The AI-driven image analysis software, MMI CellDetector, is designed to automatically identify and quantify cellular phenotypes across a wide range of tissue samples with high precision. As an integral part of MMI’s suite of solutions, it seamlessly integrates with all MMI systems. AI-powered Automated Tissue Analysis Software The MMI CellDetector software is powered by sophisticated AI algorithms to enable precise automated tissue analysis. By automating the tissue analysis process, the CellDetector software increases efficiency, providing faster and more consistent results, compared to manua ..read more

The Hamburg headquartered publicly listed drug discovery and development company Evotec and Variant Bio, a US-based biotech company leveraging the power of human genetic diversity to discover new therapeutics, announced a collaboration agreement to discover and develop a best-in-class treatment for diseases caused by fibrosis. The partnership will utilise Variant Bio’s advanced genomic discovery platform and Evotec’s comprehensive end-to-end R&D platform, along with their extensive expertise in the field, to tackle unmet medical needs in fibrotic conditions. Under the terms of the risk-sha ..read more

In a proof-of-concept study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explored the feasibility of employing transfer learning, a machine learning method, to train an AI model to predict cancer drug responses. They aimed to utilise readily accessible bulk RNA sequencing data for initial training and subsequently refine the model using single-cell RNA sequencing data. The NIH researchers developed an AI tool that uses data from individual cells inside tumors to predict whether a person’s cancer will respond to a specific drug. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI ..read more

Ventus Therapeutics, a US-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its exclusive structural biology and computational chemistry platform, ReSOLVE, has disclosed promising findings from its Phase 1 clinical study of VENT-02. The company’s selective brain-penetrant NLRP3 small molecule inhibitor has demonstrated a broad therapeutic index and complete target coverage. Initiation of clinical trials in CNS diseases is expected to begin in the second half of 2024. VENT-02 is a novel, orally administered brain-penetrant NLRP3 inhibitor. The Phase 1 clinical trial asses ..read more

French biotech Medincell announced on Tuesday entering into a collaboration with AbbVie, to co-develop up to six innovative long-acting injectable (LAI) therapies, with AbbVie handling the commercialisation. Medincell is set to receive an initial payment of $35 million and could potentially earn up to $1.9 billion in development and commercial milestones. Additionally, they will receive royalties from global sales. This partnership capitalises on Medincell’s expertise in developing commercial-stage LAI’s and AbbVie’s comprehensive experience in clinical development and commercialisation. Medin ..read more

Preclinical data shows that Nutcracker’s mRNA drug candidate NTX-470 effectively targets CD3 T cells, demonstrating selective engagement with minimal unintended interactions and decreased binding to non-target tissues. Nutcracker Therapeutics, a California-based biotech company developing transformative RNA therapies through its proprietary technology platform, recently presented two posters at the 2024 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in San Diego. The first, showcased the latest preclinical data for the company’s mRNA drug candidate for prostate cancer, NTX-470 ..read more

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated and Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc., a biotechnology firm dedicated to pioneering protein-based immunotherapies, jointly announced the signing of a definitive acquisition agreement. According to the agreement, Vertex will procure Alpine at a rate of $65 per share, amounting to roughly $4.9 billion in cash. The transaction has received unanimous approval from the boards of directors of both Vertex and Alpine and is expected to conclude later this quarter. Alpine’s lead molecule, povetacicept (ALPN-303), stands as a highly potent and effective dual antagonist of ..read more

Pfizer has announced encouraging findings from its ongoing pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, known as MONeT (RSV IMmunizatiON Study for AdulTs at Higher Risk of Severe Illness), evaluating the efficacy and safety of ABRYSVO in adults at risk of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD). Looking ahead, Pfizer plans to submit the compelling data to regulatory agencies with the aim of expanding the age indication to encompass individuals aged 18 to 59. ABRYSVO is a bivalent vaccine that was designed to provide broad protection against all RSV-LRTD, r ..read more

Advanced single-cell technologies, particularly methods such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), coupled with sophisticated computational tools and the increasing accessibility of public data repositories, are revolutionizing drug discovery and development. These innovations are creating novel avenues for target identification by refining disease understanding through cell subtyping. Moreover, the integration of highly multiplexed functional genomics screens with scRNA-seq is enhancing the credibility and prioritization of targets. Additionally, scRNA-seq is facilitating the selection ..read more

The groundbreaking CellCut high-precision laser microdissection system enables the dissection of tissue areas, single cells and subcellular structures with accuracy that is unmatched on the market. Developed by Molecular Machines & Industries (MMI), the CellCut high-precision laser microdissection system facilitates clean and precise dissection of almost any type of sample, from entire areas of tissue down to single cells and even subcellular structures as small as 5 µm. High-precision Laser Microdissection System Harnessing MMI’s cutting-edge laser technology, the CellCut laser microdisse ..read more