Subscribe
Search
Close this search box.
Subscribe
Search
Close this search box.

Infectious disease

Biomedical/pharma, Infectious disease, Personal/public health

When ignorance isn’t bliss – more knowledge is crucial to combat deadly Candida auris fungus 

Infectious diseases are commonly associated with bacteria and viruses. However, fungi should also be added to this list as there is growing concern that antifungal resistance could be the next global challenge. Moreover, because fungi are eukaryotic like humans, developing targeted treatments without causing toxicity to the host presents a significant challenge. The World Health Organization has recently published its first list of health-threatening fungi. This list aims to promote research to enhance the global response to fungal infections and the growing issue of antifungal resistance. One ‘high-priority’ fungus in particular, Candida auris, has mycologists holding their breath due to its rapid global spread and multidrug resistance.

Fighting antimicrobial resistance: How public and private investment is essential 

The UN has declared antimicrobial resistance (AMR) one of the ten major threats to humanity. In Belgium, AMR is associated with around 8000 deaths per year and contributes to an estimated 4.95 million global human deaths annually, set to almost double by 2050. Unfortunately, there are worryingly few novel antimicrobials in development, and even fewer are currently available to patients with severe infections who need them most. Why?

AstriVax Therapeutics shoots for the stars with impactful immunotherapies 

In line with its stellar name, AstriVax Therapeutics is a rising star in Belgian biotech. The company launched in 2022 with €30 million – the largest seed round ever raised by a KU Leuven spin-out – and rapidly became a clinical-stage company, using its plug-and-play platform to fast-track development of vaccines and immunotherapies.

This vagina-on-chip model holds the potential to advance yeast infection research

While a vast majority of women experience vaginal yeast infections, research has fallen short in providing an effective treatment approach. However, hope has emerged recently with the development of new model systems that allow exploration of the complex vaginal environment. Organ-on-chip models enable researchers to examine the interactions between human cells and microbes in a more accurate manner, offering the potential for the development of new therapies.

Bridging the immunity gap: improving animal welfare without antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is a major concern for humans and animals. Increasing pressure to move away from antibiotics has created space for new solutions for disease management. Animab’s oral monoclonal antibody platform is a promising alternative, effectively guarding against infection during a vulnerable period in an animal’s development.

Obulytix is developing a revolutionary solution for antibiotic resistance

Obulytix, a spin-off based on research results from Ghent University and KU Leuven, has built a platform that creates new ways to tackle bacterial infections. The innovative, phage lysin-based platform – leveraging the power of artificial intelligence – attracted a significant four-million-euro investment from Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Qbic, and Gemma Frisius Fund.

From multiple pills per day to one treatment per month: progress in HIV medication made possible by pharma collaborations

Unprecedented collaborations between different pharmaceutical companies have resulted in extraordinary progress for HIV patients over the past four decades. From the first ever treatments, to single pills and now even long-acting injections, treatment options have come a long way. In this interview, Dr. Theresa Pattery (Head of Disease Management Programs at Janssen Pharmaceutica) tells us of this long journey and talks about the role of drones and phones in the world-wide fight against HIV.

VC opportunities for impact in the face of climate disaster

Venture capitalists have a vital role to play in guiding our planet’s future. By investing in technological advances that remediate environmental ruination, enable adaptation to new conditions, and heal challenging diseases, VC funds can help improve the world while also benefiting their bottom line. But there is an even bolder approach available to VCs who really want to do good: influencing governments by earmarking funds for advocacy groups.

KU Leuven spin-off AstriVax raises € 30 million to build vaccine platform

Bacterial biofilms: cooperative bugs cling to food surfaces even after cleaning

Current cleaning and disinfection practices in food industries are insufficient to destroy unwanted bacteria lurking on surfaces, according to recent Belgian research. Cooperation between diverse types of bacteria makes them stronger and more resilient, causing huge damage in terms of food spoilage, recalls, and health issues. Understanding the development of these microbial communities and their underlying cooperation is vital for assuring food safety, and may lead to developing better forms of biocontrol.

miDiagnostics launches its CE-IVD certified ultra-fast COVID-19 PCR test

miDiagnostics welcomes Nicolas De Clercq as its new Chief Financial Officer

Antimicrobial Resistance – the hidden killer we’re ignoring

Antimicrobial Resistance has become an enormous challenge for global health, yet remains largely ignored by companies. As this deadly race worsens, we urgently need to address the huge mismatch between the need and incentive for developing new antimicrobial drugs.

Long COVID: what it means for the life sciences industry and other chronic conditions

Long COVID is a less talked-about aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet its impact on society is already profound. Although this problem is still largely flying under the radar of the life sciences industry, a couple of first movers have already initiated clinical programs to address the condition. If more companies move into this space, long COVID may prove a catalyst for R&D in other related and underserved indications, like chronic fatigue syndrome.

Moderna: from secretive platform company to vaccine superstar

Moderna Therapeutics has never really been a typical biotech. Sure, nowadays it is world famous thanks to its COVID-19 vaccine, which has resulted in an $80 billion market cap and projected sales of $18.4 billion for 2021. But the path to success has not been that of a standard biotech’s journey. Through ups and downs, controversies and triumphs, here’s the fascinating story behind the rise of Moderna and the creation of its COVID-19 vaccine.