All articles tagged with #clinical trials
MimiVax's experimental cancer vaccine SurVaxM failed to meet its primary endpoint in a Phase 2b trial for glioblastoma, showing a median overall survival of 22.8 months versus 20.3 months for placebo. However, the drug demonstrated statistically significant survival benefits in patients aged 65 and under, prompting the company to seek FDA approval.
MimiVax reported that its experimental vaccine SurVaxM failed to meet the primary endpoint in a phase 2 trial for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. While overall survival did not significantly improve across the full study group, data for patients aged 65 and younger showed a meaningful survival benefit, leading the company to pursue FDA approval.
New research highlights exercise as a cost-effective tool to improve cancer outcomes and cognitive health, yet access remains limited by insurance gaps and socioeconomic barriers.
Genmab’s rinatabart sesutecan (Rina-S) demonstrated a median progression-free survival of 9.5 months in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, significantly outperforming AbbVie’s Elahere at 5.6 months. While the objective response rate was 45.9%, analysts highlighted superior safety profiles, including no ocular toxicity, and potential for $2 billion in sales.
Recent mixed results in cancer vaccine trials have forced the biotech industry to reassess the scope of mRNA-based therapies. While a late-stage melanoma trial showed promise, other programs have failed or been halted, raising questions about which cancers can effectively be targeted by this technology.
A major meta-analysis in The Lancet suggests that while statins cause minor increases in muscle pain, liver enzyme changes, and diabetes risk, they do not significantly cause memory loss, depression, or sleep issues. Most reported muscle complaints are not actually caused by the drug, yet poor adherence remains a critical issue.
An early-stage clinical trial has demonstrated that individuals with Type 1 diabetes can discontinue insulin therapy after receiving an experimental medication designed to prevent organ transplant rejection. The treatment aims to restore natural insulin production by suppressing the immune system's attack on pancreatic beta cells, offering a potential functional cure rather than just management. While experts express cautious optimism regarding the initial results, they emphasize that further research is required to confirm long-term safety and efficacy before widespread adoption.
A new review in Biological Psychiatry suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may help reduce heavy drinking days and overall alcohol intake for some individuals. However, the evidence is inconsistent regarding whether these drugs effectively reduce alcohol cravings. While clinical trials show promising results for reducing consumption, particularly in people with obesity, the data does not yet confirm a direct link to reduced cravings or establish the drugs as a standard treatment for alcohol use disorder.
Foghorn Therapeutics is terminating its collaboration with Eli Lilly and cutting 40% of its workforce after the lead candidate, FHD-909, failed to show sufficient efficacy in Phase 1 trials. The company will pivot to its proprietary pipeline, including EP300 and CBP degraders, while retaining $167.6 million in cash to fund operations through late 2029.
The Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) has launched a $20 billion, 10-year federal roadmap to address the 'diagnostic odyssey' women face due to historical underfunding. While women live longer, they spend more time sick, largely because only 5 cents of every global research dollar targets women's health. The plan aims to fund research, clinician training, and data collection to close gender and racial health disparities. This push coincides with a special issue from the journal Science and a WHO report urging a broader definition of women's health beyond reproductive care.
Emily, a mother from Sevenoaks, is campaigning for greater public awareness of childhood dementia after her two-year-old daughter, Leni, was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome. The rare genetic disorder causes severe cognitive and motor decline, typically beginning around age three. While no cure exists, Emily hopes Leni can participate in a clinical trial later this year. The MPS Society emphasizes that broader recognition could improve diagnosis speeds, support access, and research funding. The Department of Health and Social Care stated it is working to accelerate diagnoses and improve understanding of neurodegenerative conditions.
A new study in Nature finds that consuming sugar-rich foods while taking antibiotics worsens gut microbiome disruption. Researchers tracked 9,419 meals from 173 patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation, finding that sugar intake during antibiotic exposure led to lower microbial diversity and increased growth of the pathobiont Enterococcus. Mouse experiments confirmed that sucrose supplementation prolonged this bacterial expansion. The findings suggest that avoiding simple sugars during antibiotic treatment could help mitigate microbiota damage and improve recovery.
Eli Lilly reported that its experimental combination of the amylin-targeting drug eloralintide and its existing GLP-1/GIP drug tirzepatide produced superior weight loss in a mid-stage trial. Patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes lost up to 23.3% of their body weight over 48 weeks, outperforming tirzepatide alone. While the results are promising, higher discontinuation rates due to side effects raised questions about tolerability. Lilly plans to advance the therapy to Phase 3 trials by the end of 2026.
Scientists are increasingly viewing aging as a treatable biological process rather than an inevitable stage of life, aiming to extend 'health span' by intervening before age-related diseases emerge. While animal studies show promise, human clinical trials remain in early stages due to the complexity of measuring outcomes over decades. Investment in longevity biotech has surged, yet experts warn that the science is outpacing regulatory frameworks and proven efficacy, with basic lifestyle factors remaining the only validated method for healthy aging.
A Phase 1 trial of CTX310, a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy, demonstrated that a single infusion can reduce LDL cholesterol by 52.5% and triglycerides by 47.8% for at least one year. The treatment targets the ANGPTL3 gene in the liver, offering a potential permanent alternative to daily medications for patients with resistant lipid disorders. While early results are promising, larger trials are needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.