Don Kirkpatrick

Nice in depth (and nostalgic) analysis of the new Illumina SmolSeq (🐱) by Keith Robison. Some really insightful points, most importantly IMO that SmolSeq is artfully positioned to create some competitive turbulence for Element Biosciences: "But now, $50K gets a very highly performing machine and $100K one which will fit many startup aspirations.  AVITI is still a sweet instrument, but Illumina just made that conversation more complicated." Also, why so shy about a DX version - "But even more surprising is that Illumina didn't outline a clear roadmap for clinical versions of the MiSeq i100 [🐱] - the DX model of the MiSeq received FDA clearance. The simpler workflows and smaller footprint would seem to make MiSeq i100 [🐱] a natural to try to put into pathology labs. So why the hesitancy to outline a path to get these into lucrative clinical markets?"

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We recently sat down with Dr. George Wang, Vice President of Discovery and Preclinical Services at WuXi Biologics to discuss the importance of looking at developability of an antibody early in the drug discovery process. In the podcast, The Importance of Evaluating Developability in the Antibody Discovery Stage, Dr. Wang defines developability and its significance in achieving scalable production during CMC development, which is essential for large-scale manufacturing before clinical trials. He emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing developability concerns early in the discovery stage to mitigate risks and ensure cost-effective development. Dr. Wang provides examples where developability studies have helped prevent unforeseen costs and timeline disruptions during biologics discovery and preclinical development phases. He underscores that assessing developability can reveal issues with product aggregation, stability, solubility, or manufacturing efficiencies. https://lnkd.in/g7qY9kXs

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Lake N. Paul, PhD. is in San Diego at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization #BIO2024 conference meeting with colleagues & future clients. Connect with him in person to learn about how, as a Collaborative Research Organization, we are best positioned to support your analytical program. #aav #genetherapy #rarediseases #biophysics #STEM #STEMPhilly #biochemistry #celltherapy #bioanalysisllc #PhillyBusiness #phillyscience

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Passive #LNP tissue targeting paper from Professor James Dahlman's lab. LNP67 was found capable of delivering #mRNA to murine HSCs in vivo, primary human HSCs ex vivo and CD34+ cells in rhesus monkeys in vivo at doses of 0.25 and 0.4 mg kg−1. 

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Astellas Pharma's subsidiary, Xyphos Biosciences, is partnering with Poseida Therapeutics, Inc. Therapeutics to develop two "convertible" CAR-T therapy candidates for solid tumors. The goal of this collaboration is to create a safer option compared to traditional cell therapies. Xyphos' platform and Poseida's genetic editing technology will be combined to make more effective solid tumor cell therapies. Astellas will pay Poseida $50 million upfront and another $550 million in potential milestone payments, with low double-digit royalties if a therapy is commercialized. #advancedtherapies #cart #therapies #celltherapy #cellandgenetherapy #regenerativemedicine #solidtumors #cancer #oncology #milestones #royalties #collaboration #biotech #biotechnology #pharma #pharmaceuticals #lifesciences #therapeutics Kristin Yarema, Ph.D. Gary Starling

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CicrRNA 2.0. This paper from the Wang lab @ MIT finds that a branched mRNA cap effectively initiates translation on linear or circular #mRNAs without IRES. Two types of chemical modification, locked nucleic acid (LNA) N7-methylguanosine modifications on the cap and LNA + 5 × 2′ O-methyl on the 5′ untranslated region, enhance RNA–eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF4E–eIF4G) binding and RNA stability against decapping in vitro. Through multidimensional chemotopological engineering of dual-capped mRNA and capped circular RNA, we enhanced mRNA protein production by up to tenfold in vivo, resulting in 17-fold and 3.7-fold higher antibody production after prime and boost doses in a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine setting, respectively.  https://lnkd.in/eX2a9Tn3

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Ten Companies to Watch in AI Drug Discovery https://lnkd.in/gCWtSdiZ In AI-based drug discovery—a field benefiting from a cumulative investment of $60 billion—the leaders are making real progress toward approved therapies. The post Ten Companies to Watch in AI Drug Discovery appeared first on GEN [...] #LosAngeles #OrangeCountyCA #Biotech #Lifescience #News

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xcellbio Biosciences Inc. (Xcellbio) announced the advancement of its collaboration with Labcorp through the installation of a new AVATAR™ Foundry system at Labcorp's Ann Arbor, Michigan site. This beta access program installation enables scientists to extend potency benefits from small-scale to large-scale automated cell therapy manufacturing workflows. Labcorp, a longstanding collaborator of Xcellbio, joins the early members of the AVATAR Foundry beta access program. Xcellbio's AVATAR incubator system, including the AVATAR Odyssey and the latest AVATAR Foundry system, delivers innovative capabilities for enhancing the potency of cell and gene therapies. These advancements are crucial for optimizing cell therapies targeting solid tumors, particularly in challenging tumor microenvironments. #potency #celltherapy #advancedtherapies #regenerativemedicine #collaboration #betasite #expansion #biotech #biotechnology #lifescience #lifesciences #persistence #tumormicroenvironment #TME #genetherapy #enhancedworkflows #automation #solidtumors #oncology #cancer

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As we approach a potential vote in the United States Senate, now is the time for #biotech leaders to stand up for reputable #CDMOs in China like WuXi AppTec. The #biosecure act is misguided and politically motivated in an election year. Trying to discredit companies that have become trusted members of the US #biopharma ecosystem and key contributors to our R&D programs based on unsubstantiated and unvalidated allegations is disgraceful. What is a “biotechnology company of concern?” Biotechnology Innovation Organization John F. Crowley

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I wanted to congratulate my coauthors Rashmi Madda, Haichuan Liu and Zoe Zhang on a great technote about multilevel analysis of MMAE conjugated Trastuzumab using Genovis' GlyCLICK® chemistry. Combining the ZenoTOF 7600 with both the Intabio ZT and EAD peptide mapping, comprehensive intact and localized characterization of modifications were achieved. Comparisons between pre and post derivatized Trastuzumab samples identified natural and synthetic modifications allowing for highly accurate monitoring of the payload conjugation reactions. For those interested follow the link below for a PDF copy of the technote https://lnkd.in/eSreFYCz

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The #biosecure act is bad legislation and anti-competitive and will force US #biotech companies to abandon strong and honest #CDMO partners without making us more secure. Longstanding, productive drug-discovery collaborations will inevitably be compromised by an ill-conceived initiative — all for short-term political gain. Patients in need of innovative medicines are the ones that will lose out; I urge leaders in the #biotech industry to stand up and be counted in opposition to this proposed legislation.

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Among the multitude of single-cell technologies, which one should you choose? A comprehensive benchmarking study by a team from Genentech can help make that choice easier. They used PBMCs to evaluate the performance of droplet, microwell, and combinatorial indexing-based methods from various companies that offer single-cell technology. 07/08/24 edit: please see response from Singleron by Harlin Jhyont below in the comment. “This study provides a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of commercially-available scRNA-seq kits and sheds light on the various strengths and weaknesses of each kit with respect to time, cost, functionality and performance, which should facilitate an optimal and informed selection of a suitable scRNA-seq approach.” “Overall, 10x FRP exhibited the highest ranked performance followed by 10x 3’, BD, Scale, 10x 5’ / Parse (tie), Fluent, Honeycomb, and Scipio. Singleron was excluded from the cell-based comparisons due to unreliable cell calling; however, based on UMI count, gene count, and usable mapped reads, it exhibited the lowest performance at the library level.” https://lnkd.in/eTk3jYVQ #singlecell #science

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🚀 Thrilled to be part of this collaboration with NAYA Biosciences! 🚀 NAYA Biosciences (NASDAQ: NAYA) is developing a groundbreaking new PD-1 x VEGF antibody for cancer treatment, and MAbSilico is proud to be their AI partner in this exciting venture. By combining NAYA's innovative tetravalent scaffold technology with our AI-powered #antibody design expertise, we aim to create a best-in-class therapy with the potential to transform cancer care. This partnership exemplifies MAbSilico's commitment to pushing the boundaries of antibody drug discovery through AI. We're excited to see the impact this collaboration will have on patients' lives. #AIDrugDiscovery #AntibodyEngineering #ImmunoOncology #CancerTreatment #Partnerships #Innovation

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BrainStorm Strengthens Exosome Patent Portfolio: Receives Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent Covering Its Platform Technology - https://lnkd.in/gkYaMmVM Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today that it has received Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) for patent application 16/981,757 which covers its proprietary exosome technology. “This patent strengthens BrainStorm’s intellectual property portfolio and highlights our commitment to advancing novel technologies for respiratory and neurodegenerative diseases,” said Chaim Lebovits, BrainStorm’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gkYaMmVM #exosomes #stemcell #celltherapy

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At https://lnkd.in/garqsawP, see new application for synthetic peptide growth factors from PeptiGrowth Inc. VEGF, Wnt3a and thrombopoietin produce NKT cells through differentiation from iPSC to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Compared to control growth factors, the protocol is shortened by a day, with >2x HSPC harvested, using lower concentrations of GFs. #NKCell #iPSC #stemcell #cellculture

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SDBN Feed: Candid Therapeutics unwraps three new collaborations to discover and develop T-cell engager antibodies https://lnkd.in/g4rKJTSk Candid Therapeutics, a new San Diego biotech bent on becoming a leader in the emerging T-cell engager space, has unwrapped three new research collaborations focusing on autoimmune diseases. Candid will partner with EpimAb Biotherapeutics, Nona [...]

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