Immunology

Kymera Therapeutics to Share Novel Preclinical Findings Reinforcing the Advantage of IRAK4 Degraders over Kinase Inhibitors as well as First STAT3…

-Data to be shared at the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Annual Meeting

-Results highlight potential for IRAK4 degraders to broadly impact TLR/IL-1R-driven inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in a manner superior to kinase inhibitors

-Findings support further exploration of STAT3 degraders in Th17-driven autoimmune indications

WATERTOWN, Mass., May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kymera Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: KYMR), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing targeted protein degradation to deliver novel small molecule protein degrader medicines, today presented new preclinical results demonstrating that STAT3 degradation alleviates Th17 inflammation and is active in a preclinical animal model of CNS inflammation, and that IRAK4 degradation blocks multiple innate immune signaling pathways across different immune cell types in a manner superior to kinase inhibitors. Data will be shared in two separate posters at the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Annual Meeting 2022, taking place from May 6 - 10, 2022 in Portland, Oregon.

Collectively, the findings demonstrate the advantage of using degraders to effectively drug signaling nodes driving inflammation as well as the translation of in vitro activity to in vivo proof of concept in animal models of autoimmune disease, said Anthony Slavin, Vice President, Immunology. The impact of STAT3 degradation on immune and stromal cell activation and Th17 inflammation leading to potent effects in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, as well as the broad effect of IRAK4 degradation on TLR-mediated signaling and cytokine induction and its superiority to kinase inhibition, underscore the clinical potential of these degraders in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.

STAT3 is a transcriptional regulator that has been linked to numerous cancers as well as multiple autoimmune and fibrotic diseases. Heterobifunctional degraders have emerged as a novel therapeutic modality with great potential to drug historically undruggable protein targets like STAT3. Kymera has previously shown its selective STAT3 degraders can suppress the growth of tumors in preclinical models of lymphoma and solid tumors. Findings presented at AAI reveal for the first time the activity of Kymeras STAT3 degraders against Th17 inflammation, including in vivo proof of concept in a clinically relevant mouse experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) model of multiple sclerosis. Degradation of STAT3 inhibited Th17 development and cytokine release, which in turn blocked disease induction and also mitigated ongoing disease in the EAE model.

IRAK4 is known to play a significant role in inflammation mediated by the activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and IL-1 receptors (IL-1Rs). While TLR and IL-1R signaling via IRAK4 is involved in immune surveillance, abnormal activation of these pathways is the underlying cause of multiple inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The function of IRAK4 is dependent both on its kinase and scaffolding activity; therefore, targeting both functions with a degrader has the greatest potential to inhibit IL-1R/TLR pathway activation. Data to be shared in a second poster showed that potent and selective IRAK4 degraders effectively block TLR-mediated NF-kB and MAP kinase signaling and cytokine induction across multiple different immune cell subsets, including monocytes and B cells, with activity that was superior to IRAK4 kinase inhibitors.

We are excited to expand the study of our STAT3 degraders from oncology into inflammation and autoimmune indications, where our findings with respect to impact on Th17 development and activation and Th17-mediated diseases open up multiple development opportunities for this novel approach to drugging the JAK-STAT pathway said Nello Mainolfi, PhD, Co-Founder, President and CEO, Kymera Therapeutics. The data showing both the mechanistic as well as functional differentiation of IRAK4 degraders compared to small molecule kinase inhibitors further demonstrate the degrader advantage not only for undruggable targets like STAT3, but also for targets like IRAK4 where the full impact of targeting can only be realized by addressing both the scaffolding and catalytic functions of the protein.

Posters at AAI Annual Meeting:

Kymera is collaborating with Sanofi on the development of degrader candidates targeting IRAK4, including KT-474 (SAR444656), outside of the oncology and immuno-oncology fields.

About Kymera TherapeuticsKymera Therapeutics (Nasdaq: KYMR) is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the field of targeted protein degradation, a transformative approach to address disease targets and pathways inaccessible with conventional therapeutics. Kymeras Pegasus platform is a powerful drug discovery engine, advancing novel small molecule therapies that harness the bodys innate protein recycling machinery to degrade dysregulated, disease-causing proteins. With a focus on undrugged nodes in validated pathways, Kymera is advancing a pipeline of novel therapeutics designed to address the most intractable pathways and provide new treatments for patients. Kymeras initial programs target IRAK4, IRAKIMiD, and STAT3 within the IL-1R/TLR or JAK/STAT pathways, providing the opportunity to treat patients with a broad range of immune-inflammatory diseases, hematologic malignancies, and solid tumors. For more information, visit http://www.kymeratx.com.

Founded in 2016, Kymera is headquartered in Watertown, Mass. Kymera has been named a Fierce 15 biotechnology company by Fierce Biotech and has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal as one of Bostons Best Places to Work. For more information about our people, science, and pipeline, please visit http://www.kymeratx.com or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, implied and express statements regarding its: strategy, business plans and objectives for the IRAK4 and STAT3 degrader programs; and plans and timelines for the clinical development of Kymera Therapeutics' product candidates, including the therapeutic potential and clinical benefits thereof. The words "may," might, "will," "could," "would," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," expect, "estimate," seek, "predict," future, "project," "potential," "continue," "target" and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, risks associated with: the impact of COVID-19 on countries or regions in which we have operations or do business, as well as on the timing and anticipated results of our current preclinical studies and future clinical trials, strategy and future operations; the delay of any current preclinical studies or future clinical trials or the development ofKymera Therapeutics'drug candidates;the risk that the results of current preclinical studies may not be predictive of future results in connection with future clinical trials;Kymera Therapeutics' ability to successfully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of its drug candidates; the timing and outcome of the Companys planned interactions with regulatory authorities; and obtaining, maintaining and protecting its intellectual property.These and other risks and uncertainties are described in greater detail in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2022, filed on May 3, 2022, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Kymera Therapeutics' subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Kymera Therapeutics' views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Kymera Therapeutics explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. No representations or warranties (expressed or implied) are made about the accuracy of any such forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact:Bruce JacobsChief Financial Officerinvestors@kymeratx.com857-285-5300

Chris BrinzeyManaging Director, Westwickechris.brinzey@westwicke.com339-970-2843

Media Contact:Todd CooperSenior Vice President, Corporate Affairsmedia@kymeratx.com857-285-5300

See the article here:
Kymera Therapeutics to Share Novel Preclinical Findings Reinforcing the Advantage of IRAK4 Degraders over Kinase Inhibitors as well as First STAT3...

Immunology

Ting, Baric Elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences | Newsroom – UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine

Jenny Ting, PhD, the William Kenan Distinguished Professor of Genetics, and Ralph Baric, PhD, the William Kenan Distinguished Professor of Epidemiology and Microbiology & Immunology, were elected as members of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.

UNC-Chapel Hill faculty members Ralph Baric, Virginia Gray, and Jenny Ting were elected as members of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences this spring.

Jenny Ting is the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor in the UNC Department of Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine. Her research focuses on using cutting edge ideas and technology to understand disease-relevant issues such as innate immunity, gene regulation, and inflammation among others.

Ralph Baric is the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UNC School of Medicine. His research specializes in coronaviruses and infectious diseases using molecular, genetic and biochemical approaches.

Ting and Baric are both members of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Virginia Gray is professor emerita in the College of Arts & Sciences political science department. Her teaching experience includes a variety of American politics courses, such as interest groups, state politics, fieldwork in the legislature and public policy. Her research spans a variety of topics, including state interest groups and public policy.

The three join the 39 UNC-Chapel Hill faculty previously elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is both an honorary society and an independent research center. Members are elected from across disciplines, professions and perspectives to examine new ideas, address issues and advance the public good. Membership is an honor, and also an opportunity to shape ideas and influence policy in areas as diverse as the arts, democracy, education, global affairs, and science. said Chair of the Academys Board of Directors Nancy C. Andrews. Over 13,500 members have been elected since its founding.

The new members join a distinguished group of individuals elected to the Academy before them. Notable members include Benjamin Franklin in 1781, Charles Darwin in 1874, Albert Einstein in 1924, Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1966, Stephen Jay Hawking in 1984, and Condoleezza Rice in 1997.

The complete list of individuals elected in 2022, including 37 International Honorary Members from 16 countries, is availablehere.

Go here to read the rest:
Ting, Baric Elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences | Newsroom - UNC Health and UNC School of Medicine

Immunology

What to do if you are stung by an insect – Parkview Health

This post was written by Heather Willison, MSN, FNP-C, PPG Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

As the saying goes, April showers will bring May flowers, which often attract bees and other insects. While stinging insects do not pose a problem for everyone, an estimated 2 million Americans are allergic to the venom produced by stinging insects. As we head further into spring, its important to know how to handle a sting and the best ways to decrease the chance of being stung in the first place.

Most stings will likely result in pain, redness, itching and swelling around the sting site. This is a normal response and should not typically be cause for concern. If it is a bee sting, they likely left behind a stinger full of venom. To properly remove a stinger, youll want to follow these steps:

Generally, there can be significant swelling from an insect sting, which can be alarming at first glance. But its important to note that this response is considered a large local reaction, and the swelling usually peaks around 48 hours and completely goes away within a week.

As stated earlier, it is possible to be allergic to the venom from a stinging insect, resulting in a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. If this happens, you or the individual who was stung should go to the Emergency Department if they experience any of the following symptoms:

For anyone with an allergy to stinging insects, it is crucial to keep injectable epinephrine on hand and to wear a medical alert bracelet so that others know of the life-threatening allergy. A medical provider must prescribe injectable epinephrine.

While not foolproof, there are measures and safety precautions you can take to decrease your risk of getting stung by a bee, wasp or hornet. A few tried and true tips to keep you safe this summer include:

Furthermore, knowing where the different types of stinging insects like to dwell can be helpful. Honeybees live in and around a honeycomb structure or hive. Yellowjackets reside in nests they build in the ground or old logs and walls. Hornets and wasps make their homes in bushes, trees, and sometimes on buildings.

See the original post here:
What to do if you are stung by an insect - Parkview Health

Immunology

Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Kiah Sleiman – University of Arizona News

This spring, each department in the University of Arizona's College of Science nominated an outstanding senior who went above and beyond during their time as a Wildcat. We are pleased to share their stories as they reflect on their time at UArizona. Next up in the senior spotlight series is Kiah Sleiman.

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Department:Chemistry & Biochemistry

College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study?

Kiah: In my life, I have always been encouraged to understand the why whenever I learned something new, which allowed my curiosity to flourish. My job leading into my college years was a lifeguard at a therapeutic facility, where I interacted with elderly people with many different ailments that did not have direct treatments, like rheumatoid arthritis. The treatments for RA target mostly the symptoms rather than the root of the disease, and in my curiosity of why autoimmunity is more severe in some individuals than others, I joined an RA research lab my senior year of high school. Inspired with what I learned working there, I had decided that I wanted to do biomedical research, and biochemistry is the perfect area of study to provide the base knowledge required to branch into many more nuanced fields, like immunology. With biochemistry, I established a foundation for myself that I would be able to build on in whatever specific field of research that I decide to pursue, while not limiting myself when first starting college.

COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.

Kiah:Having worked in an immunology lab throughout college, I finally had a chance to take an immunology class my Fall semester senior year with Dr. Wilbur. Being able to go back to basics and build an understanding of the immune system as a whole, rather than immediately focusing on the narrow portion that I had been studying in lab, gave me a new appreciation for what I had been observing and opened up new avenues and questions to pursue. After that class, it really felt like everything clicked into place in my experiences of the previous years. Dr. Wilburs Art Show elevated the whole class to another level, when, after having delved into a complex topic like immunology all semester, you have to then step back and think creatively about how to simplify the topic enough to become approachable to someone outside the field.

COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?

Kiah:Before COVID hit my sophomore year, I had just begun the process of expanding my focuses beyond academics and trying to be social. Post-COVID, developing a strong social life seemed impossible, but the friendships I had formed pre-COVID actually solidified during quarantine. Between FaceTime and Zoom, we were able to have study sessions and still have fun while being socially distanced. Before quarantine, one friend and I would cook together every Saturday, trying new recipes and experimenting with weird fruits. At one point during the lockdown, we decided to try to do that again virtually and find something we both could make with what we had in our kitchens. After a long rabbit hole of bizarre adaptations of recipes from the Great Depression, we eventually landed on making tortillas from scratch. While it wasnt a complex recipe, the return to some level of normalcy along with the chaos of trying to make tortillas over FaceTime together filled me with hope, and I will take that experience with me forever. I had never been so excited to have a tortilla as I was in that moment, and even today we still reference the hilarity of effectively hosting cooking shows for a 3 ingredient, very simple recipe.

COS: What is next for you after graduation?

Kiah:After graduation, I will be continuing my education in pursuit of a PhD in Biology from Baylor University.

Link:
Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Kiah Sleiman - University of Arizona News

Immunology

RAPT Therapeutics Expands Leadership Team with Multiple Key Hires – Yahoo Finance

RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAPT Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RAPT), a clinical-stage, immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in inflammatory diseases and oncology, today announced the appointments of Gwen Carscadden as Chief Human Resources Officer, Jim Farmer as Vice President of Clinical Operations and Shari Geffon as Vice President of Program and Alliance Management.

We are pleased to attract such high caliber talent as we continue to grow our organization and make advances in our inflammatory disease and cancer programs. Gwen is a strategic business leader with a wealth of experience in building dynamic teams and we are very excited to welcome her to the RAPT leadership team, said Brian Wong, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of RAPT. In addition to Gwen, we are excited to welcome Jim and Shari to key leadership roles in clinical operations and program management. The addition of these talented leaders will be invaluable as we continue to advance RPT193 and FLX475 through clinical development and enter our next phase of growth.

Ms. Carscadden added, Im very excited to join RAPT given its exciting programs in inflammatory diseases and oncology. I look forward to supporting RAPTs plans to grow and build an innovative and diverse biopharmaceutical company.

Gwen CarscaddenGwen brings over 30 years of extensive experience building and leading high-quality human resource teams. Most recently, she served as chief people officer at Intersect ENT, a commercial stage medical technology company where she was responsible for setting strategic direction for the human resources function. Previously, Gwen was senior vice president of human resources and facilities at Cardiodx, a private cardiovascular genomic diagnostic company. Before Cardiodx, she was vice president of human resources at Facet Biotech, later acquired by Abbott Labs. Earlier in her career, she held various human resource roles at PDL Biopharma, Fujitsu Computer Systems and AMDAHL corporation. Gwen holds an M.A. in Organizational Communication and a B.A. in Behavioral Science from San Jose State University.

Story continues

Jim Farmer Jim brings over 25 years of clinical operations experience in multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology and immunology. Most recently, he served as senior director of clinical development strategy and operations at Travere Therapeutics. Previously, Jim served as head of clinical operations at NantKwest, Inc. and senior director of clinical operations at Coherus Biosciences. Earlier in his career, he held various clinical leadership roles at several pharmaceutical and biotech companies, including Portola Pharmaceuticals, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck. Jim holds a B.S. in Natural Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Shari L. Geffon Shari brings over 25 years of leadership experience in program and alliance management, shaping clinical candidates and product portfolios to maximize value in both biotech and pharmaceutical settings. Most recently, she served as chief operating officer at Renegade.bio, where she was responsible for all operational aspects of the business. Prior to that, Shari served as head of product and portfolio management at Aimmune Therapeutics. Before Aimmune, she was executive director of project and portfolio management at Fibrogen, Inc. Earlier in her career, Shari held various project management roles at Pfizer, Connectics and Abgenix. Shari holds an MBA in International Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Biological Science from California State University, Chico.

About RAPT Therapeutics, Inc.RAPT Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunology-based biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing oral small molecule therapies for patients with significant unmet needs in inflammatory diseases and oncology. Utilizing its proprietary discovery and development engine, the company is developing highly selective small molecules designed to modulate the critical immune drivers underlying these diseases. RAPT has discovered and advanced two unique drug candidates, RPT193 and FLX475, each targeting C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), for the treatment of inflammation and cancer, respectively. The company is also pursuing a range of targets that are in the discovery stage of development.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as anticipate, could, expect, look forward, target, will, and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Each of these statements is based only on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Detailed information regarding risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by statements in this press release may be found in RAPTs Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 10, 2022, and subsequent filings made by RAPT with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. RAPT disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Investor Contact:Sylvia Wheelerswheeler@wheelhouselsa.com

Media Contact:Aljanae Reynoldsareynolds@wheelhouselsa.com

Go here to read the rest:
RAPT Therapeutics Expands Leadership Team with Multiple Key Hires - Yahoo Finance

Immunology

Amphista Therapeutics Enters Strategic Collaboration with Merck for Discovery and Development of Targeted Protein Degradation Therapeutics – BioSpace

CAMBRIDGE, England, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amphista Therapeutics, a global leader in the discovery and development of next generation targeted protein degradation (TPD) therapeutics, today announced a strategic collaboration with Merck Healthcare, a division of Merck. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck and Amphista will work collaboratively to discover and develop small molecule protein degraders for an initial three targets in oncology and immunology indications. Amphista will receive an upfront payment, R&D funding and success-based milestone payments of up to 893.5 million ($1.0 billion*)as well as royalties in the mid-single digit range. Completion of the transaction is subject to the parties obtaining any necessary regulatory clearances or approvals.

Nicola Thompson, CEO of Amphista, said, "We are extremely pleased to enter into this collaboration with Merck. This is a significant validation of the progress we have made in TPD research and the potential of our Eclipsys next-generation TPD platform. We look forward to working with the Merck team, using our combined expertise to develop new TPD therapies to treat cancers and immuno-inflammatory diseases."

TPD therapies are designed to use physiological mechanisms to remove pathogenic protein from the body, offering the potential to access many disease targets previously considered "undruggable." Amphista's technology is specifically designed to develop next generation TPD therapeutics based on mechanistic insights and novel chemistry approaches that enable the company to develop novel protein degrading therapeutics with superior levels of efficacy and broad therapeutic applicability.

About Amphista Therapeutics

Amphista Therapeutics is a global leader in the discovery and development of nextgeneration targeted protein degradation (TPD) medicines, addressing the challenges faced by the field to realise the full potential of this transformational modality.

The company's proprietary Eclipsys Platform supports development of multiple innovative therapeutic candidates able to overcome the limitations associated with traditional TPD approaches with superior levels of efficacy and broad therapeutic applicability. The Amphista team includes pioneers and established leaders in TPD research and all phases of drug discovery and development. The company is supported by leading life science investors including Forbion, Gilde Healthcare, Novartis Venture Fund, Advent Life Sciences, BioMotiv and Eli Lilly and Company.

For more information, please visit:http://www.amphista.com/.

Media Contacts:

Amphista TherapeuticsCEO Nicola Thompson+44 (0) 7436102411nicki@amphista.com

Berry & Company Public RelationsDoug Haslamdhaslam@berrypr.com+1 212 253 8881

* US$ calculated based on Q1 2022 average FX exchange rate

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/amphista-therapeutics-enters-strategic-collaboration-with-merck-for-discovery-and-development-of-targeted-protein-degradation-therapeutics-301539189.html

SOURCE Amphista Therapeutics

Go here to see the original:
Amphista Therapeutics Enters Strategic Collaboration with Merck for Discovery and Development of Targeted Protein Degradation Therapeutics - BioSpace

Immunology

Ventus Therapeutics Appoints Stuart Green, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer – Business Wire

WALTHAM, Mass. & MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ventus Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company utilizing structural biology and a proprietary computational platform to identify and develop small molecule therapeutics across a broad range of diseases, announced today the appointment of Stuart Green, MD, as Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Green has broad experience and a proven track record in clinical development across a wide range of programs, including his most recent leadership role overseeing late-stage clinical trials at Merck Research Laboratories.

We are excited to welcome Stuart to the Ventus team at this pivotal time in our evolution toward a clinical-stage company. His caliber as a leader and extensive background in clinical development will be invaluable as we continue to advance our pipeline, said Marcelo Bigal, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Ventus. In addition, his expertise in inflammation and immunology is a tremendous asset, as these therapeutic areas include some of the key diseases targeted by our innovative small molecule medicines.

I am gratified by the opportunity to join Ventus as CMO, and I look forward to leading the clinical development of the companys promising small molecule therapeutics for challenging drug targets in diseases with unmet medical needs, said Dr. Green. The team has built an impressive suite of technologies in the ReSOLVE drug discovery platform and has rapidly generated a pipeline of novel small molecule medicines that offer the potential for compelling new treatments for patients.

Dr. Green brings more than twenty years of experience in clinical development to Ventus. Most recently, he was head of late-stage clinical development in respiratory and immunology at Merck Research Laboratories. During his time at Merck, Dr. Green oversaw pivotal Phase 2/3 clinical development across a wide range of programs, including original drug application approvals for ILUMYA, GRASTEK, and RAGWITEK, as well as supplemental approvals for EMEND/EMEND FOR INJECTION, SIMPONI, and ARCOXIA. In addition, he led multiple development programs in asthma, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, overactive bladder, and chronic cough. While at Merck, he also played a leadership role in business development and licensing activities, including successful acquisitions of Afferent Pharmaceuticals, OncoImmune, and Pandion Therapeutics. Dr. Green received a B.S. in Chemistry from Duke University and an M.D. from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences. He completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and a fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Duke and the University of Cincinnati.

About Ventus TherapeuticsVentus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company utilizing structural biology and computational tools to identify and develop small molecule therapeutics across a broad range of disease indications, with an initial focus on immunology, inflammation and neurology. We have developed a proprietary drug discovery platform, called ReSOLVE, which is built upon our structural biology and protein science expertise and our proprietary computational chemistry capabilities, to address the current limitations of small molecule drug discovery. We are leveraging our ReSOLVE platform to discover and characterize previously unknown or poorly understood pockets on the surface of proteins and identify small molecules that can bind to those pockets with optimal affinity. We are focused on high-value targets that have been extensively implicated in human diseases that were previously considered undruggable or where we believe there is a significant opportunity to improve upon existing therapies. Our lead programs target key innate immune modulators, including NLRP3 and cGAS. For more information, please visit http://www.ventustx.com and engage with us on Twitter @Ventus_Tx or on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements about future expectations, plans and prospects, including, but not limited to, statements related to the anticipated benefits of executive leadership team additions, our business strategy, current programs, and timing of planned preclinical and clinical activities and future results of operations and financial position. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and inherently involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the timing, progress and results of preclinical and clinical studies involving our development programs; the results of our earlier studies not being predictive of future results; our ability to enhance the ReSOLVE platform; our ability to continue to obtain funding for our operations and implement our business strategy; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and our efforts to address its impact on our business; anticipated developments related to our competitors and our industry; the performance of third-party service providers, including suppliers and manufacturers; and our ability to obtain, maintain and protect our intellectual property. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Visit link:
Ventus Therapeutics Appoints Stuart Green, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer - Business Wire

Immunology

VBL Therapeutics to Participate in Upcoming Scientific and Industry Conferences in May – GlobeNewswire

TEL AVIV, Israel and NEW YORK, May 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VBL Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VBLT), a late-clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing first-in-class therapeutics for difficult-to-treat malignant solid tumors and immune or inflammatory indications, today announced that the company will present new data on its novel Monocyte Targeting Technology and lead candidate VB-601 at IMMUNOLOGY2022TM being held in Portland, OR on May 6 10, 2022. In addition, Dror Harats, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of VBL Therapeutics, will discuss the VB-601 program at the LifeSci Immunology & Inflammation Symposium being held virtually on May 11, 2022. Prof. Harats will also provide a keynote presentation at the Biomed Israel 2022 Conference on May 12, 2022, and a corporate overview at the H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference taking place May 23 May 26, 2022.

IMMUNOLGY2022TMDate: Sunday, May 8th, 2022 Time: 2:30 p.m. PDTSession Title: They Come and They Go: A Leukocyte Migration ExtravaganzaPoster Title: MOSPD2 regulates the activation state of L2 integrinto control monocyte migration

LifeSci Immunology & Inflammation SymposiumDate: Wednesday, May 11th, 2022 Time: 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDTFormat: Overview of VBLs VB-601 ProgramRegistration details for the event can be found here

Biomed Israel 2022 ConferenceDate: Thursday, May 12th, 2022 Track: Transformative Precision Cancer Diagnostics and TherapiesTime: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. IDTFormat: Corporate Overview Registration details for the event can be found here

H.C. Wainwright Global Investment ConferenceDate: Monday, May 23rd - Thursday, May 26th, 2022Format: Corporate Overview

Links to VBLs IMMUNOLGY2022TM poster and to the webcast of the LifeSci Symposium will be available on the Events and Presentations page of the Investors section on the Companys website at http://www.vblrx.com.

About VBL TherapeuticsVascular Biogenics Ltd., operating asVBL Therapeutics (VBL), is a late-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for difficult-to-treat malignant solid tumors and immune or inflammatory indications. VBLs novel VTS gene-based platform and antibody-based monocyte targeting technology enable the creation of a pipeline of programs that are designed to harness the bodys innate biological processes to provide unique solutions for significant unmet medical needs. VBLs lead oncology product candidate, ofra-vec (ofranergene obadenovec; `VB-111`), is an investigational targeted anti-cancer gene-based agent in development to treat a wide range of solid tumors. Ofra-vec is currently being studied in a Phase 3 registration-enabling clinical trial (NCT03398655) for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. To learn more about VBL, please visit vblrx.com or follow VBL on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook.

CONTACT:Daniel FerryLifeSci Advisors+1 (617) 430-7576daniel@lifesciadvisors.com

Read the original post:
VBL Therapeutics to Participate in Upcoming Scientific and Industry Conferences in May - GlobeNewswire

Immunology

Nadine Smith shares experience living with a primary immunodeficiency to call for awareness and early diagnosis – Northern Beaches Review

NADINE Smith remembers being so tired and so run-down that she struggled to walk the 600 metres to the bus stop.

She was in her 20s, and fighting a debilitating fatigue that came with constant viruses and infections. But despite multiple sinus surgeries, long stints on strong antibiotics, and allergy treatments, her doctors were stumped.

"Everyone was wondering why I wasn't getting better," she said.

She had to take a lot of unpaid sick leave. On Wednesdays, she would sleep.

"I just remember thinking, this isn't normal," she said.

"I couldn't get off antibiotics. Serious, strong antibiotics. The infection just wouldn't clear. We'd addressed the structural issues with four different surgeries. I'd be on antibiotics. And every time I'd stop them I'd get the infection back immediately. By the time I was 34, someone finally thought to check whether I had a primary immunodeficiency [PID], and I did."

Having that diagnosis was a game-changer. She began monthly intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, which was "incredible", and has since begun weekly subcutaneous immunoglobulin infusions at home.

"It has changed my life," she said. "I don't get as sick as often, and I don't get those same chronic sinus problems. The weekly therapy is a lot more stable. Not as many ups and downs. I used to joke I'd get 20 good days and eight crappy ones. But I've also got more control now. I've gone from having to work part time to full time.

"I'm not 100 per cent, but life is peaches and cream to how I felt before."

Ms Smith, now 44, said she was lucky in that her symptoms didn't kick in until after she was educated and had clocked some years of work experience.

"If I hadn't been in that position I don't think I'd have the career I do now," she said. "It could really impact a young person's life trajectory."

She believes an earlier diagnosis could also help address the impact the condition can have on family and social roles.

"I'm a woman in my 40s and my 70-year-old mum looks after me rather than the other way around," she said.

Ms Smith shared her story as the Australasian Society for Clinical Allergy and Immunology (ASCIA) launched its strategy to educate health professionals to recognise early warning signs of PID, improve access to paediatric and adult clinical immunology/allergy specialists, and campaign for equitable access to testing and treatments.

Primary immunodeficiency disorders are a diverse group of more than 400 potentially serious, chronic illnesses that can lead to frequent or severe infections, swellings and autoimmune problems.

ASCIA said it had been estimated that between 70 and 90 per cent of people are still undiagnosed worldwide with PIDs, which affect adults as well as children.

The society said Victorian data showed that in adults the average delay from symptom onset to diagnosis is eight years, and every year of delay costs life expectancy.

Read the original:
Nadine Smith shares experience living with a primary immunodeficiency to call for awareness and early diagnosis - Northern Beaches Review

Immunology

IDNA: A Long Term Prospect, Slowly Overcoming The Bearish Rally – Seeking Alpha

DanielPrudek/iStock via Getty Images

iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF (NYSEARCA:IDNA) is a healthcare exchange traded fund (ETF) launched by BlackRock, Inc. in June 2019, i.e., less than three years back. This ETF is managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors and has an Asset Under Management (AUM) of $209 million. It invests in public equity shares in all the major stock markets worldwide, with 60 percent investments in the US stock market. This ETF has around 11 percent investments in the Japanese stock market and 24 percent investments in European equity markets.

iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF primarily invests in biotechnology and pharmaceutical stocks. It has also invested around 3 percent in a dividend fund, namely Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (EVT). IDNA benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the NYSE FactSet Global Genomics and Immuno Biopharma Index. This index is composed of developed and emerging market companies that could benefit from the long-term growth and innovation in genomics, immunology, and bioengineering.

iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF is a relatively new ETF, launched less than three years ago, and is operating with an expense ratio of 0.47 percent. This ETF is not meant for income-seeking investors, as it intends to pay semi-annual dividends, but with a very low yield. The average year-end yield of the past three years has been less than 0.6 percent. Thus, the investment decision will solely depend upon the expected future performance of the fund over the long run.

iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF has performed poorly over the past 12 months. IDNA has recorded a negative growth of around 9 percent, 40 percent, and 38 percent over the past three months, six months, and 12 months, respectively. We all know that the biotechnology sector had an extremely poor last six months in 2021. Still, for a growth-seeking ETF to generate a negative return of that high percentage may make the investors skeptical.

An analysis of IDNA's top 30 common equity holdings (holding 90 percent of the entire portfolio) reveals that most of its investments are in biotechnology stocks. Out of these 30 equities, 24 biotechnology stocks (22 are listed in the US stock market) are holding more than 60 percent of its total portfolio.

Only five stocks are from the pharmaceutical sector, holding around 26 percent of its total portfolio. Incidentally, all these five stocks are listed outside the United States. One of IDNA's top holdings (3.85 percent of total portfolio), Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc. (MRVI), belongs to the life sciences tools & services industry.

Barring Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), all the biotechnology and life science companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) have recorded negative price growth over the past 12 months. This explains the massive loss of IDNA's price over the past one year. Another company, Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) recorded positive price growth over the past six months.

Another three stocks - Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc., Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc. (IOVA), and Genmab A/S (GMAB) - recorded double-digit positive growth in the past three months. Thus, this ETF seems to be slowly recovering from the steep downfall in the second half of 2021. Still, it has a long way to go, as 20 such companies are yet to recover themselves.

iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF, however, has posted a price growth of 22 percent since its inception in June 2019. This suggests that this ETF has performed very well in the first two years of its operation, and the stocks included in this ETF are quite volatile. There are other genomic revolution funds like Invesco Dynamic Biotechnology & Genome Portfolio ETF (PBE), Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF (GNOM) and ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG), which also performed poorly last year. The similar trend is visible in most of the funds - huge price loss in the past 12 months, but positive price gain since June 2019 (the time when IDNA was launched).

Despite the market price falling by 61.1 percent in the past one year, ARKG registered a growth of 3.3 percent over the past three years. PBE's price also fell by 25.3 percent in the past one year but grew by 7.8 percent over the past three years. Only GNOM failed miserably and recorded a negative growth of 44.5 percent and 13.9 percent growth over the past one year and three years, respectively. During the same period, S&P 500 OTC:GREW by 4 percent and 53 percent, respectively.

Weighted average Price to Equity ratio of the component stocks of iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF comes to around 14.29, compared to the index's Price to Equity ratio of 16.67. IDNA's Price to Book ratio is 2.23, compared to the index's Price to Book ratio of 3.98. This suggests that the ETF is slightly undervalued. This assumption gets further validation as the price/sales of 1.27, and price/cash flow of 9.7, is relatively lower than the index (Price/Sales of 1.64 and Price/Cash Flow of 13.35).

However, the iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF is currently trading at only 3 percent premium over its 52-week low, and there is scope for a further downward rally of this fund, as indicated by the simple moving averages (SMA). The long-term moving averages of this fund are placed significantly higher than the short-term moving averages. As of 28th April 2022, the 200-day SMA (43.67), 100-day SMA (36.73), 50-day SMA (33.54) and 10-day SMA (31.82) are indicative of a bearish rally for this ETF.

Thus, there lies every possibility of stiff downward movement with every downward trend in the market. Moreover, being a theme-based biotechnology index fund, IDNA cannot overcome its inherent volatility and market risk, which may arise due to changes in investors' sentiment or any negative news about its constituent stocks or the sector as a whole. The possibility of most of the stocks in its portfolio generating positive returns will take time, maybe another six to nine months. However, a course correction for IDNA is very much possible, too, if the biotechnology sector gets some positive boost or gets into any bull run.

In my opinion, iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF can only be considered as a medium or long-term investment option. Genomic revolution has good growth prospects, which may enable these biotechnology stocks to generate supernormal growth. Moreover, a few of the biotechnology stocks that IDNA holds have started generating positive returns. Besides, the pharmaceutical stocks listed in other equity markets have always maintained a good return.

The overall price growth since the inception of this fund is quite impressive, considering the huge impact of Covid-19 pandemic in the US equity market. Although the portfolio of investments is expected to generate positive return in the medium term, iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF is a better prospect for long-term growth-seeking investors. However, it is advisable that such long-term growth seekers hedge themselves with put options, in order to protect their investments from likely downward movements, which may happen from time to time.

See the rest here:
IDNA: A Long Term Prospect, Slowly Overcoming The Bearish Rally - Seeking Alpha