Xtalks Life Science Podcast

Interview with Georgia Tech’s Dr. Woon-Hong Yeo About a New Smart Stent Platform for Wireless Vascular Monitoring

This episode features an interview with Georgia Institute of Technology researcher Dr. Woon-Hong Yeo who has helped lead a team of researchers to develop a novel vascular monitoring system based on a specially designed smart stent. Hear about how the implantable smart stent system offers real-time and continuous monitoring of metrics like blood pressure and blood flow, as well as Dr. Yeo’s personal motivation for creating the vascular monitoring system to help people monitor their cardiac health. Dr. Yeo is a Woodruff Faculty Fellow; Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering; and the Director of the Center for Human-Centric Interfaces and Engineering at Georgia Tech.For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Interview with Dr. Samantha Dale Strasser, CSO and Co-Founder of Transomics Drug Discovery Start-Up ”Pepper Bio”

In this episode, Ayesha and the editorial team spoke with Dr. Samantha Dale Strasser, chief scientific officer and co-founder of biotech start-up Pepper Bio. The company is working to develop therapeutics in the areas of oncology, neurodegenerative disease and inflammatory conditions using a ‘transomics’ drug discovery approach. This involves the integrated analysis of several layers of biological data, including genomic, proteomic, transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic data using novel transomics technologies involving lab methods and AI approaches. Hear more about Pepper Bio as well as Dr. Strasser’s journey from academia to the biotech industry.For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

FDA Approves New Type 2 Diabetes Injection Mounjaro + US Reports First Case of Monkeypox

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Eli Lilly’s diabetes injection Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes This is a great advancement in the diabetes space as Mounjaro is a first-in-class medicine that targets the activity of two hormones involved in hunger and blood sugar control (GLP-1 and GIP). With the approval, Eli Lilly will be giving Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster diabetes injection Ozempic some tough competition. Hear about the projected sales of Mounjaro, data from studies that led to its approval and its impact from a patient perspective.Ayesha also talked about the current monkeypox outbreak as clusters of cases continue to be reported in countries in Europe and North America. The US recently reported its first case of monkeypox, and all cases so far are linked to international travel. Learn more about monkeypox and how health authorities are asking people not to panic as most cases are mild and treatable. Also hear about how Britain is offering the smallpox vaccine to healthcare workers to help prevent infection from the monkeypox virus.Read the full articles here: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Eli Lilly’s Highly Awaited Type 2 Diabetes Injection Gets FDA NodMonkeypox Case Reported in the US as Virus Spreads Across Europe and North AmericaFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Messaging Program Improves Lifestyle Among Heart Attack Survivors + FDA Places Stricter Restrictions on Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine

In this episode, Ayesha discussed a new study that evaluated a text messaging program designed to improve medication adherence and lifestyle factors among heart attack survivors. While the program did not lead to improvements in medication adherence, it did have a positive impact on lifestyle factors like diet. Hear more about the study and the importance of managing heart attack risk factors like hypertension and diabetes. This is especially relevant on World Hypertension Day (May 17) and May Measurement Month, which bring awareness to the importance of accurately measuring blood pressure.Ayesha also talked about the FDA’s decision to place stricter restrictions on the use of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine given continuing concerns of the rare but serious side effect of blood clots. Hear about why the FDA revised the vaccine’s authorization, and why the FDA maintains that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh any known or potential risks.Read the full articles here: How Heart Attack Survivors Can Improve Lifestyle Factors with a Text Messaging ProgramFDA Puts Further Restrictions on Use of Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 VaccineFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

FDA Approves Bristol Myers’ Cardiac Drug for HCM + New Ovarian Cancer Blood Test

In this episode, Ayesha discussed Bristol Myers Squibb’s new heart drug Camzyos (mavacamten), which has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The drug is the first to target the pathophysiology of obstructive HCM and may be Bristol Myers’ next blockbuster cardiac drug. Hear more about the company’s looming patent cliff for some of its drugs as well as the company’s risk evaluation program for Camzyos given some of its safety concerns.Ayesha also talked about a new ovarian cancer blood test developed by researchers at the University of Manchester that may help diagnose the disease quicker and more accurately, especially in younger women. The test includes a newer ovarian cancer biomarker that when used in combination with CA-125, the biomarker currently used to monitor and screen for ovarian cancer in some cases, could improve its diagnostic value. Learn more about the test and about the importance of women’s health advocacy in the early detection of diseases like ovarian cancer.Read the full articles here: Researchers Use Emerging Ovarian Cancer Biomarker to Develop New Blood Test for Ovarian CancerCamzyos Secures FDA Approval for Obstructive HCM, Bristol Myers Eyes it as its Next Big Cardiac DrugFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

First FDA-Approved Treatment for Chronic Yeast Infection + Eli Lilly Obesity Drug Shows Promise in Trials

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the FDA approval of Mycovia Pharmaceuticals’ Vivjoa (oteseconazole) as the first approved treatment for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) or chronic yeast infection. The drug is indicated for women who permanently lack reproductive potential or are postmenopausal. The editorial team discussed the significant unmet need for this condition and how although many women’s health issues are now given greater spotlight, there still need to be more conversations around them. The episode marked World Maternal Mental Health Day and was sponsored by Elligo Health Research.The editorial team also talked about the latest results of Eli Lilly’s investigational obesity drug tirzepatide, which demonstrated it could reduce body weight by an average of 20 percent in individuals without diabetes. Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a class of drugs designed to treat diabetes but at higher doses, can help with weight loss. Hear more about the drug and the obesity drug market, which is projected to grow to $5.42 billion in 2025.Read the full articles here: Oteseconazole (Vivjoa) Becomes First FDA-Approved Drug for Recurrent Yeast InfectionTirzepatide Obesity Drug Shown to Reduce Body Weight by 20 Percent in Eli Lilly TrialFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

World Immunization Week 2022 + New COVID-19 Breath Test Gets FDA Authorization

In this episode, Ayesha talked about World Immunization Week, which is celebrated during the last week of April every year. The theme of this year’s World Immunization Week is “Long Life For All,” which aims to communicate the importance of vaccines for a healthy and fulfilling life by protecting yourself and your loved ones against deadly diseases. Immunization programs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but find out how immunization rates have been on the decline, particularly in developing countries, which have led to the resurgence of diseases like polio and measles.The editorial team also discussed a new COVID-19 breathalyzer test that recently received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The mobile rapid test generates results in just three minutes from a sample of exhaled air. Hear more about how the test in the podcast, including how it works and about its high degree of sensitivity and specificity that edges out rapid antigen tests.Read the full articles here: World Immunization Week 2022: Long Life For AllFirst COVID-19 Breath Test Gets FDA AuthorizationFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

BioNTech Partners for mRNA Vaccine Delivery Tech + Pfizer Acquires ReViral for RSV Therapeutics

In this episode, Ayesha discussed BioNTech’s new collaboration with Matinas BioPharma to explore the company’s lipid nanocrystal (LNC) delivery technology for mRNA vaccines. LNC structures are more stable than the lipid nanoparticle technology used in the current COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Learn about how BioNTech hopes to leverage Matinas’ LNC platform to develop improved mRNA vaccines, including the possibility of orally administered vaccine formulations. The editorial team also talked about Pfizer’s acquisition of RSV antiviral therapeutics company ReViral Ltd. in a $525 million deal. Pfizer made the purchase to help expand its RSV portfolio, which currently includes a candidate RSV vaccine that received breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for the prevention of RSV in individuals 60 years of age and older. With the acquisition, Pfizer is looking to expand its infectious disease portfolio after the great success of its COVID-19 program.Read the full articles here: BioNTech Partners with Matinas BioPharma to Develop New Delivery Technology for mRNA VaccinesPfizer to Acquire RSV Antiviral Developer ReViral in $525 Million DealFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Statins May Lower Parkinsonism Risk + New Genetic Test to Prevent Deafness in Babies

In this episode, Xtalks is marking World Parkinson’s Day (April 11) and Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which are observed every year to help raise awareness about the disease and the individuals living with it. To learn more about new Parkinson’s disease research, Ayesha discussed a new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center that shows statins may help decrease the risk of parkinsonism in older adults. Hear about how parkinsonism relates to Parkinson’s disease and how the neuroprotective effects of statins could prevent Parkinson’s and related conditions.The editorial team also discussed a new rapid molecular test developed by UK-based Genedrive PLC that can help physicians select the best antibiotic to treat babies with to prevent hearing loss. Gentamicin is the preferred treatment for newborns with infections like sepsis but about one in 500 babies have a genetic variant that makes them susceptible to gentamicin-induced hearing loss. Find out how the new genetic test can produce results in less than half an hour to help clinicians quickly determine the best course of treatment, and its rollout across a couple of NICUs in England.Read the full articles here: Parkinson’s Awareness Month: Statins May Lower Parkinsonism Risk in Older Adults Genedrive’s Genetic Test Can Prevent Hearing Loss in Babies Through Personalized Treatment For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Clinical Trial Diversity Insights from NIH Experts + WHO and Polluted Air on World Health Day 2022

In this episode, Ayesha shared insights she obtained from experts at NIH’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) about clinical trial diversity. The panel of experts outlined some of the challenges in recruiting participants from minority and disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, and talked about an NHLBI initiative based on community outreach that helped recruit more participants from traditionally underrepresented groups for COVID-19 vaccine trials. The editorial team also talked about the theme of this year’s World Health Day 2022, which is “our planet, our health.” The theme relates to new WHO data that shows most of the world is breathing polluted air. This is of great significance and concern as environmental causes are a leading cause of death worldwide. Learn about the initiatives and updated guidelines that the WHO has issued to help address the worsening quality of air globally, and hear our team’s thoughts on how environmental responsibilities should be shared.Read the full articles here: Xtalks Voices: NIH Experts Share Insights on Increasing Clinical Trial DiversityWorld Health Day 2022: WHO Data Shows 99 Percent of People Breathe Poor Quality AirFor more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage.Follow Us on Social MediaTwitter: @Xtalks Instagram: @Xtalks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured