Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
3D bioprinting: New era in regenerative medicine
- Recent advancements in 3D bioprinting, including the development of functional human brain tissue and replacement tissue for treating injured cartilage, signal a significant turning point in regenerative medicine, as reported by Med-Tech News.
- These innovations, highlighted by a rise in related patents and strategic industry partnerships, promise to revolutionize personalized medicine by enabling the biofabrication of living tissues and organs, potentially reducing transplant waitlists and enhancing implant compatibility.
FDA expands recall alert for Nurse Assist’s saline and sterile water
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has broadened its alert on the recall of saline and sterile water products by Nurse Assist, citing sterility concerns that could impact patient safety, reports Fierce Biotech.
- Initiated after routine testing revealed potential sterility issues, the recall now encompasses nearly 80 products distributed in the United States and Canada, with investigations into reports of adverse events underway.
Bristol Myers Squibb’s expanding R&D footprint in India
- Bristol Myers Squibb plans to expand its research and development presence in India, with its $100 million Hyderabad facility set to become its largest unit outside the U.S., employing more than 1,500 staff and leveraging digital and artificial intelligence technologies for drug development, reports Business Standard.
- The company is conducting 17 clinical trials in India for new therapies in cancer, blood disorders, and heart diseases, and is developing next-generation treatments for autoimmune diseases, with a focus on broader availability and AI-accelerated development.
Viking Therapeutics’ breakthrough in obesity treatment
- Reuters reports that Viking Therapeutics’ experimental weight-loss drug, VK2735, showed promising results in a mid-stage study, with patients losing nearly 15% of their body weight, potentially positioning the drug as a major player in the $100 billion obesity treatment market.
- The drug’s success not only signifies a potential competitive threat to existing treatments but also highlights the growing interest in GLP-1 agonist treatments for obesity and diabetes.
Charles River Labs and Wheeler Bio partnership
- Charles River Labs has partnered with Wheeler Bio to integrate Wheeler’s advanced portable chemistry, manufacturing and controls platform into its antibody development process, enhancing efficiency for biotech clients from preclinical to clinical stages.
- Per Fierce BioTech, this collaboration aims to provide early-stage biotechs with a streamlined system for drug development, leveraging open-source technology for customizable milestones and budgeting.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
