This week in drug discovery (2-6 January)

News round-up for 2-6 January by DDW Digital Content Editor Diana Spencer.

The drug discovery industry has hit the ground running in 2023 with some big announcements in the first week, particularly in cancer research, where there has been good news in pancreatic, urothelial and uveal cancers. 

The top stories: 

Accelerated development for Covid-19 monoclonal antibody 

A monoclonal antibody to prevent Covid-19 in vulnerable patients, AZD3152, has entered clinical trials less than 12 months after discovery.  

Triple immunotherapy eliminates pancreatic tumours 

A novel immunotherapy combination, targeting checkpoints in both T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, has significantly improved anti-tumour responses in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. 

AI-powered cancer simulations enable drug targeting 

Cancer Research Horizons and biotech company Turbine have announced a partnership to solve complex diseases.   

FDA fast-tracks metastatic urothelial cancer treatment 

The FDA has granted Fast Track Designation to Bicycle Therapeutics’ BT8009 monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with previously treated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. 

$5 million to fund trial of therapy for uveal melanoma 

Cancer Focus Fund is investing $5 million in funding to support ISA103, ISA Pharmaceuticals’ PRAME-targeting immunotherapy, in a first-in-human study for the treatment of uveal melanoma, a rare ocular cancer.

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