S4E08: Learning from Vaccines: Training our Immune System to Fight Cancer

Imagine the eyes as cameras, where the cornea acts as the lens and the retina as the film. As with a camera, if something goes wrong in the eye, it needs to be fixed to address the specific problem and restore function. While some visual impairments can be corrected with glasses or surgery, some conditions require medicines – like those that slow or stop blood vessel growth in the eye. In this episode, co-host Danielle Mandikian joins guests Chris Brittain, Vice President and Global Head of Ophthalmology Product Development, and Dolly Chang, Group Medical Director, gRED Early Clinical Development, to explore the evolution of eye treatments, advancements in current solutions for vision loss, and their insights into the future of treating ocular diseases. Read the full text transcript at www.gene.com/stories/seeing-clearly-the-past-present-and-future-of-eye-treatment

Computational approaches have revolutionized how we interpret data. With the advent of genomic sequencing, scientists can derive significant conclusions from sequence data. For example, through transcriptomics – the study of genes and their expression in different cells – researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries in fields like developmental and disease biology. More recently, computational approaches have expanded with the introduction of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to generate new insights from massive datasets, diverse in scope, which can be validated in the lab. In this episode, co-host Maria Wilson sits down with John Marioni, Senior Vice President and Head of Computational Sciences, to discuss how computational methods can complement other research techniques to expedite drug discovery, enhance clinical trials, and prevent biases, ensuring the development of medicines that can treat people of diverse backgrounds. Read the full text transcript at www.gene.com/stories/merging-minds-and-machines-the-future-of-drug-discovery

Join Danielle Mandikian and Maria Wilson as they kick off season five of Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar. Hear about their recent lab adventures and enjoy a sneak preview of exciting topics for our new season. From demystifying the impact of AI and machine learning in drug development to exploring diverse modalities for treating diseases, we've got an exciting lineup in store. Subscribe today so you don’t miss an episode! Read the full text transcript at: www.gene.com/stories/season-five-teaser

When we consider how a vaccine works, we typically think about vaccines that prevent infectious disease like flu or measles. But another type, known as therapeutic vaccines, may be able to treat diseases even after they’ve taken hold in the body – including cancer and viral infections. Similar to preventative vaccines, these therapeutic cancer vaccines work by promoting an immune response. Cancer vaccines are an emerging approach that have the potential to train the immune system to better seek out and destroy cancer cells. Co-host Danielle Mandikian sits down with Lélia Delamarre, Director and Distinguished Scientist, Cancer Immunology, and Ina Rhee, Executive Group Medical Director, Oncology Early Clinical Development, to discuss the fascinating science behind cancer vaccines as well as current challenges and opportunities. Read the full text transcript at https://www.gene.com/stories/learning-from-vaccines-training-our-immune-system-to-fight-cancer

Because disease outcomes and responses to treatment can vary across populations, clinical research must include patients who are racially, ethnically and gender representative of those who experience health conditions. Scientists are pioneering new ways of achieving inclusive and diverse clinical trials to generate clear results and reveal insights when evaluating new medicines. Co-host Maria Wilson sits down with Nicole Richie, Global Head of Health Equity and Population Science, and Jenn Pangilinan, Vice President, Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED) Clinical Operations, to discuss the nuances of human biological difference and how we can take a more thoughtful approach to diversity in clinical trials. This episode is the second in a two-part series dedicated to inclusivity and diversity in research. Read the full text transcript at www.gene.com/stories/representation-matters-inclusivity-in-clinical-trials

Achieving the first complete sequence of a human genome via the Human Genome Project represents an incredible feat – but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to unlocking the power of genomics for drug discovery and development. As the scientific community builds on our understanding of genomics, one of the most critical questions becomes, how can we thoughtfully collect and use genetic data to better understand and support the health of all communities, especially those who have been excluded from research in the past? Co-host Maria Wilson sits down with Mark McCarthy, Principal Fellow and Executive Director of Human Genetics, to explore the interplay between genetics, research, and health equity – and the potential for more diverse genetic data to create a more equitable health landscape. This episode is the first in a two-part series dedicated to inclusivity and diversity in research. Read the full text transcript at: www.gene.com/stories/its-personal-inclusive-research-and-precision-medicine

Bacteria – and their constant ability to rapidly evolve and adapt – represent a scientific challenge that’s equal parts fascinating and disconcerting. The incredible innovations of the past century have not only prevented and treated infections that would otherwise be lethal, but also helped safeguard patients through critical surgeries and other treatments. However, challenges abound for the scientific community when it comes to discovery and development of new antibiotics. Chief among these is antibiotic resistance, with more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections every year leading to over 35,000 deaths. Co-host Danielle Mandikian sits down with Michael Koehler, Principal Scientist, Discovery Chemistry, and Melicent Peck, Project Team Leader and Senior Medical Director, to explore how the field is combating the crisis of resistance through novel antibiotics and antimicrobial stewardship. Read the full text transcript at: www.gene.com/stories/antibiotic-resistance-a-call-to-arms. Note: There is a reference at 10:15 to an infected blister causing the death of Abraham Lincoln's son; it is actually Calvin Coolidge's son.

Understanding what happens in the brain is notoriously difficult, but scientists have made progress in the past few decades. For Alzheimer’s disease, scientists have expanded their knowledge of where and when certain proteins, cells and biologic processes can contribute to memory loss and the progression of the disease. Co-host Maria Wilson speaks to Jasi Atwal, Senior Scientist, Neuroscience, and Edmond Teng, Senior Medical Director, to discuss the diverse theories and research approaches to Alzheimer’s disease and how they are informing the development of potential new treatments. Read the full text transcript at www.gene.com/stories/the-where-and-when-of-alzheimers-disease.

Taking a deep breath can seem like a simple process; however, for millions of people with asthma, inflammation of the airways could make it difficult to breathe. While current treatments help manage symptoms, scientists are working to develop new therapies that target the underlying causes of the condition. Co-host Maria Wilson speaks to Jane Kenny, Senior Director and Senior Principal Scientist, Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, and Mark Wilson, Principal Scientist, Immunology Discovery, to learn more about the biology of asthma, the complexities behind inhaled drug delivery and how current research is informing the future of asthma care. Read the full text transcript at: www.gene.com/stories/take-a-deep-breath-treating-asthma

Our understanding of what causes multiple sclerosis (MS) has transformed over the last few decades. While discoveries of the cell types involved in MS progression — both immune and brain — have led to major advancements for patients, there is still much to learn. Co-host Danielle Mandikian speaks to Ann Herman, Senior Director and Senior Principal Scientist, OMNI-BD Inflammation and Infectious Disease, and Tracy Yuen, Senior Scientist and Biology Team Lead, Neuroscience, to learn more about ongoing research that may inform future therapies. Read the full text transcript at: www.gene.com/stories/demystifying-ms-the-intersection-of-immunology-and-neuroscience