Accenture-Salesforce AI Cloud; Senti-Celest's $156M China Cancer Deal
Korea's RNA Drug Milestone
Accenture, Salesforce Unite for AI-Powered Life Sciences Cloud
Salesforce and Accenture are collaborating to create an AI cloud service for life sciences companies. This partnership expands on their previous work in AI and will result in the creation of the Salesforce Life Sciences Cloud. The service aims to improve the productivity of medtech, biotech, and pharma companies by providing them with clinical and commercial operations tools. Additionally, the platform will include a CRM system designed explicitly for pharma companies.
Why it matters
The clinical tools will simplify conducting clinical trials by integrating patient data and streamlining the onboarding of trial participants. Medical device sales teams can benefit from commercial tools that utilize AI and predictive analytics to manage inventory and engage with customers. The partnership will also create complementary tools that enable clients to use the Life Sciences Cloud effectively.
Source: Newsroom
Senti and Celest's $156M Deal for Liver Cancer Therapy in China
Senti Biosciences, a biotech firm, has partnered with Shanghai-based Celest Therapeutics in a significant $156 million biobucks deal to bring Senti's groundbreaking liver cancer cell therapy, SENTI-301A, to clinical trials in China. SENTI-301A, an off-the-shelf CAR-natural killer cell therapy for GPC3-expressing tumors, has shown promise in preclinical testing. Celest will be responsible for clinical development, operations, and manufacturing in China, while Senti will provide technical support. Starting in the first half of 2024, the pilot trial will enroll nine patients in mainland China, focusing on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Why it matters
The trial aims to evaluate safety, adverse events, and efficacy. Additionally, the deal includes options to expand clinical development to Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, with Senti retaining commercialization rights outside these areas. Financial terms beyond the milestones, including potential royalties, were not disclosed.
Source: Seekingalpha
First Large-Scale Circular RNA Drug Production in South Korea
GenScript ProBio and NuclixBio have recently formed a strategic alliance to create South Korea's inaugural anticancer drug based on circular RNA. This partnership is focused on establishing a comprehensive production process for circular RNA therapeutics, which will be the first of its kind in the country. Circular RNA, renowned for its extended presence in the body and enhanced production of therapeutic proteins, holds great potential as a cutting-edge mRNA therapy technology.
Why it matters
The development concerns NuclixBio's groundbreaking circular RNA platform incorporating an engineered IRES to boost protein production and minimize immunogenicity. The partnership between NuclixBio and GenScript ProBio is crucial for GenScript ProBio to gain expertise in CMC and GMP production of circular RNA. Additionally, it aids NuclixBio in advancing toward clinical trials for their exceptional immune anticancer medication.
Source: Businesswire
Startup of the week
Asimov — an integrated suite of cells, genes, and software to power advanced genetic design.
Asimov, founded in 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts, is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence with synthetic biology to revolutionize the design and manufacture of next-generation therapeutics. This cutting-edge startup has raised a significant $205 million in funding, showcasing the confidence and interest of the investment community in its innovative approach. Asimov's platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for advanced genetic design, including engineered host cells, an extensive genetic parts library, and sophisticated cloud-based design software. The company's notable achievements include the development of CHO Edge for protein therapeutics production and scalable viral vector production for gene therapy. Asimov's collaboration with over 25 companies, ranging from small biotechs to big pharma, highlights its impact and potential in the biotech industry.