with grief.

Ive been remembering what it was like when Relador, my old knight, died. How it made me sleep for so many years, straight through the Recreance. I keep wondering, will that happen to me again?

P: Nobody likes to think of Kaladins possible death, least of all, me but its obviously something that weighs heavily on Syls mind. I cant imagine what it would do to her to lose another knight.

A: This really brings it home: She has no other spren to turn to for help (at this point). Shes the only previously-bonded honorspren to survive the Recreance, and there arent many from other spren families either. If the highspren were more communicative, they could (perhaps) share some insight into the process of dealing with repeatedly losing their human partners, but perhaps not. They dont seem to have the same kind of relationship with their humans as the honorspren do.

She cut off as a faint scraping sounded outside, from near the doorway. Immediately Kaladin reached for his scalpel. Syl came alert, zipping up into the air around him as a ribbon of light. Kaladin crept toward the door. Hed covered up the gemstone in the wall on this side with a piece of cloth. He didnt know if his light would shine out or not, but wasnt taking any chances.

But he could hear. Someone was out there, their boots scraping stone. Were they inspecting the door?

P: You want to talk about gut-wrenching fear this terrified me during the beta, thinking that the Pursuer might have found Kaladin.

A: Kaladin too, apparently. But yeah, the idea that his lovely little hideout might be compromised already was terrifying.

He made a snap decision, slipping his hand under the cloth and pressing it against the stone, commanding it to open. The rocks began to split. Kaladin prepared to leap out and attack the singer on the other side.

But it wasnt a singer.

It was Dabbid.

P: And then the moment of exultation not an enemy at the door, but a friend. What a huge relief!

A: Intense! I cant remember: Does Kaladin know at this point that Dabbid has been working for the Sibling? In any case, its a delight to start seeing the pieces coming together, as the Sibling is creating links between these three humans and their arcs are aligning.

Regardless, he was a wonderful sight. Kaladin had been worrying about leaving Teft. If Kaladin died on a mission, that would be a death sentence for Teft, too. Unless someone else knew about him.

He got Dabbid situated, then showed him the use of the syringe and had him start feeding Teft.

P: As confident as we are that Kaladin will survive, this is still reassuring. Leaving Teft alone in the dark made me squicky.

A: Alone and unconscious in a locked dark room ::shudders::

Tower spren? he asked.

Yes.

Is there a way I can lock these doors, so they cant be opened by just anyone?

It was once possible to attune them to individuals. These days, I must simply leave a given door so it can be opened by anyone, or lock it so none can open it.

Well, it was good to know thatin a pinchhe should be able to ask the Sibling to lock the door. For now, it was enough that Dabbid could get in and out.

P: Its somewhat worrisome that its all or nothing, really. But I guess that you take what you can get with a broken tower and an enemy occupation.

A: Yeah, its a bit much to ask that things would work in all the most helpful ways immediately But its nice to hope that over time, this also will change.

Navani had asked Kaladin to observe the Oathgates up close as they were activated. To see if he could figure out why they functioned when other fabrials did not.

Instead, he wanted to try climbing along the outside of the tower. Before hed learned to fly, hed stuck rocks to the chasm wall and climbed them. He figured he could do something similar now.

P: I know that hes got Stormlight to heal, but theres no telling if it would heal him if he fell. The thought of Kaladin clinging precariously to the side of the tower gives me vertigo and makes my stomach clench.

A: For sure. He may be on the side of the tower where there would be fields on the first level, but falling eleven stories would not be good for his health. I seem to recall getting awfully tensed up reading this, as if I could help him hold on!

Standing here, part of him wanted to jump, to feel the rushing wind. It wasnt some suicidal tendency, not this time. It was the call of something beautiful.

P: Super glad that he can think this without it being a suicidal thought.

A: Its so hard to see him restricted like thiscrawling on the wall instead of soaring through the air like he should be. I wonder if Brandon put this in specifically to foreshadow the time when he would dive off the top of the tower in a hopeless, desperate attempt to save his father. Its good, though, that he isnt suicidal here; hes just totally focused on the task at hand and finding a way to accomplish it.

He found footholds on the stone, but they were slippery. Once, there had been a great deal of ornamentation on the rock out herebut years of highstorms had smoothed some of that out. Perhaps Lift could have climbed it without help, but Kaladin was glad he had Stormlight.

P: Maybe hes only commenting on how lithe and light on her feet Lift is, but I found this an interesting thought considering how Lift can use Wyndle to do this very thing!

A: Im assuming hes seen her climb sometime? (I suppose I could go search) But whether he knows how she does it is another question. Interesting thought.

Hed release one brush from the wall, then slide it into place while holding on with only one hand, then move his feet before moving the other.

P: This sounds excruciatingly slow and difficult.

A: Doesnt it, though? Exhausting!

He felt her concern through the bond; when Syl was a Blade, they had a direct mental connectionbut when she was not in that shape, the connection was softer. Theyd been practicing on sending words to one another, but they tended to be vague impressions.

This time, he got a sense of some distinct words singers with spyglasses third-floor balcony looking up

P: Its really nifty how theyve learned to communicate like this. Or perhaps its just the bond growing stronger.

A: It makes me wonder. Is this an artifact of her becoming more human? Or an aspect of getting closer to the next Ideal? (Maybe at the 4th or 5th Ideal, the human and the spren gain a clearer mental connection?) Or is it, among Windrunners, something more unique to Kaladin and Syl?

Unfortunately, soon after hed passed the third floor, a dark light flashed from the Oathgates. It was tinged violet like Voidlight, but was brighter than a Voidlight sphere.

Kaladin took a moment to rest, hanging on but not moving.

P: I dont know what more Kaladin could glean from getting closer to the Oathgates. Sure, theyre using Voidlight but its not like he would be able to tell how theyre doing it.

A: True. At this point, hes not knowledgeable enough to report more than Theyre using Voidlight anyway. He could have observed that from a balcony on the 11th floor without all this climbing but at the same time, I can see Kaladin not really thinking about that aspect. Besides, this way theres a more useful option available! And fortunately, Kaladin sees it eventually.

Navani was trying to figure out how the enemy was operating fabrials. What if he could hand her one? Surely that would lead to more valuable information than he would get by observing the Oathgates.

Syl zipped over to the balcony the scouts had been using. I can see them! she said. Theyve packed up, and theyre leaving, but theyre just ahead.

Follow, Kaladin sent her mentally, then moved as quickly as he could in that direction. He might have missed the nights transfer, but there was still a way he could help.

And it involved stealing that spanreed.

P: *Mission: Impossible music*

But the gate had flashed with Voidlight. So he knew theyd done something to the fabrial. Hed have to try again tomorrow

But would getting close to the Oathgates tell him anything about what had been done to them? He didnt feel he knew enough about fabrials.

P: This was my thought. They know that the Fused and singers are using the Oathgates, and now its obvious that theyre using Voidlight, but what hope would Kaladin have of gaining any knowledge of how theyre doing what theyre doing?

A: Its true. It would have been interesting for the reader to know what they did to transition Oathgate usage from Moash and the Honorblade, to Voidlight and what? What kind of key are they using? Are there Voidspren who can take on forms like the Radiant spren to operate the gates? But theres certainly no narrative need for Kaladin to try to spy that out.

Kaladin paused, hanging from his handholds, as something struck him. Something that he felt profoundly stupid for having not seen immediately.

The scouts on the balcony, he whispered to Syl as she darted in to see why hed stopped. What would they have done if theyd spotted Windrunners in the sky?

Theyd have told the others to stop the transfer, Syl said, so the fact that the Oathgate glowed the wrong color wouldnt give away the truth.

How? Kaladin asked. How did they contact the Oathgate operators? Did you see flags or anything?

No, Syl said. They were just sitting there writing in the dark. They must have been using a spanreed.

P: Again, yes, we know theyre using Voidlight to power some fabrials, but what good will that do, really? Navani wouldnt be able to communicate with Dalinar using the Voidlight spanreeds.

A: But this is Navani were talking about. Im assuming shes thinking about the possibility of putting Voidlight into one of her already-paired spanreeds, if she can figure out how to make it work with the split spren. (Which is an interesting question could one of these split spren operate with one half using Stormlight and the other using Voidlight? Or would that just destroy the spren altogether?) If nothing else, she wants more information to work with.

Humans thinking about the wind, and honor, might have given you shape from formless powerbut youre your own person now. As Im my own person, though my parents gave me shape.

She smiled at that, and walked across the shelf wearing the form of a woman in a havah. A person, she said. I like thinking like that. Being like that. A lot of the other honorspren, they talk about what we were made to be, what we must do. I talked like that once. I was wrong.

P: I wonder what the other honorspren thought they were made to be and what they must do. I wish Syl would elaborate a bit here.

A: I dont remember off the top of my head whether we learn any more about this when we get back to Lasting Integrity; well have to try and remember to watch for it.

She sat on the stone shelf, hands in her lap. Is that how you stand it? Knowing everyone is going to die? You just dont think about it?

Basically, Kaladin said,

P: Yes, distracting oneself can be handy when dealing with depression. Though its not always effective. I do wish Kaladin had been able to offer Syl more sound advice.

A: As well see, this is less about depression and more about grieving. Even so, distraction is only a tool, and not a solution.

Everyone dies eventually.

I wont, she said. Spren are immortal, even if you kill them. Someday Ill have to watch you die.

What brought this on? Kaladin asked. This isnt like you.

Yup. Right. Of course. Not like me. She plastered a smile on her face. Sorry.

I didnt mean it that way, Syl, Kaladin said. You dont have to pretend.

Original post:
Rhythm of War Reread: Chapter Fifty-Five - tor.com

Human Behavior

Comparative analysis of "Data Security Law", "Network Security Law" and "Personal Information Protection Law" – Lexology

With5G, blockchain, big data, artificial intelligence,and otherinformation and communication technologyrapid development, our lives have been gradually networked and digitized, if you recall your own day, you will find that most of the basic necessities of life seem to have started its digitalization.Not long ago, the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress just passed a blockbuster law, the "Data Security Law". I also did some learning. In addition to this law, there was also a "Cyber Security Law" before. The current "Personal Information Protection Law" is also rushing on the road to legislation.What kind of relationship are these three laws? Its a bit unclear, so today we will focus on studying these three laws in a comparative way(reminder, the "Personal Information Protection Law" has not yet been issued, I will not prompt it in the rest of this article for convenience).

What the three have in common

1. The background of legislation is basically the same

The three laws are all born from thebackground of the rapid development ofinformation and communication technologiessuch as5G, blockchain, big data, and artificial intelligence.Legislating these emerging technologies is in response to the needs of the development of the times.

2. The value orientation of legislation is basically the same

It seems that we need "security" more than ever. Now when we talk about "security", werefermoreto non-traditional security. This is also the overall national security concept mentioned in the National Security Law.Although from a development perspective, we still give priority to "efficiency", "efficiency" cannot be "streaking" like a runaway horse.Because the "efficiency" gained at the cost of"safety"is not worth the gain.

3. The core of the object in legal relations is basically the same

These three laws can be the "troika" in the field of the digital economy. Although the objects to be regulated are different, they generally revolve around the production and operation of data and information. The internet is the basis for carrying information.Interaction andtransmission are the purposes of the internet, and the intangibility and spillage of information need to be controlled. The core of controlling is around governmentand personal information.

Traditionally, one of the objects of legal relations is human behavior. In the era of big data and artificial intelligence, human behavior is no longer limited to physical behavior. Human behavior has been transformed into various information and data.Dont you see? Buying and selling, using, thoughts expression are all done through clicking and manipulating smart phones and computers.

4. The legislative influence is basically the same

Based on the above, these three laws will affect all aspects of the country, society, government, and individuals, because informatization and digitization have been integrated into all aspects of personal social life, government behavior, and state behavior.

The main difference between the three laws

1. The legislative purposes of the three are different

The "Cyber Security Law"emphasizes the national sovereignty of cyberspace. The"Data Security Law"focuses more on data security and national security based on data security, and the "Personal Information Protection Law" focuses on the protection of personal information.

2. The objects adjusted by the two and three are different

From the perspective of the adjustment object, the three laws are overlaped.Article 76 of the "Cyber Security Law" defines cybersecurity as means taking necessary measures to prevent attacks, intrusions, interference, and Sabotage, illegal use and accidents, keep the network in a stable and reliable operation state, as well as the ability to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of network data."The last sentence here actually refers to data security but in a subordinate position.Article 3 of the "Data Security Law" stipulates that "data security refers to the adoption of necessary measures to ensure that data is in a state of effective protection and legal use, as well as the ability to ensure a continuous state of security."It can be seen here that, in fact, network security includes data security, but it is more focused on achieving legislative purposes by regulating the construction, operation, maintenance and use of networks within the territory of the Peoples Republic of China, while the Data Security Law focuses on regulating "data processing activities within the territory of the People's Republic of China" to achieve legislative purposes.Data processing refers to "data collection, storage, use, processing, transmission, provision, disclosure, etc.", Some of these data processing activities are based on the internet, and others arenot based on the internet.To give an inappropriate example, it is like a house. The "Cyber Security Law" focuses more on the security of the door of the room and each door, while the "Data Security Law" refers to the safety of the things in the house.What about "Personal Information Protection"?Privacy probablythe equivalent of the safe of the most valuable things inside a house, where your ID card, bank card, residence booklet and some important privacy files are stored.The "Personal Information Protection" involves both the cybersecurity and the data protection.The "Data Security Law" contains not only personal information but also government information, as well as information on other industries. Therefore, the "Data Security Law" adopts a "graded and classified protection system."In summary, the three laws are independent of each other and have their own emphasis, but there are also overlaped each other.

3. The adjustment modes of the three laws are different

The adjustment mode of the "Cyber Security Law" focuses more on the regulation and adjustment according to the links involved in network operation, and it mainly divided into two parts: "network operation security" and "network information security". The regulative objects are mainly three types of entities, network operators, network products and service providers, and key information infrastructure operators.The "Data Security Law" does not regulate according to flow of "production, processing, circulation, and use of data", but divides it into a "data security system" and "data security protection obligations" for regulation and adjustment, and the objects of adjustment is more extensive, that is, all subjects engaged in data processing activities must be regulated and restricted by this law.The "Personal Information Protection Law" is more special. It is more about adjusting and protecting a de facto private law act (simply speaking, providing personal information and obtaining various services) in public law. Many articles in this law is about empowerment. TheChapter 4is "Individual's Rights in Personal Information Processing Activities", and the Chapter 5is "Obligations of Personal Information Processors". Yet, the "Cyber Security Law" and "Data Security Law" are basically obligatory provisions. Especially the "Data Security Protection Obligation" is its own chapater in the "Data Security Law".

In summary, we have carried out some superficial comparative analyses of these three laws in the hope that we can have a clearer understanding of the positioning of the three laws.

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Comparative analysis of "Data Security Law", "Network Security Law" and "Personal Information Protection Law" - Lexology

Immunology

UConn Immunology Researcher Unraveling Relationship Between Cytokines and Colorectal Cancer – UConn Today – UConn Today

Kepeng Wang, assistant professor of immunology at UConn Health, is investigating the complex relationship between cytokines and colorectal cancer.

Wangs work is supported by a $1.8 million grant from the National Cancer Institute.

Cytokines are a category of proteins secreted by cells. They have an important role in cell signaling. IL-17 cytokines, one family of cytokines, promote inflammation which drives the growth of tumors on the colon. This often leads to colorectal cancer.

To date, the underlying mechanism explaining IL-17s connection with colorectal cancer relies on its role in helping the tumor recruit myeloid cells, which come from bone marrow. This provides the tumor with a powerful ally to help it grow and spread throughout the body.

What scientists do not yet fully understand is if IL-17 also signals regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs are often recruited to tumors and hinder the bodys natural ability to impede tumor growth.

Wangs preliminary studies show that removing IL-17 signaling on Treg cells increased colonic tumor development in mice. This demonstrated a previously unknown protective role of IL-17 in colorectal cancer, indicating its relationship with tumorigenesis and growth is more complicated than previously thought.

Wangs team found that IL-17 inhibits Treg accumulation in tumors, a measure that typically indicates a grim prognosis. IL-17 also inhibits the expression of genes that facilitate Treg migration, proliferation, and their ability to suppress the immune system.

Interestingly, Wangs team only observed these inhibitory effects in tumor-infiltrating Tregs and not in healthy Tregs. This suggests IL-17 engages in site-specific inhibition. Accordingly, only Tregs that infiltrate tumors express the receptors IL-17 cytokines attach to in order to initiate this cascade.

When Wang stimulated Tregs with two cytokines that are abundant in the tumor environment, it led to increased production of the IL-17 receptor. This suggests when Tregs are recruited to tumors, the tumors environment makes it more susceptible to being inhibited by IL-17.

Conversely, Wang and his team found that IL-17 signals to tumor cells to reduce the expression of cytokines that signal CD8+ CTL T cells to the tumor. These T cells play an important role in immunity and tumor surveillance. These cytokines are known as CXCL9 and CXCL10.

This means IL-17 inhibits Tregs that would otherwise suppress cancer immunosurveillance while also inhibiting the attraction of T cells that would perform this function. These findings illuminate the complicated role of IL-17 in colorectal cancer and showcase the need for further investigation.

Now, Wang is looking to further his previous work and clarify IL-17s role in colorectal cancer.

Wang will describe how, exactly, IL-17 mediates the direct inhibition of Tregs in colorectal tumors as well as identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process. Wang will then interrogate how IL-17 inhibits T cell attraction through the regulation of CXCL9 and CXCL10.

Ultimately, Wang will test the importance of these interactions and effects in colorectal tumor development and therapies.

These investigations will provide new insights into the mechanisms by which IL-17 impacts colorectal tumorigenesis, as well as guide the invention and use of novel therapies for the treatment of colorectal, Wang says.

For example, understanding how IL-17 inhibits CD8+ CTL T cell attraction to tumors could mean adding already available IL-17 antibodies to cancer immunotherapy regimes would improve patient outcomes. While, if a tumor has abundant IL-17 and Tregs, researchers and clinicians could know that using IL-17 antibodies may have an adverse effect for the patient since IL-17 is performing a protective role in this case.

This work can help provide a pathway toward more precise treatments for colorectal cancer patients.

Wang holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Wangs lab focuses on studying the role of inflammation in colorectal cancer development and therapeutic intervention.

Follow UConn Research on Twitter & LinkedIn.

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UConn Immunology Researcher Unraveling Relationship Between Cytokines and Colorectal Cancer - UConn Today - UConn Today

Immunology

Astria Therapeutics to Present New STAR-0215 Preclinical Results at the 2021 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific…

BOSTON, October 21, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Astria Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATXS), a biopharmaceutical company developing STAR-0215 for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE), today announced that it will share new preclinical results for STAR-0215 in a presentation titled "STAR-0215 Is a Long-Acting Monoclonal Antibody Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor for the Potential Treatment of HAE" at the 2021 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The poster will be presented in-person by Andrew Nichols, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at Astria Therapeutics, on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 4:15pm CT, and will be available to all registrants through the ACAAI Meeting website and mobile app.

About Astria Therapeutics:

Astria Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company, and our mission is to bring life-changing therapies to patients and families affected by rare and niche allergic and immunological diseases. Our lead program, STAR-0215, is a monoclonal antibody inhibitor of plasma kallikrein in preclinical development for the treatment of hereditary angioedema. Learn more about our company on our website, http://www.astriatx.com, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AstriaTx and on Facebook and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211021005224/en/

Contacts

Astria Contacts:

Investor relations: Andrea Matthewsinvestors@astriatx.com

Media: Elizabeth Higginsmedia@astriatx.com

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Astria Therapeutics to Present New STAR-0215 Preclinical Results at the 2021 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific...

Immunology

George D. Snells Nobel Prize Is Headed to Auction – Barron’s

The Nobel Prize medal awarded to George D. Snell in 1980 is offered for sale with a starting bid of $200,000. Courtesy of Nate D. Sanders Auctions

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Winning a Nobel Prize is out of most peoples reach, but you can own a Nobel Prize medal for a reasonable price.

The Nobel Prize medal awarded to George D. Snell in 1980 for his breakthrough research in immunology is being offered at an online auction via Nate D. Sanders Auctions now through Oct. 28 with. It has a starting bid of US$200,000.

The medal weighs more than six ounces and measures two-and-a-half inches in diameter. It features Alfred Nobels image on one side, and a relief of a woman representing the Genius of Medicine on the reverse side. Snell's name and 1980 in Roman numerals are engraved on a plaque framed by the name of the Karolinska Institute, which awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Snell (1903-96) earned his bachelors degrees in science and mathematics at Dartmouth University, and obtained a doctorate degree at Harvard University in 1930. In 1935, he joined the Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, and worked there throughout his career.

In 1978, Snell was the recipient of the Cancer Research Institutes William B. Coley Award for distinguished research in immunology. He died in 1996.

Snell's discovery of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) laid the genetic foundation of organ transplants, which can determine whether a body accepts an organ or rejects it.

Prior to his discovery, organ transplantation was dependent on the chance of perfect genetic matching. Snell's work paved the way for the nearly 150,000 people annually who now receive organ transplants worldwide.

The medal is accompanied by a letter of authentication from one of Snells three sons, who might be selling the medal. The Los Angeles-based Nate D. Sanders Auctions did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation.

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George D. Snells Nobel Prize Is Headed to Auction - Barron's

Immunology

Plasma Fractionation Market Worth $41.4 Billion by 2027 – Market Size, Share, Forecasts, & Trends Analysis Report with COVID-19 Impact by…

Plasma Fractionation Market by Product [Immunoglobulins (Intravenous, Subcutaneous), Coagulation Factors, Albumin], Application (Immunology, Hematology, Neurology), and End User (Hospital, Clinical Research Lab, Academic Institutes) - Forecast to 2027

Redding,California, Oct. 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market research report Plasma Fractionation Market by Product [Immunoglobulins (Intravenous, Subcutaneous), Coagulation Factors, Albumin], Application (Immunology, Hematology, Neurology), and End User (Hospital, Clinical Research Lab, Academic Institutes) - Forecast to 2027, published by Meticulous Research, the plasma fractionation market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2020 to reach $41.4 billion by 2027.

Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.meticulousresearch.com/download-sample-report/cp_id=5117

Plasma fractionation is a process of separation, extraction, and purification of specific components from the plasma. Recently, the growing number of chronic cases with aged people has increased the demand for plasma-derived products. In the case of aged people, but in inborn, immunological disorders have increased over the past few years. For instance, the number of genes identified with inborn errors of immunity was 269 in 2015, which increased to 430 in 2019. Thus, the demand for plasma-derived immunoglobulins and other products is rising at a rapid pace.

COVID-19 Impact on the Plasma Fractionation Market

The outbreak of COVID-19 forced countries to undertake initiatives to adopt plasma therapy. For instance, the European Commission, DG DIGIT, developed and hosted a database in compliance with Data Protection Regulations 2016/679 and 2018/17/25 to support the monitoring of convalescent plasma donation and use monitoring. The database was designed in collaboration with the European Blood Alliance (EBA). The EBA was responsible for coordinating the data entry by all blood establishments across the EU.

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Apart from government initiatives, companies are also developing an effective treatment against COVID-19. For instance, Octapharma AG (Switzerland) launched a special project team to explore new therapies for COVID-19. The company also announced that it had joined other plasma fractionation leaders to develop a potential plasma-derived hyperimmune immunoglobulin therapy for treating COVID-19. In February 2020, Grifols, S.A. (Spain) agreed with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) to build a network of plasma collection centers and other facilities for producing plasma medicines, including a plasma fractionation plant a purification plant in Saudi Arabia.

Thus, plasma-derived immunoglobulin played an important role in the treatment of the disease, thus created a positive impact on the growth of the plasma fractionation market.

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The plasma fractionation market is segmented on the basis of product [Immunoglobulins (IVIG, SCIG, and others), coagulation factors, albumin, protease inhibitors, and others), application (immunology, hematology, neurology, critical care, hemato-oncology, rheumatology, and others), end user (hospitals & clinics, clinical research laboratories, and academic institutes), and geography. The study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the market at regional and country levels.

Based on product type, the immunoglobulins accounted for the largest share of the overall plasma fractionation market in 2020. Immunoglobulins are used as first-line therapy for various neurologic, immunologic, and hematologic conditions. The most common use of immunoglobulin therapy is to treat primary immune deficiencies and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is also being considered for various neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The large share of this segment is attributed to the rising adoption of SCIg and the increasing on- and off-label use of immunoglobulins for various indications.

Based on application, the neurology segment commanded the largest share of the overall plasma fractionation market in 2020. The rising number of neurological disorders and the focus of vendors on discovering plasma products for neurology.

Based on end user, the hospitals and clinics segment is estimated to command the largest share of the overall plasma fractionation market in 2020. The growing need for therapies for immunodeficiency disorders, growing number of hospitals & healthcare expenditure, and rising consumption of plasma-derived products by hospitals & clinics are some of the major factors driving the growth of this segment.

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Based on geography, in 2020, the North America accounted for the largest share of the global plasma fractionation market. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The factors driving the growth of the APAC plasma fractionation market are rising consumption of plasma-derived products, presence of leading players, contract fractionation agreements between countries, and programs for increasing the use of plasma and fractionation.

The report also includes an extensive assessment of the product portfolio, geographic analysis, and key strategic developments adopted by leading market participants in the industry over the past four years. The plasma fractionation market witnessed several new product launches, approvals, agreements, partnerships & collaborations, expansions, and acquisitions in recent years. For instance, in April 2020, Grifols, S.A. (Spain) launched HyperRAB (3-mL 900-IU). It will be used for treatment for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Some of the key players operating in the global plasma fractionation market are CSL Limited (Australia), Grifols, S.A. (Spain), Octopharma AG (Switzerland), Kedrion S.P.A. (Italy), Shire plc (U.K.), Biotest AG (Germany), China Biologic Products Holdings, Inc. (China), Bio Products Laboratory Ltd (U.K.), Japan Blood Products Organization (Japan), SeraCare Life Sciences, Inc. (U.S.), Haemonetics Corporation (U.S.),BioIVT LLC (U.S.), Green Cross Biotherapeutics Inc. (Canada), Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH (Germany), LFB S.A. (France), Scinomed Ltd. (U.K.), Oxbridge Pharma Ltd (U.K.), Sanquin (Netherlands), Shanghai Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd. (China), Hualan Biological Engineering Inc (China), Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (China), Shanxi Kangbao Biological Product Co. Ltd. (China), Sichuan YuandaShuyang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (China), Reliance Life Sciences (India), IntasBiopharm Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (India), Hemarus (India), Japan Blood Products Organization (Japan), Chemo-Sero Therapeutic Research Institute (Japan), SK Plasma Co., Ltd. (Korea), Korean Red Cross (Korea), STROVI (Malaysia), The National Bioproducts Institute (South Africa), Kamada Ltd. (Israel), MDA Plasma Fractionation Center (Israel), and Hemobras (Brazil) among others.To gain more insights into the market with a detailed table of content and figures, click here: https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/plasma-fractionation-market-5117

Scope of the Report:

Plasma Fractionation Market, by Product

Immunoglobulins

Coagulation Factors

Albumin

Protease Inhibitors

Others

Plasma Fractionation Market, by Application

Immunology

Hematology

Neurology

Critical Care

Hemato-Oncology

Rheumatology

Others

Plasma Fractionation Market, by End User

Plasma Fractionation Market, by Geography

North America

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe (RoE)

Asia-Pacific (APAC)

China

Japan

India

Rest of APAC (RoAPAC)

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

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About Meticulous Research

Meticulous Research was founded in 2010 and incorporated as Meticulous Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2013 as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. Since its incorporation, the company has become the leading provider of premium market intelligence in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The name of our company defines our services, strengths, and values. Since its inception, we have only thrived to research, analyze, and present the critical market data with great attention to details. With the meticulous primary and secondary research techniques, we have built strong capabilities in data collection, interpretation, and analysis of data including qualitative and quantitative research with the finest team of analysts. We design our meticulously analyzed intelligent and value-driven syndicate market research reports, custom studies, quick turnaround research, and consulting solutions to address business challenges of sustainable growth.

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Plasma Fractionation Market Worth $41.4 Billion by 2027 - Market Size, Share, Forecasts, & Trends Analysis Report with COVID-19 Impact by...

Immunology

Viome Life Sciences Announces Expansion of Collaboration with GSK into new therapeutic interventions for Cancers and Autoimmune Diseases – KKCO-TV

Expanded collaboration will investigate health interventions using targets based on Viome's discovery platform that analyzes host & microbial interaction at the onset and progression of diseases

Published: Oct. 20, 2021 at 7:00 AM MDT

BELLEVUE, Wash., Oct. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Viome Life Sciences, a mission-driven systems biology company aiming to help individuals improve their health, today announced the expansion of itstwo-year partnership with GSK, a science-led global healthcare company, to expand clinical research activities1 and potential development of new therapeutic interventions within the fields of chronic diseases including autoimmune diseases and cancers. This expansion builds on a previously announced collaboration to research the prevention of specific chronic diseases, leveraging Viome's proprietary microbiome analysis and artificial intelligence platforms and GSK's expertise in immunology.

"Most chronic disorders are treated with drugs targeting symptoms and not causes. Viome's unique mRNA technology and state-of-the-art artificial intelligence platform have the potential to find the root causes of specific chronic disorders and cancers. With that critical information and the unique expertise of GSK, we aspire to one day cure these diseases and not just manage the symptoms," said Viome CEO and Founder, Naveen Jain. "We are excited to expand our collaboration with GSK to develop preventative and therapeutic measures for chronic diseases and cancers."

The gut microbiome is well recognized for its ability to shape immune fitness, with nearly 70-80% of the immune system housed inside the gut microbiome2 [PubMed]. A healthy gut microbiome supports the immune system, which is connected to an individual's overall well-being, weight, energy, mood, and stress. Imbalances in the gut microbiome have been associated with inflammation and chronic diseases ranging from gastrointestinal inflammatory and metabolic conditions to neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory illnesses3[NCBI].Through this collaboration, Viome and GSK will examine the connection between the gut microbiome and specific chronic disorders by performing a clinical validation trial. The overall objective of the collaboration aims to advance viable health interventions for the many diseases that continue to threaten individuals, families, and communities around the world.

"A better understanding of the interactions between the immune system and microbiome which have been shown to have a significant impact on human health has been part of GSK's innovation strategy," said Rino Rappuoli, Head of R&D Vaccines, GSK. "By combining our robust expertise in immunology with Viome's unique technology with its proprietary mRNA analysis and artificial intelligence platform, we look forward to uncovering additional key insights into chronic diseases."

Through this partnership, GSK and Viome will continue to examine chronic diseases that are without treatment and will work to develop much-needed new targets for potential interventions. GSK and Viome understand the potential of the gut microbiome to influence an individual's immune system and determine the effectiveness of health interventions and will tap into Viome's extensive research and findings as well as GSK's expertise to accomplish this. Viome is committed to creating a world where chronic diseases could truly be prevented before they cause significant problems.

About Viome Life SciencesViome Life Sciences is a mission-driven systems biology company founded in 2016 totackle the epidemic of chronic diseases, cancer, and aging. To help individuals improve their health and to better understand the root of chronic diseases, Viome is strategically split into two divisions. Viome Consumer Services is focused on growing its established consumer products including tests, nutrition plans, and supplements. Viome Health Sciences is devoted to advancing its precision diagnostics and therapeutics platform. By conducting mRNA analysis at a mass scale, Viome is digitizing human biology and ultimately stopping the onset and progression of chronic diseases. Recently, Viome garnered FDA Approval for its unique mRNA technology and AI platform to detect cancers and has already successfully developed over 30 predictive models for some of the most prominent chronic diseases. For further information please visit http://www.viome.com/company

About GSKGSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit http://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us.

Media ContactKendall Donohueviome@factorypr.com

1Viome Press release, Viome announces scientific collaboration with GSK to research the prevention of specific chronic diseases, 14 November 2019 available at: Viome announces scientific collaboration with GSK to (globenewswire.com)2G. Vighi et al, "Allergy and the gastrointestinal system" in Clin Exp Immunol. 2008 Sep; 153(Suppl 1): 36.3Juliana Durack and Susan V. Lynch, "The gut microbiome: Relationships with disease and opportunities for therapy" in J Exp Med. 2019 Jan 7; 216(1): 2040.

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The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.

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Viome Life Sciences Announces Expansion of Collaboration with GSK into new therapeutic interventions for Cancers and Autoimmune Diseases - KKCO-TV

Immunology

COUR Pharmaceuticals Announces First in Human Dosing in Proof-of-Concept Trial of CNP-201 to Treat Peanut Allergy – WAGM

CNP-201 is a nanoparticle containing peanut protein that aims to eliminate allergic responses

Published: Oct. 19, 2021 at 9:00 AM EDT

CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- COUR Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company developing novel immune-modifying nanoparticles to treat immune disorders (CNPs), today announcedthat the first patient has been dosed in the Company's first-in-human proof-of-concept (Phase 1b/2a) of its lead candidate, CNP-201, for the treatment of peanut allergy. The trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of CNP-201 in people ages 16 to 55 with peanut allergy and is led by Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University.

"Dosing of our first patients with CNP-201 is an important milestone for COUR Pharmaceuticals, as it brings us one step closer to finding a cure for the most common food allergy in children under age 18 and the second-most common food allergy in adults," said John J. Puisis, Co-Founder, President & CEO of COUR. "This study will produce important clinical data to guide COUR's future and continues to demonstrate our commitment to our patients."

A recent study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that as many as 4.6 million U.S. adults are allergic to peanuts. The immune systems of people with peanut allergy can mount an abnormal immune response to even tiny amounts of peanuts and trigger a serious reaction in minutes leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

"Medical Research of Arizona, the research division of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates, is excited to have enrolledand dosedthe first patient in the CNP-201-5.001 peanut allergy clinical study. This study will bring newtherapeutic options to our patientssuffering from peanut allergies," said Dr. Michael Manning, a Principal Investigator and CEO at Medical Research of Arizona. "Peanut allergy is a Th2 cell mediated immune response against peanut protein epitopes. The potential for CNP-201 to inhibit the peanut specific Th2 cell response through immune reprogramming could potentially abrogate peanut allergy and thereby reduce the burdens associated with a lifetime peanut-free diet and the serious risk of fatality associated with severe allergic reaction to peanuts.We look forward to our continued contributions to thisgroundbreaking study, which could possibly displace OIT Therapy."

CNP-201 is a biodegradable nanoparticle encapsulating purified peanut protein extract and administered through intravenous infusion. The nanoparticles containing peanut allergens are consumed by immune presenting cells. When the particles and allergens are presented within the immune processing cell, they lead to a reprogramming of the cellular functions of the immune system, reducing and possibly eliminating the potential risk of severe allergic reactions.

COUR's breakthrough nanoparticle immune modifying platform, which preserves all immune functionality, is potentially applicable in treating any autoimmune or allergic condition.

Active and Enrolling Clinical Sites:

About COUR Pharmaceuticals

COUR Pharmaceuticals is developing first-in-class therapies designed to reprogram the immune system to achieve antigen-specific tolerance for immune-mediated disease. COUR's platform of immune-modifying nanoparticles treats the root cause of immune disease, unlike traditional approaches, which only minimize symptoms using toxic immune suppression. COUR's lead product for celiac disease, partnered with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, is the first demonstration of induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance in any autoimmune disease. Data from clinical and preclinical settings demonstrate the opportunity for the COUR nanoparticle platform to address a wide range of immune and inflammatory conditions. The underlying technology was acquired from Northwestern University and draws from more than 30 years of research by the laboratory of Stephen D. Miller, Ph.D., the Judy E. Guggenheim Research Professor of Microbiology-Immunology.

Media Contact: Julie Ferguson Julie@jfprmedia.com (312) 385-0098

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COUR Pharmaceuticals Announces First in Human Dosing in Proof-of-Concept Trial of CNP-201 to Treat Peanut Allergy - WAGM

Immunology

Immunity to Infection Passed On to Subsequent Generations – Technology Networks

Does an infection also affect the immunization of subsequent generations? Researchers at Radboud University (Netherlands) have studied this together with the Universities of Bonn, Saarland (Germany), Lausanne (Switzerland) and Athens (Greece). Mouse fathers who had previously overcome an infection with fungi or were stimulated with fungal compounds also passed on their improved protection to their offspring across several generations. The team showed at the same time an improved immune response being passed on to the descendants. The study has now been published in the renowned journal Nature Immunology.

Not just what is written in the DNA sequence is inherited. Scientific studies show that environmental influences are also passed on to the next generation. One example: children who grew in the womb during the hunger winter of 1944/45 show typical changes in their metabolism as an adaption to food scarcity during development and this is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and obesity.

Epigenetic research investigates such relationships on the molecular level. It examines changes in gene function. "Not all areas of DNA are equally accessible for reading the genetic information," explains Prof. Dr. Andreas Schlitzer of the LIMES Institute at the University of Bonn. For example, if methyl groups block access, the gene cannot be read properly. These associations have been investigated for decades. Transmission of infection resistance to the next generation have been previously shown in plants and invertebrate animals. A research team from the Radboud University Nijmegen (Netherlands), the University of Bonn, Saarland University, the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) as well as the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece) has now for the first time intensively investigated whether effects of the innate immune system are also passed on to the next generations in mammals.

The researchers infected male mice with thrush fungi (Candida albicans). After recovering from the infection, the animals were mated with completely healthy females. The researchers compared the resulting offspring with offspring from pairs of mice that were not infected previously with Candida. In order to investigate the status of the immune system experimentally, the team infected the males of the subsequent generation of mice with coliform bacteria. "The offspring of the male mice previously exposed to Candida were significantly better protected from a subsequent E. coli infection than the progeny of the uninfected male mice," reports Prof. Mihai G. Netea of the Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases. This effect was still evident in the next generation.

How does this transmission of immunization to subsequent generations work? The team examined typical immune cells such as monocytes or neutrophils. No differences were detectable between the offspring of Candida-infected male mice and the non-infected control group. However, in the offspring of the previously infected mouse fathers, the MHC class II complex was upregulated, which activates parts of the immune system. In addition, the activity of genes involved in inflammation was also found to be upregulated in the offspring of Candida-infected male mice. In the offspring of fathers previously infected with thrush fungi, it was found that genes associated with inflammation were easier to read in monocyte progenitors than in sons of uninfected fathers. "This shows that monocyte precursors are epigenetically rewired if the fathers have previously undergone infection with Candida albicans," Schlitzer summarizes.

How does the transmission of this information to the next generation take place? In cooperation with Saarland University, the researchers investigated the gene activity of the sperm of mouse fathers infected with Candida. They analyzed the extent to which methyl groups blocked access to genes. "A shift in gene markers was evident here," says Prof. Dr. Jrn Walter of Saarland University. Offspring of Candida-infected male mice showed fewer gene blockages in gene regions important for inflammatory processes and monocyte maturation. How the information about the sperm markings reaches the bone marrow, the birthplace of many immune cells, still needs to be explored in further studies.

"The results have been made possible by the very good and close cooperation of researchers from different disciplines and institutions," emphasizes Prof. Netea. Together with Prof. Schlitzer, the researchers are also members of the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation2 and part of the Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) of the University of Bonn.

"The study is the first to show in mammals that adaptations to infectious diseases are also passed on to the offspring," Netea says. In contrast to the classical theory of evolution, which assumes slow adaptation through changes in the genetic code, this involves very rapid changes via the epigenetic regulation of gene activities, irrespective of the genetic code. The researchers do not yet know whether the findings obtained in mice can also be transferred to humans. "But we are assuming that this is the case," Schlitzer says. "The immune system mechanisms and cells involved are very similar in mice and humans."

ReferenceKatzmarski N, Domnguez-Andrs J, Cirovic B, et al. Transmission of trained immunity and heterologous resistance to infections across generations. Nat Immunol. Published online October 18, 2021:1-9. doi:10.1038/s41590-021-01052-7

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Immunity to Infection Passed On to Subsequent Generations - Technology Networks

Immunology

Despite legal troubles, Johnson & Johnson is in the financial driver’s seat for 2022 and beyond, CFO says – FiercePharma

Headlines about its underachieving COVID-19 vaccine, its attempts to resolve opioid and talc litigation and the coming departure of CEO Alex Gorsky suggest that it has been a difficult year for Johnson & Johnson.

But Tuesday was a reminder that the company remains a financial powerhouse as it reported(PDF) earnings that beat analyst estimates. Fueled by a 13.8% increase in pharma sales, J&J reported revenue of $23.3 billion for the third quarter, an increase of 10.7% from last year. As a result, the company has revised its guidance for annual sales.

It was a successful quarter for the companys other divisions as sales of medical devices were up 8% and sales of consumer health increased 5.3%. But they couldnt match the performance of pharma, which racked up $12.99 billion in revenue, up from $11.42 in the same quarter of last year.

I hope you take away from our third quarter results just how broad our financial strength is, setting us up very well to close out 2021, but more importantly 2022 and beyond, J&J CFO Joseph Wolk said on a conference call.

RELATED: Johnson & Johnson trots out two-dose COVID vaccine data as it builds case for boosters

Oncology, which posted global sales growth of 16.5%, was led by multiple myeloma treatment Darzalex, whose sales jumped to $1.58 billion for the quarter, an increase of 43%. Prostate cancer drug Erleadaregistered $344 million in sales, a bump of 66% from a year ago.

Meanwhile J&Js immunology portfolio, which was up 11.7%, was led by inflammatory disease stalwart Stelara. That drug continued its upward trajectory with $2.38 billion in sales, a 22% increase, with share gains of 4 points in Crohns disease and 7 points in ulcerative colitis in the U.S.

In addition, emerging plaque psoriasis treatment Tremfya racked up $537 million, for a 64% increase from a year ago.

RELATED: Johnson & Johnson eyes $2.5B in COVID vaccine sales as key immunology, oncology meds trounce expectations

As for its COVID-19 vaccine, J&J reported sales of $502 million, which beat analyst expectations but didnt result in a change in guidance for the year as the company still expects to rack up $2.5 billion. The guidance isnt affected by the expected news that the FDA will grant approval of a second shot of the vaccine to those 18 and older, provided their first shot wasnt within the last two months.

I always smile a little bit whenever theres vaccine news because it seems to be an overly pronounced impact on our stockgood or badand it makes me chuckle a little bit because the strength of our business is really in our pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer health these days, Wolk said.

On the legal front, Johnson & Johnson recently moved to transition its talc litigation liabilities to a new subsidiary, for which it plans to declare bankruptcy. The company has set aside $2 billion for that effort, but plaintiffs have said they'll resist the move.

Before that, J&J agreed to pay $5 billion as part of an opioid settlement with three major U.S. drug distributors.

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Despite legal troubles, Johnson & Johnson is in the financial driver's seat for 2022 and beyond, CFO says - FiercePharma