Grail is on a quest to detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms, via a single, simple blood test. The test looks at cell-free plasma to find fragments of so-called circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) sloughed off by cancer cells. Detecting cancer sooner ? before symptoms ? means you can intervene earlier and people are less likely to die. http://www.inkl.com/newsletters/morning-edition/news/could-we-soon-be-able-to-detect-cancer-in-10-minutes?
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Centre have published their work on NLRP3 - an intracellular complex found to participate in melanoma-mediated inflammation leading to tumour growth and progression. The researchers found that by inhibiting this complex, they can reduce inflammation and tumour growth. The studies have so far used an oral NLRP3 inhibitor (Dapansutrile) which has shown to be effective in treating gout and heart disease. It is currently being tested in COVID-19. | https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-04-drug-tumors.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter
Two Australian groups - Microba Life Sciences and The University of Queensland - have joined forced to develop new treatments and biomarkers for Parkinson's disease by investigating changes in the gut bacteria of those with the disease. Current treatments only help to manage symptoms of the disease, but do not slow or stop the progression. Dr Richard Gordon will lead his team at UQ to understand underlying causes and mechanisms linked to the progression of the disease and Microba will sequence stool samples. | https://microba.com/announcements/microba-partners-with-uq-researchers-to-tackle-parkinsons-disease-by-mining-the-gut-microbiome/
Fujifilm has invested $2 billion to build the largest cell culture biopharma CDMO facility in the United States and create 725 jobs. Holly Springs, North Carolina has been chosen as the site and the facility will be designed and built with sustainability as its core. It will offer large-scale cell culture manufacturing of bulk drug substance production with 8 x 20,000L bioreactors with the potential to add a further 24 x 20,000L bioreactors based on market demand. The facility will also provide commercial scale, automated fill-finish and assembly, packaging, and labelling services. | https://www.biospectrumasia.com/news/89/17799/fujifilm-invests-2-b-to-build-largest-cell-cu
