1) FDA approves J&J drug for advanced multiple myeloma – Reuters, 11/16/2015
U.S. regulators have approved an experimental treatment from Johnson & Johnson that may offer hope to multiple myeloma patients who have run out of other options against the blood cancer.
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2) UMass researchers achieve several ‘firsts’ in new use for CRISPR/Cas9 – BBJ, 11/16/2015
A new technique for so-called gene editing that formed the basis of well-funded Cambridge startups like Editas Medicine and CRISPR Therapeutics may have another use: Turning off genes that cause a rare form of muscular dystrophy.
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3) After two-decade battle, Maynard’s AquaBounty gets FDA nod for genetically engineered salmon – BBJ, 11/19/2015
More than two decades after approaching federal regulators for approval, a Maynard company today says it now can produce and sell its genetically engineered, fast-growing salmon.
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4) FDA approves nasal spray that reverses opioid overdose – STAT, 11/18/2015
A critical drug used to reverse opioid overdoses will now be sold as a nasal spray, a development that will likely broaden use of the antidote among family members and friends of addicts caught up in a growing national epidemic of drug abuse.
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5) Kraft foundation gives $20 million to advance personalized medicine– Boston Globe, 11/19/2015
New England Patriots owner and philanthropist Robert Kraft is donating $20 million to advance personalized medicine, the growing field of research that holds the promise of new treatments for patients with debilitating diseases.
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