Research Roundup: Functional cure for hepatitis B, Phase 1 trial of HIV vaccine approach, Sepsis treatment breakthrough

A recent article explores how artificial intelligence (AI) could revolutionize the development of RNA drugs, which have emerged as a promising tool across health areas, from oncology to preventive vaccines. RNA-based therapies have demonstrated higher success rates than traditional pharmaceuticals and are associated with lower costs and much quicker drug discovery timelines. AI could help address current limitations of the technology by enabling faster and more accurate RNA target identification and expediting the testing of promising drug candidates, also leading to cost savings.  The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced the prequalification of two rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, helping improve diagnostics access worldwide as the virus continues to circulate globally. The SD Biosensor Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Test and the Acon Biotech Flowflex SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test were previously listed under the WHO’s emergency use listing. Their new designation makes them the first rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 to achieve WHO prequalification. This decision makes them eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies, global health partners, and other international stakeholders, helping ensure access to rapid, reliable diagnostic testing in low- and middle-income countries. A research team has used an innovative robotic system to develop a possible antibiotic candidate for priority bacterial threats, as the global danger of antimicrobial resistance continues to rise. Specifically, the researchers used the technology to rapidly screen more than 700 complex compounds in just one week, identifying a promising antibiotic candidate that demonstrated high effectiveness against bacteria, including strains similar to the deadly MRSA, while remaining non-toxic to human cells, suggesting it is a strong candidate for further drug development. The new process, which utilizes robotics and “click” chemistry, shows potential as a new method to expedite the typically slow drug discovery process. 

Last week, Moderna announced that it has received an award from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) for up to $54.3 million to support ongoing development of its bird flu mRNA vaccine candidate, after US government backing was cancelled earlier this year. There are currently no vaccines available specifically for bird flu, as the virus continues its worrying spread among animal populations in the United States and globally. A vaccine, especially one using the mRNA platform known for its speed and adaptability, could play a crucial role in curbing a future outbreak in humans with pandemic potential.  A research team led by the Australian Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity has identified a tool that can detect emerging hotspots for Buruli ulcer years before human infections occur, as the serious bacterial skin infection continues to spread across Australia and endures in other regions around the world. The infection has a long and variable incubation period, making it hard to identify when and where patients were exposed. The researchers tracked the excreta of possums, who have small ranges, making the presence of the bacterium that cause the infection in their excreta a likely sign that it is present locally. Then, they used DNA sequencing to compare the bacterial genomes of possum-derived and human-derived infections, finding where they overlapped to identify areas where human infections could occur. The method aims to allow public health authorities to implement targeted interventions early on, far before human cases occur. Two new studies looking at preventive RSV vaccines and drugs found that that their effectiveness waned over time, suggesting that boosters may be needed to ensure long-lasting protection, as RSV continues to pose a growing seasonal challenge, especially for older adults and infants. The first study found that one dose of the Abrysvo RSV vaccine was highly effective at preventing infections and reducing hospital, emergency department, and intensive care unit admissions in US veterans 60 and older, but this protection decreased over time, with the reductions most notable for immunocompromised individuals. A second study found that the long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab was highly effective in hospitalized European children two years or younger for one season, but after that, protection waned. Both studies demonstrate the real-world impact of these crucial tools and suggest that boosters could be implemented to ensure long-lasting protection, especially for higher-risk individuals.