Weekly roundup: Wins in and out of the clinic
Curve Therapeutics Co-Founder and CSO Professor Ali Tavassoli awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Interdisciplinary Prize
Curve Therapeutics proudly announced that Professor Ali Tavassoli, its Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, has been awarded the Interdisciplinary Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry in recognition of his brilliance in research and innovation, and contribution to scientific progress.
Atrogi announces Cell paper highlighting transformative potential of muscle-targeted therapy in metabolic disease
Atrogi, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering muscle-targeted therapies, announced the publication of a landmark study in the prestigious scientific journal Cell, titled “GRK-biased adrenergic agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.” This paper highlights the groundbreaking potential of Atrogi’s first-in-class oral β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, ATR-258, which mimics the effects of exercise – driving fat loss, increasing muscle strength and function, and improving metabolism – with broad potential in obesity, diabetes, and age-related muscle loss.
Breye Therapeutics announces successful completion of its Phase 1b trial with danegaptide in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Breye Therapeutics, a clinical-stage ophthalmology focused biopharmaceutical company developing oral therapeutics for the early treatment of vascular eye diseases, announced the successful completion of its Phase 1b clinical trial evaluating its lead candidate, danegaptide – a first-in-class oral small molecule for the early treatment of diabetic retinopathy, representing a potential alternative to the current invasive treatment approach of injections into the eye.
New Danish research centre to make designed proteins with vast potential
The Novo Nordisk Foundation announced a DKK 700 million grant to found the new Center for Protein Design (CPD) at the University of Copenhagen, headed by Professor Dek Woolfson. The CPD will spearhead developments in protein design through strong interdisciplinary collaborations across the university and partnerships in Denmark and internationally.
STORM Therapeutics appoints veteran cancer drug developer Dr. Eric Martin as Chief Development Officer
STORM Therapeutics announced the appointment of accomplished cancer biologist Dr. Eric Martin, PhD, as Chief Development Officer (CDO). Dr. Martin specialises in biomarker-enabled preclinical discovery and clinical development strategies for targeted and immunomodulatory cancer therapies.
📺Optimum TV
The future of medicine is PFAS-free! World famous chemist and advisor to Xeltis, Professor Bert Meijer shares his expertise on the science behind making this happen using supramolecular polymers. Watch the full episode below.
🎙️ Optimum Perspectives
Congratulations to Professor Ali Tavassoli, CSO and C-Founder of Curve Therapeutics on being awarded the Interdisciplinary Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry in recognition of his brilliance in research and innovation, and contribution to scientific progress.
Listen below to Ali discussing his career with Optimum’s Eva Haas and what led to this achievement.
🔥Hot topic
Midsummer is here but read Stephen Adams’ top tips to prepare for the biotech winter. Read the full article below
👥Industry events
ON Helix 2025
ON Helix, which is taking place on the 3rd of July, addresses key bio-innovation trends, generating discussions around the progress and future of the Life Science industry!
Optimum is a proud supporter of One Nucleus events and is happy to share an exclusive 10% F&F discount. Please get in touch if you would like to access this great event or connect with the team there!
Optimum’s 17th Annual Healthcare Conference
Returning to the King’s Fund this autumn, this prestigious invitation-only event brings together investors and executives from across the life sciences sector, register your interest in attending today.
📍Thursday 9th October, London
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