Weekly Spotlight - 17.10.24

In the News

MRI Reveals Brain Changes Linked to Cognitive Issues in Lupus

The advanced MRI reveals brain abnormalities linked to cognitive dysfunction in lupus patients, even without neuropsychiatric diagnosis. The review highlights memory, attention, and psychomotor speed issues, suggesting under-detected brain involvement. Improved MRI metrics could enhance understanding and diagnosis, but more comprehensive studies are needed for confirmation and development of biomarkers.

FDA Approves New Lupus Treatment, CLN-978, for Phase I Trials

The FDA has approved Cullinan Therapeutics' CLN-978 for a Phase 1 trial in treating systemic lupus erythematosus. This bispecific T-cell engager targets harmful cells, potentially offering a safer, more effective treatment. Administered subcutaneously, it promises patient-friendly dosing. Follow updates for more on lupus treatments.

Key Predictors of Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Lupus Revealed

The study identifies key risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with Systemic Eupus erythematosus (SLE), such as lupus nephritis and chronic hypertension. These findings aim to improve preconception counselling and personalised care, offering hope for better pregnancy management in this high-risk group.

Lupus Pregnancy Risks: Understanding Placental Lesions and SGA Infants

In lupus pregnancies, small for gestational age (SGA) infants are linked to increased perivillous fibrin deposition in the placenta. This finding suggests a specific placental injury mechanism in SLE, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and potential therapies to improve outcomes in future pregnancies.

Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre

David Cameron: Britain's Role in Advancing Rare Disease Treatments

David Cameron's article in The Times highlights Britain's potential to lead in treating rare diseases through genomics. Inspired by personal tragedy, Cameron reflects on the loss of his son Ivan to Ohtahara syndrome, a rare condition. He notes the rapid advancements in genomics since the early 2000s, when sequencing a genome was costly and time-consuming. Today, it is affordable and quick, enabling personalised medicine. Cameron's 100,000 Genomes Project marked a significant step in this field, and now, Genomics England and the NHS plan to sequence 100,000 newborns' genomes to identify rare diseases.

Cameron announces his role as chair of the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre's advisory council, a partnership aiming to develop 40 new treatments for rare diseases in the next decade. He emphasises Britain's strengths: a history of DNA research, a national health system, and a robust venture capital industry. Coupled with US expertise, this partnership is poised for breakthroughs in genomics.

The implications are vast. Genomics can help millions globally, as 80% of rare diseases have a genetic basis. Understanding one condition can unlock insights into others, including common killers like cancer and heart disease. Gene therapy, where Britain excels, offers potential to correct genetic defects, lessening or reversing conditions.