Xtalks Life Science Podcast

In this episode, Ayesha discussed BioNTech’s new modular mRNA factories, called the BioNTainer, that are destined for Africa to help boost COVID-19 vaccine supplies on the continent. The modular production units are housed in containers that come equipped with raw starting materials and state-of-the-art technology for producing mRNA-based vaccines from start to finish, except for the fill-and-finish step, which will be carried out by local manufacturers. Despite most African leaders welcoming the container factories, there is some controversy over BioNTech’s “paternalistic” control over production of its vaccine, especially since it continues to resist calls for patent waivers for its vaccine.The team also talked about Eli Lilly’s new COVID-19 monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab that received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at risk of progressing to severe disease. The treatment replaces Eli Lilly’s previous monoclonal antibody cocktail of bamlanivimab and etesevimab, which was pulled by the FDA over a lack of effectiveness against the Omicron variant. Lilly’s new monoclonal antibody has shown neutralizing activity against Omicron in lab studies so far. The US Department of Human Health Services (HHS) is making it available to patients free of charge. The team discussed how quickly the new monoclonal antibody was developed, showing that companies like Eli Lilly are continuing to work on new iterations of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines in the face of new emerging variants. Read the full articles here: BioNTech Unveils the BioNTainer, a Modular mRNA Vaccine Factory to Help Production in AfricaFDA Authorizes Eli Lilly’s Bebtelovimab Which Demonstrates Activity Against OmicronFor 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

In this episode, Ayesha discussed the NHS’s recommendation of Libmeldy, a gene therapy for the treatment of the rare disease MLD, which is officially the world’s most expensive drug with a list price of almost $4 million USD. The drug was developed by Orchard Therapeutics and the NHS was able to negotiate a greater discount on it with the company so that it can offer it to patients in England. Libmeldy was initially rejected by the drug price watchdog NICE in England over its exorbitant price. The editorial team discussed the high costs associated with orphan drugs and how both governments and pharma companies must work together to make them accessible to patients. The team also talked about a digital risk report that revealed the existence of significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities among the world’s top pharma companies. These include breaches and leakages of items like email addresses, passwords and even credit/banking information. Moreover, a significant percentage of breaches and record exposures occurred after 2020 and worsened in 2021 during the height of COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts. Widespread cybersecurity breaches can lead to high-level attacks such as ransomware or coordinated disinformation campaigns. The team discussed how cyberattacks could hit almost every aspect of a pharma company’s operations, from R&D through to supply chains, and how this necessitates greater investments in cybersecurity infrastructure.Read the full articles here: UK’s NHS Backs World’s Costliest Drug Libmeldy for the Treatment of Rare Disease MLDNew Report Finds Whopping Increase in Pharma Cybersecurity ThreatsFor 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

In this episode, Ayesha talked about a new at-home blood pressure monitor developed by Inbody that can track blood pressure in real time. The device uses the automated oscillometric method, commonly used in clinical settings now, to generate mean arterial pressure and calculate systolic and diastolic blood pressure from it using an algorithm. The device has a one-touch cuff and can be synced to Inbody’s mobile app, which allows users to access a digital health report outlining their blood pressure readings. This can help identify blood pressure fluctuations that could be indicative of heart conditions. The team discussed the convenience of at-home health monitoring and how it can allow individuals to better manage their health.The editorial team also discussed Eli Lilly’s nearly $1.5 billion investment into building new manufacturing facilities in the US and Ireland. The pharma giant said the investment will allow the company to expand its manufacturing capacities, particularly in light of new therapeutics it is developing in areas including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune conditions. The pharma giant is anticipating an FDA approval for its Alzheimer’s drug donanemab this year. The new US site will be in North Carolina and the Irish plant will be in Limerick, both home to institutes, universities and companies involved in STEM-based research.Read the full articles here: InBody’s New At-Home Blood Pressure Machine Allows for Real Time MonitoringEli Lilly Announces Nearly $1.5 Billion Investment into New Manufacturing Facilities in North Carolina and IrelandFor 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

In this episode, Ayesha talked about the recent FDA approval for Immunocore’s Kimmtrak for the treatment of a rare type of eye cancer called uveal melanoma. Not only has the treatment become Immunocore’s first commercial product, but it has also become the first approved treatment for uveal melanoma and the first ever approved T cell receptor (TCR) therapeutic. Kimmtrak is priced at $400,000 per treatment course, and Immunocore has created a program to help make it accessible to patients. The editorial team discussed that while it is encouraging that therapeutic development in rare disease research has been increasing, the high cost of the treatments can be a significant barrier to access.The editorial team also discussed how Pfizer and Moderna have commenced trials for their respective omicron-based vaccines. The companies announced that studies for their respective omicron targeting boosters had begun, and Moderna dosed its first trial participant last week. Given omicron’s significantly heightened transmissibility compared to other SARS-CoV-2 variants, and the reduced effectiveness of the current versions of the vaccines against it, the team discussed that it made sense to have an omicron-specific booster for better individual protection and to help curb transmission. Read the full articles here: Immunocore’s Kimmtrak Gets FDA Approval as First Treatment for Rare Eye Cancer and First T Cell Receptor TherapeuticPfizer and Moderna Begin Trials for Omicron Targeting VaccinesFor 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

In this episode, Ayesha discussed Gilead Science’s lawsuit against a network of distributors selling counterfeits of the company’s best-selling HIV drugs Biktarvy and Descovy. The drugs were being sold in pharmacies across several states. Gilead said it had been working with the US Marshals and local law enforcement to conduct seizures of over 85,000 bottles of the counterfeit drugs. Gilead says it’s taking action to ensure the counterfeits are removed from circulation. The editorial team talked about the significant dangers of counterfeit drugs with respect to patient safety and that stricter regulations around tracking and audits at pharmacies should be implemented to prevent the distribution of counterfeit products.The editorial team also discussed Menarini Diagnostics’ new PCR-based COVID-19 test that can detect all of the variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron. Read the full articles here: Gilead Sues Distributors Selling Counterfeit HIV DrugsMenarini Diagnostics’ New COVID-19 Test Detects Variants Including OmicronFor 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

In this episode, Ayesha talks about a new study from UCSF that shows how physical activity can maintain brain health in older individuals. The research shows that exercise increases levels of synaptic proteins in the brain involved in maintaining and strengthening neuronal connections. The researchers also found these proteins could be protective even in people with dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The team talked about the benefits of moderate exercise like walking, and agree that even small steps can make a big difference!The editorial team also discussed a new cardiac mapping system developed by Abbott that received clearance from the FDA for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The device integrates the company’s proprietary mapping technology, which allows for the generation of more accurate electrograms of the heart. This helps better identify the precise location of an arrhythmia to be treated with catheter ablation therapy. Developing more powerful imaging tools is key to improving the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions like cardiac arrhythmias.Read the full articles here: Abbott’s New Cardiac Mapping System Gets FDA Clearance for Treatment of Cardiac ArrhythmiasStudy Shows Exercise Can Strengthen Neural Connections in the Aging Brain to Maintain Cognitive HealthFor 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 

In this episode, Ayesha discussed a new blood test developed by researchers at the University of Oxford that can detect cancers and even if they’ve metastasized. The test is based on measuring metabolites produced by tumor cells in blood samples using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The researchers found that the test could identify cancer among healthy people, those with localized cancer and individuals with cancer that has metastasized. The test could help detect cancers even before the use of conventional imaging-based methods.The editorial team also discussed Bayer’s commitment to 100 percent green packaging for its consumer products by 2030. The target is part of the company’s sustainability program, which includes shifting to renewable energy sources and sustainably sourcing recyclable and reusable paper materials. Bayer’s most popular consumer products like Aspirin, Aleve and Claritin will all have green packaging by the target year, which will also include recycling information that is consumer friendly. Other pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca, GSK and Biogen also have similar sustainability programs, reflecting the growing awareness of the pharmaceutical industry’s large carbon footprint and the importance of efforts to reduce it.Read the full articles here: Cancer Blood Test Developed by University of Oxford Researchers Can Detect MetastasisBayer Commits to 100 Percent Green Packaging by 2030For 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

In the first episode of 2022, Ayesha provided updates on Omicron and COVID-19 vaccine boosters. The FDA expanded authorization of booster doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to youth between 12 and 15 years of age, a third dose for immunocompromised children between five and 11 years old and a shorter wait time to get a booster for individuals 12 and older. Meanwhile, the CDC reduced isolation and quarantine periods by half to five days. The team discussed the implication of these updates and despite the direness of the current situation, expressed hope in seeing the pandemic finally end.Ayesha also discussed some of the predicted trends in the life sciences in 2022. These include the continued promise of RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics like RNA editing for the treatment of various conditions including rare genetic diseases. Digital transformation in healthcare is another significant trend that will continue in 2022. Tools like wearable technologies, electronic data capture and integration of AI approaches are enabling the digital transformation of healthcare to help improve and revolutionize patient care. Read the full articles here: Key Trends in the Life Sciences to Look Forward to in 2022For 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

In this episode, which is the last episode for the year (the team will be back in January!), Ayesha discusses the FDA approval of Biohaven’s intranasal spray Zavegepant indicated for the acute treatment of migraines in adults. The drug is similar to the company oral dose tablet (ODT) Nurtec but is the first CGRP receptor antagonist in a nasal spray formulation. Some of the editorial team members shared their experiences with migraine headaches, and talked about the pros and cons of an intranasal spray for helping treat them.The team also talked about the first results from an early-stage trial evaluating Moderna’s new mRNA-based influenza vaccine. After the success of its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, the company got to work on a quadrivalent vaccine against influenza. The trial results showed that the vaccine had no serious safety concerns and that it elicits an immune response against the four different strains of the influenza virus in the vaccine. The results of this were a bit mixed as there were greater levels of neutralizing antibodies against influenza A strain antigens than influenza B strain antigens. Moderna is also planning for a triple target vaccine against COVID-19, influenza and RSV.Read the full articles here: Biohaven Eyes FDA Approval for Second Migraine Drug Zavegepant After Promising Trial ResultsModerna Reveals Positive Results for its mRNA Influenza 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

In this episode, Ayesha discussed statements from Moderna and Pfizer regarding Omicron and the need for new variant-specific boosters. Moderna’s CEO sparked concerns when he said the current vaccines likely won’t be effective against Omicron, while Pfizer’s CEO said vaccines for COVID-19 will likely be needed for many years. The editorial team discussed the impact of these comments as they were relatively premature given that not much is known about Omicron yet, such as its transmissibility and potential for immune evasion. It’s important for companies to improve on their communications to ensure they’re evidence-based and don’t evoke unnecessary panic among people.The team also talked about a new hepatitis B vaccine from VBI Vaccines that received FDA approval for adults. The vaccine is the first three-antigen hepatitis B vaccine approved in the US. While hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants at birth now, this only began in the early 1990s. About 25 percent of adults in the US are not vaccinated for hepatitis B. The global hepatitis B vaccine market is expected to grow, particularly as several other hepatitis B vaccines were also approved by the FDA in the last couple of years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has laid out a goal to eliminate hepatitis B worldwide by 2030. Read the full articles here: Will the Current COVID-19 Vaccines Work Against Omicron? Pfizer and Moderna Spark Concern by Painting Bleak Pictures PrematurelyVBI Vaccines Gets FDA Approval for First Three-Antigen Hepatitis B ShotFor 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