PD-1+ T cells trigger pulmonary fibrosis

A team of researchers from the US and the UK have found that CD4-positive T cells harboring the PD-1 immune checkpoint protein can promote excessive connective tissue formation in lung cells. 

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CRISPR-gene drive safely kills mosquitos

A new gene drive can cause the complete collapse of caged malaria-carrying mosquito populations, researchers from Imperial College report in Nature Biotechnology. 

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CHMP with new Chair – 13 meds recommended

The CHMP elected Harald Enzmann as its new Chair on Friday, and recommended thirteen medicines for approval, three thereof orphan medicines.

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European biotech companies enter IPO prep course

European stock exchange operator Euronext kicked off its fourth annual capital markets training programme for non-listed companies – this time also including companies from Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland.

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Novo Nordisk reveals details about its R&D transformation

Novo Nordisk A/S (NOVOB:DC) said it plans to restructure its entire Research & Development (R&D) organization. Consequently, the company will lay off 400 employees from R&D roles in Denmark and China.

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Pharming receives complete response letter from FDA

The FDA has requested additional clincal data demonstrating that Pharming Group’s recombinant C1 esterase blocker Ruconest can prevent hereditary angioedema attacks (HAE).

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CRISPR Therapeutics and Viacyte launch diabetes partnership

CRISPR Therapeutics AG announced a development partnership with ViaCyte Inc to develop genome-edited pancreatic islet cells, which do not require immunosuppression, to treat diabetes.

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Sanofi preparing label extension for dupilumab

Positive Phase 3 results with Sanofi/Regeneron’s IL4/IL-13-targeting antibody dupilumab (Dupixent) in adolescents with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis will form the basis of a regulatory submission in this new patient population, according to announcements of Sanofi.

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Calcium does not contribute to heart failure

Slowing the leak of Calcium leak into cardiomyocytes does not improve the pumping malfunction in heart failure, German cardiologists report in Science Translational Medicine.

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Boehringer Ingelheim bags ViraT in €210m deal

EMBL Ventures has announced that its portfolio company ViraTherapeutics is set to be acquired by Boehringer Ingelheim in a €210m million (US$245m) transaction.

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