Latest news with #MeV
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Seek Labs Maps Measles Virus with BioSeeker™, Opening the Door to First-Ever Programmable Antiviral Therapeutic Amid Global Outbreaks
SALT LAKE CITY, June 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seek Labs, a biotech company boldly seeking a healthier world through AI-powered discovery, programmable therapeutics, and point-of-care diagnostics, today announced the successful mapping of conserved therapeutic targets within the measles virus (MeV) genome using BioSeeker™, the company's proprietary AI-powered discovery engine. Amid rising measles outbreaks worldwide, this breakthrough marks a foundational step toward developing the world's first programmable antiviral therapeutic for measles, leveraging Seek Labs' CRISPR-based Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP™). BioSeeker scanned thousands of publicly available measles virus isolates, identifying a multiplexed set of high-impact, PTAP-compatible genomic targets (stable, conserved regions most critical to viral replication). These sites form a blueprint for CRISPR-based "seek-and-destroy" therapeutics capable of irreversibly disabling the virus with speed, specificity, and resilience against resistance. "This is exactly why we built BioSeeker; to deliver smarter, faster weapons against viral diseases that still lack effective treatments," said Jared Bauer, CEO of Seek Labs. "There are no targeted therapeutics for measles once infection occurs. With BioSeeker, we can now design a precision treatment that shuts down the virus at its source, unlocking a powerful new paradigm for global health." A Game-Changing Response to the Measles Crisis Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreading through airborne droplets and capable of causing severe complications, which include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Recent surges, such as the nearly 200,000 cases globally in early 2025, have placed renewed strain on public health systems and highlight the urgent need for scalable antiviral interventions. The urgency of this breakthrough is underscored by Utah's recent confirmation of its first measles case amid an ongoing national outbreak. As Seek Labs is headquartered in Salt Lake City, this development brings the crisis closer to home and emphasizes a critical need for accelerated antiviral solutions, especially in areas where vaccination rates remain low or immunity wanes. While Seek Labs is not advancing this candidate in-house, the company will make its complete BioSeeker-generated measles guide set available to qualified partners and is actively seeking collaborators to accelerate preclinical development. "We've done the foundational work and now we're inviting bold partners to help turn it into a breakthrough," said Kim Wirthlin, Chief Strategy Officer. "This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to co-develop a targeted antiviral for measles and reshape how the world responds to this disease." Part of a Global Disease Atlas to Outpace Emerging Threats This milestone is part of Seek Labs' broader initiative to build a Global Disease Atlas, a real-time, AI-powered genomic map of the world's most dangerous pathogens. The Atlas is on track to map over 95% of high-burden viral threats across both human and animal health, guiding the development of pan-pathogen, programmable therapeutics and diagnostics designed to adapt faster than viral evolution. Powered by BioSeeker, the Atlas enables faster decision-making, smarter intervention points, and scalable innovation across public health, biodefense, and pandemic preparedness. Seek Labs is actively partnering with biopharma, government, and global health organizations to move these discoveries into the clinic. Organizations interested in licensing, partnerships, or deploying these innovations for public health impact are encouraged to contact Seek Labs directly. About Seek Labs At Seek Labs, we don't wait for change—we build it. We're seeking the breakthroughs the world can't wait for by developing programmable "seek and destroy" therapeutics and point-of-care molecular diagnostics that close the gap between outbreak and intervention. Powered by our AI discovery engine, BioSeeker™, these platforms form a full-stack development engine—from target discovery to real-world deployment—designed to accelerate innovation and impact across global health. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Seek Labs is a proud member of BioHive, Utah's collaborative life sciences ecosystem. Together with our partners, we're building faster, smarter solutions for the world's most urgent health challenges. Forward-Looking Statements and Regulatory Disclaimer This press release includes forward-looking statements about Seek Labs' technologies, development plans, and partnership opportunities. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. The technologies described are investigational and have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority for clinical or commercial use. View source version on Contacts Bridget Baldwin, Director of Communications, communications@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Seek Labs Maps Measles Virus with BioSeeker™, Opening the Door to First-Ever Programmable Antiviral Therapeutic Amid Global Outbreaks
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seek Labs, a biotech company boldly seeking a healthier world through AI-powered discovery, programmable therapeutics, and point-of-care diagnostics, today announced the successful mapping of conserved therapeutic targets within the measles virus (MeV) genome using BioSeeker™, the company's proprietary AI-powered discovery engine. Amid rising measles outbreaks worldwide, this breakthrough marks a foundational step toward developing the world's first programmable antiviral therapeutic for measles, leveraging Seek Labs' CRISPR-based Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP™). Amid rising measles outbreaks worldwide, this breakthrough marks a foundational step toward developing the world's first programmable antiviral therapeutic for measles, leveraging Seek Labs' CRISPR-based Programmable Target Ablation Platform (PTAP™). BioSeeker scanned thousands of publicly available measles virus isolates, identifying a multiplexed set of high-impact, PTAP-compatible genomic targets (stable, conserved regions most critical to viral replication). These sites form a blueprint for CRISPR-based 'seek-and-destroy' therapeutics capable of irreversibly disabling the virus with speed, specificity, and resilience against resistance. 'This is exactly why we built BioSeeker; to deliver smarter, faster weapons against viral diseases that still lack effective treatments,' said Jared Bauer, CEO of Seek Labs. 'There are no targeted therapeutics for measles once infection occurs. With BioSeeker, we can now design a precision treatment that shuts down the virus at its source, unlocking a powerful new paradigm for global health.' A Game-Changing Response to the Measles Crisis Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, spreading through airborne droplets and capable of causing severe complications, which include pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. Recent surges, such as the nearly 200,000 cases globally in early 2025, have placed renewed strain on public health systems and highlight the urgent need for scalable antiviral interventions. The urgency of this breakthrough is underscored by Utah's recent confirmation of its first measles case amid an ongoing national outbreak. As Seek Labs is headquartered in Salt Lake City, this development brings the crisis closer to home and emphasizes a critical need for accelerated antiviral solutions, especially in areas where vaccination rates remain low or immunity wanes. While Seek Labs is not advancing this candidate in-house, the company will make its complete BioSeeker-generated measles guide set available to qualified partners and is actively seeking collaborators to accelerate preclinical development. 'We've done the foundational work and now we're inviting bold partners to help turn it into a breakthrough,' said Kim Wirthlin, Chief Strategy Officer. 'This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to co-develop a targeted antiviral for measles and reshape how the world responds to this disease.' Part of a Global Disease Atlas to Outpace Emerging Threats This milestone is part of Seek Labs' broader initiative to build a Global Disease Atlas, a real-time, AI-powered genomic map of the world's most dangerous pathogens. The Atlas is on track to map over 95% of high-burden viral threats across both human and animal health, guiding the development of pan-pathogen, programmable therapeutics and diagnostics designed to adapt faster than viral evolution. Powered by BioSeeker, the Atlas enables faster decision-making, smarter intervention points, and scalable innovation across public health, biodefense, and pandemic preparedness. Seek Labs is actively partnering with biopharma, government, and global health organizations to move these discoveries into the clinic. Organizations interested in licensing, partnerships, or deploying these innovations for public health impact are encouraged to contact Seek Labs directly. About Seek Labs At Seek Labs, we don't wait for change—we build it. We're seeking the breakthroughs the world can't wait for by developing programmable 'seek and destroy' therapeutics and point-of-care molecular diagnostics that close the gap between outbreak and intervention. Powered by our AI discovery engine, BioSeeker™, these platforms form a full-stack development engine—from target discovery to real-world deployment—designed to accelerate innovation and impact across global health. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Seek Labs is a proud member of BioHive, Utah's collaborative life sciences ecosystem. Together with our partners, we're building faster, smarter solutions for the world's most urgent health challenges. Forward-Looking Statements and Regulatory Disclaimer This press release includes forward-looking statements about Seek Labs' technologies, development plans, and partnership opportunities. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. The technologies described are investigational and have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA or any other regulatory authority for clinical or commercial use.
Shafaq News
04-05-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Measles surge hits US, Canada, Mexico: Over 2,500 cases reported
Shafaq News/ Measles outbreaks have surged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with over 2,500 confirmed cases and four reported deaths. The outbreaks have been attributed to declining vaccination rates, particularly in communities with low immunization coverage. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 935 cases across 29 states, with Texas experiencing the largest outbreak—683 cases concentrated in West Texas. The virus has also spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, with fatalities reported among unvaccinated individuals. In Canada, Ontario has recorded 1,243 cases since October 2024, making it one of the worst outbreaks in recent years. Meanwhile, Mexico's Chihuahua state has reported 844 cases and one death, with health officials tracing the outbreak to cross-border transmission. Experts warn that the situation could worsen if vaccination rates do not improve. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the measles risk level in North America as "high", compared to a "moderate" risk globally. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the measles virus (MeV). It primarily affects the respiratory system and spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, Koplik's spots—small white spots—may appear inside the mouth, followed by a distinct red rash that spreads across the body. Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Possible complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and severe dehydration. In some cases, measles can be fatal.
