As we approach the first virtual ASCO meeting in the final week of May, we bring news of continued momentum in the area of oncology drug development. Whilst many trials have experienced disruption due to the COVID-19 crisis, regulatory bodies have remained focused on trying to prioritize oncology and complex diseases, with approvals this week granted in NSCLC and priority review designation to several therapies in development for cancer indications. We also bring you the latest in malaria epidemiology, understanding Alzheimer’s, cell therapy in MS, a novel method for monitoring autoimmune disorders, and the mapping of a key protein that the coronavirus uses to invade human cells, which may contribute to development of a vaccine.
FDA Grants Priority Review to Cancer Therapies
The FDA granted priority review designation to several therapies in development for the treatment of cancer. Indications include metastatic solid tumors, large B-cell lymphoma, and NSCLC - where, despite advances, there remains an unmet need for additional innovative treatment options for patients.
Researchers Map Structure of Coronavirus "Spike" Protein
Researchers worldwide are racing to develop potential vaccines and drugs to fight the new coronavirus, called SARS-Cov-2. Now, a group of researchers has figured out the molecular structure of a key protein that the coronavirus uses to invade human cells, potentially opening the door to the development of a vaccine, according to new findings.
What's New in Malaria Epidemiology?
To reduce malaria burden on a global scale, concerted global efforts will require enhanced surveillance of endemic transmission and imported malaria cases, mosquito vector populations, climate change, and human mobility, coupled with innovative prevention and control strategies.
Cell Therapy Repairs MS Damage & Restores Motor Functions in Mice
A team of researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) is developing a method for regenerating myelin with progenitor glial cells. When they transplanted the cells into mouse models of MS, the cells transformed into new oligodendrocytes and restored myelin.
FDA Approves Tecentriq as Initial Treatment for Advanced NSCLC
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tecentriq (atezolizumab) as an initial treatment of people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors produce high levels of the PD-L1 protein but have no alterations in the EGFR or ALK genes.
