preRxiv Platforms Enter New Era as Independent Organization
Summary:
BioRxiv and medRxiv preprint servers have formed a new independent organization called openRxiv, backed by $16 million from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. This transition aims to ensure long-term sustainability for these vital scientific publishing platforms.
Japan’s Cabinet Approves Bill to Restrict Science Council’s Independence
Summary:
Japan’s government seeks to transform its national science academy into a corporation under increased oversight, threatening academic freedom. Critics fear political control over research, particularly regarding military technologies. Opposition is growing, with nearly 22,000 petition signatures.
Early Results Show Promise for Beam’s DNA-Editing AATD Treatment
Summary:
Preliminary data from nine patients indicate Beam’s base editing therapy can correct the genetic mutation causing alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, boosting normal protein levels while showing a clean safety profile.
FDA Weighs Biomarker Restrictions on Cancer Drugs
Summary:
The FDA is considering limiting checkpoint inhibitors in stomach cancer to PD-L1-positive patients, balancing precision medicine with treatment access for those with few options, creating a regulatory dilemma.
Viking Invests $150M to Secure Massive Obesity Drug Manufacturing Capacity
Summary:
Viking Therapeutics has prepaid $150M to CordenPharma to secure annual capacity for over 1 billion pills and 200 million injection products of its promising weight-loss drug VK2735, ensuring supply chain stability while potentially setting up $39B in revenue.
