Advanced Medicine

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have published a study outlining a new framework for direct cell reprogramming, the process of converting one type of cell into another without going through a stem cell state. The work could guide more precise and efficient approaches in regenerative medicine, and is drawing attention from scientists following advances in cellular therapies.

Researchers report that a 'proliferative pause' — a dormant phase cancer cells enter before spreading — may offer a critical window to intervene and stop brain metastasis before it takes hold. The findings, covered by Inside Precision Medicine, suggest targeting cells during this quiet period could prevent secondary brain tumours, a major cause of death in patients with advanced cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma.

Penn Medicine and Belgian medical technology company IBA have formed a joint venture aimed at advancing proton therapy and radiation oncology. The partnership will combine Penn Medicine's clinical expertise with IBA's technology to develop and expand proton therapy treatments for cancer patients.

California Senator John Laird has secured a new law expanding access to long-acting HIV prevention medicine, such as injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis. The legislation is intended to make the prevention option more widely available to people at risk of HIV, reducing reliance on daily pills. It is being highlighted by Laird's office as a public health advance in the state's ongoing response to the HIV epidemic.

Penn Medicine and Belgian proton therapy company IBA have announced a joint venture to support the development of proton therapy and radiation oncology programs worldwide. The partnership aims to help hospitals and clinics internationally establish and expand advanced cancer treatment services, combining Penn Medicine's clinical expertise with IBA's technology. The announcement has been picked up by financial and international news outlets.

The Howard and Georgeanna Jones Foundation for Reproductive Medicine has announced that Georgeanna Seegar Jones, MD, is being inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Jones was a leading figure in reproductive medicine and, together with her husband Howard Jones, helped advance fertility treatment in the United States. The foundation announced the honor in a press release.

IBA and Penn Medicine have announced a joint venture called the Noventra Oncology Alliance, combining the particle therapy technology company's expertise with the academic medical center's clinical and research capabilities. The partnership is aimed at advancing cancer treatment, though further details about its scope, funding and first projects have not yet been made widely available.

Spanish biotech Aptadir has secured a €40 million funding package to advance its demethylating medicines, a class of therapies targeting epigenetic changes in cancer cells. The company says the new capital will support development of its pipeline of epigenetic drug candidates as it moves toward clinical progress.