Evelo Biosciences, Inc. (EVLO) announced biomarker data for EDP1815, its lead inflammation product candidate. Interim data from individuals in the ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial showed marked activity on multiple individual systemic markers of inflammation, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). IL-6 and IL-8 are well-established mediators of potentially harmful effects in patients with inflammatory diseases and these data support the therapeutic potential of EDP1815 to treat classic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis.
Moody's Corporation (MCO) acquired RBA International, a leading provider of online retail bank training and certifications. The acquisition deepens the capabilities of Moody's Analytics Learning Solutions, a unit of Moody's Analytics that offers online and classroom-based training services, as well as credentialing and certification.
BioLife Solutions, Inc. (BLFS) announced three new patents for bioproduction tools related to the 2019 acquisitions of Astero Bio and SAVSU Technologies. The new patents awarded to BioLife include: United States Patent: Contents Rack for Use in Insulated Storage Containers, Japan Patent: Systems, Devices, and Methods for Automated Sample Thawing, United States Patent: Biologic Stability, Delivery Logistics and Administration of Time and/or Temperature Sensitive Biologic Based Materials.
Urovant Sciences (UROV) published the efficacy and safety results of vibegron in patients with overactive bladder from the international Phase 3 EMPOWUR trial. The peer-reviewed publication is currently available online and the print article is scheduled to be published in the August issue of Journal of Urology. In the trial, vibegron achieved rapid onset of action at two weeks in both co-primary endpoints and daily urgency episodes and statistically significant efficacy was maintained at all timepoints measured through the end of the study.
Vibegron also achieved statistical significance over placebo on all 7 key secondary endpoints, including the most important secondary endpoint of reduction in urgency episodes.
VBI Vaccines Inc. (VBIV) dosed the first patient in the second study arm in the ongoing Phase 2a clinical study of VBI-1901, VBI's cancer vaccine immunotherapeutic candidate. The Phase 2a study is a two-arm, open-label study, enrolling 20 first-recurrent GBM patients to receive VBI-1901 in combination with either GM-CSF or AS01B, GlaxoSmithKline's proprietary adjuvant system, as immunomodulatory adjuvants.
Laureate Education, Inc. (LAUR) entered into an agreement with HOPE Education Group (Hong Kong) Company Limited for the sale of Laureate's INTI Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd. and its subsidiaries (INTI Education Group), a group of higher education institutions in Malaysia. The transaction value is US$140 million, which includes a US$14 million payment to a minority equity shareholder. INTI Education Group will remain part of the Laureate International Universities network until the closing of the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by relevant Malaysian authorities.
