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Krystal Biotech Receives Positive Opinion from EMA Pediatric Committee on the Pediatric Investigation Plan for B-VEC for the treatment of Dystrophic…

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:54 am

Company on track to submit European marketing application in Q4 2022

No additional studies required

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Krystal Biotech, Inc. (the Company) (NASDAQ: KRYS), the leader in redosable gene therapy, announced today that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Pediatric Committee (PDCO) has adopted a positive opinion on the Pediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) for beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC) for the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

As part of the regulatory process for the registration of new medicines inEurope, the EMA requires companies to provide a PIP outlining their strategy for investigation of the new medicinal product in the pediatric population. An approved PIP is a prerequisite for filing a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA). The positive opinion is based on the B-VEC non-clinical safety program as well as data from the clinical studies conducted in the US that will be included in the upcoming MAA.

The approval of the PIP provides a clear path forward, and we look forward to working with the EMA and PDCO to bring this important treatment to the European market as soon as possible, said Suma Krishnan, President, Research & Development.

Based on this positive opinion, the Company would be eligible for up to an additional two years of marketing exclusivity in the EU, on top of the ten-year EU market exclusivity after market approval in the EU.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and EMA have each granted B-VEC orphan drug designation for the treatment of DEB. The FDA has granted B-VEC fast track designation, Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and rare pediatric disease designation for the treatment of DEB. B-VEC is eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) following approval of B-VEC in the US. The EMA granted PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) eligibility for B-VEC to treat DEB.

About Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB)DEB is a rare and severe disease that affects the skin and mucosal tissues. It is caused by one or more mutations in a gene calledCOL7A1, which is responsible for the production of the protein type VII collagen (COL7) that forms anchoring fibrils that bind the dermis (inner layer of the skin) to the epidermis (outer layer of the skin). The lack of functional anchoring fibrils in DEB patients leads to extremely fragile skin that blisters and tears from minor friction or trauma. DEB patients suffer from open wounds, which leads to skin infections, fibrosis which can cause fusion of fingers and toes, and ultimately an increased risk of developing an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma which, in severe cases, can be fatal.

About B-VECB-VEC is an investigational non-invasive, topical, redosable gene therapy designed to deliver two copies of theCOL7A1gene when applied directly to DEB wounds. B-VEC was designed to treat DEB at the molecular level by providing the patients skin cells the template to make normal COL7 protein, thereby addressing the fundamental disease-causing mechanism.

AboutKrystal Biotech, Inc.Krystal Biotech, Inc.(NASDAQ: KRYS) is a pivotal-stage gene therapy company leveraging its proprietary, redosable gene therapy platform and in-house manufacturing capabilities to develop life-changing medicines for patients with serious diseases, including rare diseases in skin, lung, and other areas. For more information please visithttp://www.krystalbio.com, and follow @KrystalBiotech onLinkedInandTwitter.

Forward-Looking StatementsAny statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company including statements about the timing of the submission of the Companys EMA marketing authorization application and other statements containing the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, predict, project, target, potential, likely, will, would, could, should, continue, and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties associated with regulatory review of clinical trials and applications for marketing approvals, the availability or commercial potential of product candidates including B-VEC, the sufficiency of cash resources and need for additional financing and such other important factors as are set forth under the caption Risk Factors in the Companys annual and quarterly reports on file with theU.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Companys views as of the date of this release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Companys views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

CONTACT:Investors and Media:Meg DodgeKrystal Biotechmdodge@krystalbio.comSource: Krystal Biotech, Inc.

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Humacyte Announces Presentations by Ukrainian Surgeons on Use of the Human Acellular Vessel to Treat Wartime Vascular Trauma at the European Society…

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:54 am

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DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 23, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Humacyte, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUMA), a clinical-stage biotechnology platform company developing universally implantable bioengineered human tissues, complex tissue systems, and organs at commercial scale, today announced the presentation of a clinical update on the Human Acellular Vessel (HAV) for the treatment of vascular trauma. The update was presented by Ukrainian surgeon collaborators, Oleksandr Sokolov, M.D., Ph.D. and Vasyl Shaprynskyi, M.D., Ph.D., at the 36th European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) Annual Meeting in Rome, Italy taking place from September 20-23, 2022. Humacytes investigational HAV is designed to offer off-the-shelf availability and resistance to infection and to address long-standing limitations in vascular tissue repair and replacement.

Dr. Shaprynskyi attended the conference in-person and presented a live talk entitled, The First Experience of Using the Human Acellular Vessels in Ukraine for the Treatment of Patients with Vascular Trauma, while Dr. Sokolov spoke virtually from Ukraine and presented, Vascular Trauma Due to Blast Injury. Experience of Dnipro in Russian-Ukrainian War 2022. Drs. Shaprynskyi and Sokolov have been instrumental in establishing their hospitals as medical strongholds during the Russian-Ukrainian war and reported that blast trauma, causing massive tissue damage and infected wounds, accounts for approximately 82% of incoming vascular trauma cases to their medical centers. Trauma to the extremities makes up the majority of injuries, primarily vascular injuries to the lower extremities and shoulders.

Access to the HAV, a biologic conduit, has improved our ability to perform vascular reconstructions by eliminating the need to harvest a venous conduit and saving time required to look for useable vein, assisting greatly in limb salvation. While we continue to face this crisis in our country, partnerships with groups like Humacyte allow us to overcome many limitations in wartime medical care that we previously experienced such as lack of readily available conduits that are resistant to infection, particularly important in the contaminated battlefield setting, said Dr. Shaprynskyi.

Drs. Shaprynskyi and Sokolov reported that surgeons in Ukraine have utilized the HAV to treat patients with a multitude of wartime injuries. Dr. Sokolov provided a clinical update on a patient with a blast injury to the shoulder who received a repair using the HAV. The patient is now beyond three-month follow up without complication. Another patient who suffered a blast injury to the lower leg underwent successful HAV implantation and is now one-month past surgery without complication. Dr. Shaprynskyi reported on a patient with a gunshot wound to the right thigh that was initially treated with a synthetic graft, but ultimately the graft failed due to infection, putting the patient at risk of limb loss. The HAV was used to replace the infected graft, and three months later the HAV is supplying blood flow to the limb and is infection free.

Humacyte worked closely with the Office of International Programs of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health to provide the HAV as an additional treatment option to those affected with vascular injury in Ukraine. Humacyte is currently evaluating the HAV in a Phase 2/3 clinical trial in vascular trauma for use as a vascular replacement to restore blood flow to a limb, when saphenous veins or synthetic grafts are not feasible. The HAV has received priority designation for the treatment of vascular trauma by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. The HAV is an investigational product and has not been approved for sale by the FDA or any international regulatory agency.

Laura Niklason, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Humacyte, added, As we progress in our humanitarian efforts with the HAV, being able to witness these firsthand patient cases from surgeons in Ukraine is a powerful experience. We set out to develop engineered replacement vessels that are durable, infection-resistant and off-the-shelf to address long-standing limitations in vessel repair, both for civilians and for military personnel. Given our existing designation as a Priority Product from the U.S. Department of Defense, it is gratifying to see that the HAV is helping patients suffering from wartime injuries in Ukraine right now.

About HAVHuman Acellular Vessels (HAV) are investigational engineered off-the-shelf replacement vessels initially being developed for vascular repair, reconstruction and replacement. HAV is intended to overcome long-standing limitations in vessel tissue repair and replacement it can be manufactured at commercial scale, it eliminates the need for harvesting a vessel from a patient, and clinical evidence suggests that it is non-immunogenic, infection-resistant, and can become durable living tissue. The HAV is currently being evaluated in two Phase 3 trials in arteriovenous access and a Phase 2/3 trial for vascular trauma, and has been used in more than 500 patients. Humacytes 6mm HAV for AV access for performing hemodialysis was the first product to receive Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and has also received FDA Fast Track designation. The HAV has received priority designation for the treatment of vascular trauma by the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

About HumacyteHumacyte, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUMA) is developing a disruptive biotechnology platform to deliver universally implantable bioengineered human tissues and complex tissue and organ systems designed to improve the lives of patients and transform the practice of medicine. The Company develops and manufactures acellular tissues to treat a wide range of diseases, injuries and chronic conditions. Humacytes initial opportunity, a portfolio of human acellular vessels (HAVs), is currently in late-stage clinical trials targeting multiple vascular applications, including vascular trauma repair, arteriovenous access for hemodialysis, and peripheral arterial disease. Preclinical development is also underway in coronary artery bypass grafts, pediatric heart surgery, treatment of type 1 diabetes, and multiple novel cell and tissue applications. Humacytes 6mm HAV for arteriovenous (AV) access for performing hemodialysis was the first product candidate to receive the FDAs Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation, and has also received FDA Fast Track designation. The HAV received priority designation for the treatment of vascular trauma by the U.S. Secretary of Defense. For more information, visit http://www.Humacyte.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: may, will, could, would, should, expect, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, project, potential, continue, ongoing or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our projections of the future, about which we cannot be certain. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the initiation, timing, progress, and results of our preclinical and clinical trials; the anticipated characteristics and performance of our HAVs; our ability to successfully complete, preclinical and clinical trials for our HAVs; the anticipated benefits of our HAVs relative to existing alternatives; the benefits and risks related to our humanitarian efforts in the Ukraine; the anticipated commercialization of our HAVs and our ability to manufacture at commercial scale; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business; our rights and obligations under our partnership with Fresenius Medical Care; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our HAVs and related technology; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; timing, scope, and rate of reimbursement for our HAVs; and our estimated available market opportunity. We cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results, including, among others, the impact of COVID-19 on Humacytes business, changes in applicable laws or regulations, the possibility that Humacyte may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors, and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the header Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed by Humacyte with the SEC and in future SEC filings. Most of these factors are outside of Humacytes control and are difficult to predict. Furthermore, if the forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified time frame, or at all. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our views as of the date of this press release. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause our views to change. However, while we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Humacyte Investor Contact:Joyce AllaireLifeSci Advisors LLC+1-617-435-6602[emailprotected][emailprotected]

Humacyte Media Contact:Elizabeth Miller, M.D.LifeSci Communications LLC+1-646-791-9705[emailprotected]

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Fertility Supplements And Vitamins For Women: What You Need To Know – Forbes

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:54 am

There are several specific nutrients that are involved in female fertility.

Not only is vitamin D important for maintaining the health of your bones and immune system, it may also be involved in fertility. In fact, a small study in Fertility and Sterility found that women with low levels of vitamin D were less likely to conceive compared to those with normal levels. Additionally, a new 2022 meta-analysis found that vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are associated with miscarriage.

Because vitamin D is found naturally in few food sources and is usually obtained through sun exposure, supplementation may be recommended for those at risk for deficiency.

Folic acid is a B vitamin frequently found in prenatal supplements and fortified foods. Interestingly, folic acid has also been shown to increase the chances of conception, especially in women with irregular cycles.

Eli Reshef, M.D. a reproductive endocrinologist at the Integris Bennett Fertility Institute in Oklahoma City, recommends folic acid supplementation before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Specifically, he recommends taking an over-the-counter prenatal supplement that contains at least 800 milligrams of folic acid to support fertility.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that women of reproductive age should get at least 400 micrograms of folate per day, which can come from a combination of foods or supplements. Leafy greens, legumes and whole grains are all excellent sources of folate.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral needed for the production of hormones and selenoproteins, a type of protein involved in reproductive health. Not only can a deficiency in selenium impair fertility, but it could also increase the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications.

Most people can get enough of this important micronutrient by following a balanced diet that contains selenium-rich foods like meat, fish and eggs. Its also commonly added to multivitamins and prenatal supplements.

Though most well-known for its positive effects on heart health and inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids may have an impact on fertility as well. In fact, studies show these healthy fats can help balance levels of reproductive hormones, regulate menstruation and improve egg quality and implantation.

Enjoying a few weekly servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines or tuna, is a great way to bump up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. If you dont regularly eat fish, consider taking a supplement sourced from fish oil or algal oil instead.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a type of antioxidant that is produced naturally by the body and found in many foods, including organ meats and fish. Some studies have found that CoQ10 could improve ovarian response and increase rates of conception in women undergoing fertility treatments.

As we age, the bodys production of CoQ10 slows down, making it increasingly challenging to protect eggs from oxidative damage and making it harder for women to conceive, notes Rosmy Barrios, M.D., a regenerative medicine specialist at the IM Clinic in Belgrade, Serbia.

Consider asking your doctor if a CoQ10 supplement might be right for you.

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New Study Finds Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Have No Special

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:53 am

WASHINGTON, Sept. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recently published article in Experimental Biology and Medicine(Volume 247, Issue 15, August, 2022) challenges that mouse embryonic stem cells are dependent on threonine. The study, led by Dr. Jian Feng in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the State University of New York, Buffalo, finds that mouse embryonic stem cells do not have a unique requirement for threonine.

Threonine is an amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins. An influential study published in 2009 claims that the growth and proliferation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) have a unique dependence on threonine. The study has generated significant interest and many subsequent papers are published based on this claim. It has become accepted that mESCs have a special requirement for threonine to grow and multiply.

In this study, Drs. Feng and Boyang Zhang replicate the experiments in the previous study and use the serum-free, 2i/LIF medium to test if mESCs have a dependence on threonine. In the individual absence of methionine or valine, the growth and proliferation of mESCs in serum are as severely affected as in the absence of threonine. Removing even a non-essential amino acid such as arginine or glutamine significantly attenuates the growth and proliferation of mESCs. The present study thus set the record straight on the amino acid requirement of mESCs by finding that, just like most types of cells, mESCs do not have a special requirement for threonine. The study will move the field forward to a more comprehensive understanding of cellular metabolism in mESCs, which serve as the bedrock of stem cell biology because they can generate all types of cells in a mouse.

Drs. Feng and Zhang said: "We were very excited by the previous paper claiming the unique requirement of threonine in mESCs and wanted to understand why. To our surprise, our experiments show that there is nothing unique about threonine; mESCs cannot grow in the individual absence of many other amino acids. We thank Experimental Biology and Medicine for letting us set the record straight."

Dr. Steven R. Goodman, Editor-in-Chief of Experimental Biology and Medicine, said, "Zhang and Feng have tested the dogma that mesenchymal stem cells (mESCs) have a unique requirement for threonine when cultured in medium containing serum and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Their study clearly demonstrates that the growth and proliferation of mESCs in serum/LIF or in a serum-free medium (2i/LIF) requires many essential and non-essential amino acids. This study provides clarity for those working in the stem cell field on the amino acid requirements of mESCs."

Experimental Biology and Medicineis a global journal dedicated to the publication of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in the biomedical sciences. The journal was first established in 1903. Experimental Biology and Medicineis the journal of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine. To learn about the benefits of society membership, visit http://www.sebm.org. If you are interested in publishing in the journal, please visithttp://ebm.sagepub.com/.

For more information, please contact ebm@sebm.org.

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GMAs Robin Roberts replaced by Cecilia Vega as host is still absent from morning show following emotional… – The US Sun

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:53 am

GOOD Morning America's Robin Roberts has sparked concern after being absent from the popular show yet again.

The 61-year-old was replaced by Cecilia Vega on Friday morning after an emotional day on set.

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Robin hosted GMA from Monday to Wednesday this week, but was absent at the end of the week.

On Thursday's show, she was replaced by Amy Robach, as she and George Stephanopoulos were both missing.

Cecilia, who has been manning the desk quite a bit recently, took her spot on Friday's show.

Meanwhile, George did return for Friday's show.

Michael Strahan took his normal seat behind the desk as well.

The morning show has been slammed numerous times in the past for its revolving door of hosts.

Robin and George were in the studio on Wednesday to celebrateRobin's anniversary of her transplant.

They were joined by Michael and Lara Spencer.

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Her sister gave her the "precious gift" of stem cells and Robin wanted to spread the word of signing up to become a donor in every way possible.

GMAshowed a segment on a man named Chris who is suffering from Leukemia and created the Lemons for Leukemia Challenge, in order to get people to sign up to become a donor.

When his inspiring story ended, Robin said that she was "grateful" to Chris for turning his illness into a way to help others.

She then went on to talk to her co-hosts about how rare it is to find a match.

"Oh my Gosh. I cannot get over the innovations in the last 10 years when it comes to bone marrow transplant," she said.

George told her that he couldn't believe it has been a decade since her transplant.

"Every day is special," the Robin said while attempting to hold back tears.

"I want to be a symbol of 'this too shall pass,'" Robin ended her statement.

No reason was given for Robin's sudden absence, but this isn't the first time she has been away.

The anchor recently skipped her appearance on The Sherri Shepherd show and then missed GMA again.

Robin was set to be interview on the new talk show on September 15, but pulled out at the last minute.

A promo for her appearance aired just moments before the actual broadcast began.

However, when Sherri started announcing live the guests on her show, Robin was missing from that list.

Instead, only model Winnie Harlow and designer Sergio Hudson were mentioned.

Wasnt Robin Roberts supposed to be on todays show? one concerned viewer tweeted at the time.

Another speculated that she had to cancel her appearance because shes actually in London to cover the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial.

But that wasnt the case, as Robin reported live on GMA from New York City on Thursday, while she spoke with other colleagues reporting from London.

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Severe COVID-19 caused by senile interferon response in older patients, researchers suggest – EurekAlert

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:53 am

image:5 days after infection, SARS-CoV-2 antigen (brown staining) is dispersed throughout the lung tissue of aged mice, leading to severe disease and death. view more

Credit: 2022 Beer et al. Originally published in Journal of Experimental Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20220621

Researchers in Germany have discovered that age-dependent impairments in antiviral interferon proteins underlie the increased susceptibility of older patients to severe COVID-19. The study, published today in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), shows that aged mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 are protected from severe disease by treatment with one of these interferons, IFN-.

The immune systems response to SARS-CoV-2 is coordinated by a group of antiviral signaling proteins called interferons, which help to stop the virus replicating and activate various immune cells that can clear the virus from the body. There are three different types of interferon protein, known as types I, II, and III, and researchers have estimated that up to 20% of SARS-CoV-2related deaths may be attributed to defects in type I interferon signaling (due to the presence of genetic mutations or autoantibodies that block type I interferons from functioning properly).

However, whether age-dependent changes in the activity of interferons explain why older patients are more susceptible to developing severe COVID-19 has remained unclear.

To investigate this question, a team of researchers led by Dr. Daniel Schnepf and Professor Martin Schwemmle at the Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, developed a novel strain of SARS-CoV-2 that, unlike clinical strains of the virus, can infect regular laboratory mice and cause severe disease. The strain, which carries several key mutations also found in omicron strains, was particularly virulent in aged mice, showing enhanced replication and causing increased death in older animals compared with younger ones.

We found that adult animals mounted a rapid and well-orchestrated innate and adaptive immune response to viral infection, whereas aged animals showed a reduced, delayed, and more pro-inflammatory response, explains Schnepf.

Schnepf and colleagues determined that type I interferon signaling was impaired in aged mice. Notably, however, the researchers also discovered that levels of the type II interferon IFN- were reduced in older animals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Treating these aged mice with IFN- protected them from severe illness and death in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, blocking type II interferon signaling in younger mice made them more susceptible to severe disease.

Collectively, our data suggest that impaired type I IFN signaling in combination with impaired IFN-mediated immune responses can account for the observed high SARS-CoV-2 disease susceptibility of aged mice, and possibly older humans, too, Schnepf says.

Finally, the researchers examined mice that are extremely susceptible to severe COVID-19, namely aged mice that are also genetically deficient in type I interferon signaling. Schnepf and colleagues found that, because type III interferons can partially substitute for the absence of type I interferon signaling, combined treatment with IFN- and the type III interferon IFN- was able to protect these high risk animals from severe illness and death.

By generating and employing a mouse model for severe COVID-19, we have identified the age-dependent impairment of type I and type II interferon responses as a critical pathomechanism that drives the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 in aged hosts, says Professor Schwemmle. We were able to successfully translate this novel insight into an immunomodulatory treatment strategy that prevented SARS-CoV-2induced lethality in a highly susceptible disease model that mimics impaired type I interferon immunity and advanced age.

Beer et al. 2022. J. Exp. Med. https://rupress.org/jem/article-lookup/doi/10.1084/jem.20220621?PR

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Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM) publishes peer-reviewed research on immunology, cancer biology, stem cell biology, microbial pathogenesis, vascular biology, and neurobiology. All editorial decisions on research manuscripts are made through collaborative consultation between professional scientific editors and the academic editorial board. Established in 1896, JEM is published by Rockefeller University Press, a department of The Rockefeller University in New York. For more information, visit jem.org.

Visit our Newsroom, and sign up for a weekly preview of articles to be published. Embargoed media alerts are for journalists only.

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Impaired immune response drives age-dependent severity of COVID-19

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Blood cancer awareness month: learn to recognize the signs and symptoms – Commonwealth Journal’s History

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:52 am

LEXINGTON Because many blood cancers can be highly treatable if caught early, there is an urgent need to raise public awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Blood cancers, which include leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, form in the bone marrow where blood is made or in the lymphatic system, which fights infections. Affecting both children and adults, blood cancers account for almost 10% of new cancer cases in the U.S. each year.

While prognosis, or chance of recovery, depends on many factors including the type of blood cancer, survival rates have significantly improved. With modern treatment, patients with chronic myeloid leukemia can have close to normal life expectance. Elderly patients with acute leukemia, which was previously rapidly fatal, are now living one to three years from their diagnosis, and cellular therapy (involving a patients own cells or donor cells) is capable of offering a cure for some types of lymphomas and acute leukemias.

Because there is not yet a screening test for the early detection of blood cancers, people dont typically know something is wrong until they develop symptoms. Thats why its especially important to learn to recognize the symptoms and be aware of any changes in your body.

People who have had prior chemotherapy or radiation or a prior toxic chemical exposure are at increased risk of developing blood cancers.

Common blood cancer symptoms include: fever, drenching night sweats, persistent fatigue and weakness, bone or joint pain, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, liver and spleen, ands easy bruising or bleeding.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, bring it to the attention of a health care professional right away. It could potentially save your life.

Blood cancer treatment options vary by diagnosis as well as stage of the disease and include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant and blood transfusion.

Part of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, the Hematology and Blood & Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at UK HealthCare treats all blood related diseases, including blood cancers. There are also a variety of clinical trials and research studies underway at UK Markey Cancer Center that can give blood cancer patients additional treatment options and the best chance for survival.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

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University of Kentucky Equine Research Hall of Fame announces awardees – DVM 360

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:52 am

Esteemed award is an international forum celebrating noteworthy achievements in equine research and individuals who have significantly impacted equine health

The University of Kentucky (UK) Gluck Equine Research Center unveiled the 2022 inductees to the Equine Research Hall of Fame. The winners include Lisa Fortier, DVM, PhD, DACVS; Katrin Hinrichs, DVM, PhD; Jennifer Anne Mumford, DVM; and Stephen M. Reed, DVM.

The scientists were nominated by their fellow peers and past awardees. Nominees may be living or deceased, active in or retired from the field of equine research.

In research, we always stand on the shoulders of those who go before us with great discoveries. This years recipients have made substantial contributions that will ensure an excellent future for equine research, expressed Nancy Cox, UK vice president for land-grant engagement and College of Agriculture, Food and Environment dean, in a university release.1

The success of Kentuckys horse industry is inseparable from the decades of hard work by outstanding equine researchers, added Stuart Brown, chair of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation. Though impossible to measure, it is a unique privilege to recognize the impact made by these four scientists in advancing the health and wellbeing of the horse and, on behalf of the entire equine community, show our appreciation.

Below are the details of each awardee1:

Throughout the past 30 years, Fortier has been renowned for her substantial contributions in equine joint disease, cartilage biology, and regenerative medicine. Her research focuses on early diagnosis and treatment of equine orthopedic injuries to prevent permanent damage to joints and tendons. She is most well-known for her work in regenerative medicine, spearheading the use of biologics such as platelet rich plasma, bone marrow concentrate, and stem cells for use in horses and humans. Additionally, Fortiers lab has been key in strides associated with cartilage damage diagnosis and clinical orthopedic work.

Fortier achieved her bachelors degree and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Colorado State University. She finished her residency at Cornell, where she also earned a PhD and was a postdoctoral fellow in pharmacology. Currently, she serves as the James Law Professor of Surgery at Cornells College of Veterinary Medicine. She is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and serves on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Racetrack Safety Standing Committee.

Hinrichs dedicates her career to research mainly in equine reproductive physiology and assisted reproduction techniques. Her focus has consisted of equine endocrinology, oocyte maturation, fertilization, sperm capacitation, and their application to assisted reproduction techniques.

Her 40 years of research have resulted in various notable basic and applied research accomplishments. The applied achievements include generating the first cloned horse in North America and creating the medical standard for effective intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro culture for equine embryo production. She has mentored over 85 veterinary students, residents, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows in basic and applied veterinary research. Her laboratories have hosted about 50 visiting scholars worldwide.

Hinrichs achieved her bachelors degree and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of California, Davis. She finished residency training in large animal reproduction at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center and received a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.

Mumford is a posthumous inductee who received international respect as among the most prominent researchers of equine infectious diseases, specifically equine viral diseases. Her career at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, United Kingdom, began when she was deemed the first head of the newly established equine virology unit. Her work focused on the leading causes of acute infectious respiratory disease in the horse, mainly equine herpesvirus and equine influenza virus, and to a lesser extent,Streptococcus equi.

Mumford impacted several of these realms, including developing enhanced vaccines, diagnostics, and international surveillance. Additionally, she helped create research groups in the related fields of equine genetics and immunology.

Throughout Mumfords over 30 year-career, she helped the Animal Health Trust be recognized as one of the worlds leading centers for the study of the biology, epidemiology, immunology and pathology of diseases.

Reeds nominators deemed his as the last word in equine neurology. He is known as among the most prominent equine neurologists worldwide. His list of 180 peer-reviewed publications feature important contributions to equine medicine, neurology, physiology and pathophysiology. He has shared in his accomplishments as a mentor and role-model for hundreds of aspiring equine practitioners.

Reed received his bachelors degree and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from The Ohio State University. He finished his internship and residency training in large animal medicine at Michigan State University.

The UK Gluck Equine Research Foundation will induct the 4 winners into the UK Equine Research Hall of Fame October 26, 2022 at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

Reference

Wiemers H. UK Equine Research Hall of Fame inductees announced. UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. News release. September 13, 2022. Accessed September 20, 2022. https://news.ca.uky.edu/article/uk-equine-research-hall-fame-inductees-announced-1

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Questioning the wisdom of the late Susan Solomon Catholic World Report – Catholic World Report

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:50 am

The Wall Street Journal's obituary for Susan L. Solomon. (Image: CWR)

Susan L. Solomon died on September 8th after a battle with ovarian cancer. You probably wont know her name. I didnt.

But something in her Wall Street Journal obituary stirred memories of old and riveting debates.

When she was 18, Solomon married the drummer for the Sixties band Country Joe and the Fish, who played Woodstock. But that is not the story.

After divorcing the drummer, she went to law school, became a big wheel at the Sony Corporation and other companies, and ended up founding a charity dedicated to embryonic stem cell research, eventually raising almost half a billion dollars for that purpose.

Susan Solomon placed herself in the middle of a national debate over embryonic stem cell research.

You may remember the emotional and often fractious debate about embryonic stem cells. It roiled our political culture back during the Bush administration. For instance, practically every speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention that nominated Catholic John Kerry spoke about the desperate need for treatments and cures promised from embryonic stem cells. For example, Ron Reagan, the youngest son of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, focused his speech on embryonic stem cell research, concluding: Whatever else you do come Nov. 2, I urge you, please, cast a vote for embryonic stem cell research.

Anyone with moral qualms about killing human embryos for their body parts, that is, stem cells, was called anti-science. That may have been when that epithet was first coined.

Advocates of embryo-destructive research made certain rather outlandish claims.

In 2006, my wife Cathy and I were invited to run the final days of a statewide referendum on human cloning in Missouri. Proposed as an addition to the Missouri Constitution, Amendment 2 purported to ensure that Missouri patients would have access to any therapies and cures and allow Missouri researchers to conduct any research permitted under federal law. It also called for the banning of human cloning or attempted cloning.

The embryonic stem cell debate was then and is now replete with massive deceptions. In this case, that there is a difference between reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning. Reproductive cloning was, they said, the deliberate creation of embryos that would be allowed to grow into toddlers. On the other hand, therapeutic cloning was acceptable because it created a human embryo and then allowed for her destruction to get at her stem cells.

And then there were the promises of treatments and cures. The primary talking point of the embryo-destruction crowd was there were a plethora of treatments and cures if only we could get at the stem cells of these tiny human beings.

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, that is, they have not yet become specific organs and can therefore become almost anything in the human body. This means they can be used to cure parts of the body that are damaged or diseased. In the Wall Street Journal obit of Solomon, it highlights that she helped raise more than $400 million for stem-cell research aimed at curing such diseases as cancer, diabetes and Parkinsons. Micheal J. Fox told members of Congress that Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous promise. Others claimed it would cure Alzheimers.

So, what is the state of stem cell research?

Well, first, there have been heroic efforts to obtain pluripotent cells without killing the human embryo. This resulted from George Bushs 2006 decision to end federal funding for the creation of new cell lines from the destruction of embryos. It forced scientists who wanted government funding to get creative. The use of adult stem cells grew from that, as did the development of something called induced pluripotent stem cells, where adult stem cells are coaxed into pluripotency. A Japanese doctor won the Nobel Prize for this in 2006.

While adult stem cells have been effective in treating many disorders, and this has been a Godsend for some, those cells are not pluripotent; that is, they cannot turn into anything other than what they are.

Induced pluripotent stem cells seem not to have taken off as first hoped. According to a 2018 article at Nature.com, The number of ES-cell publications grew rapidly after 2006 and has held pace, at about 2,000 per year since 2012.

The problem with embryonic stem cells is they are something of a wild child. They tend to die when you work with them or are prone to creating tumors. To date, there appears to have been only one person cured of anything using embryonic stem cells, a man who seems to no longer need insulin to treat his diabetes. We shall see if this lasts.

Most papers you find online about stem cell research are about making the cells easier to work with. Some tests are happening on actual patients. They think macular degeneration is a possible candidate for treatment with embryonic stem cells. But for the most part, researchers are trying to find ways to create new colonies from existing lines.

In the meantime, the scientists keep making promises, and the deceptions keep coming. For example, the website of the New York Stem Cell Foundation a foundation which Susan Solomon co-founded defines embryonic stem cells as pluripotent stem cells that come from blastocysts small clumps of five-to-seven-day-old embryo cells left over from in vitro fertilization treatments that would otherwise be discarded.

The good news is that they must keep the deception alive in order to proceed. Note they must claim embryonic stem cells only come from discarded embryos from IVF treatments. Of course, this does not change the monstrousness of their experimentations, but at least they feel they must keep the deception alive.

In the Wall Street Journal obit, Solomon is quoted as saying, Im really comfortable asking dumb questions.

Well, heres one. After killing only God knows how many thousands of little human beings and spending hundreds of millions of dollars that could have been spent in other ways, where are all those treatments and cures that were promised twenty years ago?

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Aspect Biosystems Appoints Three New Board Members – Business Wire

Posted: September 25, 2022 at 1:50 am

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aspect Biosystems, a biotechnology company pioneering the development of bioprinted tissue therapeutics to transform how we treat disease, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Nancy Krieger, Dr. Don Haut, and Dr. Devyn Smith.

I am excited to extend a warm welcome to Nancy, Don, and Devyn as they join Aspects Board of Directors, said Tamer Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Aspect Biosystems. Each of them brings substantial experience in regenerative medicine and we are thrilled to have them join our mission as we move towards the next stage of growth.

About Aspects New Board Members

Dr. Nancy Krieger is the Chief Medical Officer of Talaris Therapeutics, a recently public late-clinical stage cell therapy biotech. She has over 18 years of global experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including leadership positions at Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis in areas spanning solid organ and stem cell transplantation, immunology, rare disorders, and chronic kidney and liver diseases. Before joining industry, Dr. Krieger had an active practice in liver transplantation as well as a basic science laboratory. She completed her transplant fellowship at the University of Wisconsin and general surgical residency at Stanford University, including a postdoctoral fellowship in Stanfords immunology department. Dr. Krieger earned her MD at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

I am thrilled to be joining the Board of Aspect Biosystems, said Dr. Nancy Krieger. As a transplant surgeon I am passionate about the tremendous potential of Aspects 3D bioprinting technology for regenerative cellular therapies, with the ultimate possibility of replacing organ transplants without the need for life-long immunosuppression.

Dr. Don Haut is currently the CEO of Carmine Therapeutics, a discovery-stage, non-viral gene therapy company with operations in Boston and Singapore. Throughout his career, Dr. Haut has completed transactions exceeding $8 billion. As Chief Business Officer of AskBio, he led the firms business development activities and spearheaded AskBios $4 billion acquisition by Bayer AG. Originally trained as a molecular biologist before joining McKinsey, Dr. Haut has since held senior business roles at 3M Company, Smith & Nephew, The Medicines Company, Promedior, Histogenics, Sherlock Bio, and AskBio. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology from the Medical School at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an MBA from Washington Universitys Olin School of Business.

When I first learned about what Aspect Biosystems was doing, my first thought was Wow! said Dr. Don Haut. My second thought was it would be great to work with those folks they are really onto something. So, I am delighted to be joining Aspect the team, the technology, and the mission are all outstanding."

Dr. Devyn Smith joined Arbor Biotechnologies as CEO in 2021 after concluding his role as COO of Sigilon Therapeutics. Prior to Sigilon, Dr. Smith worked in a variety of roles at Pfizer Inc., including COO of the UK-based Neusentis Unit focused on discovering and developing cell therapies. He received his PhD in Genetics from Harvard Medical School. He is an inventor on multiple patents and has published in leading scientific journals throughout his career. Dr. Smith is a board member and officer for the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, the leading international advocacy organization dedicated to realizing the promise of regenerative medicines and advanced therapies.

I am excited to join the board of Aspect Biosystems, said Dr. Devyn Smith. I look forward to partnering with Tamer and the talented team at Aspect to build a successful company that delivers novel cellular therapies to patients with high unmet needs.

For full list of board members, visit http://www.aspectbiosystems.com/about.

About Aspect Biosystems

Aspect Biosystems is a biotechnology company creating bioprinted tissue therapeutics to transform how we treat disease. Aspect is combining its proprietary bioprinting technology, therapeutic cells, biomaterials, and computational design to create a pipeline of allogeneic tissues that replace or repair damaged organ functions. The company is also partnering with leading researchers and industry innovators worldwide to tackle the biggest challenges in regenerative medicine. Learn more at aspectbiosystems.com.

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