Cancer remains one of the most formidable health challenges worldwide, affecting millions every year.
According to a study by Cancer Research UK, it’s estimated that there were 18.1 million new cancer diagnoses globally in 2020. This alarming figure underscores the rising trend in cancer diagnoses, the study states, “Worldwide there will be 28 million new cases of cancer each year by 2040.”
It’s not just about the overwhelming statistics but its profound impact on patients and their families. The treatment landscape, although progressing, still yearns for innovative breakthroughs.
NANOBIOTIX and NBTXR3
NANOBIOTIX, a biotechnology firm aiming to provide new treatment solutions for cancer patients, has recently welcomed Dr. Louis Kayitalire as their chief medical officer. Dr. Kayitalire boasts a prolific background in the biopharmaceutical sector, primarily focusing on oncology. He has been an integral part of the development and commercialization of various oncology therapeutics.
Laurent Levy, co-founder and chairman of NANOBIOTIX, praised Dr. Kayitalire’s innovative clinical acumen, asserting that his experience would be paramount in forwarding the company’s ventures, especially regarding NBTXR3.
Dr. Kayitalire previously held significant roles at major companies like F-star Biotechnology, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, and Eli Lilly. He expressed his excitement about the potential of NBTXR3 in changing the landscape of cancer treatment.
NBTXR3 Overview
NBTXR3, a unique oncology product, comprises hafnium oxide nanoparticles. Administered via a single intratumoral injection, it is then activated using radiotherapy. The primary goal is to cause significant tumor cell death in the injected area upon activation, which should then stimulate an adaptive immune response against the cancer.
NANOBIOTIX believes that due to its mode of action, NBTXR3 could be adapted for any solid tumor treatable with radiotherapy and combined with any therapeutic combination, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Current evaluations for NBTXR3 involve its application in various solid tumors either as a standalone or in combination with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Furthermore, NANOBIOTIX has embarked on collaborations to simultaneously develop the product while focusing on its primary developmental pathways. Partnerships include those with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, LianBio, and recently with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV.
About NANOBIOTIX
Founded in 2003 and based in Paris, France, NANOBIOTIX is an advanced clinical biotechnology company. They are determined to redefine treatment outcomes for numerous patients by introducing groundbreaking physics-based therapeutic strategies.
The company holds over 20 umbrella patents linked to three distinct nanotechnology platforms. These platforms cater to oncology, bioavailability and biodistribution, and central nervous system disorders. Their principal focus is the development of NBTXR3, which has already received a CE marking in Europe for soft tissue sarcoma treatment under the brand name Hensify®.
While NANOBIOTIX remains a pivotal player in the field, other startups also contribute significantly to advancements in cancer treatment.
Among the many startups in this domain, Nanogenics stands out. They are a leading therapeutic provider that harnesses nanoscale technology and utilises siRNA to treat cancer and fibrotic diseases.
By leveraging their proprietary gene delivery technology, LipTide, they are adept at precisely delivering therapeutic siRNAs. Their premier drug, ECP-102, enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy by increasing the vulnerability of cancer cells to cell death.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of cancer treatment is witnessing groundbreaking advancements spearheaded by entities like NANOBIOTIX. With the introduction of pioneering therapies, the future holds promise for more effective and diverse solutions in battling this global health crisis. Similarly, the contributions of startups such as Nanogenics emphasise a collective drive in the biotech community to push boundaries, offering hope and a brighter prognosis for patients worldwide.
News
By working together, cells can extend their senses beyond their direct environment
The story of the princess and the pea evokes an image of a highly sensitive young royal woman so refined, she can sense a pea under a stack of mattresses. When it comes to [...]
Overworked Brain Cells May Hold the Key to Parkinson’s
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes uncovered a surprising reason why dopamine-producing neurons, crucial for smooth body movements, die in Parkinson’s disease. In mice, when these neurons were kept overactive for weeks, they began to falter, [...]
Old tires find new life: Rubber particles strengthen superhydrophobic coatings against corrosion
Development of highly robust superhydrophobic anti-corrosion coating using recycled tire rubber particles. Superhydrophobic materials offer a strategy for developing marine anti-corrosion materials due to their low solid-liquid contact area and low surface energy. However, [...]
This implant could soon allow you to read minds
Mind reading: Long a science fiction fantasy, today an increasingly concrete scientific goal. Researchers at Stanford University have succeeded in decoding internal language in real time thanks to a brain implant and artificial intelligence. [...]
A New Weapon Against Cancer: Cold Plasma Destroys Hidden Tumor Cells
Cold plasma penetrates deep into tumors and attacks cancer cells. Short-lived molecules were identified as key drivers. Scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), working with colleagues from Greifswald University Hospital and [...]
This Common Sleep Aid May Also Protect Your Brain From Alzheimer’s
Lemborexant and similar sleep medications show potential for treating tau-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that a commonly used sleep medication can restore normal sleep patterns and [...]
Sugar-Coated Nanoparticles Boost Cancer Drug Efficacy
A team of researchers at the University of Mississippi has discovered that coating cancer treatment carrying nanoparticles in a sugar-like material increases their treatment efficacy. They reported their findings in Advanced Healthcare Materials. Over a tenth of breast [...]
Nanoparticle-Based Vaccine Shows Promise in Fighting Cancer
In a study published in OncoImmunology, researchers from the German Cancer Research Center and Heidelberg University have created a therapeutic vaccine that mobilizes the immune system to target cancer cells. The researchers demonstrated that virus peptides combined [...]
Quantitative imaging method reveals how cells rapidly sort and transport lipids
Lipids are difficult to detect with light microscopy. Using a new chemical labeling strategy, a Dresden-based team led by André Nadler at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) and [...]
Ancient DNA reveals cause of world’s first recorded pandemic
Scientists have confirmed that the Justinian Plague, the world’s first recorded pandemic, was caused by Yersinia pestis, the same bacterium behind the Black Death. Dating back some 1,500 years and long described in historical texts but [...]
“AI Is Not Intelligent at All” – Expert Warns of Worldwide Threat to Human Dignity
Opaque AI systems risk undermining human rights and dignity. Global cooperation is needed to ensure protection. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has changed how people interact, but it also poses a global risk to human [...]
Nanomotors: Where Are They Now?
First introduced in 2004, nanomotors have steadily advanced from a scientific curiosity to a practical technology with wide-ranging applications. This article explores the key developments, recent innovations, and major uses of nanomotors today. A [...]
Study Finds 95% of Tested Beers Contain Toxic “Forever Chemicals”
Researchers found PFAS in 95% of tested beers, with the highest levels linked to contaminated local water sources. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), better known as forever chemicals, are gaining notoriety for their ability [...]
Long COVID Symptoms Are Closer To A Stroke Or Parkinson’s Disease Than Fatigue
When most people get sick with COVID-19 today, they think of it as a brief illness, similar to a cold. However, for a large number of people, the illness doesn't end there. The World [...]
The world’s first AI Hospital, developed in China is transforming healthcare
Artificial Intelligence and its developments have had a revolutionary impact on society, and healthcare is not an exception. China has made massive strides in AI integrated healthcare, and continues to do so as AI [...]
Scientists Rewire Immune Cells To Supercharge Cancer-Fighting Power
Blocking a single protein boosts T cell metabolism and tumor-fighting strength. The discovery could lead to next-generation cancer immunotherapies. Scientists have identified a strategy to greatly enhance the cancer-fighting abilities of the immune system’s [...]
