
The air we breathe in our homes and cars contains thousands of microplastics, study finds
Water availabilityFacebookTweetLink
Follow
Thousands of microplastics so small they can penetrate deep into the lungs are in the air you breathe in your home and car, a new study has found.
The particles are likely the result of the degradation of plastic-filled objects such as carpet, curtains, furniture and textiles and the plastic parts of car interiors, according to the study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.
'People spend an average of 90% of their time indoors, including homes, workplaces, shops, transportation … all the while they are exposed to microplastic pollution through inhalation without even thinking about it,' senior study author Jeroen Sonke and lead author Nadiia Yakovenko said in a joint statement.
'Microplastics in the air, especially indoors, may be an invisible threat we are only beginning to understand.'
Sonke is a research director at the National Centre for Scientific Research, which is affliated with France's University of Toulouse. Yakovenko is a postdoctoral researcher of environmental geosciences at the university.
'While research is still ongoing, there is concern that long-term exposure to microplastics and their additives may contribute to respiratory problems, disrupt endocrine function and increase risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, reproductive birth defects, infertility, cardiovascular disease, and cancers,' the two said.
The study found adults may inhale some 68,000 microplastic particles of 1 to 10 micrometers per day from indoor air — an estimate that is 100 times more than expected, according to Sonke and his team.
In comparison, a red blood cell is 6.2 to 8.2 micrometers, while E. coli bacteria may be 1 to 2 micrometers long.
'This adds to the body of knowledge we have that microplastics are everywhere and getting into humans in every way imaginable,' said microplastics researcher Sherri 'Sam' Mason, director of Project NePTWNE at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, via email. She was not involved in the study. (NepTWNE is short for Nano & Polymer Technology for Water and Neural-networks.)
Scientists have detected microplastics in human testes and the penis, human blood, lung and liver tissues, urine and feces, mother's milk, and the placenta. A February study found nearly a spoon's worth of microplastics in human brain tissue. A March 2024 study found people with microplastics in their carotid artery tissues were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke or die from any cause over the next three years than those who had none.
'The size of these particles are especially concerning as the smaller the particle, the bigger the impact on human health,' said Mason, one of the first scientists to measure microplastics in bottled water.
CNN reached out to the American Chemistry Council, which represents the plastic industry, for comment.
To do the study, Sonke and his team took indoor air samples from their apartments and while in their cars driving between cities in France. In the United States, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety statistics have shown the average American spent about 60 minutes a day inside a car in 2023.
Car cabins can be a significant source of microplastic exposure because they are small, enclosed spaces filled with plastic-based materials — dashboards, steering wheels, door handles, seat fabrics, carpets and carpet liners are all made with plastics, Sonke and Yakovenko said.
'These materials can shed tiny plastic particles over time, especially by solar irradiance, friction, heat and daily use,' they said. 'Unlike homes, car cabins often have limited ventilation, allowing microplastic particles to accumulate and concentrate in the air. As a result, they can be inhaled in higher amounts during regular commutes or long drives.'
Testing found some 2,238 microplastics particles per cubic meter of air inside the cars — much more than the 528 particles found in a similar amount of air from inside homes.
'We often associate plastic pollution with oceans or industrial areas,' Sonke and Yakovenko said, 'but our findings showed that the everyday indoor environment where we spend most of our time can be a major source of human exposure.'
To measure the plastic concentrations, the team used Raman microscopy, a newer and powerful technique that can measure down to about 1 micrometer. This technique is different from those applied in past studies, which have used methods that can only measure larger particles down to 20 micrometers, they said.
'Their analysis is sound,' said Wei Min, a professor of chemistry at Columbia University in New York City who specializes in developing next-generation microscopy techniques. He was not involved in the study.
'They were using a commercial instrument, and the limit of detection is at its best condition (around 1 micrometer),' Min said via email. 'This allows them to capture (1 to 10) micrometer population, which had remained largely undetected in previous studies of in-door air.'
However, the study was unable to measure even smaller particles, called nanoplastics, which are measured in nanometers instead of micrometers. It takes 1,000 nanometers to make 1 micrometer — in comparison, an average human hair is roughly 80,000 to 100,000 nanometers in diameter.
'The present study provides important information but also speaks to the need for advancements in the technology to assess even smaller polymer particles, both in the air and in our bodies,' said microplastics researcher Matthew Campen, regents' professor and professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
Nanoplastics are the most worrisome type of plastic pollution for human health, experts say. That's because the minuscule particles can invade individual cells and tissues in major organs, potentially interrupting cellular processes and depositing endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and heavy metals.
There are many steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure to plastics and their plastic footprint, experts say. In February, CNN spoke to pediatrician Dr. Philip Landrigan, lead author of a March 2023 report from the Minderoo–Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, a global consortium of scientists, health care workers and policy analysts charged with following plastics from creation to final product.
In that report, the consortium determined plastics are associated with harms to human health at every single stage of the plastic life cycle.
'I say to people, 'Listen, there are some plastics that you can't escape. You're not going to get a cell phone or a computer that doesn't contain plastic.' But do try to minimize your exposure to the plastic that you can avoid, especially single-use plastics,' said Landrigan, a professor of biology who directs the Program for Global Public Health and the Common Good and the Global Observatory on Planetary Health at Boston College.
It's hard to avoid foods wrapped in plastic film because they are so ubiquitous, Landrigan said, but you can take food out of the plastic wrapping before cooking or putting it in the microwave.
'When you heat plastic, that accelerates the movement of the microplastics out of the wrapping into the food,' he said.
Invest in a zippered fabric bag and ask the dry cleaner to return your clothes in it instead of those thin sheets of plastic, suggests the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group. Bring a travel mug to the local coffee store for takeout and silverware to the office to cut back on plastic cups and utensils.
'Don't use plastic bags when you go shopping. Use a cloth bag or a paper bag or a recycle bag,' Landrigan said. 'Try to avoid plastic water bottles, if you can possibly do so.'
A January 2024 study found 1 liter of bottled water — the equivalent of two standard-size bottled waters typically purchased by consumers — contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles from seven types of plastics. Some 90% of those were nanoplastics.
'Use a metal or glass drinking cup instead of a plastic cup. Store your food in glass containers instead of in plastic ones,' Landrigan said. 'Work in your local community to ban plastic bags, as many communities around the United States have now done. There is a lot you can do.'
Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Diabetes Care Devices Market Size Projects USD 76.44 Billion by 2034
The global diabetes care devices market size is calculated at USD 36.45 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 76.44 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.54% for the forecasted period. Ottawa, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global diabetes care devices market size was valued at USD 33.58 billion in 2024 and is predicted to hit around USD 76.44 billion by 2034, a study published by Towards Healthcare a sister firm of Precedence Research. Explore a preview of insights and trends shaping the Diabetes Care Devices Market: Key Takeaways North America dominated the global diabetes care devices market in 2024. Europe is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. By monitoring devices, the glucometer device segment held the largest share of the self-monitoring blood glucose devices market in 2024. By monitoring devices, the continuous blood glucose monitoring segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the predicted timeframe. By management devices, the disposable insulin pen segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. By management devices, the insulin pump segment is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR in the market. Market Overview & Potential Diabetes care devices are medical tools that assist individuals in managing their diabetes by monitoring blood glucose levels, administering insulin, and offering other self-care support. These include continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, smart insulin pens, and blood glucose meters. Their goal is to enhance glycemic control, lessen hypoglycemia risk, and improve the overall quality of life for people with diabetes. What Drives the Growth of the Diabetes Care Devices Market? The market is mainly fueled by the increasing number of diabetes cases, greater awareness of diabetes management, and technological advances in monitoring and treatment tools. Notably, the rising use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) devices, alongside the expansion of digital health and mobile apps for diabetes management, are key growth factors. CGM devices are becoming more popular because they offer real-time glucose data, helping users manage diabetes better and reduce complications. You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ What Trends Are Shaping the Diabetes Care Devices Market? Artificial Intelligence (AI): • AI is increasingly integrated into diabetes devices to enhance glucose monitoring, foresee potential problems, and tailor treatments. Smart Insulin Pens: • Insulin pens with dose calculators are becoming widespread, removing guesswork from insulin administration. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): • CGM systems are gaining popularity, providing continual glucose tracking and enabling more personalized treatment. Integration with Healthcare Providers: • Devices with connectivity features allow easy sharing of data between patients and healthcare professionals, improving communication and coordinated care. What Are the Main Challenges Facing the Diabetes Care Devices Market? The market faces several challenges, including high device and treatment costs, strict regulatory requirements, and the need for ongoing technological innovation and diverse expertise. Additionally, access to these devices remains a concern in developing areas, and integrating digital health solutions can be complex. These factors limit the growth and also hinder the expansion of the market. Get the latest insights on life science industry segmentation with our Annual Membership: Regional How Did North America Dominate the Diabetes Care Devices Market in 2024? North America dominated the global diabetes care devices market in 2024. The growth of the market is driven by the growing demand for medical devices due to the high prevalence of diabetes, technological advancements, increased healthcare spending, a growing geriatric population, increased awareness, and early diagnosis, which increases the growth of the market in the region. The well-established companies like Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, Roche Holding AG, and Johnson & Johnson also influence the growth due to their strong presence and strong healthcare infrastructure in the region. Diabetes cases in the U.S. continue to rise, affecting over 38 million people. Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and increasing obesity rates drive this trend. Type 2 diabetes is especially prevalent. Healthcare costs and complications strain public health systems. Prevention efforts focus on education, early detection, and lifestyle interventions. Canada is witnessing a steady rise in diabetes, with over 3.7 million diagnosed cases. Type 2 diabetes dominates, linked to aging, obesity, and physical inactivity. Indigenous populations are disproportionately affected. Health agencies emphasize early intervention, public awareness, and improved access to nutritious foods and active living opportunities for prevention. What made Europe Significantly Grow in The Diabetes Care Devices market in 2024? Europe is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. The growth of the market is driven by the rising prevalence of diabetes in the region, with a growing number of patients, rising obesity and physical inactivity, technological advancements, government policies, and healthcare initiatives influencing the growth of the market in the region. The key players of the region, like Medtronic, Abbott, Roche, Dexcom, and LifeScan, also contribute to the growth through product innovation, strategic partnerships, and geographic expansion to attract consumers, which influences the growth and expansion of the market in the region. Germany reports over 7 million people living with diabetes, primarily Type 2. The aging population, urban lifestyles, and increasing obesity contribute to the surge. Health authorities prioritize digital health tools, preventive care, and research. Public campaigns target better nutrition, physical activity, and early diagnosis to curb the disease's spread. In the UK, diabetes affects nearly 5 million people, with numbers climbing steadily. Type 2 diabetes accounts for most cases, often linked to poor diet, inactivity, and obesity. The NHS is investing in prevention programs and digital support tools. Socioeconomic disparities also play a role in rising incidence rates. According to Volza's Global Export data, the World shipped out 224 Glucose monitor shipments from October 2023 to September 2024 (TTM). These exports were handled by 46 global exporters to 59 buyers. Globally, the United Kingdom, China, and Belgium are the top three exporters of Glucose monitors. The United Kingdom is the global leader in Glucose Monitor exports with 373 shipments, followed closely by China with 238 shipments, and Belgium in third place with 153 shipments. Elevate your healthcare strategy with Towards Healthcare. Enhance efficiency and drive better outcomes schedule a call today: Segmental Insight By Monitoring Devices Which Monitoring Devices Segment Dominated the Diabetes Care Devices Market In 2024? The glucometer device segment held the largest share of the self-monitoring blood glucose devices market in 2024. Glucometer devices are a vital component in diabetes management, which help individuals to self-monitor blood glucose levels with accuracy and convenience. These devices are especially prevalent in home-care settings due to their portability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation. Market growth is supported by the rising global diabetes burden, increased patient awareness, and expanding access in low- and middle-income regions. Despite the growing popularity of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), glucometers continue to dominate in affordability-sensitive markets. Technological advancements such as Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, and no-coding strips are enhancing user experience, ensuring the segment remains relevant in a rapidly evolving diabetes care landscape. The continuous blood glucose monitoring segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR in the diabetes care devices market during the predicted timeframe. Continuous blood glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have revolutionized diabetes care by offering real-time, continuous tracking of glucose levels throughout the day and night. These devices eliminate the need for frequent finger-prick tests, providing users with detailed glucose trends and alerts for hypo- or hyperglycemia. Market growth is driven by rising type 1 and type 2 diabetes cases, increased adoption in health and wellness applications, and technological innovations like smartphone integration and predictive analytics. Key players such as Dexcom, Abbott, and Medtronic lead the segment, with expanding usage across both clinical and personal settings globally, enhancing its future outlook. By Management Devices How did Segment dominate the Diabetes Care Devices Market in 2024? The disposable insulin pen segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. Disposable insulin pens are prefilled, single-use devices designed to deliver accurate insulin doses conveniently and safely. These pens are user-friendly, making them ideal for patients with limited dexterity or those new to insulin therapy. Market demand is rising due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes, especially type 2, and growing patient preference for portable and discreet insulin delivery options. Their ease of use reduces dosing errors and enhances treatment adherence. The segment is witnessing steady growth across both developed and emerging markets, supported by ongoing product innovations, rising awareness, and favorable reimbursement policies promoting at-home diabetes management. The insulin pump segment is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR in the diabetes care devices market. Insulin pumps are advanced diabetes management devices that deliver continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, closely mimicking the body's natural insulin release. These devices offer greater flexibility in insulin dosing, improved glycemic control, and reduced risk of hypoglycemia, especially for Type 1 diabetic patients. The market is growing due to technological advancements like patch pumps, integration with CGMs, and smart algorithms enabling automated insulin delivery. High adoption in developed regions, along with rising awareness and clinical recommendations, is further boosting demand. Recent Developments In February 2025, the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology launched a trial to test AI AI-powered device for diabetes management amid rising cases of diabetes. For management by testing an innovative AI-powered device is being tested to improve automated insulin delivery. In November 2024, Singapore launched a new telehealth platform for diabetes management with real-time monitoring and for providing timely treatment. Top Companies and Their Contributions to the Diabetes Care Devices Market Company Contributions & Offerings Medtronic plc Medtronic leads in insulin delivery systems such as MiniMed pumps and closed-loop Automated Insulin Delivery systems. It recently received FDA clearance for its Simplera Sync sensor integrated with its pump ecosystem. Its diabetes segment sales rose sharply thanks to the adoption of MiniMed 780G and Simplera. Medtronic emphasizes interoperability and partnerships to build integrated CGM-pump systems. Abbott Laboratories Abbott offers the FreeStyle Libre Flash and CGM systems (Libre, Libre 2, Libre 3), plus Lingo consumer monitors, apps LibreLink, LibreView, and LibreLinkUp. Libre is used by millions, widely reimbursed, and integrated into insulin delivery via partnerships including Medtronic. CGM sales surged by over 21 percent, making Abbott a market leader. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Roche Diabetes Care develops blood glucose meters, test strips, and CGMs such as the Accu-Chek portfolio. Offers professional systems used in clinics and integrated digital platforms. Focused on accuracy, point-of-care solutions, and global reimbursement adoption. (Note: contributions based on industry leader reports) Bayer AG Bayer offers diabetes diagnostics (blood glucose monitors) and test strips under Bayer Diabetes Care. It supports insulin dose advisors and data management solutions. It invests in research on automated insulin dosing analytics. LifeScan, Inc. LifeScan produces OneTouch blood glucose monitoring systems, including meters, test strips, and data platforms. It's OneTouch Verio Flex and OneTouch Reveal app support user engagement and data analysis. B. Braun Melsungen AG B. Braun provides insulin infusion pump systems, infusion sets, and infusion therapy solutions. Their pumps integrate with glucose monitoring and hospital insulin delivery workflows, emphasizing safety and precision. Dexcom Inc. Dexcom develops continuous glucose monitors, G6, G7, and the low-cost Stelo device. G-series supports interoperability with Tandem and Insulet pumps, enabling closed-loop systems. Dexcom Clarity software allows data to be analyzed and enables remote monitoring. Insulet Corporation Insulet manufactures tubeless patch insulin pumps, including the Omnipod DASH and Omnipod 5. Omnipod 5 is FDA-cleared automated insulin delivery pumping every five minutes, integrated with Dexcom G6, G7, and Libre 2 Plus. It targets Type 1 and expanding Type 2 populations. Ypsomed Holdings Ypsomed offers the mylife YpsoPump, an insulin pump compatible with the Dexcom G6 CGM in closed-loop operation, under a partnership. It serves European markets, focusing on patient choice and flexible integration. Browse More Insights of Towards Healthcare: The diabetes management technologies market is on track for strong growth by 2034, driven by continuous innovation in glucose monitoring devices, insulin delivery systems, and digital health platforms that are improving patient outcomes. The disposable diabetes lancets market was valued at around USD 1.19 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2034, growing steadily at a CAGR of 4.33% from 2024 onwards. The safety lancets market is also seeing rapid expansion estimated at USD 2.1 billion in 2023, it's projected to grow to USD 6.32 billion by 2034, thanks to a robust CAGR of 10.54%. The global chronic disease treatment market is accelerating. Starting at USD 8.37 billion in 2024, it's forecasted to climb to USD 9.74 billion by 2025 and reach nearly USD 38.02 billion by 2034, driven by a strong CAGR of 16.34%. The global market for diabetes drugs is projected to grow from USD 75.16 billion in 2025 to USD 134.73 billion by 2034, expanding at a healthy CAGR of 6.7% over the next decade. The pacemaker market is gradually increasing in value worth USD 5.45 billion in 2024, rising to USD 5.66 billion in 2025, and expected to reach USD 7.89 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 3.75%. The hernia mesh device market size is forecasted to increase from USD 5.63 billion in 2024 to USD 6.02 billion in 2025 and hit around USD 11.01 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.94%. The life sciences enterprise storage market is also showing upward momentum. It's expected to grow from USD 2.71 billion in 2024 to USD 2.86 billion in 2025, reaching approximately USD 4.67 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 5.65%. Pain management devices are gaining traction globally, with the market valued at USD 7.68 billion in 2024 and forecasted to grow to USD 8.41 billion in 2025, ultimately reaching USD 19.1 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 9.54%. The connected drug delivery devices market is experiencing remarkable growth. From USD 7.44 billion in 2024 and USD 9.18 billion in 2025, it's set to soar to USD 61.08 billion by 2034, growing at an impressive CAGR of 23.44%. Key Players in the Diabetes Care Devices Market Medtronic plc Abbott Laboratories Bayer AG B Braun Melsungen AG Lifescan, Inc. Dexcom Inc. Insulet Corporation Ypsomed Holdings Companion Medical Sanofi Valeritas Holding Inc. Novo Nordisk Arkray, Inc Segments Covered in The Report By Region North America U.S. Canada Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Thailand Europe Germany UK France Italy Spain Sweden Denmark Norway Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Middle East and Africa (MEA) South Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Kuwait To invest in our premium strategic solution and customized market report options, click here: You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact us at sales@ Gain access to the latest insights and statistics in the healthcare industry by subscribing to our Annual Membership. Stay updated on healthcare industry segmentation with detailed reports, market trends, and expert analysis tailored to your needs. Stay ahead of the curve with valuable resources and strategic recommendations. Join today to unlock a wealth of knowledge and opportunities in the dynamic world of healthcare: Get a Subscription About Us Towards Healthcare is a leading global provider of technological solutions, clinical research services, and advanced analytics, with a strong emphasis on life science research. Dedicated to advancing innovation in the life sciences sector, we build strategic partnerships that generate actionable insights and transformative breakthroughs. As a global strategy consulting firm, we empower life science leaders to gain a competitive edge, drive research excellence, and accelerate sustainable growth. Our Trusted Data Partners Precedence Research | Statifacts | Towards Packaging | Towards Automotive | Towards Food and Beverages | Towards Chemical and Materials | Towards Consumer Goods | Towards Dental | Towards EV Solutions | Nova One Advisor | Healthcare Webwire | Packaging Webwire | Automotive Webwire Find us on social platforms: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
European Commission Approves CAR-T Therapy With Lentiviral Vectors Manufactured by AGC Biologics
The Friendly CDMO Expert's Milan Cell and Gene Center of Excellence Achieves 10th Major Regulatory Product Approval MILAN, July 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Following news on July 21 that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization for AUCATZYL® (obecabtagene autoleucel – obe-cel), AGC Biologics' Milan site achieved its 10th product approval from the European Medicines Agency or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Developed by Autolus Therapeutics, AUCATZYL® is now approved to treat adult patients (age 26 and older) in 27 European Union member states with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL). This follows the therapy's prior authorizations from the FDA in November 2024 and the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in April 2025. This latest step further solidifies AGC Biologics' Milan Cell and Gene Center of Excellence's reputation as a global leader in the field, built on a 30-year track record of quality, reliability, and regulatory success. "This European approval for Autolus is a milestone we are thrilled to be part of. Our goal is to be the industry's safe harbor: a trusted, friendly expert CDMO that de-risks the complex path to commercialization," said Alberto Santagostino, CEO and President, AGC Biologics. "By ensuring a reliable supply of their vital lentiviral vector, we empower our partners to focus on patients. Congratulations to the entire Autolus team." The partnership between Autolus and AGC Biologics Milan began in 2020, with the CDMO tasked to develop, manufacture, and supply the viral vectors for Autolus' obe-cel CAR-T product candidate. "From the start of our partnership in 2020, through the FDA approval and now this European authorization, our collaboration with Autolus has been a model of true partnership," said Luca Alberici, General Manager, AGC Biologics Milan. "The team's sustained dedication and technical excellence is a direct result of our ability to work seamlessly with the Autolus team to meet the demands of commercial-scale manufacturing for a global market." With its 30-year track record and 10 product approvals by the EMA and FDA, the AGC Biologics Milan site is a global leader with deep expertise in complex cell and gene therapy projects. The team has guided numerous products to commercial stages, manufactured hundreds of batches for clinical supply, and consistently met the highest global regulatory guidelines, quality performance metrics, and the unique complexities of technology transfers and manufacturing scale-up. To learn more about AGC Biologics' global cell therapy services, visit and for more on the CDMO's viral vector offerings, visit About AGC Biologics AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standard of service as we work side-by-side with our clients and partners, to provide friendly and expert services. We provide world-class development and manufacturing of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors, and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with locations in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba and Yokohama, Japan. We currently employ more than 2,600 Team Members worldwide. AGC Biologics is a part of AGC Inc.'s Life Science Business. The Life Science Business runs 10+ facilities focused on biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapies, small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, and agrochemicals. To learn more, visit AUCATZYL® (obecabtagene autoleucel – obe-cel) is a registered trademark of Autolus Therapeutics. View source version on Contacts AGC Inc. corporate contact: info-pr@ AGC Biologics media contact: ksills@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
This Stock Is Up by 800% This Year -- but Is It a Buy?
Key Points Abivax's shares skyrocketed following positive clinical trial results for its lead candidate, obefazimod. This investigational medicine could prove more effective than existing drugs for ulcerative colitis. There might be plenty of upside left if obefazimod produces more positive results in further trials. 10 stocks we like better than Abivax Société Anonyme › If you had invested money in Abivax (NASDAQ: ABVX) at the beginning of the year, you would be sitting pretty right now. The French biotech's shares recently skyrocketed and are up more than 800% year to date. As investors can probably guess, Abivax's gains are tied to impressive clinical progress for its leading pipeline candidate. However, some might worry that it's too late to buy the stock now. Is that the case? Let's look deeper into what's going on with Abivax and determine whether there's any upside left. A potential first-in-class drug Abivax's leading pipeline candidate is called obefazimod, a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC). It could be a first-in-class drug, meaning a medicine that has a novel mechanism of action distinct from those of existing therapies targeting the same condition. First-in-class drugs sometimes prove more effective than standard existing treatments, so there is significant potential for a smaller biotech company working on a medicine like this one, if it can ace clinical trials. Abivax has just achieved exactly that, with strong results from a pair of phase 3 trials for obefazimod. The medicine led to a high rate of remission among participants with moderate to severely active UC, compared to a placebo. Importantly, the studies included patients who had never received any advanced therapy for UC, as well as some who had but had previously failed to achieve remission. According to Abivax, 47.3% of participants in these trials had an inadequate response to prior therapy. In other words, obefazimod succeeded in helping some patients achieve remission where other medicines had failed. And this isn't an obscure therapeutic area with just a couple of options, either: It's actually a highly competitive market. There are numerous advanced therapies for UC, including some produced by several of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. That makes obefazimod's success all the more impressive. Why it may not be too late to buy the stock Abivax's market capitalization is now 3.7 billion euros (about $4.3 billion). Some analysts estimate that obefazimod could hit peak sales of about $4 billion. Of course, it won't get there anytime soon, even if it earns approval. Though the data looks strong so far, there is more to come. The recent results Abivax shared were from induction trials (to see whether a medicine can reduce the symptoms of a disease). The biotech has an ongoing maintenance study (to check whether it can keep the disease under control), the results of which it plans to share in the second quarter of 2026. If this data isn't up to Wall Street's liking, Abivax's shares might plunge. That's to say nothing of potential regulatory setbacks, which aren't that rare with smaller biotech companies and could also sink the company's stock price. So there are some risks involved, but the stock might be worth it for those who can stomach the volatility. Abivax has developed a medicine with a novel mechanism of action that performs well in clinical trials, and that ability speaks volumes about the company's innovative capabilities. Meanwhile, although funding was an issue at the start of the year, it should no longer be a problem. Abivax ended the first quarter with 103.6 million euros in cash ($120.1 million), which management thought would only last until the end of this year. Thanks to obefazimod's phase 3 results and the company's stock price soaring, Abivax announced a secondary offering, during which it expects to generate gross proceeds of 637.5 million euros ($747.5 million). That should be plenty of money for the company to keep the lights on, even beyond next year. There's still significant upside left if the ongoing phase 3 clinical trials for obefazimod in UC also yield strong results. Additionally, Abivax is testing its lead candidate as a monotherapy for Crohn's disease, as well as a potential combination treatment for UC. Consistent positive clinical and regulatory developments could lead to even more gains for patient investors. That's why it might still be time for those with above-average risk tolerance to initiate a small position in the stock. Should you buy stock in Abivax Société Anonyme right now? Before you buy stock in Abivax Société Anonyme, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Abivax Société Anonyme wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $638,629!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,098,838!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,049% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 182% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 29, 2025 Prosper Junior Bakiny has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This Stock Is Up by 800% This Year -- but Is It a Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data