New research demonstrates that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may be more flexible than previously thought, with hinges similar to leg joints to seek receptors on a host, according to a new article published in Science on August 18. Understanding molecular dynamics of how the spike protein functions could have implications in therapeutic and vaccine design. Discuss
Rare stem cells that give rise to neutrophils in human bone marrow could offer a path to developing treatments for diseases that involve the white blood cells, according to a new article published in Immunity on August 18. Discuss
A microbe-based therapeutics platform that has been in development for nearly 30 years is gaining traction for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The company that is developing the platform, Precigen ActoBio, is advancing a lead candidate through clinical trials with the long-term goal of finding a sweet spot between biologics and gene therapies. Discuss
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is making progress on BNT162b1, a COVID-19 vaccine candidate that is undergoing development and for which the U.S. government has secured access to 300 million doses in 2021. The results of the phase I/II clinical trials were published in Nature on August 12. Discuss
Sharing knowledge between competitors will be key for establishing the manufacturing capacity needed to produce billions of COVID-19 vaccines in coming months. Such collaboration could change the way that innovation and competition are viewed in the biopharmaceutical industry, according to a policy forum published in Science on August 13. Discuss
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause the paralysis of key immune cells as the COVID-19 disease progresses, and this immune paralysis can be the difference between severe and mild cases of COVID-19, according to a study published in Science on August 11. Discuss
Drug development can be an expensive and tedious process. Add in the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, and you have a recipe for frustration. Biosimulation -- using computers to simulate drug response in humans -- can help accelerate the process, which Certara hopes to achieve with a newly launched platform targeted at COVID-19 vaccine development. Discuss
A new technology platform using self-assembling peptide nanofibers tagged with antibodies can be an effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, according to a proof-of-concept study published in Science Advances on August 7. Discuss
Patients with inflammation caused by periodontitis may experience more severe COVID-19 complications, according to an article published online July 30 in the Journal of the California Dental Association. Discuss
Genetic analysis of antibodies reveals how microbes in the intestines impact overall B-cell populations and humoral responses to pathogens. The research was published in Nature on August 5. Discuss
Conferences
Cell and Gene Therapy Bioprocessing and Commercialization
October 19-22
Online
October 19-22
Online
New Applications of Synthetic Biology to Cancer Research Challenges: 2020 Virtual Jumpstart
October 26-30
Online
October 26-30
Online
Japan Analytical & Scientific Instruments Show (JASIS)
November 11-13
Chiba, Chiba Japan
November 11-13
Chiba, Chiba Japan
2020 AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo
December 13-17
Online
December 13-17
Online
Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) 2021
January 23-27, 2021
San Diego, California United States
January 23-27, 2021
San Diego, California United States
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