Each week we highlight five things affecting the life sciences industry. Here’s the latest.
New antibody discovery software unveiled
- Dotmatics, a research and development software provider, is launching a platform for therapeutic antibody discovery that integrates sequence visualization, antibody screening and annotation, with plans to expand into a multimodal suite covering CRISPR, CAR-T therapies and vaccines, Fierce Pharma reports.
- The platform streamlines antibody discovery, focused primarily on monoclonal and multi-specific antibodies. The company has planned future expansion to support other fields like material chemistry and agriculture.
Leading obesity drug linked to reduced Alzheimer’s risk
- According to BioSpace, a study of medical records from 1 million patients found that a leading semaglutide drug is linked to a 40% to 70% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s diagnosis, suggesting potential benefits beyond diabetes treatment.
- While the findings indicate possible neuroprotective effects, further research and trials are needed to confirm the drug’s role in preventing cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases.
FDA announces recall of major antidepressant
- Over 7,000 bottles of duloxetine, the generic version of Cymbalta, were recalled due to the presence of a toxic chemical, N-nitroso-duloxetine, which is linked to cancer risks. The Food and Drug Administration classified the recall as Class II, meaning the drug may cause temporary or reversible health issues, per CBS News.
- Patients are advised not to abruptly stop taking duloxetine and to consult their health care providers. The FDA is investigating the source of the contamination, and Towa Pharmaceutical is cooperating with the agency’s recommendations.
Tarver named director of FDA device center
- Michelle Tarver has been appointed as the permanent director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, succeeding Jeff Shuren, who stepped down earlier this year.
- Tarver, an ophthalmologist and epidemiologist, has emphasized the importance of patient engagement and collaboration within the health care ecosystem, reports MedTech Dive.
UK government targets medtech waste with circular economy plan
- The UK government has announced a plan to transition away from single-use medtech products towards a circular system that emphasizes reuse, remanufacture and recycling, reports HT World.
- The roadmap aims to achieve this transition by 2045, with 30 actions outlined to boost UK growth, improve National Health Service resilience, and reduce waste and emissions.
For more insights in life sciences, check out RSM’s industry outlook.
