The latest longevity updates from our investment news desk.
Artificial intelligence drug discovery company Insilico Medicine announced the opening of the largest AI-powered biotech research centre in the Middle East, located in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban development. Insilico recently revealed that it will receive support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to establish its regional HQ in Abu Dhabi focused on R&D for its AI platform.
“The prime location, strong and stable economy, developed infrastructure, and highly educated talent make Abu Dhabi an emerging hub that attracts high-tech companies from around the world. We are excited to be a part of this,” said Alex Aliper, President of Insilico, who will serve as the regional hub’s general manager.
Biophytis shares rise on trial results
Shares in French biotech Biophytis (NasdaqCM: BPTS) have risen sharply after the company announced positive results of its Phase 2-3 COVA study with Sarconeos (BIO101) in severe COVID-19. The company develops therapeutics that slow the degenerative processes associated with aging, including severe respiratory failure in patients suffering from COVID-19.
The final analysis demonstrates that COVA study met the primary endpoint, with a 44% statistically significant reduction (p = 0.043) in the risk of respiratory failure or early death in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19.
Synartro prepares for OA clinical trial
Swedish biotech Synartro announced that it has submitted a clinical trial application for a Phase 1/2a first-in-human clinical study of its investigational drug candidate SYN321 in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. SYN321 is a joint injection treatment targeting knee OA, combining diclofenac and hyaluronan, two widely used substances for treatment of OA. The unique binding enables a slow release of the two substances, resulting in prolonged reduction of inflammation and pain relief.
“We are excited to announce that our first clinical trial application has been submitted,” said Håkan Wickholm, CEO of Synartro. “This is a milestone for Synartro and for the development of SYN321 as treatment for symptomatic knee OA, and the result of the Synartro team’s hard work and commitment.”
Huma partners with Bayer
Digital health company Huma Therapeutics announced a partnership with life sciences giant Bayer on an online tool that quickly assesses an individual’s risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) over the next 10 years. Huma developed the algorithm using data from the UK Biobank which predicts long-term risk of cardiovascular disease, and the research has been validated and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Hurdle launches diabetes test
Diagnostic technology company Hurdle announced the general availability of the Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test – a simple at-home blood sample to screen and monitor for diabetes. This announcement is the latest in a series of new tests provided by Hurdle’s direct-to-consumer brand Chronomics, whose mission is to make diagnostic testing more accessible to people in their homes to improve health outcomes.
i-Lumen closes funding
Retinal biotech company i-Lumen Scientific has closed a funding round of $17.6m, according to data from Pitchbook. The company is pioneering a new field in ophthalmic technology, designed to improve eyesight in patients whose vision has been impaired by dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD).
The i-LUMEN system and therapy uses a revolutionary, non-invasive, software-based, medical device, to deliver proprietary pulsed microcurrent stimulation for the treatment of dry AMD.
