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Gene Therapy AL-001 Shows Promise for Treating Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration

Gene Therapy AL-001 Shows Promise for Treating Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration

A preclinical study has evaluated AL-001, a gene therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), demonstrating its potential to provide sustained therapeutic effects. AL-001 utilizes a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector to deliver aflibercept, a protein that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), directly to the eye. The study compared suprachoroidal space (SCS) and intravitreal (IVT) administration in animal models, finding that SCS delivery resulted in sustained aflibercept expression with reduced inflammation and improved efficacy. These findings suggest that AL-001 could offer a long-acting treatment option for wAMD, reducing the need for frequent injections.
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Celloram Inc. Develops Cancer Vaccine Using COVID-19 Immune Memory to Combat Tumors

Celloram Inc. Develops Cancer Vaccine Using COVID-19 Immune Memory to Combat Tumors

Scientists from Celloram Inc., University Hospitals, and Case Western Reserve University have introduced a groundbreaking cancer vaccine platform named PROTEXI. This innovative approach leverages the immune memory generated by SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination to enhance the body's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights how PROTEXI uses pre-existing antiviral immune memory to boost the immune system's response to tumors, particularly those that are typically resistant to current therapies. By combining tumor-specific antigens with helper signals from the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, the vaccine aims to convert dormant antiviral memory into a catalyst for antitumor immunity. Preclinical trials have shown promising results in slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in models of melanoma and breast cancer.
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First Case of Rare Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

First Case of Rare Bourbon Virus Confirmed in New York, Raising Public Health Concerns

Researchers have confirmed the first case of Bourbon virus in New York State, a rare tick-borne infection carried by lone star ticks. The discovery on Long Island suggests that the virus may be more prevalent in the region than previously thought. Bourbon virus, first identified in Kansas in 2014, is difficult to diagnose due to overlapping symptoms with other tick-borne illnesses and the lack of a widely available diagnostic test. The virus does not respond to antibiotics, and there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available.
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Rep. Shri Thanedar Calls for FDA and CDC Transparency on Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in Michigan

Rep. Shri Thanedar Calls for FDA and CDC Transparency on Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in Michigan

Rep. Shri Thanedar has led a letter to the acting heads of the FDA and CDC, urging them to provide clearer public information regarding the recent rise in cyclosporiasis cases. The outbreak has significantly impacted Michigan, with 8,176 reported cases and 160 hospitalizations since late June 2026. Thanedar, along with other lawmakers including Eric Sorensen, Joaquin Castro, and Chuy García, is advocating for the agencies to enhance their collaboration with state and local health officials to improve outbreak detection, food safety, and treatment research. The call for transparency aims to address the growing public health concern and ensure effective management of the outbreak.
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Study suggests the threat of mold-associated illnesses may be underappreciated

Study suggests the threat of mold-associated illnesses may be underappreciated

A new U.S. study suggests invasive mold infections may be an underappreciated threat
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University of Rochester's Clinical and Translational Science Institute Secures $29 Million NIH Grant

University of Rochester's Clinical and Translational Science Institute Secures $29 Million NIH Grant

The University of Rochester's Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) has been awarded over $29 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding, provided through the NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, aims to support translational science and research that improves human health outcomes. For more than 20 years, CTSI has been a leader in health research, securing over $157 million in federal funding to accelerate the development of treatments. The institute celebrated this achievement at the Saunders Research Building, highlighting its role in advancing medical research and improving healthcare delivery.
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Genome Mining Reveals Less Toxic, Potent Antifungal Polyenes in Mice

Genome Mining Reveals Less Toxic, Potent Antifungal Polyenes in Mice

Genome Mining Reveals Less Toxic, Potent Antifungal Polyenes in Mice
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Scientists Develop PROTEXI Vaccine to Leverage COVID-19 Immune Memory Against Cancer

Scientists Develop PROTEXI Vaccine to Leverage COVID-19 Immune Memory Against Cancer

Researchers from Celloram Inc., University Hospitals, and Case Western Reserve University have introduced a novel cancer vaccine platform named PROTEXI. This platform utilizes the immune memory generated from SARS-CoV-2 infections and vaccinations to enhance the body's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights how PROTEXI redirects pre-existing antiviral immune memory to fight tumors, particularly in 'immune-cold' tumors that are resistant to current therapies. The vaccine has shown promising results in preclinical models of melanoma and breast cancer, slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates. The platform is advancing towards first-in-human clinical trials in sarcoma patients.
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Chinese Scientist Investigated After Child's Death Following Gene Therapy

Chinese Scientist Investigated After Child's Death Following Gene Therapy

A leading Chinese scientist, Qiu Zilong, is under investigation by Shanghai Jiao Tong University following the death of a six-year-old girl named Mei. The child reportedly died after receiving experimental gene-editing therapy aimed at correcting a genetic mutation affecting her neurodevelopment. The treatment involved infusing trillions of viruses carrying a base editor into her spinal fluid, which led to a severe immune reaction. This incident has raised significant concerns about the safety and ethical implications of such experimental treatments. The university and Xinhua Hospital, affiliated with the institution, are facing scrutiny, although the hospital only received a minor fine from local health authorities.
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Experimental Plague Vaccine Shows Promise in Mice Lacking Key Immune Defenses

Experimental Plague Vaccine Shows Promise in Mice Lacking Key Immune Defenses

Researchers have developed a new pair of vaccines that protect mice from pneumonic plague, even in the absence of key immune proteins. The study tested live-attenuated vaccines, LMA and LMP, alongside a virus-based vaccine, Ad5-YFV, in mice genetically engineered to lack interferon-gamma. The vaccines demonstrated strong protection, with a two-step prime-pull strategy involving an injection and nasal spray proving most effective. This approach generated robust immunity in the lungs, crucial for combating the pneumonic form of the plague.
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Researchers at DTU Use Quantum Computing to Enhance AI in Cancer Vaccine Design

Researchers at DTU Use Quantum Computing to Enhance AI in Cancer Vaccine Design

Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have utilized a photonic quantum computer to improve an AI model's ability to design peptides, which are crucial for the immune system to recognize diseased or infected cells. This study, which is still awaiting peer review, demonstrated that AI-designed peptides could successfully bind to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, a critical step in triggering an immune response. The AI used a generative adversarial network to design peptides, starting from a random point provided by a photonic quantum processor. This processor offers a unique kind of randomness that is difficult to replicate with classical computers, potentially allowing the AI to explore a broader range of peptide designs.
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Tonix Pharmaceuticals to Announce Q2 2026 Financial Results Amid Expanding Treatment Portfolio

Tonix Pharmaceuticals to Announce Q2 2026 Financial Results Amid Expanding Treatment Portfolio

Tonix Pharmaceuticals to Announce Q2 2026 Financial Results Amid Expanding Treatment Portfolio