Reports + Research
Eight Biopharma Trends for 2020
Looking into the next year, GEN identifies eight likeliest drivers for the biopharma industry in 2020. From a potentially disease-modifying Alzheimer’s drug to breakthrough applications of gene therapy and genome editing combined with one of the longest periods of a bull market, the industry is ripe with innovation—and acquisitions. But we can expect the presidential election and the ongoing debate on drug pricing to cast some headwinds of uncertainty next year. The industry has made a steady climb since the 2008 recession, so some are also concerned about when the eventual downturn will come. From a panel discussion at last month’s MIT CFO Sloan Summit, we must remember, green doesn’t mean go, it means look and plan the way forward for bad times, when the times are good.
Salk Researchers Uncover Mitochondria Mechanism for Chemotherapy Resistance
New research published in Nature Metabolism from the Salk Institute assign a watchkeeper role to mitochondria, which are well known as the energy powerhouses of the cell and also have their own internal DNA (mtDNA). In response to DNA-damaging stress or chemicals, such as chemotherapy, mitochondria release their damaged mtDNA into the cell’s interior, and the cell responds by activating interferon-stimulated genes. These genes are turned on when a cell responds to a virus and in cancer cells that have become resistant to certain chemotherapies. This research could inform new cancer treatments that prevent chemotherapy resistance.
Aspen Neuroscience Raises $6.5 Million for Personalized Parkinson’s Disease Cell Therapy
Cofounded by stem cell pioneer Jeanne Loring, Aspen Neuroscience has raised $6.5 million to advance a personalized cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease derived from patient’s skin cells, using induced pluripotent stem cell technology (iPSC). The new seed funding round was led by Domain Associates and Axon Ventures, with additional participation from Alexandria Venture Investments, Arch Venture Partners, OrbiMed and Section 32. The funding will support IND-enabling studies of their lead product candidate for sporadic Parkinson’s disease as well as research for a gene-edited autologous therapy for a familial form of the disease.
Read + Listen
POW: Podcast of the Week
As we wrap up the year and look to the next one, many vow to make changes in January and lose the thread by February 1. While this podcast says it’s not too late to make your New Year’s Resolution, I think it’s never too early to start planning for success. Here’s a bit of inspiration (and science) about how to make a resolution and stick with it.
It’s Happening Here
January 9:
Meet the HBA: Networking and Introduction to Mentoring Program on Thursday, January 9, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Takeda San Diego.
January 11-15:
The largest ag-genomics meeting in the world, Plant and Animal Genome XXVIII (PAGXXVIII), will take place at Town and Country San Diego, January 11-15.
January 20-25:
The 19th Annual PepTalk at The Protein Science Week will take place January 20-25 in downtown San Diego.
Tags: Biotech, Biotech Briefing, Life Sciences, Medical Research
