Oak Hill Bio Announces Publication of Rugonersen Phase 1 Study Results in Nature Medicine

Oak Hill Bio Announces Publication of Rugonersen Phase 1 Study Results in Nature Medicine




Oak Hill Bio Announces Publication of Rugonersen Phase 1 Study Results in Nature Medicine

Data from the TANGELO trial provides evidence of improvement in brain activity and developmental ability in children with Angelman syndrome compared to natural history


CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oak Hill Bio, a biotechnology company focused on developing life-changing therapies for people with rare diseases, today announced the publication in Nature Medicine of the results of the rugonersen Phase 1 TANGELO study in 1 to 12 year old children with Angelman syndrome.1 Oak Hill Bio recently obtained exclusive rights to rugonersen and plans to initiate a Phase 3 study in patients with Angelman syndrome in early 2026. The results published today (The UBE3A-ATS antisense oligonucleotide rugonersen in children with Angelman syndrome: a phase 1 trial, Hipp et al., Nature Medicine, DOI 10.1038/s41591-025-03784-7) showed adverse event rates for rugonersen consistent with other antisense oligonucleotides, the route of administration, and the patient population. The results also showed that treatment with rugonersen led to dose-dependent partial normalization of pathological brain activity on a pharmacodynamic biomarker of brain function, electroencephalogram (EEG) delta power, and improvements on multiple exploratory endpoints measuring the core symptoms of Angelman syndrome as compared to natural history. The safety and tolerability profile, as well as the encouraging pharmacodynamic and exploratory clinical effects observed in TANGELO, provide strong support for further testing of rugonersen for the treatment of Angelman syndrome.

Angelman syndrome is caused by lack of the protein UBE3A in neurons due to a genetic defect on the maternal allele. UBE3A is expressed only from the maternal allele in neurons, while the paternal allele is silenced (imprinted) by a long non-coding antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS) that interferes with the transcription of UBE3A from the paternal allele. Rugonersen (OHB-724) is designed to restore expression of UBE3A by suppressing the UBE3A-ATS transcript, thereby leveraging the intact paternal allele. TANGELO was a Phase 1, multicenter, open-label, multiple ascending, intra-patient dose escalation study that enrolled 61 patients aged 1-12 years with Angelman syndrome (mutation and deletion genotypes). In TANGELO, rugonersen led to a dose-dependent reduction in EEG delta power—a biomarker of abnormal brain activity in Angelman syndrome that has been shown to correlate with functional outcomes. The dynamics of the EEG biomarker provide robust pharmacodynamic data to inform the dose regimen of the planned Phase 3 trial.

Exploratory clinical efficacy on developmental skills was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland). Four out of five behavioral domains tested by the Bayley-III and all five of the Vineland domains analyzed showed developmental gains above expectations from natural history. Of these results, most gains in developmental ability approached or surpassed thresholds for minimal clinically important group differences.

“These are promising results that mark a major milestone in the development of disease-modifying therapies for Angelman syndrome,” said Dr. Mark Shen, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and one of the principal investigators and authors of the paper. “In this paper, we have shown that an investigational treatment targeting the root cause of a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder can improve both brain activity and behavioral symptoms as compared to natural history in a consistent and measurable way.”

“Although these results are exploratory, rugonersen shows promise based upon the evidence published today of improvements in both a neurophysiologic biomarker and functional endpoints in individuals with Angelman syndrome,” said Dr. Wen-Hann Tan, Attending Physician, Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an expert on Angelman syndrome, who was not involved in the study. “These results provide support for further investigation of rugonersen and UBE3A-targeting strategies in randomized controlled trials and highlight the potential value of EEG as a biomarker.”

Angelman syndrome affects an estimated 500,000 individuals worldwide. It typically presents during early childhood and is characterized by cognitive and developmental issues, including speech and communication difficulties, motor impairment, balance issues, and debilitating seizures.

Rugonersen was generally well tolerated across more than 450 intrathecal administrations among 61 participants, some of whom received treatment for up to four years. The most common adverse events (AEs) were transient pyrexia and vomiting, typically occurring shortly after dosing. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were experienced by 34% of participants and those deemed related to treatment occurred in 13% of participants (or 2% of administrations). Treatment-related SAEs included seizure, epilepsy, vomiting, pyrexia and post-lumbar puncture syndrome. No participants were withdrawn from the study due to AEs.

“These promising results further support our decision to license exclusive rights to rugonersen. We are proud to support the continued development of this potential new treatment option and are deeply appreciative of the patients, families, and investigators whose commitment made this work possible,” said Josh Distler, Chief Executive Officer of Oak Hill Bio. “This publication in Nature Medicine reflects the strength of the science and the importance of advancing treatments that can meaningfully improve the lives of people living with Angelman syndrome and their families.”

About Oak Hill Bio

Oak Hill Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing life-changing therapies for people with rare diseases. Its pipeline includes late-stage programs in Angelman syndrome and complications of extreme prematurity, as well as a preclinical asset for diabetic macular edema. For more information, visit www.oakhillbio.com.

_________________________

1

This study was sponsored and conducted by Roche.

 

Contacts

Josh Distler, Chief Executive Officer

josh.distler@oakhillbio.com

Media

media@oakhillbio.com

IDT Launches All-Inclusive Gene Fragments From 7 Cents Per Base With 25% Lower Turnaround Times and Next-Day Shipping Powered by Its Cutting-Edge Synthetic Biology Facility

IDT Launches All-Inclusive Gene Fragments From 7 Cents Per Base With 25% Lower Turnaround Times and Next-Day Shipping Powered by Its Cutting-Edge Synthetic Biology Facility




IDT Launches All-Inclusive Gene Fragments From 7 Cents Per Base With 25% Lower Turnaround Times and Next-Day Shipping Powered by Its Cutting-Edge Synthetic Biology Facility

IDT: The Original Innovator in Gene Fragments, Leadership through Science and Quality

CORALVILLE, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#genefragments–Global genomics solutions leader Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), with an established reputation in scientific leadership and high-quality solutions for customers, has announced a brand-new center focused on custom genes. Driven by the capabilities made possible by this new center, IDT has expanded its high-quality offerings to customers via a new synthetic biology custom solutions team and has made significant improvements in their market-leading synthetic biology manufacturing capabilities.




As the first to develop gBlocks™ Gene Fragments, IDT set the standard for fast, affordable, and high-quality synthetic DNA—and continues to raise the bar by developing customizable solutions tailored to any research challenge. Today, IDT’s eBlocks™ Gene Fragments and SynBio Custom Solutions are helping scientists move from idea to experiment faster than ever, with fragments often shipping the next day, transparent pricing starting at $0.07/bp USD, and no hidden fees or adapter removal steps.

These improvements apply to its leading gene fragment products such as eBlocks, gBlocks, and gBlocks HiFi Gene Fragments, including standard and rapid gene clonal products. This continuous improvement is due to the further implementation of the Danaher Business System (DBS) and new investments. In a field where speed and precision are critical, IDT continues to lead with the innovation and reliability researchers have trusted for nearly four decades.

Led by science and quality, built for speed.

  • Cloning-ready convenience—no adapter removal required. Compatible with major cloning techniques. Clone straight from tube to vector.
  • Higher yields, fewer reorders—200 ng minimum yield for gene fragments means fewer reorders and more flexibility.
  • Next-day shipping—eBlocks ship in as fast as 24 hours, with consistent, transparent pricing – no surprises.

“Our mission has always been to empower scientists to develop solutions that matter to customers and move faster without compromising quality,” said Ajay Gannerkote, President of IDT. “We were the first to bring gBlocks Gene Fragments to the market, and we’ve never stopped innovating. Today, we continue to invest in our platforms and infrastructure to push turnaround times even further—because accelerating discovery is what we do best.”

Beyond the catalog: Tailor-made solutions for pioneering science

Not every project fits in a catalog. Through its SynBio Custom Solutions Team IDT partners directly with researchers to design and deliver tailor-made solutions, including codon optimization, vector selection, and expression tuning—ensuring each construct is designed around the researcher’s goals, not vendor limitations. Backed by over 35 years of scientific leadership and a team of specialized PhD scientists, IDT helps accelerate next-generation breakthroughs that require more than off-the-shelf tools, bringing even the most ambitious ideas to life.

Why the world’s top labs choose IDT

  • Pioneers of gBlocks Gene Fragments
  • Trusted by leading academic institutions and biotech innovators worldwide
  • Responsive, expert support when your experiment is on the line
  • Always solving for customers
  • No hidden fees, no surprises—just results

Whether you’re starting an experiment this week or engineering biology for the future, IDT remains the partner you’ve always counted on—for science, quality, speed, precision, and trust.

About IDT

Building from a strong foundation of innovation, expertise, and reliability, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) has evolved from an oligo manufacturer to a leading genomics provider. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with scientific and global health partners to enable genomics breakthroughs at scale. Our vision of enabling researchers to rapidly move from the lab to life-changing advances reflects our ongoing commitment to a healthier, brighter future for all.

IDT is proud to be part of Danaher, a global science and technology leader. Together we combine our capabilities to accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology to improve human health.

For more information about IDT, visit www.idtdna.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Disclaimer: RUO — For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing, IDT does not intend these products to be used in clinical applications and does not warrant their fitness or suitability for any clinical diagnostic use.

Contacts

Media Contact:

idtpr@idtdna.com
800-328-2661 (USA & Canada)

+1 319-626-8400 (outside USA)

mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Trials, Development Priority Status & Market Opportunity Insight 2025: Over 60 Candidates in Clinical Trials – ResearchAndMarkets.com

mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Trials, Development Priority Status & Market Opportunity Insight 2025: Over 60 Candidates in Clinical Trials – ResearchAndMarkets.com




mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Trials, Development Priority Status & Market Opportunity Insight 2025: Over 60 Candidates in Clinical Trials – ResearchAndMarkets.com

DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Trials, Market Trends By Indication, Development Priority Status & Market Opportunity Insight 2025” drug pipelines has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.


mRNA cancer vaccine space has become one of the most rapidly evolving domains in modern pharmaceutical sciences. Encouraged by the success with mRNA technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmaceutical industry and research institutions are currently leveraging this platform to develop highly individualized anticancer therapies.

Unlike conventional therapies, which tend to be imprecise and cause systemic toxicity, mRNA cancer vaccines provide targeted immunotherapy depending on the specific genetic mutations present in an individual tumor. Such specificity has the potential to redefine oncology standards of care.

On the clinical front, over 60 mRNA cancer vaccine candidates are under development at different stages. Though most of them are in preliminary research and preclinical development, a few are already in mid- and late stage clinical trials. These vaccines function by teaching the body to generate tumor-specific antigens, eliciting an immune response against cancer cells. mRNA cancer vaccines differ from conventional vaccines in that they can be customized to each individual patient’s tumor pattern, a tactic which has already yielded encouraging results in enhancing long-term immune surveillance.

One of the most advanced mRNA cancer vaccine in the pipeline is Moderna and Merck’s Intismeran Autogene (mRNA-4157/V940), currently in Phase 3 for melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The vaccine is given in combination with Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, to maximize immune recognition and killing of cancer cells. This combination approach is meant to optimize immune activation with breakage of resistance mechanisms. Upon a successful outcome, the firms seek to commercialize Intismeran Autogene by the second quarter of 2027.

Another top contender, Autogene cevumeran (BNT122), from BioNTech in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, is also showed promising Phase 1 trial results in pancreatic cancer recently. Early 2025 data showed the vaccine-induced immune cells lasted in some patients for almost four years. Patients who responded to the vaccine had longer relapse-free periods, which suggested the development of long-lasting, tumor-specific T-cell responses.

Commercial interest in mRNA cancer vaccines is also heating up. Billions are being invested in R&D by large biotech companies and big pharma alike. On top of this, a new generation of biotech startups is going into clinical trials with new antigen targeting modalities, delivery strategies, and vaccine production methods. CK Life Sciences’ circular mRNA-based vaccine for TROP2, a protein associated with aggressive tumors such as triple-negative breast cancer, is a promising development. Preclinical outcomes in animal models produced almost complete tumor suppression.

Although the enthusiasm is evident, it must be mentioned that none of the mRNA cancer vaccines have been approved by regulatory authorities yet. That said, the journey is rapid, and regulatory agencies are also adapting themselves in tune. Organizations like the FDA, EMA, and the MHRA of the UK are keenly defining guidelines to accommodate individualized immunotherapies. The NHS’s Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad is a real-life example of such development, recruiting patients for individualized vaccine trials throughout England.

With more than 60 mRNA cancer vaccine candidates in development worldwide and some at late stages of clinical trials, the possibility of these treatments revolutionizing oncology is vast. Despite challenges, especially in approval by regulators and mass production, bioengineering, genomics, and immunotherapy synergy could soon bring cancer vaccines personalized to individuals who would benefit the most from them.

Report Highlights:

  • Insight On mRNA Cancer Vaccines In Clinical Trials: > 60 mRNA Cancer Vaccines
  • mRNA Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trials Insight By Company, Country, Indication & Phase
  • Key Vaccines Initiation & Completion Year Insight
  • Ongoing Market Collaborations, Deals & Investments Scenario
  • Proprietary Technologies & Methodologies For mRNA Cancer Vaccine Development
  • Market Development Trends By Region & Indications

Key Topics Covered:

1. mRNA Vaccines As Next Generation Cancer Immunotherapy

1.1 mRNA Vaccines Overview

1.2 mRNA Vaccines v/s Other Cancer Therapeutic Approaches

1.3 mRNA Vaccines v/s Other Vaccines

2. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Market Overview

2.1 Current Market Trends

2.2 Future Market Commercialization & Clinical Opportunities

3. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trials Insight By Company, Country, Indication & Phase

3.1 Research

3.2 Preclinical

3.3 Phase I

3.4 Phase I/II

3.5 Phase II

3.6 Phase II/III

3.7 Phase III

4. Global Cancer mRNA Vaccines Clinical Pipeline Overview

4.1 By Company

4.2 By Country

4.3 By Indication

4.4 By Patient Segment

4.5 By Phase

4.6 By Priority Status

5. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Clinical Landscape By Indication

5.1 Breast Cancer

5.2 Brain Cancer

5.3 Melanoma

5.4 Head & Neck Cancers

5.5 Lung Cancer

5.6 Cervical Cancer

5.7 Gastrointestinal Cancers

6. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Market Trends By Country

6.1 US

6.2 China

6.3 Australia

6.4 Europe

6.5 Canada

6.6 UK

7. Global mRNA Cancer Vaccines Market Collaborations, Deals & Investments

8. Proprietary Technologies & Methodologies For mRNA Cancer Vaccine Development

9. Competitive Landscape

  • BioNTech
  • Combined Therapeutics
  • CureVac
  • EpiVax
  • HDT Bio
  • Immorna
  • Immune Design
  • MDimune
  • Moderna Therapeutics
  • NeoCura
  • pHion Therapeutics
  • Providence Therapeutics
  • RinuaGene
  • RNAimmune
  • TransCode Therapeutics

For more information about this drug pipelines report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/uxulcs

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world’s leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Contacts

ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com
For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470

For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

Nordic Cold Chain Solutions Launches Nordic Express Pack: First Cold Chain Packaging Specifically Designed and Tested for GLP-1 Medications

Nordic Cold Chain Solutions Launches Nordic Express Pack: First Cold Chain Packaging Specifically Designed and Tested for GLP-1 Medications




Nordic Cold Chain Solutions Launches Nordic Express Pack: First Cold Chain Packaging Specifically Designed and Tested for GLP-1 Medications

HATFIELD, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nordic Cold Chain Solutions, a leading provider of temperature-controlled packaging and cold chain solutions, announces the launch of the Nordic Express Pack, the first cold chain packaging solution specifically designed and tested for shipping GLP-1 medications.


GLP-1 drugs require temperature control throughout shipping to ensure therapeutic efficacy and maintain regulatory compliance. The Nordic Express Pack was purpose-built for this category, delivering a reliable and easy-to-pack solution that helps specialty pharmacies and healthcare distributors keep pace with rising demand and high daily order volumes.

“Nordic has always been built on a customer-first foundation, focused on truly understanding our partners’ needs and the demands of the marketplace,” said Keith Baechle, Chief Commercial Officer at Nordic Cold Chain Solutions. “We built the Nordic Express Pack to solve the real-world challenges of GLP-1 shipping. While there are plenty of generic cold chain mailers available, none have been specifically designed and tested for shipping GLP-1 therapies. With this launch, we’re delivering a faster-to-pack, easier-to-store solution that protects these critical medications without driving up costs.”

Engineered with a compact, space-saving format, the Nordic Express Pack reduces storage needs and supports rapid operational scale-up as demand increases. Its design optimizes inbound and outbound freight efficiency to minimize shipping costs while maintaining quality requirements. Integrated temperature indicators provide color-change verification of any excursions, ensuring product integrity and compliance during transit. The solution has also been tested in ISTA-certified laboratories, demonstrating proven performance in real-world hot lane simulations and seasonal extremes.

For more information about the Nordic Express Pack, visit:

https://www.nordiccoldchain.com/solutions/glp-1-cold-chain-solutions/

About Nordic Cold Chain Solutions

Nordic Cold Chain Solutions is a leading provider of temperature-controlled packaging solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products and services to clients in the cold chain industry. Known for its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, Nordic continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry.

Contacts

Media Contact:
James Marengo

Director of Marketing

Nordic Cold Chain Solutions

215 480 5113

james.marengo@nordicice.com
nordiccoldchain.com

AIS Healthcare Recognized with URAC Leader in Performance Measurement Award

AIS Healthcare Recognized with URAC Leader in Performance Measurement Award




AIS Healthcare Recognized with URAC Leader in Performance Measurement Award

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AIS Healthcare, the leading provider of targeted drug delivery (TDD) and infusion care solutions, is proud to announce that it has been named a 2024 Pioneer in URAC’s Leaders in Performance Measurement (LPM) recognition program. This is the second year in a row that AIS Healthcare has been recognized as a Pioneer by URAC for promoting trust in the quality of care delivered through performance measurement activities.


To be recognized with the Pioneer in Performance Measurement Award, an organization is required to make key contributions to advance performance measurements and participate in activities that go beyond the mandatory reporting requirements, such as submission of exploratory measures, all with the purpose of helping improve the health and well-being of the populations being served.

URAC is one of the nation’s leading independent health care accreditation organizations, with certification programs that set the highest standards in quality and safety.

We are honored to have been named a 2024 Pioneer by URAC,” said Simon Castellanos, AIS Healthcare CEO.This recognition, for the second year in a row, is a testament to the dedication of our entire company to put patient safety first. I could not be prouder of this team and their unwavering commitment to ensuring quality, sterility, and excellence across all our pharmacy operations.

As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. This accomplishment underscores the company’s commitment to going beyond what’s expected to advance quality care and improve the lives of patients.

AIS Healthcare is also dually accredited by URAC and the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), further setting it apart from other compounding pharmacies and infusion services providers.

Learn more at aiscaregroup.com

About AIS Healthcare

Advancing quality. Improving lives.

As the leading provider of targeted drug delivery and infusion care solutions, AIS Healthcare is committed to doing more of what matters. From pharmacies that put patient safety first to comprehensive services that enhance the entire care experience, we go beyond the expected in everything we do.

Learn more at aiscaregroup.com

About URAC

Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement and innovation. URAC is a nonprofit organization using evidence-based measures and developing standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.

Contacts

Simon Castellanos

877.443.4006

Life Sciences BC Announces 2025 Awards Winners, Honouring Excellence in Health Innovation

Life Sciences BC Announces 2025 Awards Winners, Honouring Excellence in Health Innovation




Life Sciences BC Announces 2025 Awards Winners, Honouring Excellence in Health Innovation

VANCOUVER, British Columbia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Life Sciences BC (LSBC) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards. These awards honour the exceptional achievements of individuals and organizations across British Columbia’s life sciences sector that have successfully advanced health innovations and significantly enriched our dynamic ecosystem.


Award winners will be recognized in person at the 27th Annual Life Sciences BC Awards Gala on October 2, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. This is a memorable evening where the life sciences community’s most influential figures gather to celebrate excellence. Learn more and get your tickets before the early bird deadline on July 31, 2025, here.

2025 Life Sciences BC Awards Winners

Company & Organizational Awards

  • Company of the Year: Zymeworks
  • Emerging Company of the Year – Biotech: Variational AI
  • Emerging Company of the Year – MedTech: Arbutus Medical
  • Strategic Partner of the Year: Providence Health Care Ventures
  • Deal of the Year: NanoVation Therapeutics

Individual Awards

  • Dr. Don Rix Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Michael Hayden
  • Milton Wong Community Leadership Award: Ali Ardakani
  • Scientific Entrepreneurship Award: Dr. Poul Sorensen
  • Genome British Columbia Award for Scientific Excellence: Dr. Fiona Brinkman

Companies to Watch – Recognition Honour Roll*:

  • Avee Health
  • CereCura Nanotherapeutics
  • GuideStar Medical Devices
  • Optigo Biotherapeutics
  • Phyton Biotech

* Note: This is not a competitive award category but a recognition of emerging companies demonstrating significant potential within the BC life sciences ecosystem.

“Being named Life Sciences BC’s 2025 Company of the Year is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the commitment to scientific innovation and collaboration here at Zymeworks,” said Dr. Paul Moore, Chief Scientific Officer, Zymeworks. “Over the past year, we have seen the true impact of our world-class R&D engine on patients with limited treatment options, including the FDA approval of zanidatamab as the first HER2-targeted bispecific antibody for HER2-positive biliary tract cancer. This milestone would not have been possible without our team’s exemplary scientific expertise, and we are proud that innovation developed here in British Columbia is helping to deliver novel therapies to patients around the world, who inspire our work each day.”

“We’re proud to recognize individuals and organizations that have dedicated their talents to advancing our sector. I’m extremely excited about this year’s award recipients. Advances in therapeutics, AI in drug discovery, medical devices, technology commercialization, and lipid nanoparticles stood out this year. Congratulations to Dr. Michael Hayden, Ali Ardakani, Dr. Poul Sorensen, and Dr. Fiona Brinkman for their incredible leadership within our vibrant life sciences community. ” – Wendy Hurlburt, President & CEO, Life Sciences BC.

Award Sponsors

AbCellera

Acuitas Therapeutics

Genome British Columbia

Providence Research / St. Paul’s Foundation

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

Networking Reception Sponsor

Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL)

Technology Sponsor

Farris

Event Supporter

Stem Cell Network

For sponsorship opportunities for the 27th Annual LSBC Awards Gala, please get in touch with Joanne Lin, Manager, Memberships & Sponsorships, at jlin@lifesciencesbc.ca.

About Life Sciences BC

Life Sciences BC (LSBC) is a not-for-profit sector association dedicated to advancing British Columbia’s life sciences ecosystem through strategic initiatives at the local, national, and international levels. We drive economic growth in the province by providing leadership, fostering investment and partnerships, collaborating with government, and promoting BC’s world-class life sciences sector.

Contacts

Rosabel Bong

Marketing & Communications Manager

rbong@lifesciencesbc.ca

Qore Launches in Eddyville, Iowa, Ushering in Large-Scale Corn Processing for Bio-Based Solutions

Qore Launches in Eddyville, Iowa, Ushering in Large-Scale Corn Processing for Bio-Based Solutions




Qore Launches in Eddyville, Iowa, Ushering in Large-Scale Corn Processing for Bio-Based Solutions

Grand opening showcases QIRA®, a renewably derived alternative to fossil-based manufacturing

EDDYVILLE, Iowa–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Qore, a joint venture of Minnesota-based Cargill and Germany-based HELM, is officially starting production of QIRA®, the world’s first large-scale 1,4-butanediol (BDO) made from locally grown dent corn. QIRA is derived from annually renewable crops and serves as an impactful alternative to a fossil-derived equivalent used in the manufacture of consumer goods.




A grand opening event, held on July 22, 2025, will celebrate the completion of the $300-million facility and the official start of QIRA production. The event will include elected officials, Iowa farmers, interactive exhibits, and a panel discussion with company employees, executives, and QIRA customers.

The new facility is set to produce 66,000 metric tons of QIRA, using corn grown primarily within 100 miles of the site. As the world’s largest facility of its kind, it marks a major step forward in meeting global demand for more sustainable materials in everyday consumer products.

“Qore is able to leverage the deep agricultural network and world-class fermentation technology expertise from Cargill and HELM’s global market reach to bring QIRA to life,” said Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore. “By providing a reliable, renewable, and transparent feedstock, QIRA helps global manufacturers and brands implement identical materials that reduce reliance on oversea supply chains, bringing more transparency to their product portfolios.”

At the heart of the environmental benefits are Iowa farmers who apply regenerative agriculture practices for growing dent corn. These practices are a holistic and inclusive approach to land management, meant to restore soil and ecosystem health. The proximity of the feedstock enables greater traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain.

“This is a bold, exciting step forward for Qore, our state, and the supply chains of the world. Now, thanks to the incredible innovation behind QIRA, Qore’s bio-based BDO, Iowa crops will not only feed and fuel the globe but sustain it,” Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said. “I’m grateful to Cargill, HELM, and everyone who helped steward this site from vision to reality. In doing so, they’ve paved the way to stronger markets and more sustainable supply chains. I couldn’t be happier to help Qore, its workers, and our citizens reach new heights of prosperity — together.”

Versatile Applications for a Range of Industries

QIRA® is an identical replacement to fossil-derived BDO and can readily drop in to manufacturing processes across multiple industries, including:

  • Fashion and Footwear – Helping to reduce the environmental footprint of textiles and apparel, while providing transparency of feedstock
  • Beauty and Personal Care – Offering more sustainable alternatives for existing ingredient formulations
  • Automotive and Electronics – Supporting more sustainable advancements in durable goods
  • Packaging – Lowering reliance on fossil-based plastics derived from petroleum and coal

Top companies are already integrating QIRA® into their product strategies. The LYCRA Company is adopting QIRA® to enhance the sustainability of LYCRA® fiber, with the potential to reduce its carbon footprint by up to 44-percent* compared to fossil-based alternatives – all without sacrificing performance. Similarly, BASF, a global leader in chemical innovation, has secured a long-term supply agreement to incorporate QIRA® into its existing derivatives portfolio.

“By offering a bio-based alternative to fossil-based feedstock, we are empowering brands to reduce their environmental impact and respond to consumer demands for transparency, more sustainable, high-performing products,” said Steve Kuiper, a fourth-generation Iowa farmer. “Our community is proud to play a vital role in making everyday products more sustainable.”

*Estimate from Cradle-to-Gate Screening LCA for a representative LYCRA® fiber manufacturing facility, June 2022, prepared by Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc.

Media Resources

  • View the event agenda and speaker list here.
  • Access images, video and other assets here.

About Qore, LLC

Formed through a joint venture between Cargill, Incorporated, and HELM America Corp. (a subsidiary of Germany-based HELM AG) (HELM), Qore, LLC (Qore) helps leading brands replace fossil-based chemistries with bio-derived intermediates. At the heart of the joint venture is the production of QIRA®, the next-generation bio-derived 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Made biologically through the fermentation of plant-based sugars, QIRA® can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions when replacing today’s widely used chemical intermediates made from traditional fossil sources. Bio-derived QIRA® is used the same way as its fossil counterpart while reducing dependency on fossil resources and reducing pollution associated with their extraction. Qore and QIRA are registered trademarks of HELM AG.

About Cargill

Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill) is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About HELM

HELM is a Hamburg, Germany, based family-owned company established in 1900. With up to 100 subsidiaries and participations in more than 30 countries, HELM is one of the largest independent chemical companies worldwide. HELM is committed to providing solutions that help its partners to tackle the reduction of CO2 emissions and the loss of biodiversity. Through its global presence, the company also strives to create positive impact in local societies around the world. HELM’s partnerships in Lithium, bio-based BDO, and digital tools supporting efficient agriculture are recent examples which support that goal. HELM is active in the chemicals and energy materials industry as well as agriculture and pharmaceuticals. For more info visit www.helmag.com

Contacts

Jason Schumann

for Qore

612-816-5718

jason@amperecom.com

Geneoscopy Wins Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decision, Invalidating All 20 Claims of Exact Sciences’ ’781 Patent

Geneoscopy Wins Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decision, Invalidating All 20 Claims of Exact Sciences’ ’781 Patent




Geneoscopy Wins Patent Trial and Appeal Board Decision, Invalidating All 20 Claims of Exact Sciences’ ’781 Patent

Decision removes key patent hurdle as Geneoscopy advances ColoSense®, its RNA-based noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test

ST. LOUIS, Mo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Geneoscopy, Inc., a life sciences company focused on developing diagnostic tests for the advancement of gastrointestinal health, today announced that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Final Written Decision following inter partes review (IPR), finding all 20 challenged claims of U.S. Patent No. 11,634,781 (the ’781 patent) unpatentable.


The PTAB’s ruling concluded that all claims of the ’781 patent are obvious considering prior art related to stool sample collection and processing. The decision to invalidate the ‘781 patent confirms Geneoscopy’s long-held position and clears the path for the continued commercialization of ColoSense.

“The PTAB’s final decision validates what we have believed all along—that the claims in the ’781 patent should never have been issued,” said Andrew Barnell, CEO and co-founder of Geneoscopy. “This outcome not only reinforces the strength of our position but helps ensure that invalid patents cannot be used to limit patient access to life-saving colorectal cancer screening options like ColoSense. It’s a critical step toward protecting patient choice and advancing high-quality, noninvasive screening solutions.”

Geneoscopy filed the IPR petition after Exact Sciences initiated a patent infringement suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The PTAB’s ruling bolsters the company’s defenses in that case and follows the Board’s earlier decision in February to institute review of a second patent asserted by Exact Sciences (U.S. Patent No. 11,970,746) on largely the same grounds on which the ‘781 patent was just invalidated. In parallel to the pending litigation, Geneoscopy has filed a countersuit alleging breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, false advertising, and unfair competition.

About ColoSense

ColoSense is intended for the qualitative detection of colorectal neoplasia-associated RNA markers and for the presence of occult hemoglobin in human stool. ColoSense is for use with the ColoSense Collection Kit, the ColoSense Test Kit, the ColoSense Software, and the following instruments: Polymedco iFOBT Analyzer; bioMérieux EMAG Nucleic Acid Extraction System; and Bio-Rad QXDx ddPCR System. ColoSense is a single-site test performed at Geneoscopy, Inc. A positive ColoSense result may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer (CRC), advanced adenomas (AA), or serrated precancerous lesions (SPL) and should be followed by a colonoscopy. ColoSense is indicated as a screening test for adults aged 45 years or older who are at the typical average risk for developing CRC. ColoSense is not a replacement for diagnostic colonoscopy or surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk individuals. Results from Geneoscopy’s pivotal CRC-PREVENT trial were published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in October 2023. For more information, visit www.colosense.com.

About Geneoscopy, Inc.

Geneoscopy, Inc. is a life sciences company focused on developing diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal health. Leveraging its proprietary, patented stool-derived eukaryotic RNA (seRNA) biomarker platform, Geneoscopy’s mission is to empower patients and providers to transform gastrointestinal health through innovative diagnostics. The company’s FDA-approved ColoSense test uses a proprietary RNA-based platform to screen for colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas for average-risk individuals over the age of 45. In partnership with leading universities and biopharmaceutical companies, Geneoscopy is also developing diagnostic tests for treatment selection and therapy monitoring in other areas of gastrointestinal health. For more information, visit www.geneoscopy.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Andrea Sampson

Sampson Public Relations Group

asampson@sampsonprgroup.com

PharmaJet® Enters into MOU Agreement with Egyptian UPA and EVA Pharma to provide Needle-Free Delivery for Routine Immunization in Egypt

PharmaJet® Enters into MOU Agreement with Egyptian UPA and EVA Pharma to provide Needle-Free Delivery for Routine Immunization in Egypt




PharmaJet® Enters into MOU Agreement with Egyptian UPA and EVA Pharma to provide Needle-Free Delivery for Routine Immunization in Egypt

Advancing Equitable Immunization Through Technology Transfer and Localized Needle-Free Injection Manufacturing

GOLDEN, Colo. & CAIRO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PharmaJet®, a company that strives to improve the performance and outcomes of injectables with its enabling needle-free injection technology, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) and EVA Pharma, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies driving healthcare innovation and access across the Middle East and Africa, to explore the integration of needle-free delivery of inactivated polio vaccine into Egypt’s routine immunization program. The signing event took place in Cairo at the African Health ExCon healthcare conference on June 26. The agreement includes provisions for distribution, technology transfer, manufacturing, and new pharmaceutical product development, as well as collaborating to increase needle-free access within Egypt and regionally.




The UPA seeks to incorporate new technologies into its portfolio, aiming to expand the benefits of vaccination against certain infectious agents, improve pandemic preparedness, reduce total immunization costs, and improve foreign exchange rates. Tropis® Needle-free adoption offers several strategic advantages for Egypt including substantial immunization cost savings of 38% or more over six years1, reduced vaccine hesitancy2,3, increased coverage2, and the potential for medical technology localization.

EVA Pharma is a leading pharmaceuticals and medical appliances manufacturing company that has vast experience in manufacturing, registering, marketing, and promoting pharmaceutical products. “This collaboration can transform immunization by making it safer, more accessible, and less painful for children and caregivers,” said Nicolas Boege, Director of Global Commercial & Corporate Development at EVA Pharma. “By introducing this technology, alongside localized technology transfer and manufacturing, EVA Pharma is committed to scaling innovation that strengthens public health systems. We are proud to collaborate with UPA and PharmaJet to localize needle-free delivery and accelerate its integration into Egypt’s immunization programs and beyond.”

The adoption and introduction of Tropis with concurrent manufacturing technology transfer has the potential to advance UPA’s goal of becoming the leader of immunization excellence and a hub of needle-free product manufacturing for the Middle East and Northern Africa. The current initiative will enhance pandemic preparedness, reduce immunization costs, and support Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance project. It also emphasizes the critical importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s life, building on the earlier efforts of the ‘1000 Golden Days’ presidential initiative.

“This collaboration with UPA and EVA Pharma has the potential to enable the children of Egypt to gain from the benefits of intradermal (ID) delivery with reduced pain and administration time. The UPA would benefit through cost savings and novel pharma product development and manufacturing opportunities with needle-free delivery, and we would be thrilled to expand PharmaJet’s commercial applications into Egypt and regionally. It’s a win-win all around,” said Paul LaBarre, Vice President of Business Development for PharmaJet. “We look forward to contributing to early childhood development in this region by increasing the positive impact of needle-free immunization.”

Tropis ID has been widely used for inactivated polio vaccine delivery in campaigns and supplemental immunization activities. It has been rigorously evaluated in a routine immunization setting in two recently published studies that showed greater than 94% acceptability amongst healthcare workers and caregivers3, reduced administration time3, and greater than 50% reduction in immunization adverse events compared with intradermal delivery with a needle4.

Refer to Instructions for Use to ensure safe injections and to review risks.

1 Data on file

2 Soonawala, D et al, Intradermal fractional booster dose of inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine with a jet injector in healthy adults, Vaccine, Volume 31, Issue 36, 12 August 2013, Pages 3688-3694

3 Mohan, D et al, Evaluating the impact of needle-free delivery of inactivated polio vaccine on Nigeria’s routine immunization program: An implementation hybrid trial , Vaccines,16 May 2025, 13(5), p.533

4 Resik, S et al, Tropis needle-free injector for fractional-dose IPV administration: A pilot study for integration into routine immunization services in Cuba. Vaccine, Volume 52 (2025), 126903

About PharmaJet

The PharmaJet mission is to improve the performance and outcomes of injectables with our enabling technology that better activates the immune system. We are committed to helping our partners realize their research and commercialization goals while making an impact on public health. PharmaJet Precision Delivery Systems™ can improve vaccine effectiveness, allow for a preferred patient and caregiver experience, and offer a proven path to commercialization. They are also safe, fast, and easy-to-use. Tropis® ID has CE Mark and WHO PQS certification for intradermal injections and is commercially available for global immunization programs. For more information or if you are interested in partnering with PharmaJet visit https://www.pharmajet.com or contact PharmaJet here. Follow us on LinkedIn.

About The Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority (UPA)

The Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority (UPA) is a government entity established to streamline and enhance the procurement of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare technologies in Egypt. Its primary goal is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare sector by ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of necessary resources. The UPA is a key component of Egypt’s 2030 Vision for universal health coverage.

About EVA Pharma

EVA Pharma is dedicated to improving access to affordable, high-quality medicines around the world, focusing on three core pillars: innovation, development and sustainable access. The company leverages cutting-edge technology at two research centers bringing first-of-its-kind capabilities to the Middle East and Africa including mRNA research and development from AI prediction to biologic products. With a 5,000-strong team of professionals, EVA Pharma produces more than one million healthcare products a day at four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, which are internationally recognized for innovation, and have been approved by multiple regulatory agencies. Guided by a relentless drive to ensure sustainable access to pressing yet unmet disease areas, the company’s product portfolio focuses on twelve therapeutic areas: Anti-infectives, metabolic health, bone, neuroscience, oncology, respiratory, gynecology, urology and andrology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, gastrointestinal tract, family medicine to meet both local and international demand. EVA Pharma is one of the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the Middle East and Africa, with an extensive pan-African presence, while operating in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit: https://www.evapharma.com/en.

Contacts

Nancy Lillie

Nancy.Lillie@PharmaJet.com
1-888-900-4321 Option 3

Marina Faltas

marina.mansour@evapharma.com

Biocytogen Enters into Antibody Licensing Agreement with BeOne Medicines to Accelerate Innovative Drug Development

Biocytogen Enters into Antibody Licensing Agreement with BeOne Medicines to Accelerate Innovative Drug Development




Biocytogen Enters into Antibody Licensing Agreement with BeOne Medicines to Accelerate Innovative Drug Development

BEIJING–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#Antibody–Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Biocytogen, HKEX: 02315), a global biotechnology company that drives the research and development of novel antibody-based drugs with innovative technologies, today announced that it has entered into a global licensing agreement with BeOne Medicines Ltd., a global oncology company, for multiple fully human antibodies.




Prior to this licensing agreement, BeOne Medicines had obtained a license to use Biocytogen’s RenMice® fully human antibody platform. Building on this established collaboration, the new agreement expands the partnership into antibody license, further strengthening the strategic relationship between the two companies.

Dr. Yuelei Shen, President and CEO of Biocytogen, said, “BeOne Medicines is a global leader in drug development, and we are thrilled to enter into this strategic collaboration. The antibodies licensed under this agreement were discovered using our proprietary RenMice® fully human antibody platform, highlighting our ability to empower partners in driving innovative drug discovery. We look forward to seeing these promising molecules progress rapidly into the clinic and ultimately bring transformative treatment options to patients worldwide.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Biocytogen will receive an upfront payment from BeOne Medicines. In addition, Biocytogen is eligible to receive development and regulatory milestone payments, commercial milestone payments, and tiered royalties based on future net sales of licensed products.

About Biocytogen

Biocytogen (HKEX: 02315) is a global biotechnology company that drives the research and development of novel antibody-based drugs with innovative technologies. Founded on gene editing technology, Biocytogen leverages genetically engineered proprietary RenMice® (RenMab/ RenLite®/ RenNano®/ RenTCR-mimic™) platforms for fully human monoclonal/bispecific/multispecific antibody discovery, bispecific antibody-drug conjugate discovery, nanobody discovery and TCR-mimic antibody discovery, and has established a sub-brand, RenBiologics™, to explore global partnerships for an off-the-shelf library of >1,000,000 fully human antibody sequences against over 1000 targets for worldwide collaboration. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 200 therapeutic antibody and multiple clinical asset co-development/out-licensing/transfer agreements and over 50 target-nominated RenMice® licensing projects have been established around the globe, including several partnerships with multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNCs). Biocytogen pioneered the generation of drug target knock-in humanized models for preclinical research, and currently provides a few thousand off-the-shelf animal and cell models under the company’s sub-brand, BioMice™, along with preclinical pharmacology and gene-editing services for clients worldwide. Headquartered in Beijing, Biocytogen has branches in China (Haimen Jiangsu, Shanghai), USA (Boston, San Francisco, San Diego), and Germany (Heidelberg). For more information, please visit http://en.biocytogen.com.cn.

Contacts

Biocytogen Contacts
Antibody assets and platforms: BD-Licensing@biocytogen.com
Media: pr@bbctg.com.cn