Blood cells, plasmodium causing malaria illness. Illustration: Christoph Burgstedt

March 29, 2018 Comments (0) Views: 1273 Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Blog

Biotech Briefing: TSRI Finds Rare Genetic Mutation Protects Against Malaria

Plus: Dexcom receives FDA green light for the first interoperable CGM, and the top biotech events this month

Reports + Research

Dexcom Receives FDA Green Light for First Interoperable CGM

Dexcom has the OK from the FDA to market the Dexcom G6 CGM System, a device that is interoperable with other automated insulin-dosing systems. This is the first device that has received FDA approval to work with other compatible technologies. According to the FDA spokesperson, this “gives patients the flexibility to tailor their diabetes management tools to best meet personal preferences.”

Singlera Genomics Raises $60 Million Series A for Early-Stage Cancer Detection

The financing round was led by Green Pine Capital Partners and Prosperico Ventures with participation from new and existing investors, UCF Medical Investment, Jointown Pharmaceutical Group, and Lilly Asia Ventures among others. Singlera applies high-throughput sequencing of methylated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to develop products and services for detecting and diagnosing early-stage cancer.

TSRI Researchers Find Rare Genetic Mutation Protects Against Malaria

While the mutation, PIEZO1, is uncommon in non-African populations, TSRI researchers found that the mutation is much more common in areas where people have lived alongside selection pressure from malaria. The mutation is also associated with a rare disease where the red blood cells become dehydrated, called hereditary xerocytosis. Sickle cell disease is also common in people of African descent, and also provides protection against malaria. The researchers plan to do further research into the biological role of PIEZO1, and how mutations could affect other health conditions, such as hypertension.