The characterization and analysis of advanced therapies, such as cell and gene therapies (CGTs) can be difficult, as these products are designed to function using complex mechanisms of action (MOA)s. There are a wide range of challenges associated with accurately assessing the potency and impurity profiles of these complex biologicals. As many CGT programs qualify for accelerated review pathways, novel approaches for analysis and characterization can help generate data that allows for real-time decision making and faster development timelines. Catalent has developed a relative potency bioassay using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to assess relative transcription activity in cells treated with ligands or transgenic vectors. The assay platform can be used to qualify a repeatable, accurate, linear, and specific bioassay for assessing relative potency for CGTs, mRNA- and other nucleic acid-based therapies.
Acuitas CEO Dr Thomas Madden and NanoVation co-founder and president Dr Dominik Witzigmann discuss how LNP engineering is expanding genetic medicine applications to traditionally undruggable targets.
AstraZeneca's sBLA for durvalumab combined with neoadjuvant enfortumab vedotin in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, based on the Phase 3 VOLGA trial, has a PDUFA date expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
IMVT-1402 (imeroprubart) failed to reach statistical significance on CLASI-A at Week 12 in a 57-patient proof-of-concept study, and Immunovant will stop development in cutaneous lupus erythematosus. The anti-FcRn antibody continues in five other autoimmune indications.
SOTIO Biotech's LRRC15-targeted antibody-drug conjugate SOT106 now holds both Orphan Drug and Fast Track Designations in soft tissue sarcoma and osteosarcoma. The company expects to start first-in-human testing later in 2026.
Dr Stephen Wilson, CEO of the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering, describes Basel's collaborative ecosystem and a 3-year roadmap linking research to global clinical partners.