Imaginative approaches to cancer

We have profiles of three cancer innovators—and why it matters in the context of recent policy developments. Plus, the Pantheon Awards are accepting nominations until August 11 and NIH announced Dr. Fauci’s successor. (476 words, 2 minutes, 22 seconds)

I am BIO: How innovators are taking new approaches to cancer

Creative individuals spearheading imaginative approaches in biotech’s battle with cancer share the latest science in three new I am BIO videos.

Beyond chemotherapy: Brent Dixon, CTO of Carolina BioOncology, explains new monoclonal antibody combination therapies, which are improving survival rates.

A solution from within: “Cancer cells are the body’s own cells with some sort of mutation going on in them,” says Dixon. “We want to use the patient’s own immune cells, reinvigorate them, or re-energize them, and reintroduce them back to the same patient to kill the cancer cells.”

“Hacking cell communications” can send “false messages, death messages to the cancer,” explains Erick Gamelin, CEO at Acrivon Therapeutics. “So that when the messages go to the cancer, it induces cancer cell death.”

Immunity is the key to fighting cancer, according to Hans Keirstead, Chairman of Immunis. “Your immune system declines steadily. So, the idea with Immunis is to receive injections to keep your immune system strong, young, healthy, and regenerative.”

The context: Companies large and small—and especially small—are developing innovative approaches to cancer and other diseases, as these videos show. However, recent policy like drug price controls and the Federal Trade Commission’s approach to industry M&A could thwart the development of new cures and access to them, as BIO’s Chair, Dr. Ted W. Love, recently explained in an op-ed.

Click here to watch the latest videos and read more about these innovators. 

Learn more about the campaign at www.bio.org/iambio.

Pantheon Awards accepting nominations until Aug. 11

People working to make a difference through biotech can gain well-deserved attention from the Pantheon Awards, which is accepting nominations until Aug. 11—details below.

What are the awards? For 20 years, California Life Sciences (CLS) has recognized the state’s leaders in biotech, pharma, and other life sciences sectors with Pantheon Awards. CLS is a member of the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA), a confederation of non-profit state trade organizations affiliated with BIO.

Who can be nominated? Outstanding performers and companies based in California, in academia, biopharma, convergent technologies, emerging innovation, leadership, health equity, and future leadership.

In case you need inspiration…last year’s winners included several BIO Board members and leaders, including then-BIO Chair and Nkarta CEO Paul Hastings, current BIO Chair and former Global Blood Therapeutics CEO Dr. Ted W. Love, and BIO member Twist Bioscience.  

How do I nominate someone? Click here to begin.

Catch up on last year’s winners:California Life Sciences recognizes BIO leaders and member companies

More News: 

CNN: New director named at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases after Fauci’s retirement
“Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo will be the next director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institutes of Health announced Wednesday…Marrazzo is director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.”

President Biden's Thursday: In Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with no events scheduled.

What's Happening on Capitol Hill: The House and Senate are in recess through Labor Day.