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Immunology

Study sheds light on how the immune system protects the body – EurekAlert

First study of humans with a rare immunodeficiency reveals how the immune system protects the body against pathogens known to cause serious diseases, such as tuberculosis and COVID-19. The research involving McGill University, paves the way for new therapies to treat autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, and new approaches to vaccine development.

The immune system responds differently to various types of pathogens, like bacteria, parasites, and viruses. However, scientists are still trying to uncover how this complex network functions together and the processes that can go wrong with immunodeficiencies.

The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body from harmful germs that make people ill. Its made up of a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins like IRF1 or regulatory factor 1, which is key in the regulation of an early immune response to pathogens, says co-author of the study David Langlais, an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Human Genetics and Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University.

A better understanding of these specific processes will help us pinpoint the cause of defective immune responses, and perhaps even allow to boost an appropriate immune response to better combat illness, adds Langlais who is also a Principal Investigator at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine.

Previous studies on mice that were IRF1 deficient have shown that the animals were highly susceptible to many viruses. In studying the first human patients with IRF1 deficiency ever identified, the researchers found that while the patients were highly susceptible to some bacterial infections, surprisingly they can defend themselves normally against viruses, including COVID-19.

This study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying the human immune responses to mycobacteria, which includes pathogens known to cause tuberculosis, versus differences in the immune response to viruses. Unlike in mice, we show that in humans, the activity of IRF1 is not essential to anti-viral immunity, says co-author Jrg Fritz, who is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Based on our findings, it could be possible to think of therapeutic avenues to block or activate the action of IRF1 and control the type and intensity of immune responses. Our findings shed light on our understanding of the specificity and selectivity of our immune responses towards different pathogens, says co-author Philippe Gros, a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Principal Investigator at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine at McGill.

Human IRF1 governs macrophagic IFN-g immunity to mycobacteria by Jrmie Rosain et al. was published in Cell.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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Study sheds light on how the immune system protects the body - EurekAlert

Immunology

Werewolf Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results … – BioSpace

WATERTOWN, Mass., May 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. (the Company or Werewolf) (Nasdaq: HOWL), an innovative biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of conditionally activated therapeutics engineered to stimulate the bodys immune system for the treatment of cancer, today provided a business update and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023.

In the first quarter, Werewolf has focused on execution by progressing our INDUKINE pipeline and enrolling ongoing first-in-human clinical trials for our lead programs, WTX-124 and WTX-330. In addition, preclinical data presented at AACR and published in Cancer Immunology Research continues to demonstrate the robustness of our PREDATOR platform showing that Werewolfs conditional activation technology results in potent anti-tumor activity alongside an improved therapeutic index, said Daniel J. Hicklin, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Werewolf. Looking ahead, in the fourth quarter we plan to share initial safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy data from our Phase 1/1b clinical trial of WTX-124 in solid tumor types.

Finally, wed like to express our deep appreciation to Reid Leonard, Ph.D., Werewolfs Chief Operating Officer, who is retiring effective June 30, 2023, after a long and successful career in the biopharmaceutical industry. Reid is a founding member of the Werewolf Executive Team and has been instrumental in leading and advancing all aspects of organizational operations. We have benefited greatly from Reids significant expertise, and the strong team he has built and business process he has established will ensure continued operational excellence going forward. We wish Reid the very best in his retirement.

Recent Highlights and Upcoming Milestones

WTX-124:a systemically delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-2 (IL-2) INDUKINE molecule being developed as monotherapy and in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy in multiple solid tumor types.

WTX-330:a systemically delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-12 (IL-12) INDUKINE molecule being developed in refractory and/or immunologically unresponsive tumors.

Early-Stage Pipeline:

Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2023:

About Werewolf Therapeutics:Werewolf Therapeutics, Inc. is an innovative biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of therapeutics engineered to stimulate the bodys immune system for the treatment of cancer. We are leveraging our proprietary PREDATOR platform to design conditionally activated molecules that stimulate both adaptive and innate immunity with the goal of addressing the limitations of conventional proinflammatory immune therapies. Our INDUKINE molecules are intended to remain inactive in peripheral tissue yet activate selectively in the tumor microenvironment. Our most advanced clinical stage product candidates, WTX-124 and WTX-330, are systemically delivered, conditionally activated Interleukin-2 (IL-2), and Interleukin-12 (IL-12) INDUKINE molecules, respectively, for the treatment of solid tumors. We expect to advance WTX-124 in multiple tumor types as a single agent and in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor and WTX-330 in multiple tumor types or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma as a single agent. To learn more visit http://www.werewolftx.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risk and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding Werewolfs future operations, prospects, plans, the projection of the cash runway, the expected timeline for the clinical development of product candidates and availability of data from such clinical development, and the potential activity and efficacy of product candidates in preclinical studies and clinical trials constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words aim, anticipate, believe, contemplate, continue, could, design, designed to, estimate, expect, goal, intend, may, might, objective, ongoing, plan, potential, predict, project, promise, should, target, will, or would, or the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties inherent in the development of product candidates, including the conduct of research activities, the initiation and completion of preclinical studies and clinical trials; uncertainties as to the availability and timing of results from preclinical studies and clinical trials; the timing of and the Companys ability to submit and obtain regulatory approval for investigational new drug applications; whether results from preclinical studies will be predictive of the results of later preclinical studies and clinical trials; the Companys ability to obtain sufficient cash resources to fund the Companys foreseeable and unforeseeable operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Companys business and operations; as well as the risks and uncertainties identified in the Risk Factors section of the Companys most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and in subsequent filings the Company may make with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Companys views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Companys views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Investor Contact:Josh RappaportStern IR212.362.1200Josh.rappaport@sternir.com

Media Contact:Peg RusconiVERGE Scientific Communicationsprusconi@vergescientific.com

Company Contact:Ellen LubmanChief Business OfficerWerewolf Therapeuticselubman@werewolftx.com

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Werewolf Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results ... - BioSpace

Immunology

PeaceHealth cuts Bellingham jobs, announces clinic closure and reduces some services – Yahoo News

PeaceHealth, a Pacific Northwest not-for-profit health-care system, is closing a Bellingham clinic and ending certain services, resulting in the elimination of 32 local jobs.

Across PeaceHealths 10 communities it serves in Washington, Oregon and Alaska, and its headquarters in Vancouver, Washington, 251 positions have been eliminated, according to an email from Beverly Mayhew, senior director of marketing and communications for PeaceHealths northwest network.

In Bellingham, the 32 terminated positions come from changes in the Allergy & Immunology Clinic, the Sleep Lab and the Outpatient Palliative Care program.

The Allergy & Immunology Clinic will close permanently, although a date has not been chosen yet, according to Mayhew. The clinic at 4545 Cordata Parkway, Suite 1C, is not accepting new patients, and current patients can continue to receive care from the clinic until further notice.

We recognize that patients will require transition plans specific to their condition, physicians and clinic staff have prioritized patient needs and identified appropriate clinical options for each type of patient. The options for asthma and allergy care locally range from continuing with another allergist or with primary care providers.

Fortunately, there is an excellent community-based allergist at the Bellingham Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Clinic, and primary care providers at PeaceHealth Medical Group and other family medicine clinics are well versed in allergy care, Mayhews statement read.

Bellinghams Sleep Lab will also stop providing overnight sleep lab services on May 15, eliminating some jobs. The lab will still provide sleep consultations and home sleep studies, and will help patients find alternatives for overnight sleep lab services.

PeaceHealth is also eliminating some caregiver roles within the Outpatient Palliative Care program in Bellingham, but will continue to offer care for patients in various ways.

We will continue to support patients with complex care needs using a new model which includes care navigators, coupled with support from our home health team and, if appropriate, our hospice caregivers. Every effort will be made to minimize the impact to patients through this transition by identifying their specific needs and aligning appropriate services, Mayhew wrote.

PeaceHealth credits the job eliminations to the costs of health care rising slower than what it was earning for the care being provided, according to Mayhew.

To make sure that we can continue to sustain our mission into the future, we conducted a comprehensive review of all services and operations. The result is growth in some areas and reductions in others.

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PeaceHealth cuts Bellingham jobs, announces clinic closure and reduces some services - Yahoo News

Immunology

Help! My skin is itchy – Parkview Health

This post was written by Heather Willison, NP, PPG Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Few things are as irritating as an itch. Weve all experienced that prickling sensation also called pruritus that demands a good scratch. We often dont consider why our skin is itchy to begin with, unless the discomfort decides to stick around for an extended period of time. There are several causes of pruritus, with some triggers being easier to pinpoint than others, and varied degrees of severity.

If you find yourself scratching, it could be attributed to one of these common sources.

Whether the source of the issue is simple or more complicated, there are solutions for this bothersome side effect.

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Help! My skin is itchy - Parkview Health

Immunology

Takeda reports 12.8% rise in FY2022 revenue – Pharmaceutical Technology

Takeda has reported a 12.8% increase in itsreportedrevenue to $29.96bn (Y4,027bn) during the fiscal year 2022 (FY2022) compared to that reported in FY2021.

At a constant exchange rate (CER), the companys core revenue grew by 3.5% compared to the previous year.

In the FY2022 ending 31 March 2023, the company also reported a 6.4% rise in its operating profit to $3.65bn (Y490.5bn) compared to 2021.

Reported earnings per share (EPS) grew by 38.8% to $1.5bn (Y204bn) and net profit for FY2021 increased by 37.8% to $2.36bn (Y317bn).

The same fiscal year recorded a 13% decline to $7.27bn (Y977.2bn) in operating cash flow.

The company has provided commercial updates across its five key business areas: gastroenterology (GI), rare diseases, plasma-derived therapy (PDT) immunology, oncology and neuroscience.

Its GI business reported an 8.7% increase in revenue to $8.145bn (Y1,094.5bn) on a CER basis.

Entyvio, for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohns disease (CD), steered the growth in the revenue of this business.

Rare diseases reported revenue growth of 4.8% to $5.38bn (Y723.4bn) and PDT immunology reported growth of 15.3% to $5.048bn (Y678.4bn), both on a CER basis.

Oncology reported a 14.4% decline in reported revenue on a CER basis to $3.26bn (Y438.7bn).

In neuroscience, reported revenue rose by 12.1% to $4.75bn (Y637.7bn) on a CER basis.

Takeda chief financial officer Costa Saroukos stated: Im pleased to report that Takeda delivered or exceeded management guidance in FY2022 and booked a record core operating profit of almost Y1.2tn.

Our topline and profit performance was driven by our growth and launch products, which grew 19% at a constant exchange rate.

Strong financial discipline and free cash flow have enabled us to deleverage rapidly while investing in growth.

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Takeda reports 12.8% rise in FY2022 revenue - Pharmaceutical Technology

Immunology

Welcoming a new column: Vasso’s corner – The immune system – Neos Kosmos

Vasso is a renowned immunologist, with a focus on medicinal chemistry, cellular biology, and clinical research. She has developed drugs and vaccines through her translational research expertise.

Vasso has held various research positions at prestigious institutions worldwide and has been recognised with over 100 awards and honours. She has published over 500 research papers and is an inventor on 20 patents and over 90 sub-patents. Vassos work has been instrumental in developing vaccines against cancer and applying immunotherapies to multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, drug addiction, Alzheimers disease, and other diseases.

Her research also focuses on understanding mechanisms and developing interventions for mental health issues, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and ageing. Immunology is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system and Vasso applies her expertise in immunology to tackle various diseases.

The Immune System

The immune system is part of our blood system those being the white blood cells within blood. These are the cells which are the first line of defence, and constantly come in contact with anything that enters our body; bacteria, viruses, dust, basically anything foreign. They get rid of these foreign substances without even realising.

However, some invaders remain and cause damaging effects, such as bacteria and viruses which result in various infections. The body usually eliminates these invaders within days to a few weeks.

The immune system is responsible for keeping the body in a happy and healthy state. However, if the immune system gets over activated, cytokine storm can occur, inflammation occurs, autoimmune diseases can occur etc. Maintaining a healthy immune system is important to keep well and age healthy.

Diet, regular physical activity, sleep, social activities, sunlight, and relaxation all contribute to keeping an immune system healthy.

Over the next few months, I will be describing various diseases and the role the immune system plays in each of these diseases, and relaxation all contribute to keeping an immune system healthy.

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Welcoming a new column: Vasso's corner - The immune system - Neos Kosmos

Immunology

UC statement on Gov. Newsom’s 2023-24 revised budget proposal – University of California

University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., today (May 12) issued the following statement on Gov. Gavin Newsoms revised 2023-24 budget proposal:

I am grateful that Gov. Newsoms revised budget proposal maintains critical funding for the University of California. This budget reflects our strong partnership with the Governor and his recognition of the Universitys role in maintaining the states economic competitiveness and solving Californias most urgent issues. This level of funding is particularly extraordinary given the many competing priorities the Governor must balance this year.

If supported by the state Legislature, this budget will provide funding for the urgent priorities we share, increasing California undergraduate and graduate student enrollment, expanding on-campus student resources, building additional student housing, and hiring more faculty and staff.

We are also pleased that the Governors budget includes $100 million for the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA and $2 million for the UC Riverside School of Medicine. These investments will translate into lifesaving research and patient care for many Californians.

The University of California looks forward to working with the Governor and state legislative leaders to achieve a final budget that maintains this critical funding. This state support will allow the University to continue educating the next generation of leaders, producing cutting-edge research for the benefit of our communities, and delivering high quality health care to Californians.

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UC statement on Gov. Newsom's 2023-24 revised budget proposal - University of California

Immunology

Jasper Therapeutics (JSPR) Appoints Stephen J. Galli to its Board – StreetInsider.com

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Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: JSPR) (Jasper), a biotechnology company focused on development of briquilimab, a novel antibody therapy targeting c-Kit (CD117) to address diseases such as chronic spontaneous urticaria, lower to intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) as well as novel stem cell transplant conditioning regimes, today announced the appointment of Dr. Stephen J. Galli, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, and the Mary Hewitt Loveless, M.D. Professor at Stanford Medicine, to the companys Scientific Advisory Board.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Galli to our Scientific Advisory Board, said Ron Martell, CEO of Jasper Therapeutics. Dr. Galli is an internationally recognized researcher who has made pioneering contributions to the field of immunology. His extensive knowledge and research on mast cells and their crucial role in both maintaining health and contributing to various diseases will be invaluable to our research and development efforts. This appointment enhances the already deep expertise resident in our Scientific Advisory Board, and we look forward to his guidance as we advance our development program for briquilimab in chronic spontaneous urticaria and other mast cell diseases.

Dr. Galli is Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology and the Mary Hewitt Loveless, M.D. Professor at Stanford Medicine. He currently is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Stanford Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection. He previously was Chair of the Department of Pathology at Stanford and Co-Director of the Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine. He leads the Galli Laboratory at Stanford Medicine, a lab focused on developing and employing innovative approaches to understanding the development and function of mast cells and basophils. Dr. Galli and his team conduct research in food allergy, asthma, atopic dermatitis and other disorders, with the goal of elucidating the role of these cells in human health and disease.

Dr. Galli earned his BA in biology from Harvard College, a BMS from Dartmouth Medical School and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He completed his residency and chief residency in Anatomic Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). After postdoctoral training with Harold F. Dvorak at MGH, Dr. Galli joined the faculty at Harvard Medical School as Assistant Professor of Pathology, becoming full professor of pathology. Before joining Stanford, he served as director of the Division of Experimental Pathology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and was member of the Harvard Medical School Committee on Immunology.

About Jasper

Jasper is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing briquilimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting c-Kit (CD117) as a therapeutic for chronic mast and stem cell diseases such as chronic spontaneous urticaria and lower to intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and as a conditioning agent for stem cell transplants for rare diseases such as sickle cell disease (SCD), Fanconi anemia (FA) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). To date, briquilimab has a demonstrated efficacy and safety profile in over 130 dosed subjects and healthy volunteers, with clinical outcomes as a conditioning agent in SCID, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), MDS, FA, and SCD. In addition, briquilimab is being advanced as a transformational non-genotoxic conditioning agent for gene therapy. For more information, please visit us at http://www.jaspertherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are sometimes accompanied by words such as believe, may, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect, should, would, plan, predict, potential, seem, seek, future, outlook and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding briquilimabs potential, including with respect to its potential to address diseases such as chronic spontaneous urticaria, lower to intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndromes as well as novel stem cell transplant conditioning regimes and Jaspers expectations regarding advancing its development program for briquilimab in chronic spontaneous urticaria and other mast cell diseases. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Jasper and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Jasper. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, political and business conditions; the risk that the potential product candidates that Jasper develops may not progress through clinical development or receive required regulatory approvals within expected timelines or at all; the risk that clinical trials may not confirm any safety, potency or other product characteristics described or assumed in this press release; the risk that Jasper will be unable to successfully market or gain market acceptance of its product candidates; the risk that prior study results may not be replicated; the risk that Jaspers product candidates may not be beneficial to patients or successfully commercialized; patients willingness to try new therapies and the willingness of physicians to prescribe these therapies; the effects of competition on Jaspers business; the risk that third parties on which Jasper depends for laboratory, clinical development, manufacturing and other critical services will fail to perform satisfactorily; the risk that Jaspers business, operations, clinical development plans and timelines, and supply chain could be adversely affected by the effects of health epidemics; the risk that Jasper will be unable to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for its investigational products or will infringe the intellectual property protection of others; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Jaspers filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. If any of these risks materialize or Jaspers assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. While Jasper may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Jasper specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Jaspers assessments of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Contacts:

John Mullaly (investors)LifeSci Advisors617-429-3548[emailprotected]

Jeet Mahal (investors)Jasper Therapeutics650-549-1403[emailprotected]

Lauren Barbiero (media)Real Chemistry646-564-2156[emailprotected]

Source: Jasper Therapeutics

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Jasper Therapeutics (JSPR) Appoints Stephen J. Galli to its Board - StreetInsider.com

Immunology

DICE Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and … – InvestorsObserver

DICE Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Recent Highlights

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 11, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DICE Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DICE) (DICE or the Company), a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary DELSCAPE technology platform to build a pipeline of novel oral therapeutic candidates to treat chronic diseases in immunology, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023, and highlighted recent corporate achievements.

Our oral IL-17 franchise continues to advance on multiple fronts. The first psoriasis patient has been dosed in our global, dose-ranging Phase 2b clinical trial of DC-806, said Kevin Judice, Ph.D., CEO of DICE. We also look forward to topline data in healthy volunteers from our Phase 1 trial with our second oral IL-17 inhibitor, DC-853, expected in the second half of 2023. Additionally, we are excited about the progress of our earlier stage research and development (R&D) programs and continuing to utilize our DELSCAPE platform to accelerate the expansion of our pipeline to other validated targets in immunology.

Recent Highlights & Upcoming Events

First Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

About the DICE Oral IL-17 Franchise DICE is developing orally-available, small molecule antagonists of the pro-inflammatory signaling molecule IL-17, an immune cell-derived cytokine. Blockade of this pathway has proven to be an effective therapy in a number of auto-immune diseases. The anti-IL-17 injectable biologics have been approved for the treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

The DICE oral IL-17 franchise includes the lead therapeutic candidate, DC-806, the differentiated fast-follower candidate, DC-853, and the novel scaffold program. DICE is developing its lead therapeutic candidate, DC-806, for the treatment of psoriasis and plans to expand development to additional indications in which the marketed anti-IL-17 injectable biologics have proven to be effective. The Company is considering multiple applications for its differentiated fast-follower, DC-853, including potential development in distinct indications from DC-806, such as hidradenitis suppurativa.

About DICE Therapeutics, Inc. DICE Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary technology platform to build a pipeline of novel oral therapeutic candidates to treat chronic diseases in immunology and other therapeutic areas. DICE is initially focused on developing oral therapeutics against well-validated targets in immunology, with the goal of achieving comparable potency to their systemic biologic counterparts, which have demonstrated the greatest therapeutic benefit to date in these disease areas. The Companys DELSCAPE platform is designed to discover selective oral small molecules with the potential to modulate protein-protein interactions (PPIs) as effectively as systemic biologics. DICEs lead therapeutic candidates are oral antagonists of the pro-inflammatory signaling molecule, IL-17, which is a validated drug target implicated in a variety of immunology indications. DICE is also developing oral therapeutic candidates targeting the integrin 47 for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning the Companys future plans and prospects, the Companys anticipated runway, any expectations regarding the safety or efficacy of DC-806 and other candidates under development, the ability of DC-806 to treat psoriasis or related indications, the planned timing of the Companys clinical trials, data results and further development of DC-806 and DC-853. In addition, when or if used in this press release, the words may, could, should, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend, plan, predict and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to the Company may identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that actual results, levels of activity, safety, performance or events and circumstances could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Companys forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including risks and uncertainties related to the Companys ability to advance DC-806, DC-853 and its other therapeutic candidates, obtain regulatory approval of and ultimately commercialize the Companys therapeutic candidates, the timing and results of preclinical and clinical trials, the Companys ability to fund development activities and achieve development goals, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Companys business, its ability to protect its intellectual property and other risks and uncertainties described under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys annual report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2023,and its otherSECfilings. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein.

DICE THERAPEUTICS, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

DICE THERAPEUTICS, INC. Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (unaudited) (In thousands)

Contacts:

Media: Katie Engleman, 1AB katie@1abmedia.com

Investors: investors@dicetx.com

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DICE Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and ... - InvestorsObserver

Immunology

Cannabis-derived products have flooded US market Two … – Down To Earth Magazine

Products likedelta-8 THC and delta-10 THC arerapidly proliferating;there are many unknowns about their safety and psychoactive properties

These days you see signs for delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC and CBD, or cannabidiol, everywhere at gas stations, convenience stores, vape shops and online. Many people are rightly wondering which of these compounds are legal, whether it is safe to consume them and which of their supposed medicinal benefits hold up to scientific scrutiny.

The rapid proliferation of cannabis products makes clear the need for the public to better understand what these compounds are derived from and what their true benefits and potential risks may be.

We are immunologists who have been studying the effects of marijuana cannabinoids on inflammation and cancer for more than two decades.

We see great promise in these products in medical applications. But we also have concerns about the fact that there are still many unknowns about their safety and their psychoactive properties.

Cannabis sativa, the most common type of cannabis plant, has more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids.

The most well-studied cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant include delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta-9 THC, which is psychoactive. A psychoactive compound is one that affects how the brain functions, thereby altering mood, awareness, thoughts, feelings or behavior.

Delta-9 THC is the main cannabinoid responsible for the high associated with marijuana. CBD, in contrast, is non-psychoactive.

Marijuana and hemp are two different varieties of the cannabis plant. In the U.S., federal regulations stipulate that cannabis plants containing greater than 0.3 per cent delta-9 THC should be classified as marijuana, while plants containing less should be classified as hemp.

The marijuana grown today has high levels from 10 per cent to 30 per cent of delta-9 THC, while hemp plants contain 5 per cent to 15 per cent CBD.

In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of CBD extracted from the cannabis plant to treat epilepsy. In addition to being a source of CBD, hemp plants can be used commercially to develop a variety of other products such as textiles, paper, medicine, food, animal feed, biofuel, biodegradable plastic and construction material.

Recognizing the potential broad applications of hemp, when Congress passed the Agriculture Improvement Act, called the Farm Bill, in 2018, it removed hemp from the category of controlled substances. This made it legal to grow hemp.

When hemp-derived CBD saturated the market after passage of the Farm Bill, CBD manufacturers began harnessing their technical prowess to derive other forms of cannabinoids from CBD. This led to the emergence of delta-8 and delta-10 THC.

The chemical difference between delta-8, delta-9 and delta-10 THC is the position of a double bond on the chain of carbon atoms they structurally share. Delta-8 has this double bond on the eighth carbon atom of the chain, delta-9 on the ninth carbon atom, and delta-10 on the 10th carbon atom.

These minor differences cause them to exert different levels of psychoactive effects.

Delta-9 THC was one of the first forms of cannabinoid to be isolated from the cannabis plant in 1964. The highly psychoactive property of delta-9 THC is based on its ability to activate certain cannabinoid receptors, called CB1, in the brain.

The receptor, CB1, is like a lock that can be opened only by a specific key in this case, delta-9 THC allowing the latter to affect certain cell functions.

Delta-9 THC mimics the cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, that our bodies naturally produce.

Because delta-9 THC emulates the actions of endocannabinoids, it also affects the same brain functions they regulate, such as appetite, learning, memory, anxiety, depression, pain, sleep, mood, body temperature and immune responses.

The FDA approved delta-9 THC in 1985 to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients and, in 1992, to stimulate appetite in HIV/AIDS patients.

The National Academy of Sciences has reported that cannabis is effective in alleviating chronic pain in adults and for improving muscle stiffness in patients with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease.

That report also suggested that cannabis may help sleep outcomes and fibromyalgia, a medical condition in which patients complain of fatigue and pain throughout the body. In fact, a combination of delta-9 THC and CBD has been used to treat muscle stiffness and spasms in multiple sclerosis.

This medicine, called Sativex, is approved in many countries but not yet in the U.S.

Delta-9 THC can also activate another type of cannabinoid receptor, called CB2, which is expressed mainly on immune cells. Studies from our laboratory have shown that delta-9 THC can suppress inflammation through the activation of CB2.

This makes it highly effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and colitis as well as inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial toxins.

However, delta-9 THC has not been approved by the FDA for ailments such as pain, sleep, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases. This has led people to self-medicate against such ailments for which there are currently no effective pharmacological treatments.

Delta-8 THC is found in very small quantities in the cannabis plant. The delta-8 THC that is widely marketed in the U.S. is a derivative of hemp CBD.

Delta-8 THC binds to CB1 receptors less strongly than delta-9 THC, which is what makes it less psychoactive than delta-9 THC. People who seek delta-8 THC for medicinal benefits seem to prefer it over delta-9 THC because delta-8 THC does not cause them to get very high.

However, delta-8 THC binds to CB2 receptors with a similar strength as delta-9 THC. And because activation of CB2 plays a critical role in suppressing inflammation, delta-8 THC could potentially be preferable over delta-9 THC for treating inflammation, since it is less psychoactive.

There are no published clinical studies thus far on whether delta-8 THC can be used to treat the clinical disorders such as chemotherapy-induced nausea or appetite stimulation in HIV/AIDS that are responsive to delta-9 THC.

However, animal studies from our laboratory have shown that delta-8 THC is also effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

The sale of delta-8 THC, especially in states where marijuana is illegal, has become highly controversial. Federal agencies consider all compounds isolated from marijuana or synthetic forms, similar to THC, Schedule I controlled substances, which means they currently have no accepted medical use and have considerable potential for abuse.

However, hemp manufacturers argue that delta-8 THC should be legal because it is derived from CBD isolated from legally cultivated hemp plants.

Delta-10 THC, another chemical cousin to delta-9 and delta-8, has recently entered the market.

Scientists do not yet know much about this new cannabinoid. Delta-10 THC is also derived from hemp CBD. People have anecdotally reported feeling euphoric and more focused after consuming delta-10 THC. Also, anecdotally, people who consume delta-10 THC say that it causes less of a high than delta-8 THC.

And virtually nothing is known about the medicinal properties of delta-10 THC. Yet it is being marketed in similar ways as the other more well-studied cannabinoids, with claims of an array of health benefits.

Research and clinical trials using marijuana or delta-9 THC to treat many medical conditions have been hampered by their classification as Schedule 1 substances.

In addition, the psychoactive properties of marijuana and delta-9 THC create side effects on brain functions; the high associated with them causes some people to feel sick, or they simply hate the sensation. This limits their usefulness in treating clinical disorders.

In contrast, we feel that delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC, as well as other potential cannabinoids that could be isolated from the cannabis plant or synthesized in the future, hold great promise.

With their strong activity against the CB2 receptors and their lower psychoactive properties, we believe they offer new therapeutic opportunities to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Prakash Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina and Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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