Monthly Archives: October 2022

Immunology

argenx to Report Third Quarter – GuruFocus.com

October 20, 2022

Amsterdam, the Netherlands argenx (Euronext & ARGX), a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases, today announced that it will host a conference call and audio webcast on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 2:30 pm CET (8:30 am ET) to discuss its third quarter 2022 financial results and provide a business update.

A webcast of the live call may be accessed on the Investors section of the argenx website at argenx.com/investors. A replay of the webcast will be available on the argenx website for approximately one year following the presentation.

Dial-in numbers:

Use the access code 3810049 to join the call. Please dial in 15 minutes prior to the live call.

Belgium 32 800 50 201United Kingdom 44 800 358 0970United States 1 888 415 4250All other locations 1 646 960 0294

About argenx

argenx is a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases. Partnering with leading academic researchers through its Immunology Innovation Program (IIP), argenx aims to translate immunology breakthroughs into a world-class portfolio of novel antibody-based medicines. argenx developed and is commercializing the first-and-only approved neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker in the U.S., the EU and Japan. The Company is evaluating efgartigimod in multiple serious autoimmune diseases and advancing several earlier stage experimental medicines within its therapeutic franchises. For more information, visit http://www.argenx.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

For further information, please contact:

Media:

Kelsey Kirk[emailprotected]

Investors:

Beth DelGiacco[emailprotected]

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argenx to Report Third Quarter - GuruFocus.com

Immunology

Labour board finds Sask. professor was wrongly disciplined over COVID-19 posts – Saskatoon Star-Phoenix

Breadcrumb Trail Links

University failed to follow collective bargaining agreement when it ordered Kyle Anderson to cut employment references from his social profiles.

An arbitrator has ruled that the University of Saskatchewan never should have sent a letter telling an outspoken faculty member to remove references to his employment from his social media accounts.

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Lawyer Eric Cline presided over the labour board hearing between the university and its faculty association, which acted on behalf of Kyle Anderson, a tenured assistant professor in the College of Medicines department of biochemistry, microbiology and immunology.

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The decision, reached last month, outlines Andersons rise on social media during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, to eventually being ordered to strip all references to his faculty positions from his public communications.

Anderson scored his first hit in August 2020 with a 50,000-view Facebook video calling for pool testing of schoolchildren. By December 2020, hed racked up about 1.2 million views on various posts about the pandemic. He was also getting favourable notes from his supervisors, and being tapped to do interviews when media called the university with questions about COVID-19.

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In a rancorous Twitter exchange in December 2020, Anderson hurled personal insults at an unnamed person who was reportedly posting misinformation about the pandemic. This led to his first brush with university authorities, who had a communications specialist from the medical school provide him with training on best practices for social media.

Andersons postings again came to the attention of university leadership when, on April 14, 2021, he tweeted a post critical of Premier Scott Moe, including the line It sounds like there are already plots and maneuverings in motion to take down the Mad King of Saskeros in reference to the Saskatchewan premier. This led the RCMP to question Anderson to ensure there was no threat to Moes safety.

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A tweet on April 22, 2021 drew the letter from the administration that was at the heart of Clines decision.

On that day, while advocating for tighter pandemic measures in schools, Anderson re-tweeted a post suggesting a maskless child repeatedly coming to school while infectious with COVID-19 was responsible for infecting a Moose Jaw educational assistant who later died from the disease. The information turned out to be inaccurate, prompting Anderson to later take it down.

The grievance before Cline concerned a letter sent to Anderson after the April 22 tweet, signed by the universitys president, vice-president academic and the dean of the College of Medicine. In the letter, the signees noted the university had received multiple complaints about Andersons post, describing it as hateful and unconscionable, and that it amounted to a targeted victimization of a vulnerable family for singling out a child who, it was subsequently revealed, had autism.

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The universitys letter went on to say that Andersons post was reflecting badly on the university, by virtue of him identifying himself as a faculty member. It ordered him to remove all references to his employment from his social media and public communications, or potentially face further discipline.

The faculty association argued the letter amounted to a disciplinary action against a member outside of whats prescribed in the collective agreement with the university.

Clines decision is in favour of the unions position, noting the university failed to follow a key section of the collective agreement by not bringing the complaints against Anderson to his attention before sending him the letter, and therefore denying him an opportunity to be heard.

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Cline acknowledged that Andersons re-posting of unverified, inaccurate information was wrong, and perhaps even reckless, but added that he also never heard any evidence from anyone who signed the letter, leaving him with no idea of the number or content of the complaints against Anderson, and no evidence to show Andersons tweets damaged the universitys reputation.

Cline ruled the letter was a disciplinary measure that is not allowed under the collective agreement, and ordered that it be removed from any university files.

The news seems to be flying at us faster all the time. From COVID-19 updates to politics and crime and everything in between, it can be hard to keep up. With that in mind, the Saskatoon StarPhoenix has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox to help make sure you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

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Labour board finds Sask. professor was wrongly disciplined over COVID-19 posts - Saskatoon Star-Phoenix

Immunology

Tonix Pharmaceuticals to Present at the 2022 ThinkEquity Conference – Yahoo Finance

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.

CHATHAM, N.J., Oct. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (Nasdaq: TNXP), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced today that Jessica Morris, Chief Operating Officer of Tonix Pharmaceuticals, will present at the ThinkEquity Conference on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. ET, and host investor meetings. The conference is being held at the Mandarin Oriental, New York in New York City.

Investors interested in arranging a meeting with the Companys management during the conference should contact the ThinkEquity conference coordinator. A webcast of the presentation will be available under the IR Events tab of the Tonix website at http://www.tonixpharma.com.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.*

Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonixs portfolio is composed of central nervous system (CNS), rare disease, immunology and infectious disease product candidates. Tonixs CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonixs lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablet), is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022 and interim data expected in the second quarter of 2023. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix initiated a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the third quarter of 2022 and expects interim data in the first half of 2023. TNX-1300 (cocaine esterase) is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication and has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the FDA. A Phase 2 study of TNX-1300 is expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2023. TNX-1900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin), a small molecule in development for chronic migraine, is expected to enter the clinic with a Phase 2 study in the fourth quarter of 2022. TNX-601 ER (tianeptine hemioxalate extended-release tablets) is a once-daily formulation of tianeptine being developed as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) with a Phase 2 study expected to be initiated in the first quarter of 2023. Tonixs rare disease portfolio includes TNX-2900 (intranasal potentiated oxytocin) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan Drug designation by the FDA. Tonixs immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the first half of 2023. Tonixs infectious disease pipeline consists of a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and a platform to make fully human monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. TNX-801, Tonixs vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox, also serves as the live virus vaccine platform or recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform for other infectious diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-801 is expected to be initiated in Kenya in the first half of 2023. Tonixs lead vaccine candidate for COVID-19 is TNX-1850, a live virus vaccines based on Tonixs recombinant pox live virus vector vaccine platform.

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*All of Tonixs product candidates are investigational new drugs or biologics and have not been approved for any indication.

This press release and further information about Tonix can be found at http://www.tonixpharma.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as anticipate, believe, forecast, estimate, expect, and intend, among others. These forward-looking statements are based on Tonix's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks related to the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; delays and uncertainties caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any pharmaceutical under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval and commercialization of new products. Tonix does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on March 14, 2022, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Tonix's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof.

Contacts

Jessica Morris (corporate)Tonix Pharmaceuticalsinvestor.relations@tonixpharma.com(862) 904-8182

Olipriya Das, Ph.D. (media)Russo PartnersOlipriya.Das@russopartnersllc.com (646) 942-5588

Peter Vozzo (investors)ICR Westwickepeter.vozzo@westwicke.com(443) 213-0505

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Tonix Pharmaceuticals to Present at the 2022 ThinkEquity Conference - Yahoo Finance

Biochemistry

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Master of Science – Postgraduate …

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans.

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement.

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Applicants have access to the cost calculator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Master of Science - Postgraduate ...

Biochemistry

Role of biochemistry to fight malnutrition highlighted – Newspaper – DAWN.COM – DAWN.com

TOBA TEK SINGH: University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan says nutritional biochemistry is playing a pivotal role in controlling malnutrition which is hitting a large population especially women and children.

He expressed these views during his address as chief guest at the opening session of the one-day symposium on nutritional biochemistry jointly organised by the department of biochemistry and the faculty of food nutrition and home sciences of the university on Monday.

He said development of the agriculture sector was essential to control malnutrition by providing better food for the growing population.

Executive member of Pakistan Science Academy Islamabad Prof Dr Anwarul Hassan Gilani said in this era, nutritional balance could be maintained not only through plants but also through more ingredients in normal diet and adopting healthy lifestyle and dietary habits.

Arid Agricultural University Rawalpindi former VC Dr Khalid Mehmood Khan praised the efforts and achievements of biochemistry worldwide and called it the best solution to overcome malnutrition. Millions of people across the country are suffering from nutritional deficiency due to lack of availability of balanced food. Dean Faculty of Sciences Dr Asghar Bajwa said in the modern era, health problems are worsening due to sedentary lifestyle. We have to eat food keeping nutrition in view for a healthy life.

Chairman department of biochemistry Dr Amir Jamil said the symposium would be able to formulate important recommendations to prevent increase in malnutrition.

Dr Kamran Sharif said the faculty of food nutrition and home sciences is paying full attention to making coordinated efforts with various departments to control malnutrition, which will produce positive results.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2022

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Role of biochemistry to fight malnutrition highlighted - Newspaper - DAWN.COM - DAWN.com

Biochemistry

In a first, Amit Shah launches Hindi version of MBBS books in Bhopal. Read here | Mint – Mint

The Madhya Pradesh government has started an ambitious project wherein now medical students can opt for studying MBBS in Hindi, instead of English, as is the norm for the rest of the country. On Sunday, at an event in state capital Bhopal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Hindi version of three subjects.

The Hindi version of medical biochemistry, anatomy and medical physiology subject textbooks were released by Amit Shah. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state medical education minister Vishwas Sarang were also present at the event.

"Today Amit Shah has brought a new dawn in the lives of children of the poor, who could get admission to medical colleges but were caught in the web of English and many times could not pass exams and left their studies," CM Chouhan said.

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to start the MBBS course in Hindi, state Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang said on the occasion.

A team of 97 experts have been working on the preparation of books for the last 232 days at Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. They have been translating the book from English to Hindi.

Madhya Pradesh medical education minister Vishwas Sarang on Sunday said that the move will bring a big change in the advancement of education in Hindi medium.

Speaking to ANI, Sarang said, "It is a big day. For the first time in the country, medical education in Hindi will begin in Madhya Pradesh. Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the Hindi versions of textbooks of all three subjects of the first year - Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry today."

"This is a matter of joy for me. It now becomes clear that if medical education is possible in Hindi, any course is possible in Hindi. This will bring a major change in the lives of youth, especially those from Hindi backgrounds," he added.

"It was not an easy task but we prepared it in very easy language. We have prepared it so that it will be helpful in the studies of the students," an expert involved in the translation told news agency ANI.

The expert further said the new edition of Medical Biochemistry contains the application of some new chapters which include Sodium, Potassium, Water Homeostasis, Biochemistry Techniques, Radiation, Radioisotopes and Environmental Pollutants and Toxins.

Besides, Several new line diagrams, tables and text boxes have been added to make information more memorable.

Similarly in the Anatomy edition, new chapters of surface anatomy have been added in both abdomen and lower limb sections. New line diagrams, CT's and MRI's diagram tables and flow charts are added to increase the retention of knowledge.

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In a first, Amit Shah launches Hindi version of MBBS books in Bhopal. Read here | Mint - Mint

Biochemistry

Vitamin B1 may decrease the chances of migraine headaches – Medical News Today

Migraine headaches can be painful and difficult to manage.

The specific symptoms and timing are different for each person affected.

Experts are still working to understand why migraine headaches happen and what preventative steps people can take.

A recent study published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain reports that dietary intake of the B vitamin thiamine may help prevent migraine in some people.

Experts say the information gained from this research indicates a protective factor that may help improve outcomes for people who experience migraine.

Migraine is a neurologic condition that causes severe headaches that are typically localized to one area of the head.

The pain can be intense and people sometimes can experience other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. Migraine headaches can be related to specific triggers, such as stress or hormonal changes.

Diet is one area that can affect migraine headaches. However, the specifics are something that experts are still working to understand. Specific food triggers or preventative measures can be different for each person.

Dr. Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in California, noted a few examples of this to Medical News Today:

Dietary triggers are common for migraine. Wines, cheeses, and caffeine can trigger a migraine headache. I ask patients on their first visit with me to keep a headache journal to see if there are any medications that trigger headaches. Caffeine can both cause and help headaches, so it is hard to generalize if something like this causes or helps headaches.

People who experience migraine may work with their doctors and other specialists to identify headache triggers.

As more data emerges about the relationship between diet and migraine headaches, clinical recommendations for treatment may continue to change.

Researchers in the new particular study examined the association between two B vitamins, thiamine (vitamin B1) and riboflavin (vitamin B2), and the experience of severe headaches or migraine.

Researchers looked at data from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999-2004 in their cross-sectional study.

Researchers included more than 13,000 participants in their analysis. Of these participants, 2,745 had experienced either a severe headache or migraine within the past three months. The researchers studied the 24-hour dietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin by looking at data collected from computer-assisted interviews of the participants.

They accounted for several factors, including participants ages, lifestyles, demographics, and comorbidities.

Researchers reported that higher amounts of thiamine in the diet were associated with lower chances of migraine. This was particularly true among female participants. However, the researchers did not find a significant decrease in risk related to riboflavin.

Dr. James Giordano, a professor of neurology and biochemistry at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., who was not involved in the study, noted the following to MNT:

This study provides important data to support that nutritional factors can be influential upon the induction of migraine headache. Of particular note is that this study demonstrated a statistically significant role of thiamine (vitamin B-1) in mitigating migraine. Thiamine has been shown to be particularly important in regulating brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin; abnormalities in serotonin function have been directly implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine.

The study did have some limitations.

First, the data relies on self-reporting from participants, which can be inaccurate. For example, when evaluating the incidence of migraine, there is some assumption that participants who reported a severe headache likely experienced a migraine. The 24-hour recall method also has the potential for errors in data collection.

In addition, the interviews did not include questions about all intestinal diseases and researchers did not look into dietary patterns.

Researchers also did not look at the intake of dietary supplements, which could have impacted the intake of thiamine and riboflavin.

Finally, there is the risk of errors based on the analysis techniques used and this type of study cannot prove that lack of thiamine causes migraine.

Overall, the study notes the impact thiamine may have on migraine headaches. It could open the door to further research in this area and later guide specific clinical recommendations.

Giordano noted the following:

Taken together, it may be that thiamine could provide a useful dietary supplement for migraine-suffering individuals who may be mild to moderately magnesium deficient or who have metabolic disturbances of calcium and magnesium metabolism.

He also noted the following areas for continued research:

While research is most certainly interesting and important, additional studies should be conducted to determine more specific roles for thiamine, as well as other vitamin co-factors that may be clinically useful in preventing or lessening migraine.

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Vitamin B1 may decrease the chances of migraine headaches - Medical News Today

Biochemistry

Recognition for three ILS scientists – The New Indian Express

By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: Three scientists of Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) are among the worlds most influential scientific minds in 2022, as per a report published by Stanford University. The report that classified scientists in 22 scientific fields and 176 sub-fields has enlisted in-charge Director of ILS Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee, scientists Sanjeeb Sahoo and Amaresh Panda for their outstanding research in the field of drug discovery, biochemistry and molecular biology.

Prof Mukherjee is working on traditional medicine-inspired drug discovery and development from Indian medicinal plants with major emphasis on their validation, formulation, and standardisation. Sahoo focuses on nano-technology-based targeted drug delivery to tumour tissues whereby using the techniques, one can kill cancer cells in a lower dose with less toxicity to the normal tissue.

Similarly, Pandas research group has been working on the role of poorly characterised circular RNAs in muscle regeneration and insulin bio-synthesis. The new molecular mechanisms identified during his work contribute valuable knowledge of the post-transcriptional processes that influence human health and disease.

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Recognition for three ILS scientists - The New Indian Express

Biochemistry

New Center Leads Collaborative Research to Improve Firefighter Health – University of Arizona

The new Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Researchin the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona Health Sciences will allow researchers to expand their work with firefighters and fire departments to study the occupational health risks firefighters face.

The center, recently approved by the UArizona Office of Research, Innovation and Impact, builds on years of firefighter health research conducted by Zuckerman College of Public Health faculty in close collaboration with fire departments. Some of that research has already had a positive impact on firefighter health, including helping inform the International Agency for Research on Cancers decision to classify occupational exposure as a firefighter as carcinogenic, changing the previous classification of possibly carcinogenic.

This new center focuses our efforts to find answers to the health questions that our firefighter partners are asking by bringing together the researchers who are working with firefighters on a range of issues, said Jefferey L. Burgess, MD, MS, MPH, professor in the Zuckerman College of Public Health. Our community-engaged research with firefighters is at the heart of the center.

Research conducted at the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research will build on previous studies and provide a database to help inform decisions, practices and policies to improve firefighter safety and health.

The center researchers and their teams have brought in over $50 million in grant funding awards since 2015 and resulted in more than 45 research publications that have informed practice and policy for firefighters and other essential workers.

Our collaboration with researchers from the University of Arizona Health Sciences has already delivered real benefits for our firefighters. I am proud that we can be part of a larger effort that advances health promotion and policy for all firefighters, said Tucson Fire Department Capt. John Gulotta. This collaborative effort is unique because stakeholder perspectives, activities and opinions from all levels of the fire service from frontline firefighters to senior leadership are represented. This approach improves the chance for successful change in the fire service safety culture.

We have forged strong relationships with the Tucson Fire Department and other fire departments that enable this research, said Dr. Burgess, who is also a member of the BIO5 Institute. At the same time, were able to draw on a range of public health expertise and exposure science knowledge at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and other collaborating universities that make it possible to do this work and answer these important occupational health questions.

Other College of Public Health researchers working with the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research include associate professor Kate Ellingson, PhD; assistant professor and BIO5 Institute member Leslie Farland, ScD, MSc; assistant professor Melissa Furlong, PhD; associate professor Patricia Haynes, PhD, CBSM; and assistant professor Yiwen Liu, PhD. They work closely with firefighter partners including Gulotta; Capt. Jamie Gabriel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department; retired Capt. Jeff Hughes from the Orange County Fire Authority; Derek Urwin, PhD, engineer with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and assistant adjunct professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UCLA; and Darin Wallentine, deputy fire chief of administrative services for the Sarasota County Fire Department in Florida.

Among many ongoing areas of research, Dr. Haynes works closely with the Tucson Fire Department to provide mental health services for firefighters, who often experience unusual levels of stress on the job. She worked with the Tucson Fire Department to develop a Peer Operational Support Team, or POST, where trained peers connect with their colleagues to provide resources after potentially traumatic calls.

I am fortunate to work with Tucson Fire, and the collaborative mental health programming we implemented has made a difference, Dr. Haynes said. Our POST program has bridged employees to mental health care and reduced the stigma sometimes associated with seeking care.

Moving forward, researchers at the center will build on existing partnerships and expand collaborations with other fire departments and wildland firefighting agencies, growing their reach and expertise to change policy and practice that will lead to better health outcomes for firefighters.

All of us in the college are very proud of what our faculty and their firefighter colleagues have accomplished, said Iman Hakim, MD, PhD,dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health, They have been at the forefront of firefighter health research in many ways, with strong partners in the Tucson Fire Department, and they are really making a difference. Im very pleased that the new center will provide a focus for this expertise and continue our progress to keep firefighters healthy.

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New Center Leads Collaborative Research to Improve Firefighter Health - University of Arizona

Neuroscience

Empyrean Neuroscience Launches with $22M Series A and Genetic Engineering Platform to Advance Pipeline of Neuroactive Compounds Targeting CNS…

NEW YORK & CAMBRIDGE, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Empyrean Neuroscience, Inc., a leading genetic engineering company dedicated to developing neuroactive compounds to treat neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders, today announced that it has launched with a $22 million Series A financing and a genetic engineering platform to advance a pipeline of neuroactive compounds targeting disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). The company is founded on a proprietary platform designed to genetically engineer small molecule therapeutics from fungi and plants. Veteran biotech executives Usman Oz Azam, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, and Fred Grossman, D.O., FAPA, Chief Medical Officer, lead the company.

Through precision targeting and engineering of the fungal and plant genomes, Empyrean is working to enhance and modulate neuroactive compounds produced by these kingdoms. The platform is being used to identify therapeutic fungal alkaloids, cannabinoids, and other small molecules that may exhibit enhanced efficacy and safety. In addition, the platform is designed to discover novel small molecules that may exhibit a therapeutic benefit.

There is an enormous medical need for safe and effective therapeutics that treat neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders and we believe genetic engineering provides the answer, said Dr. Azam, Empyreans Chief Executive Officer. By applying our genetic engineering platform to make precise modifications to the genomes of fungi and plants, we can change the amount and kind of neuroactive small molecules they produce, with the goal of developing safe and effective treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases of the CNS.

The companys developmental pipeline includes fungal alkaloids, cannabinoids, and other neuroactive compounds, such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), for the potential treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neurologic disorders, substance abuse and dependence, and chronic pain. Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling studies of the companys first genetically engineered encapsulated mushroom drug product are currently underway, and the company aims to enter the clinic for MDD in 2023.

Fungal alkaloids and cannabinoids have shown promise in treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders, said Dr. Grossman, Empyreans Chief Medical Officer. We believe our approach of genetically engineering fungi and plants can improve their safety and efficacy and will ultimately help to address the substantial unmet medical need in patients who suffer from these diseases.

As part of its genetic engineering platform, the company has licensed CRISPR/Cas9 technology from ERS Genomics for genetic engineering applications related to its therapeutic pipeline.

Dr. Azam was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Tmunity Therapeutics, a biotech developing genetically engineered cell therapies for applications in cancer. Before Tmunity, he was Global Head of Cell & Gene Therapies at Novartis, where he was responsible for commercial operations, business development licensing, new product commercialization, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and other aspects of the global cell and gene therapies business. He was Chief Executive Officer of Novaccel Therapeutics, Chief Medical Officer of Aspreva Pharmaceuticals, and earlier in his career, held positions at Johnson & Johnson, GSK, and Pfizer. Dr. Azam received his M.D. from the University of Liverpool School of Medicine and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology in the United Kingdom.

Before joining Empyrean, Dr. Grossman was Chief Medical Officer of Mesoblast Ltd. and President and Chief Medical Officer of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. He has held executive leadership positions in large pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Sunovion. He has been responsible for leading the development, approval, and supporting the launch of numerous global medications addressing significant unmet medical needs across therapeutic areas, particularly in the CNS. He has held academic appointments and has authored numerous scientific publications. He was trained in psychiatry at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland and completed a Fellowship in the Section on Clinical Pharmacology at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Grossman is a board-certified psychiatrist and Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

About Empyrean Neuroscience

Empyrean Neuroscience is a genetic engineering company developing a pipeline of neuroactive therapeutics to treat a range of neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders. Through precision genetic modification, transformation, and regeneration of fungi and plants, the platform allows for the creation of small molecule therapeutics. In addition, the platform enables the discovery of novel small molecules that may exhibit therapeutic properties. The company is based in New York City and Cambridge, UK.

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Empyrean Neuroscience Launches with $22M Series A and Genetic Engineering Platform to Advance Pipeline of Neuroactive Compounds Targeting CNS...