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Oncolytics Biotech Inc., a clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, has announced key progress and upcoming studies for breast and pancreatic cancer treatments. The company's recent BRACELET-1 study showed that pelareorep combination therapy could improve outcomes in HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients. They plan to submit a pelareorep + paclitaxel combination therapy breast cancer trial to the FDA in early 2025. Additionally, Oncolytics Biotech is continuing to develop pelareorep in gastrointestinal cancers and is evaluating its efficacy in anal cancer and pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Toray Industries Inc. has been issued a patent for a kit or device that can detect early stage pancreatic cancer or pancreatic cancer precursor lesions. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect early and has a poor prognosis. The current tumor markers are not effective for early detection. This invention focuses on measuring the expression level of hsa-miR-1343-5p in blood samples to detect pancreatic cancer. If the level is increased compared to a control, it indicates the presence of pancreatic cancer, and treatment or diagnostic procedures can be initiated. The method involves measuring the expression level of hsa-miR-1343-5p in a sample from a human subject and comparing it to known samples from pancreatic cancer patients and healthy subjects to discriminate between the two. This method can be used for early detection of pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from AntiCancer Inc. presents fresh data on pancreatic cancer, a disease with a poor prognosis and low survival rate. The study evaluated the efficacy of combining methionine restriction with first-line chemotherapy in a patient with stage IV metastatic pancreatic cancer. The patient experienced a 40% reduction in tumor size and an 86% decrease in the CA19-9 blood marker after five months of combination therapy. The research concludes that methionine restriction, along with a low-methionine diet and oral recombinant methioninase, was highly effective in treating inoperable stage IV pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Amgen Inc. for substituted piperazines as KRAS G12C inhibitors. KRAS gene mutations are common in various types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. The compounds described in the patent can be used to inhibit KRAS G12C activity and treat cancer. The patent provides information on the chemical structures of the compounds and their pharmaceutical formulations. This patent may be of interest to researchers studying cancer treatments and biopharmaceutical companies in the healthcare industry. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Curis Inc. for conjoint therapies for immunomodulation. The patent describes methods of modulating the immune response in a subject by using inhibitors of the VISTA pathway and the TIM-3 pathway. These pathways are immune checkpoints that suppress T-cell activation and limit T-cell function and survival. The invention aims to provide more effective and durable therapies for cancer patients who become unresponsive to therapies targeting PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2. The patent includes specific compounds and methods for treating various types of cancer, including small cell lung cancer, multiple myeloma, bladder carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Immunotherapy has become a standard treatment for many types of cancer, but it is not effective for most pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. However, researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that a common chemotherapy supplement called folinic acid weakens PDAC's defenses in mice. This leads to a more effective immune response, slower tumor growth, and longer survival. The researchers are now working to develop potential drugs that target PDAC's defensive proteins, which could make immunotherapy a viable option for all PDAC patients in the future. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York has found that intratumoral accumulation of natural killer T (NKT) cells is crucial for establishing an immunologically active tumor microenvironment (TME) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). The presence of NKT cells facilitates the production of type I interferon (IFN), which initiates an antitumor adaptive immune response and promotes the infiltration of various immune cells into the tumor. The researchers also discovered that administration of folinic acid to mice with PDA increased NKT cell levels in the TME and improved their response to anti-PD-1 antibody treatment. This study suggests that NKT cells could be potential targets for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A new study on pancreatic cancer has found that the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer secretes cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1, which exerts immunosuppressive activities. Researchers have developed sphingomyelin nanosystems (SNs) loaded with anakinra (ANK), a recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist, to inhibit pro-tumor inflammation in pancreatic cancer. The study found that ANK-SNs were effective in inhibiting the release of pro-tumor cytokines and IL-17 secretion by Th17 cells, potentially reducing the effective dose of the drug and its toxic effects. This research provides insights into potential therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Tango Therapeutics Inc. for HDAC inhibitors and their therapeutic use in treating various diseases, including cancers. HDAC inhibitors are a class of proteins that have been implicated in diseases, and selective inhibitors are needed to minimize adverse effects. The patent includes compounds and compositions for treating non-small cell lung cancer, endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, and cancer of unknown primary. The methods involve administering the compounds with or without an anti PD-1 antibody or pembrolizumab. This information is based on a patent filed by the inventors Guerin, Maxwell, and Wu. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for an endoscopic cryoablation catheter developed by CPSI Holdings LLC. The device aims to provide a more effective and less invasive treatment option for pancreatic cancer. Current therapeutic options for unresectable pancreatic cancer, such as radiofrequency ablation, have limitations and risks. The cryoablation catheter is designed to overcome these limitations by providing better cooling power and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The device can be used in conjunction with endoscopic ultrasound for real-time imaging and guidance during the procedure. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Il-13ralpha2 Targeted Immunotoxins And Methods Of Use" has been published online by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The patent application describes immunotoxins that specifically bind to IL-13Ra2, a protein associated with certain cancers. These immunotoxins are linked to cytotoxic proteins and can be used to treat IL-13Ra2-expressing tumors or cancers, as well as reduce perineural invasion and associated pain. The patent application also includes information on nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, and methods of producing and administering the immunotoxins. [Extracted from the article]

Sirnaomics, a biopharmaceutical company, has completed a Phase I clinical study of their drug candidate, STP707, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The study involved 11 oncology clinics in the U.S. and included 50 patients with various cancers, 11 of whom had pancreatic cancer. The preliminary results showed a strong safety profile and stable disease activity in the pancreatic cancer patients, with an average of 92 days of stable disease. The drug was well-tolerated and showed potential as a novel cancer therapeutic. Further studies are warranted, including exploring its use in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a method of modulating TIGIT and PD-1 signaling pathways using 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds. This method aims to harness the activity of the immune system against tumors by inhibiting negative regulatory pathways and checkpoints. The patent provides details on the compounds used and their potential applications in treating various diseases and disorders, including cancer, immune disorders, inflammatory disorders, and infectious diseases. The patent was filed by inventors from Bangalore, India and is assigned to Aurigene Oncology Limited. [Extracted from the article]

Pancreatic cancer can sometimes cause pancreatic cells to lose their identity and resemble unrelated tissues, such as skin or esophagus. Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have discovered that a protein called MED12 may play a critical role in this process. The protein p63, previously identified as important for the formation of normal basal cells, can also cause pancreatic cancer to become basal-like. MED12 and p63 bind directly to each other, suggesting that they are both required for the transformation of pancreatic cells. While blocking this pathway is challenging, this discovery is an important step towards understanding and potentially preventing basal-like pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for human mesothelin chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and their uses. Mesothelin is a protein found in various types of cancer, and this invention involves using immune effector cells that are engineered to express CARs targeting mesothelin to provide an immune response in patients. The patent describes the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences that make up the CARs, as well as claims for immune effector cells containing these CARs and methods of treating mesothelin-expressing cancers. The patent is assigned to Novartis AG and was filed by Gregory Beatty. [Extracted from the article]

A recent research paper published in Oncotarget explores the potential of combining histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) with decitabine, a nucleoside cytidine analogue, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The study found that the combination of HDACi and PARPi resulted in synergistic cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cell lines. The addition of decitabine further increased this cytotoxicity and triggered apoptosis. The study suggests that these combinations could be used to design individualized therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Toray Industries Inc. have developed a noninvasive method and kit to determine whether pancreatic cystic tumors are malignant or benign. The method involves measuring the amounts of two APOA2 protein variants in a body fluid sample obtained from the patient. The researchers found that the concentration of the APOA2-AT protein is lower in malignant tumors compared to benign ones, while the concentration of the APOA2-ATQ protein is higher. This patent application describes a convenient and noninvasive way to determine the nature of pancreatic cystic tumors. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for 17a-monoesters and 17a,21-diesters of cortexolone for use in the treatment of tumors. The patent was filed by Mara Gerloni and is assigned to Cosmo Technologies Limited. The patent discusses the importance of treating epithelial tumors, particularly pancreatic carcinoma, which is one of the most deadly forms of cancer. The invention provides certain cortexolone derivatives for use as antitumor active ingredients in the treatment of precancerous lesions, dysplasias, metaplasias, and malignant neoplasias. The patent also includes methods of treating specific tumor diseases, such as prostate carcinoma and lung carcinoma, with the compounds. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by PanTher Therapeutics Inc. describes a method of treating pancreatic cancer using an implantable and biodegradable drug delivery device. The device delivers an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) directly to the tumor site, bypassing systemic side effects. The device can be applied through various surgical methods and consists of multiple layers, with one layer containing the API and degrading to release it to the target tissue. The device has the potential to reduce tumor size, stabilize cancer, improve survival rates, and enhance the effectiveness of systemic chemotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

SRI International has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the FDA for their Targeted Antigen Loaded Liposomes (TALL) treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This designation allows SRI's future partners to receive tax credits for clinical trials and potential market exclusivity for seven years. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to detect and has a high mortality rate, with limited treatment options. TALL is an immunotherapy that aims to overcome these challenges by tricking the immune system into recognizing tumor cells as infected cells, leading to their destruction. The FDA's ODD program aims to encourage the development of treatments for rare diseases, as the majority of these diseases currently lack FDA-approved treatments. [Extracted from the article]

Oncolytics Biotech has received regulatory clearance to begin a new study on pancreatic cancer. The study will evaluate the use of pelareorep in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) and an anti-PD-L1 inhibitor in newly diagnosed patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study is supported by a Therapeutic Accelerator Award from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). The results from this study could potentially improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to THEORIA Science Inc. for a method of examining the possibility of a subject having pancreatic cancer. The method involves measuring the concentration of GPRC5C, a protein found in exosomes, in a specimen collected from the subject. This method can distinguish pancreatic cancer from other pancreatic diseases and can also be used to monitor the possibility of a subject having pancreatic cancer. The patent provides detailed claims and methods for carrying out the examination and monitoring process. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by investigators at Merck & Company in Rahway, New Jersey, examined the impact of different treatment strategies and genetic testing on the health outcomes of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). The study found that patients with germline BRCA mutations (gBRCAm) achieved the longest health outcomes when early genetic testing and olaparib maintenance treatment were available. The results were driven by the improved efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapies and olaparib in gBRCAm patients. This research provides valuable insights into potential treatment strategies for patients with mPC. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted by researchers from Fujifilm Corporation for an image processing apparatus, method, and program. The invention aims to accurately evaluate abnormalities in a target organ by extracting the organ from a medical image, setting small regions within it, deriving evaluation values for each region, and determining the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the relationship between these values. The apparatus can display evaluation results and highlight regions with high contributions to the overall evaluation. The invention is particularly relevant to pancreatic cancer research and diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Amgen Inc. has been issued a patent for a combination therapy involving a KRASG12C inhibitor and other drugs to treat cancers such as pancreatic cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. The patent describes the development of AMG 510, the first KRASG12C inhibitor in clinical development, which has shown promise in preclinical studies. The patent also includes methods for administering the combination therapy and generating cell lines with KRASG12C mutations. The therapy can be administered orally in solid dosage forms like tablets. This patent provides valuable information on a potential treatment option for various types of cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. has submitted an amendment to initiate a new phase 1/2 cohort study to evaluate pelareorep in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLFIRINOX) with and without atezolizumab in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The study is being supported by a $5 million award from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). The goal is to explore new treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients and improve outcomes. The study will complement Oncolytics' ongoing development of pelareorep, atezolizumab, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel in PDAC. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in the journal Metabolites reveals that researchers at Metabolomycs, a biotechnology company in California, have successfully used targeted mass spectrometry to detect pancreatic cancer through changes in cellular metabolism. This groundbreaking blood test could provide early and accurate diagnoses of pancreatic cancer, potentially leading to more effective treatment. The study suggests that pancreatic cancer can be defined as a biochemical disorder, with changes in amino acids, blood sugars, and lipids indicating a state of metabolic stress. The findings open up new possibilities for pancreatic cancer research and offer hope for improved outcomes for patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has revealed that mucus plays a role in the transformation of pancreatic cancer cells. During the early stages of the disease, pancreatic cancer cells produce mucus and rely on the body's regulators of mucus production. This new understanding could potentially lead to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. However, targeting mucus production in young cancer cells may have unintended consequences, as it could force some cells to become deadlier cancer variants. Further research is needed to fully explore these findings and identify effective treatment options. [Extracted from the article]

The US Patent and Trademark Office has published a patent application titled "Non-Invasive Methods Of Detecting Target Molecules" by Creatics LLC. The application describes non-invasive methods for detecting target molecules in gastrointestinal lavage fluid (GLF) or feces. These methods can be used to assess a subject's physiological state, identify biomarkers associated with diseases or treatment responses, and detect cancers such as pancreatic, liver, or gastric cancer. The application also mentions the use of lavage fluids and colonoscopies in the detection process. The inventors of the application are Carlo Contreras, Jack Di Palma, Lewis K. Pannell, and Jana Rocker. [Extracted from the article]

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and the University of California, Davis have made a breakthrough in pancreatic cancer research. They have discovered that a protein called Engrailed-1 (EN-1) is hijacked by late-stage pancreatic cancer to evade the body's natural defenses, leading to a faster and deadlier spread of the disease. The researchers used organoids to study the role of EN-1 and found that blocking its expression slowed cancer progression. Although targeting transcription factors like EN-1 with drugs is currently challenging, this research may lead to more personalized therapeutics and treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. for systems and methods for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The patent describes a medical device system that uses electric fields to treat cancerous tumors in the pancreas. The system includes electrodes that are implanted on or around the duodenum, and the electric fields are generated at frequencies between 10 kHz to 1 MHz. The invention aims to provide an alternative treatment option for pancreatic cancer, which is a common and often advanced-stage cancer. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to NeoImmuneTech's NT-I7 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and a low survival rate. NT-I7 has shown promise in clinical trials for boosting the immune system and enhancing the anti-tumor response in patients with pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. The ODD status may help expedite the development and approval process for this therapeutic agent. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application has been submitted by researchers from Fujifilm Corporation for a medical image processing device. The device aims to assist doctors in finding lesions that are not clearly depicted on medical images, such as tumors related to pancreatic cancer. The device analyzes the medical image to derive indirect finding information, which represents features of the lesion's shape or peripheral tissue. Based on this information, the device derives lesion presence probability information to indicate the likelihood of the lesion's presence. This technology could contribute to the development of computer-aided diagnosis systems that can find difficult-to-detect lesions using indirect findings as clues. [Extracted from the article]