”Trickier than bacteria”: Why severe fungal infections are on the rise

There’s a reason Earth is sometimes called the planet of fungi. These ancient organisms – billions of years old and more closely related to animals than to plants – underpin life on Earth. Yet they can also cause serious illness. This is the first instalment in Life Science Sweden’s series on fungi.

Acne medication may be the solution when hair starts falling out

A treatment originally developed for acne has shown remarkable Phase III results in a completely different area: male-pattern hair loss.

“Access to capital increases when there’s an exit”

It remains a tough environment for biotech companies seeking financing – but there is good reason to hope for improvement ahead. That’s the view of Okee Williams, Corporate Adviser at Redeye.

FDA launches investigation into gene therapy following child death

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a safety investigation into Takeda’s Adzynma after reports that a child has died during treatment. The incident is described as likely related to the drug.

Genmab drops another ADC candidate from billion‑dollar ProfoundBio deal

Danish biotech Genmab has discontinued development of its antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) candidate GEN1160, citing low patient enrollment in an early‑stage cancer trial.

Southern Swedish company Aqilion develops drug for eosinophilic esophagitis

When Aqilion began developing a drug for eosinophilic esophagitis, the molecule was classified as an orphan drug. But the prevalence of the disease now appears to be increasing. “We needed a molecule that is extremely selective,” said the company’s CEO, Sarah Fredriksson, during a meeting last week.

The vaccine has saved 94 million lives – but measles is spreading again

A disease we once believed belonged to the past is now resurging in both Europe and the United States. In the shadow of growing skepticism and declining vaccination coverage, measles – which has claimed millions of lives throughout history – is making a comeback.

New findings on the diseases that crushed Napoleon’s army

As if cold, starvation, and typhus weren’t enough. New research reveals that Napoleon’s defeated army also suffered from paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever during the retreat from Russia.

Vaccine project targeting congenital infection scrapped in late-stage trial – “Clearly disappointed”

Hope for the first vaccine against the world’s most common congenital infection has taken a serious hit

Canada approves leqembi as global alzheimer’s drug race heats up

Leqembi has secured approval in Canada, further consolidating its global lead among disease-modifying Alzheimer’s therapies. The antibody is now authorized in 15 major markets — one more than its closest rival, Eli Lilly’s Kisunla.

Swedish life science is growing – but capital is not keeping up

The number of employees and companies in Swedish life science is increasing and the sector is more equal than many other sectors. But investments in unlisted companies are weak.

A cluster contribution to European life science innovation and competitiveness?

Swedish team tests Alzheimer antibody for brain imaging

Recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment have increased the need for precise diagnostics in the field. Researchers in Uppsala are working to develop improved methods for both identifying suitable patients and ensuring they receive the right therapy.

Gene therapy restored hearing in children with congenital deafness

Eleven out of twelve children with congenital deafness showed improvements in a study testing Regeneron’s gene therapy for hereditary hearing loss. The U.S. company now plans to apply for approval of the gene therapy.

Many discontinue obesity medication – new study highlights the reasons

A new study maps out the most common reasons why patients choose to stop taking obesity medication prematurely. “Obesity medication discontinuation reverses health benefits and prompts weight regain in most individuals,” says Hamlet Gasoyan, one of the researchers behind the new study, in an interview with Life Science Sweden.

Sarah Lidé: ”Artificial intelligence must not replace authentic interactions”

Artificial intelligence must never become a replacement for authentic, even if messy, interactions with our fellow humankind, Sarah Lifé, Deputy CEO at Medicon Village Innovation, writes in a column.

Genmab to Acquire Dutch biotech for USD 8 Billion

Danish pharmaceutical company Genmab has agreed to acquire Dutch firm Merus, a developer of cancer therapies, for USD 8 billion, equivalent to nearly SEK 75 billion.

Phase III win for Hansa Biopharma: “We Are Thrilled”

Swedish biotech Hansa Biopharma’s transplant drug imlifidase has met the primary efficacy endpoint in a registration-enabling Phase III study in the United States.

Astra Zeneca’s asthma drug nears approval for sinus inflammation

Astra Zeneca’s drug Tezspire receives positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Studie: Protein i urinen en biomarkör för demensrisk

Höga nivåer av proteinet albumin i urinen indikerar en ökad risk för att utveckla demens, enligt en stor studie från Karolinska institutet, KI.

Cleveland Clinic: Kirurgi gav fler långsiktiga fördelar än GLP-1-läkemedel

Metabol kirurgi minskade riskerna för död, hjärtsjukdom, njursvikt och ögonskador mer än GLP-1-läkemedel under en tioårsperiod. Det enligt en ny studie från Cleveland Clinic i USA.

Heart Monitoring in Breast Cancer – Essential or Excessive?

Trastuzumab and related drugs have transformed breast cancer treatment and dramatically improved survival rates. But the close cardiac monitoring required during treatment can be a heavy burden for both patients and healthcare systems. Dr. Andri Papakonstantinou is working to refine how doctors identify which patients truly need intensive follow-up.

Astra Zeneca pauses multi-million investment in the UK

Astra Zeneca has paused a planned investment worth $270 million. It is the latest pharmaceutical company to pull back on its commitments in the UK.

Eli Lilly Recruits Leading Swedish Researcher Kaj Blennow to Head Alzheimer’s Project

Eli Lilly recruits Kaj Blennow, leading Alzheimer’s researcher, as VP of neuroscience biomarker development.