Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI)’s Post

We are excited to announce that Codomax has been awarded a third Phase I STTR grant from the NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Our project, Designer Pichia Strains that Enable Difficult-to-Express Biologics Production by Addressing Limitations in Secretory Protein Expression, is a collaboration between Codomax (led by PI Dr. Shane Byrne) and The Johns Hopkins University (led by PI Prof. Stephen Fried). The Fried lab has developed mass spectrometry-based structural proteomics methods to characterize protein folding of secreted and intracellular proteins. Together Codomax and the Fried Lab will combine their respective strengths in omics, tRNA biology, Pichia strain engineering, and structural proteomics to engineer Pichia strains that improve assembly and folding of recombinant proteins. Efforts to increase biomanufacturing efficiency have largely focused on translational optimization to increase protein yields. However, some protein remain difficult-to-express not only due to challenges in mRNA translation, but also due to impaired polypeptide assembly and transport through the secretory pathway. While Pichia pastoris yeast remains a popular and effective biomanufacturing host organism, further strain improvements are needed to enable high-yielding production of difficult-to-express products. Here, we leverage the Epi-MAX platform's tRNA-centric strain engineering approach to engineer secretory pathway chaperones in Pichia to enable high yielding production of difficult-to-express biologics. These new Pichia strains will be engineered to leverage cellular stress response mechanisms and translational reprogramming to increase production efficiency of properly folded and efficiently translated secreted proteins. More information available at: https://lnkd.in/ePSxJVCi

Function Therapeutics receives SBIR award to study acute kidney injury (AKI) The grant, valued at up to $413,908, is titled “Inhibitors of Thromboinflammation for Acute Kidney Injury”. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as a >50% increase in serum creatinine within 7 days and/or reduced urine output. It is associated with extended hospitalization, significantly increased risks of mortality, and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. It affects thousands of patients worldwide, especially those undergoing cardiac surgery, chemotherapy, transplant, or recovering from systemic infection (e.g., COVID-19). There are presently no FDA-approved drugs specifically to prevent or treat AKIs. This project will support the discovery of anti-inflammatory molecules of the parmodulin class at Function Therapeutics, and their testing in a rodent model of acute kidney injury (AKI). This is the 4th competitive research grant won by Function Therapeutics since it started operations in 2022. #parmodulin #acutekidneyinjury #AKI #kidneydisease #inflammation

Interesting that they can get significant conclusions from this meta-analysis.

Today, The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM Group) published data from the Phase 2b FRONTIER 1 trial evaluating JNJ-2113, the first targeted oral peptide designed to selectively block IL23R, in adults living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PsO). The publication is accessible at nejm.org.    Based on the robust efficacy observed in moderate to severe PsO described in the NEJM publication, JNJ-2113 is currently being evaluated in multiple Phase 3 psoriasis studies in the ICONIC program. In addition, the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study of JNJ-2113 in ulcerative colitis is currently in progress. Read more in our press release: #psoriasis | #ulcerativecolitis | #peptides

Good summary of an important article! https://lnkd.in/e9kvNR5X https://lnkd.in/erxBfqGN

Restoring Vision Loss At CJCRM, we use a multifaceted approach to develop a treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), addressing both cell replacement and the challenging environment within a dry AMD eye. We are guiding stem cells to differentiate into the precise cell types essential for transplantation into the eye. This innovative approach holds promise for replenishing the damaged cells and tissues, and laying the foundation for vision restoration. Recognizing the hostile conditions within a dry AMD eye, we are developing novel protective compounds to shield the newly transplanted cells in the retina from the adverse effects of the diseased environment. Our commitment is not only to introduce new cells but to create an optimal environment for their integration and longevity. In 2023, the US FDA approved the world's first drugs targeting dry AMD. Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol) offer hope by slowing down the progression of dry AMD. However, the challenge remains: there is still no treatment capable of halting or reversing the existing damage and restoring vision for those affected. #dryAMD #visionscience #regenerativemedicine #stemcells https://brnw.ch/21wIrPu

Very interesting reading, reflecting on current insights in the US on this subject https://lnkd.in/d6gJeZUU

Some exciting developments in this new release - register for the webinar to learn more!

Going through the Open Peer review process with this paper at F1000 10.12688/f1000research.148093.1

How to do multiplex KO and KI simultaneously, in a clean and efficient way ? Use the the Pin-point™ Base Editing platform as described here. https://lnkd.in/exFeb-tV