Latest headlines
Neurodegeneration Challenge Network secures funding from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), the philanthropic endeavor led by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and his partner Priscilla Chan, announced the launch of its Neurodegeneration Challenge Network. This new network brings together experimental scientists from diverse biomedical research fields, as well as computational biologists and physicians, to understand the underlying causes of neurodegenerative disorders. “Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, and ALS, are a class of diseases that affect millions of people worldwide,” says CZI Science Program Officer, Katja Brose.The CZI Neurodegeneration Challenge Network now seeks to address these gaps by launching a collaborative network to focus on neurodegenerative diseases. More details on the network at the CZI website.
Cabometyx approved for HCC treatment in Europe
Ipsen today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Cabometyx® (cabozantinib) 20, 40, 60 mg as a monotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults who have previously been treated with sorafenib. This approval allows for the marketing of Cabometyx in this indication in all 28 member states of the European Union, Norway and Iceland. "Today’s EC approval provides a much needed new option for HCC patients. Until now, physicians in Europe had only one approved therapy for the 2nd line treatment of this aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancer”, said Harout Semerjian, CCO at Ipsen. The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) can be found here.
Petition to improve and expand access to radiotherapy in the UK
A coalition of stakeholders including leaders from patient groups, academia, government and the private sector have released a report that provides recommendations to the NHS that would improve and expand access to advanced radiotherapy services in the UK amidst calls for increased funding by the all party parliamentary group for radiotherapy. The report builds upon a public petition led by the charity Action Radiotherapy. The petition asks to increase the NHS Cancer budget dedicated to radiotherapy from 5% to 6.5%, and a one-time £250 million investment to modernise existing machines and build satellite radiotherapy centres to ensure accessible service nationwide. Currently, the NHS spends only 5 percent of its budget on radiotherapy services although around 50 percent of cancer patients will need radiotherapy as a part of their treatment. More information on the petition can be found on https://www.actionradiotherapy.org/
DNAe wins OBN Award for Best Diagnostic Medtech Company
DNAe, the inventor of semiconductor-based genomic analysis technologies, and the developer of a new game-changing test for bloodstream infections (BSI) that can lead to sepsis, was named ‘Best Diagnostic Medtech Company’ at the 2018 OBN Awards. DNAe was recognized for its pioneering semiconductor DNA analysis and sample preparation1 technologies that underlie its breakthrough direct-from-blood, cartridge-based diagnostic in development, LiDia® BSI, as well as the developmental progress and disruptive potential of the LiDia® BSI method.
EU devises six-year Action Plan on childhood obesity
Childhood obesity remains a big public health issue in the European Union. In the European region it is estimated that 1 in 3 11 year olds is overweight or obese. 7% of national health budget across Europe is spent on diseases linked to obesity. To address this alarming issue, the EU envisaged a six year Action Plan on Childhood Obesity (2014-2020). The plan aims at demonstrating shared commitment among EU Member States, setting priority areas for actions and collectively keeping track of the progress. An international symposium on October 30, in Brussels offers an opportunity for all relevant stakeholders to engage with the EU Action Plan. Detailed information on the Action Plan and symposium can be found at Public Policy Exchange.
