Science News
Discover the news and inspiring materials from the world of biotechnology.
Huge spike in the use of GLP-1 analogs amid severe shortages
The use of GLP-1 analogs is growing rapidly, with increasing share of users having no diabetes. The annual rate of prescriptions in the US surged from 0.22% between 2011 and 2014 to 2.11% in between 2019 and 2023. This growth is mostly attributed to the recent approval of two GLP-1 analogs, semaglutide and liraglutide, for weight management in obese and overweight patients. The climbing demand for these drugs driven by expanded indications and increasing off-label use for cosmetic weight loss, led to insurmountable shortages on the market.
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Recombinant drug coagulation factor with extended half-life prevents bleeding in children with severe hemophilia A
A genetically engineered factor VIII concentrate with an extended half-life, almost completely prevented spontaneous bleeding among children suffering from hemophilia A. Unlike older FVIII preparations that require infusions every 2 or 3 days, the new drug can be administered once per week.
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Antibody-drug conjugate continue their victory march
The victory march of antibody-drug conjugates continues unabated. In two recent trials, benlatamab mafodotin was found to delay the progression of pre-treated or relapsed multiple myeloma outperforming the standard therapy.
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COVID-19 vaccine for 2024/25 season will target JN.1 variant
WHO and EMA published a recommendation to update the composition of COVID-19 vaccines for 2024/25 season to JN.1 variant. In recent months JN.1 has become the most widely circulating variant worldwide. It differs from the XBB variant included in the current season vaccines, causing substantial fall in their effectiveness.
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First-in-class IL-15 superagonist wins FDA approval
The first-ever superagonist of interleukin-15 (IL-15), with a highly unique structure, has just received FDA approval in the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Next step to revise pharmaceutical legislation made by EU parliament
European Parliament adopted a comprehensive pharmaceutical reform package to address drug pricing, accessibility, and safety concerns across the EU. Reform measures include enhancing price transparency, strengthening pharmacovigilance efforts, and streamlining regulatory processes to ensure patient access to safe and affordable medications.
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A biologic drug for diabetes effective in early Parkinson’s disease
Lixisenatide, a popular biologic for type 2 diabetes, was found to delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease in a Phase II clinical trial. However, larger studies are needed to confirm this finding and secure regulatory approval.
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First denosumab biosimilar approved by FDA
Sandoz has just won the race for the first FDA-approved biosimilar to denosumab. Approval spans all indications of the reference product.
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New RSV vaccines linked to rare neurological disorder
Preliminary data from the post-licensure studies of novel RSV vaccines point to an increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a serious neurological disorder. However, their vast benefits continue to outweigh the small risks.
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