The next big thing in life sci: Personalized Vaccines
Vaccines based on individual genetic profiles represent the newest frontier in immunization (800 words, 4 minutes)
The emergence of personalized vaccines represents a game-changer for the pharmaceutical industry, according to an article in the journal Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy.
This approach, tailored to individual genetic profiles, enhances vaccine efficacy and addresses the inherent variability in immune responses. Molecular Therapy notes that R&D initiatives are underway to unlock the potential of personalized vaccines. There are collaborations between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to integrate these advancements into mainstream immunization strategies.
According to Time magazine, Moderna is at the forefront of mRNA vaccine technology, showing its potential by creating personalized cancer vaccines. A study in Frontiers in Immunology finds that personalized Ca vaccines harness the body’s immune response to target specific cancer cells, illustrating how personalized vaccines work.
Here in Canada, Vancouver-based biotechnology firm AbCellera is developing human antibodies using AI and high-capacity screening technologies. This has enabled the rapid identification of antibodies and antigens and is setting the stage for personalized vaccine discoveries. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News reports AbCellera partnered with Moderna to develop messenger RNA (mRNA)-encoded antibodies to create more advanced Covid-19 vaccines.
Another example of the convergence of biotech and immunology is CRISPR Therapeutics, a company that develops gene-editing technologies for personalized immunotherapies. According to their website, their work in engineering T cells to target specific cancer antigens represents a significant application of personalized vaccine principles.
Regarding infectious diseases, the publication BioEssays notes that the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated how rapidly a vaccine could be developed. Pfizer and BioNTech collaborated to create an mRNA vaccine that specifically targeted the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. McKinsey & Company writes that the rapid development of this vaccine might mark a shift in vaccine development, showcasing the adaptability of personalized approaches to address emerging health challenges.
Additional sources:
https://www.cancertreatmentreviews.com/article/S0305-7372(22)00047-0/fulltext
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Insight-into-Personalized-Vaccines.aspx
THIS WEEK 11/21/23
The U.S. FDA approved AstraZeneca’s capivasertib (Truqap) in combination with fulvestrant (Faslodex) for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more biomarker alterations.
Health Canada okayed a new indication for GSK’s injectable dostarlimab (Jemperli) in combo with carboplatin and paclitaxel for Tx of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) endometrial Ca who are candidates for systemic therapy.
The U.S. FDA approved Bristol-Myers Squibb’s repotrectinib (Augtyro) for treating locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer in adults.
Valneva SE, a specialty vaccine company, announced the U.S. FDA has approved Ixchiq, Valneva’s single-dose, live-attenuated vaccine indicated for the prevention of disease caused by chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in adults who are at increased risk of exposure to CHIKV.
LISTEN UP
In season 11 of the NPC Podcast, Jennifer Wellman, Senior Marketing Manager of Emergent Biosolutions, gives insights into going from biochemistry to business and marketing, the benefits of cross-training, and balancing volunteer commitments with career. Hear her in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Myka Osinchuk
Managing Director
Western Management Consultants
Calgary
Season 04, episode 03
Listen to this episode here
What has the Covid-19 pandemic done to your consulting business? What has changed? (This episode was recorded in May 2021.)
From all of the discussions I’ve had with colleagues in this business, the pandemic has created a great opportunity because most organizations are realizing that what got us here isn’t going to get us there. It’s the opportunity to have that cold, third set of eyes to look at your situation and help you define different ways of doing business, whether it’s your operating model, resourcing or overall strategy. Companies are taking the opportunity to think, “Do we need to make some significant changes?” and having that outside expertise is a real opportunity. I’ve found in my practice that I’m busier than ever, and I suspect, as we climb out of this pandemic, we’re not going back to business as usual. We’re going to see that companies that are successful are looking to change, and that’s a great opportunity.
Happening tomorrow: It’s the 17th Annual National Pharmaceutical Congress on Wednesday, November 22, 2023
The 17th Annual National Pharmaceutical Congress will be held on November 22, 2023, at the Mississauga Convention Centre. As Canada’s most significant stage for leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, the Congress presents industry reflections, ideas, and innovations. The Congress is attended by more than 200 delegates annually and is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and network with the industry’s most prominent thought leaders and visionaries. Register now and save 50% off the regular registration fee as a reader of NPC Healthbiz Weekly.
NEXT WEEK
It’s easy to get your no-charge subscription to NPC Healthbiz Weekly, and we’ll send each issue to your phone or inbox each Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. sharp.
You are receiving this newsletter because you are a client of Chronicle Companies, attended a National Pharmaceutical Congress live event or webinar, or previously requested a subscription to one of our newsletters. If you no longer wish to subscribe to this newsletter, please email the subject line “Unsubscribe NPC Healthbiz” to health@chronicle.org.
NPC Healthbiz Weekly is published by Chronicle Companies, 701 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14203. Canadian Office: 1460 The Queensway, Suite 212, Etobicoke, Ont. M8Z 1S4
Mitchell Shannon, Publisher; R. Allan Ryan, Editorial Director; John Evans, Sydney John-Baptiste, Joyce Pitters-Hands, Jeremy Visser, Editors; Cristela Tello Ruiz, New Business Development; Amy Elder, Intern
Content is copyright (c) 2023, Chronicle LifeSci America Corp., except as indicated. Are you interested in contributing to this newsletter or learning about Chronicle’s services? Please write to us at health@chronicle.org.
Thanks for reading NPC Healthbiz Weekly. Be sure to subscribe to receive new posts directly to your inbox.