Weill Cancer Hub East launches to transform treatment
The Weill Cancer Hub East, a collaborative initiative formed by Weill Cornell Medicine, Princeton University, The Rockefeller University and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, has been established to explore the interplay between nutrition, metabolism and immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
The initiative was launched with a $50m gift from the Weill Family Foundation.
The Weill Cancer Hub East brings together experts from the four institutions to improve immunotherapy, a therapeutic strategy that uses a patient's immune cells for treatment.
It aims to drive cross-field partnerships, combining cancer biology, immunology, trials, metabolism and nutrition experts.
With philanthropy from each partner institution, total funding will exceed $125m.
Up to 2034, the hub will explore the connection between solid tumours and their environment.
It also aims to understand how diet and beneficial microbes that help metabolise food can influence cancer treatment effectiveness.
The initiative will investigate how emerging therapeutics such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are used in diabetes and anti-obesity treatments, which may affect cancer progression and treatment.
The Weill Cancer Hub East will leverage metabolomics, computational analysis, immunology and AI to study how metabolism impacts the immune system's cancer-controlling ability.
It will provide seed funding for collaborative projects focusing on reprogramming the tumour microenvironment and augmenting cell function through patients' metabolisms and microbiomes.
The hub will provide a portfolio of trials, including assessment of the GLP-1 agonist effects on cancer subjects' immune responses and results.
The outcomes may also apply to metabolic, autoimmune and cardiovascular conditions.
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, a cancer research sponsor, is funding studies in cancer metabolism and immunotherapy, providing additional support to the hub's efforts.
A scientific steering committee, with leaders from each academic institution, will oversee the hub's activities.
The scientific strategy of the hub will be directed by a leadership committee, including representatives from partner institutions and the Weill Family Foundation.
The adaptable structure of the hub will allow it to respond to upcoming directions in cancer research.
The hub is the second collaborative entity established by the Weill family and the Weill Family Foundation through their philanthropy.
Weill Family Foundation founder and Weill Cornell Medicine Board of Fellows chair emeritus Sandy Weill stated: 'The Weill Cancer Hub East will offer doctors and scientists a tremendous opportunity to revolutionise the treatment of cancer, a disease that complicates so many lives.'
"Weill Cancer Hub East launches to transform treatment" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Heungkong, Panasonic and Tantron Unveil Breakthrough in Forest-Ecology-Inspired Indoor Bionic Technology
GUANGZHOU, China, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heungkong Group, Panasonic Electric, and Tantron Technology have announced the mid-stage outcomes of their collaborative innovation, the "8 Constants+ Forest Environment System," on World Environment Day, June 5, 2025. This pioneering solution signifies a significant advancement at the intersection of smart environmental control, ecological science, and human well-being, setting a new benchmark for sustainable development. As the world's first intelligent indoor regulation system modeled on forest ecosystem dynamics, the 8 Constants + Forest Environment System applies the principles of environmental bionics to recreate a forest-like indoor environment. The system operates through eight core elements: constant temperature, humidity, oxygen level, cleanliness, quietness, airflow, intelligence, and control. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and former European Council President and ex-Prime Minister of Sweden, John Fredrik Reinfeldt, delivered congratulatory video messages for the occasion. Mr. Hatoyama said, "Environmental challenges have become a critical global issue and we are making every effort to address it. This collaboration harnesses the technical strengths of China and Japan to create a new-generation atmospheric platform—a powerful example of bilateral innovation. We are confident that this advancement will support smarter, healthier, and more comfortable living environments for people in the two countries and beyond." Mr. Reinfeldt commended the milestone, stating that healthy indoor environments are a global priority and that the system sets an exemplary standard for indoor environmental enhancement worldwide. Experts in green technology, environmental systems, and health-focused architecture also commended the platform for its technical achievements. All-China Environment Federation chairman Wang Xiufeng commented, "The 8 Constants + Forest Environment System provides an intelligent ecological solution to address human health challenges. It demonstrates how advanced technologies can drive the shift toward sustainable living, while reinforcing the role of enterprises in promoting ecological stewardship and global climate action." Xing Lei, Secretary-General of the World Green Design Organization, added that the system delivers a novel model for sustainable and healthy living spaces. Heungkong Group chairwoman Mei Hing Chak said, "Technological innovation is the engine of our business strategy. By working closely with world-class scientific institutions and industrial partners, Heungkong has merged Panasonic's global leadership in environmental sensing, Tantron's proprietary algorithmic intelligence, and the practical ecosystem of our Heungkong-1 flagship residential project. The result is a new standard for indoor environmental science. In the years ahead, we will expand our innovation framework and deepen international partnerships to accelerate deployment and scalable impact." Matsui Jun, Head of Panasonic China & Northeast Asia's HVAC Division, described the joint project as a testament to China-Japan technical synergy, "This system will set new industry benchmarks for healthy living environments, delivering tangible benefits to communities and consumers." Tantron founder Yao Minghai noted, "The 8 Constants + Forest Environment System delivers multiple world-first innovations, most notably its self-learning natural language interface. Unlike conventional systems requiring precise commands, the system, for instance, interprets casual expressions like 'I'm sleepy' to automatically dim lights, adjust ambiance and optimize sleep temperature. This isn't just automation - it's an adaptive living system that anticipates needs and personalizes experiences." The '8 Constants+ Forest Environment System' brings together the core strengths of all three partners in a strategic collaboration: Panasonic provides the hardware platform, integrating its industry-leading precision sensors and HVAC technologies; Tantron drives innovation through proprietary AI algorithms and adaptive interaction architecture; and Heungkong Group leads scenario-based application and market enablement, drawing on its real-world project expertise to ensure scalable, ready-for-deployment solutions. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Heungkong Group
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
RenaissThera Achieves Discovery Milestone in Its Oral Obesity Drug Program
BENGALURU, India, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RenaissThera Private Limited ('RenaissThera'), a Bengaluru-based biotechnology company, announced a major milestone in its obesity drug discovery program targeting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR). GIPR, an incretin receptor, is a validated target for peptide-based parenteral therapies where both stimulation and inhibition has shown efficacy in treating obesity and its co-morbidities. RenaissThera is developing novel, oral small molecules, both agonists and antagonists, as a more affordable and convenient alternative aiming to expand access for underserved populations in the global obesity market projected to reach USD 38 billion by 2032. Oral small molecules are more economical to manufacture and distribute than peptide-based obesity drugs. These molecules were designed and screened using proprietary AI and ML based platforms, followed by demonstrating in-vitro activity in cell lines and in-vivo activity to impact GIPR in mice to yield 'Hits'. RenaissThera now is advancing these Hits to the Lead optimization program to select candidates for pre-IND studies. RenaissThera is filing 'Composition of Matter' and utility patents for these oral novel small molecule GIPR modulators and continues to expand its innovation portfolio targeting GIP, GLP-1, and apelin receptors in obesity and diabetes. Its AI-powered Innovation Platform, integrating GenAI and machine learning tools, is accelerating the design and optimization of novel small molecules. 'We are grateful to our investors and collaborators for supporting us in reaching this milestone. Our team is focused on pushing candidates toward IND-readiness next year and we are in active discussions with potential pharma partners and investors interested in our obesity program,' said Meena, MD, CEO of RenaissThera. RenaissThera's progress was enabled through its collaboration with VedTechBio Research Private Limited which enabled access to its Agentic AI platform RxAgentAI and discovery expertise. 'We are very pleased with the outcomes of our collaboration with RenaissThera. This milestone further validates our platform and capabilities across key therapeutic areas including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, oncology, and inflammation,' said VedTechBio's Managing Director Sudhir Nagarajan. About RenaissThera RenaissThera is a Bengaluru-based biotech company developing affordable, AI-powered novel small-molecule therapies for high-unmet-need diseases like obesity and diabetes. Its goal is to innovate for underserved populations and expand global access to novel therapies. It leverages India's CRO ecosystem for early-stage R&D to deliver globally relevant innovation. For more information Please contact: Media: Lakshmi Ramakrishna lramakrishna@ Investor & Partnership: Ramkesh Meena bd@
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Common Childhood Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Development in Old Age
A study published 30 years ago is striking up new conversation about the potential connection between the common cold sore and Alzheimer's disease. Published in The Lancet in 1997, researchers compared DNA extracted from the brains of elderly people with and without Alzheimer's, and in some of them, found herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)—an infection often contracted in childhood—dormant in the nerves. Ultimately, researchers predicted that those with HSV-1 and a specific gene, called the ApoE-e4 gene, had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Meet the Experts: David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston, Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System; and Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. Study co-author Ruth Itzhaki, Ph.D., summarized her team's findings in a recent article for The Conversation and noted that, over the years, additional work has surfaced to support hers. But what does it all mean, exactly? If a cold sore pops up, should you be concerned about dementia? We reached out to experts who explained everything. 'HSV-1 is a common virus to which almost everyone is exposed early in life,' says David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston. 'It is best known for causing cold sores and is closely related to chicken pox and mononucleosis.' What these viruses have in common is that they are neurotropic, meaning they linger in the nervous system long after the initial illness, explains Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System, and can be reactivated by stress or lowered immunity. That's how, for instance, chicken pox can manifest later in life as shingles, adds Dr. Hunter. The virus's ability to infiltrate the nerves is believed to get it past the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that shields the organ from infection via the bloodstream. Thanks to that entry point, Dr. Hunter says, HSV-1 is the most common cause of viral brain inflammation in the United States. 'There is no vaccine for HSV and almost everyone will get it by adulthood,' Dr. Hunter adds. Cold sores are a mild case of it, and symptoms can be treated with antiviral drugs. Dormant HSV-1 may be reactivated by illness and reach the brain, explains Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. This can trigger brain inflammation over time, known as herpes encephalitis,and in people with genetic risk factors, like the ApoE-4 gene, contribute to Alzheimer's development, he adds. 'We don't entirely know why ApoE-4 is a risk factor for Alzheimer's,' adds Dr. Hunter. 'The link to HSV could be that ApoE-4 impacts the blood-brain barrier and makes it easier for HSV to enter.' And the inflammation caused by that entry may heighten Alzheimer's risk. 'It is now universally accepted that inflammation in the brain is a key step in the development of Alzheimer's,' Dr. Hunter reiterates. In the three decades since the original study, doctors and researchers have learned much more about Alzheimer's disease and its connection to viral inflammation. For instance, several studies have found that being immunized for any disease (like COVID-19 or the flu) reduces Alzheimer's risk, says Dr. Hunter. 'Several other studies have shown that reducing inflammation in the brain helps prevent Alzheimer's,' he adds. Santos concurs. 'Since 1996, additional studies have found HSV-1 DNA in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's. Lab studies have also shown that HSV-1 infection can trigger the buildup of amyloid-beta and tau—proteins strongly associated with Alzheimer's pathology,' he explains. However, there are a few disclaimers to note. Firstly, the posed risk is associated with people who contract HSV-1 in early life, giving it time to progressively cause inflammation. The risk may be lower in adults, says Santos. 'That said, if someone has other risk factors (like a weakened immune system or APOE-e4), adult-onset HSV-1 could still have long-term consequences,' he adds. Still, neurotropic viruses are extremely common, Dr. Yancey reiterates. 'This makes it difficult to tease out whether they are causing neurologic problems or are simply common in the general population, including people with neurologic problems,' she adds. In other words, because most people end up with HSV-1 doesn't necessarily mean that most people will get Alzheimer's. 'Most cold sores aren't a cause for concern,' Santos adds. 'They're common and usually well-controlled by the immune system. But for people with frequent outbreaks, weakened immunity, or APOE-e4, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. The concern is not a single cold sore, but long-term viral activity in the brain.' More research, including long-term studies, is needed to make any solid associations, Santos and Dr. Yancey conclude. 'The current data is based on population-level surveys. There is no way to predict on an individual patient's level whether this has a meaningful impact,' says Dr. Yancey. Future research will, hopefully, at least help experts understand how antiviral treatment affects Alzheimer's risk, as well as identify better ways to detect when HSV-1 is active in the brain. 'The hope is that understanding how infections contribute to Alzheimer's will open up new ways to prevent or treat it—especially before symptoms start,' says Santos. Being vaccinated, exercising, engaging in mental stimulation, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet are all known ways to lower dementia risk, our experts say. Avoiding smoking or nicotine use of any kind can also 'drastically' reduce the risk, says Dr. Yancey. All of these habits and choices work together to support both immune and brain health. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
