AbbVie and Calibr Collaborate on Next-Generation CAR-T Therapies
When CAR-T therapies were approved last September, it was a historic moment. The therapies are providing some cancer patients with a cure, but response rates are still variable, and side effects can be life-threatening. Next generation CAR-T therapies, including those at Calibr, an affiliate of Scripps Research, hope to overcome these hurdles. Calibr’s collaboration with AbbVie means a significant investment not only in this new technology, but also in building a major cell therapy presence in San Diego to advance “switchable” CAR-T therapies into clinical trials.
CONNECT Seeks Nominations for Most Innovative New Products
The annual signature awards and event from CONNECT is now accepting applications through July 23. Twenty-one submission categories range from aerospace to unmanned vehicles. More details and the application form can be found here.
Viruses Cure Superbug Infections
Certain viruses, called bacteriophages or phages, target, infect, and consume bacteria. Phages are now being used in experimental therapy to fight life-threatening superbug infections. Multi-drug resistant infections are a growing concern as bacteria are evolving to beat our current armamentarium of antibiotics. A handful of patients have been treated, and some have been cured. As a pioneer in this field, UCSD has now received funds to create a dedicated facility to this advancing research and clinical development.
Koala Gets Dexcom’s Smart Device to Manage Type 1 Diabetes
Quincy, “the diabetic koala,” needed to have his skin pricked several times a day to test his blood glucose levels and manage his type 1 diabetes. Now, he has received a smart device, called Dexcom’s G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels is a major concern, and this system will not only alarm when levels are dangerously high or low, but also help manage optimal insulin dosing. Now he can be bothered less and enjoy the naps and solitary koala life that he prefers.
Read + Listen
POW! Podcast of the Week
More koalas! The Koala Mystery explores why koalas survive in one part of Australia, but are going extinct in another.
Events
It’s Happening Here
June 28
BVS La Jolla Biotech Event: Women Breaking Boundaries of Sci will take place Thursday, June 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
July 11
The California Life Sciences Association (CLSA) is holding CLSA’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration and San Diego Open House on Wednesday, July 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Client disclosure: Calibr/Scripps Research
