BioSwift Talent

Novartis pays China's Baiyu $70M upfront, with $1.1B chaser, for small molecule cancer candidate 💰🎗️ Novartis is paying Chengdu Baiyu Pharmaceutical $70 million for global rights to a small molecule cancer candidate, with $1.1 billion in milestone payments. Baiyu, known for its work on Ginkgo biloba, has developed a pipeline targeting DNA-dependent protein kinases (DNA-PK) and PARP7 for solid tumors. Details about the specific target and development stage of the candidate remain unclear. Baiyu is also conducting early-phase trials for its DNA-PK candidate and a PARP7 inhibitor. It’s impressive to see Novartis investing heavily in Baiyu’s work; it really highlights the potential of combining traditional plant research with modern cancer therapies! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Molecular chaperones as key players in tumor suppressor stability 🧬🔑 A review in Oncotarget discusses how molecular chaperones, like Hsp70 and Hsp90, stabilize tumor suppressor proteins. Disruption of this chaperoning process can lead to cancer, highlighting the importance of these chaperones in preventing tumorigenesis. It’s amazing to think that the stability of tumor suppressors, and ultimately cancer prevention, relies so much on these molecular chaperones! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

I spoke with a med device Ops Manager who was paid 40% more than average. When I asked how he managed that, he mentioned a few things, but one thing stood out. He mentioned the obvious thing: To stay above his targets as much as possible and consistently. He consistently ensured the operation was meeting its efficiency and time targets. The above was obvious, but one thing he said that was different to other high-performing candidates is: "If I have consistently high performance, I ask for pay raises consistently, too." Obviously, not every week, but on an annual basis, he has a conversation with his upper management, and because he was smashing his targets, they would do anything to keep him. To meet your targets is obviously easier said than done. The first step is to ensure you are in an environment where the targets are realistic. Then hustle to meet those targets. Then all is left to do is to ask CONSISTENTLY! Don't settle for what is offered, always push for what you are worth. I hope this gives hope to anyone who feels stuck in a salary rut!

Goodbye Wave: Takeda axes Huntington’s pact, freeing partner to pursue fresh pact 👋🌊 Takeda has ended its collaboration with Wave Life Sciences, withdrawing from the last remaining project after investing $260 million over six years. This decision leaves Wave with its Huntington’s disease program, WVE-003, which has attracted interest from other drug developers. In June, Wave reported promising phase 1b/2a data showing that 28 weeks of treatment with WVE-003 significantly reduced mutant huntingtin levels while preserving the healthy protein. Despite the setback, Wave remains optimistic, noting potential interest from new partners and exploring options for accelerated approval with regulators. It's tough to see a major partnership dissolve, but it sounds like Wave could be on the brink of some exciting new opportunities! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Induced resistance as a path to sustainable food security 🌱 As the climate crisis changes growing conditions, protecting against famines is crucial. Our food system relies heavily on pesticides, but pests are evolving resistance, and pesticides harm biodiversity and contribute to carbon emissions. Induced resistance, which strengthens plants' immune systems to fight pests, offers a sustainable alternative. Similar to a plant "vaccination," this method helps plants respond better to future stress, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and supporting resilient, sustainable agriculture. It's amazing how nature itself might hold the key to solving some of our biggest agricultural challenges, and using plants' own defenses just feels like such a smart, sustainable approach. Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

OCEAN BIOMEDICAL signs $32M pact with Polish biotech for preclinical YKL-40 inhibitors 💰 Ocean Biomedical has signed a $32 million deal with Polish biotech Molecure for exclusive rights to develop and commercialize preclinical YKL-40 inhibitors, including the lead asset OAT-3912, which shows potential against cancers and inflammatory diseases. Ocean Biomedical paid $600,000 upfront in cash and stock, with additional milestone payments bringing the deal's total value to $32 million, excluding royalties. It’s exciting to see early-stage deals like this, especially with the potential for new treatments in cancer and inflammatory diseases—really promising stuff! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Good news for those suffering from spinal injuries! 👏 ONWARD Medical has signed a deal to develop its Brain-Computer Interface even further! 🧠 Onward Medical signed a deal with CEA-Clinatec, which is centered on the WImagine BCI device, part of Onward's investigational ARC-BCI system, aimed at restoring lower limb mobility in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Brain-computer interfaces have the potential to set free people who are trapped by paralysis caused by spinal injury. They work by translating brain signals into movements. Companies like ONWARD are paving the way for a world where paralysis is a thing of the past. Keep up the great work Dave Marver (CEO), Vincent Delattre (co-founder), & the rest of the dedicated team. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eaWcgaFv

Genomic findings shed light on ancient Japanese population origins 🧬🔍 A research team from the University of Tokyo, led by Jonghyun Kim and Jun Ohashi, analyzed the genome of a Yayoi individual and found that most immigration to Japan during the Yayoi and Kofun periods (3000 BCE–538 CE) came from the Korean Peninsula. Their study, published in the Journal of Human Genetics, reveals new insights into the immigration patterns that shaped modern Japanese ancestry, which has long been understood to have dual origins. The research highlights the influence of Korean populations on Japan's early history. It's fascinating how much genetic research can reveal about the movement of ancient populations and how connected our histories really are! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

A novel approach to understanding protein compartmentalization 🧬🔬 Researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) applied concepts from condensed matter physics to model protein compartmentalization in cells. They proposed a cellular Griffiths-like phase, drawing parallels to the magnetic Griffiths phase. This approach, inspired by classical mixture theory, explains how substances coexist and interact in systems, such as in supercooled water or metal-insulator transitions. The study, led by Professor Mariano de Souza and PhD candidate Lucas Squillante, was published in Heliyon. It’s fascinating how they’ve applied physics concepts to something as complex as protein behavior in cells, really shows how interconnected different fields of science can be! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐

Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. cell therapy improves cardiac and upper limb function in phase 2 Duchenne muscular dystrophy victory lap 🏆💉 Capricor Therapeutics reported positive three-year results from its phase 2 trial of deramiocel, showing improved heart function and upper limb use in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. These sustained benefits will support the company's biologics license application to the FDA for treating DMD cardiomyopathy. Capricor has already begun a rolling submission for full approval, aiming to complete it by year-end. It's exciting to see such promising long-term results from Capricor's therapy—really gives hope to those battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy! Link in the comments for the full story. 🌐