Advanced Biological Laboratories (ABL), a diagnostics company headquartered in Luxembourg, has entered into a licensing agreement with the renowned Institut Pasteur to integrate the innovative HPV RNA-Seq technology into its diagnostic solutions.

HPV RNA-Seq is an advanced molecular method that significantly improves the detection and typing of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Compared to traditional DNA-based tests, it offers superior sensitivity, identifying additional HPV-positive cases and detecting multiple infections that often go unnoticed. It also provides insights into the risk of progression to cervical cancer by analyzing the expression of viral oncogenes, supporting earlier and more accurate clinical decisions .

This technology offers a competitive alternative to cytology, and its precision and sensitivity make it a promising replacement for conventional HPV screening methods. By adopting HPV RNA-Seq, ABL aims to equip healthcare professionals with more comprehensive tools for managing HPV-related conditions, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Chalom Sayada, CEO of ABL, commented, “We are excited to collaborate with the Institut Pasteur to bring this state-of-the-art technology to clinicians worldwide. HPV RNA-Seq is a disruptive innovation that is set to redefine how HPV infections are diagnosed and managed.”

Philippe Pérot, co-inventor of the technology and Expert Research Engineer at the Institut Pasteur, added, “The agreement with ABL marks a major milestone. With the support of the Institut Pasteur Innovation Accelerator and the Technology Transfer and Industrial Partnership Department (DARRI), we are confident this partnership will help put our innovation to practical use in clinical settings.”

The global market for HPV diagnostics, valued at USD 3.90 billion in 2022, is projected to reach USD 9.33 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 11.8% (GrandViewResearch), reflecting strong demand for advanced diagnostic tools. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Tempus AI, Inc. , a leader in AI-driven precision medicine, has announced multi-year strategic collaborations with AstraZeneca and Pathos AI, Inc. Together, the companies will co-develop a multimodal foundation model in oncology to unlock biological and clinical insights, identify novel drug targets, and support therapeutic development across the broader oncology landscape.

The model will be built using Tempus’ extensive repository of de-identified oncology data. Once developed, it will be shared among all three partners to advance their respective efforts in precision oncology. Under the terms of the collaboration, Tempus will receive $200 million in data licensing and model development fees.

This agreement expands upon Tempus’ existing partnership with AstraZeneca, first established in 2021. It aims to combine Tempus’ AI-enabled platform and deep multimodal datasets with AstraZeneca’s expertise in oncology R&D, accelerating global therapeutic innovation.

“Generative AI and large multimodal models are the final catalyst needed to scale precision medicine in oncology,” said Eric Lefkofsky, Founder and CEO of Tempus. “Over the past decade, we’ve invested billions into building the data infrastructure necessary for a foundation model like this. Collaborating with AstraZeneca and Pathos allows us to harness AI to help patients live longer and healthier lives.”

Jorge Reis-Filho, Chief AI and Data Scientist, Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca, added, “AI is revolutionizing cancer drug discovery by enabling the analysis of vast, complex datasets. This collaboration supports our strategy to accelerate development and improve clinical success.”

Mohamad Makhzoumi, Co-CEO of NEA and Pathos Board Member, said, “Foundation models that were once aspirational are now within reach. We’re thrilled to join forces with Tempus and AstraZeneca to explore their transformative potential for improving patient outcomes.”

Bayer and its wholly owned subsidiary, Vividion Therapeutics, Inc., will present the latest advancements in their oncology pipeline at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2025 Annual Meeting, held from April 25–30 in Chicago, USA. Their presentations will highlight innovative approaches in targeted therapies and precision oncology.

Bayer will showcase new data from its evolving targeted alpha therapy platform—an emerging class of radionuclide therapy that is central to its precision drug development strategy. Among the key highlights is BAY 3547926, an investigational targeted alpha radiopharmaceutical being developed to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) expressing Glypican-3 (GPC3), an oncofetal protein overexpressed in 70–75% of HCC lesions. This radiotherapeutic delivers potent alpha particles to GPC3-positive tumor cells, inducing DNA double-strand breaks to reduce cell viability. Bayer will present comprehensive preclinical data and clinical imaging results that demonstrate its anti-tumor potential.

In the field of Precision Molecular Oncology, Bayer will present sevabertinib (BAY 2927088), a novel, oral, reversible HER2/mEGFR inhibitor for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring HER2-activating mutations. Developed through a collaboration with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, sevabertinib has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designations by both the U.S. FDA and China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The compound is under evaluation in the ongoing Phase I/II SOHO-01 trial and the Phase III SOHO-02 trial as a potential first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC.

Bayer will also present data on BAY 3498264, a selective oral SOS1 inhibitor targeting KRAS-mutated tumors, including NSCLC, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. This molecule aims to enhance the efficacy of treatments targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in cell proliferation and tumor development.

Additional research includes a translational PK/PD modeling framework for next-generation allosteric CDK2 inhibitors. Targeting Cyclin E1 (CCNE1) amplification and overexpression, these compounds may offer new therapeutic options in cancers where CDK2/CCNE1 is a key driver. The modeling integrates preclinical data to guide dose selection and clinical trial design.

Vividion will present PK/PD modeling for VVD-037, its covalent KEAP1 activator, currently in Phase I trials. KEAP1 targets NRF2, a transcription factor that regulates antioxidant and cytoprotective responses. NRF2 hyperactivation promotes tumor growth and therapy resistance in various cancers, including NSCLC, esophageal, and head and neck cancers. VVD-037 is being evaluated both as a monotherapy and in combination regimens.

Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) today announced that it has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application for Tolvaptan Tablets, 15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg. Tolvaptan Tablets are bioequivalent to Jynarque® Tablets, 15 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg, 60 mg, and 90 mg, of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd. Lupin is the exclusive first-to-file for this product and is eligible for 180 days of generic drug exclusivity. This product will be manufactured at Lupin’s Nagpur facility in India and will be launched soon.

Tolvaptan is indicated to slow kidney function decline in adults at risk of rapidly progressing autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

“We are very pleased to have obtained approval for generic Tolvaptan from the U.S. FDA. This marks a significant entry into the nephrology segment and demonstrates our commitment to addressing the unmet needs of patients globally,” said Vinita Gupta, CEO, Lupin.

Tolvaptan Tablets (RLD Jynarque®) had an estimated annual sale of USD 1,467 million in the U.S. (fiscal year ended December 31, 2024).

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who holds independent charge of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, convened a joint meeting with representatives from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), AIIMS New Delhi, BIRAC, ICMR, and industry leaders to review the indigenously developed HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening in India. He hailed the development as a significant milestone in India's journey toward preventive healthcare.

The Minister emphasized India's growing leadership in preventive healthcare, noting the Department of Biotechnology's role in key achievements such as the country’s first DNA vaccine. This development, he said, has helped reestablish global respect for Indian scientific innovation. He also highlighted India's first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin, and a successful gene therapy trial for hemophilia recognized in the New England Journal of Medicine, showcasing India's emerging strength in medical research.

Dr. Singh outlined four key focus areas: preventive healthcare, youth-centric interventions, women’s health, and private sector collaboration. With cervical cancer being a leading cause of morbidity in Indian women—accounting for 25% of global deaths—the need for affordable, accessible screening is urgent. He stressed that while HPV is not the sole cause, a 90% correlation makes targeted testing a critical tool.

The indigenous HPV kits, developed under the GCI-BIRAC-DBT program, use RT-PCR technology for rapid, point-of-care diagnosis and have been validated at top research labs. These kits aim to reduce cost and improve accessibility compared to traditional methods like VIA/VILI, Pap smears, and imported HPV DNA tests.

Dr. Singh introduced the concept of “PPP plus PPP,” promoting public-private partnerships both nationally and internationally. He reiterated the importance of involving private players in health initiatives, recalling his own efforts in the 1990s to provide free insulin for Type 1 diabetes through corporate partnerships.

Tying the initiative to Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Dr. Singh warned of rising non-communicable diseases among India's youth. With over 70% of the population under 40, early interventions are vital.

The meeting also paid tribute to victims of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, observing a two-minute silence. Distinguished attendees included Dr. V.K. Paul (NITI Aayog), Dr. Rajesh Gokhale (DBT), Jitendra Kumar (BIRAC), and Padma Shri Dr. Neerja Bhatla, who provided expert insights.

A team of researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, has developed a highly sensitive, eco-friendly, and cost-effective optical sensing platform for cholesterol detection. This innovation holds potential for early diagnosis of fatal diseases such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, hypertension, and even cancer.

Cholesterol is a crucial lipid produced in the liver and plays a vital role in synthesizing vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones. It is transported in the blood as LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol). Maintaining a proper cholesterol balance is critical, as imbalances can lead to serious health complications like arterial blockages and impaired blood flow.

Recognizing the need for reliable point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, the IASST research team has developed an innovative sensor platform using silk fibre functionalized with phosphorene quantum dots. This material was embedded into a cellulose nitrate membrane to create an electrical sensing device that can detect cholesterol even in trace amounts—below the clinically preferred range—making it ideal for personalized health monitoring.

The research, led by Prof. Neelotpal Sen Sarma (Retired), Dr. Asis Bala (Associate Professor), and Ms. Nasrin Sultana (DST INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow), demonstrated the platform’s high sensitivity and selectivity. It responded effectively to various real-world samples, including human blood serum, rat serum, and milk.

Importantly, the device generates no e-waste, making it an environmentally sustainable option. Its cost-effectiveness and performance at the laboratory scale offer promise for future commercial POC diagnostic tools. The work has been published in Nanoscale, a journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, underlining its scientific merit and potential healthcare impact.

QIAGEN N.V. has announced a suite of new products and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing its cancer genomic profiling portfolio. These innovations will be unveiled at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2025, held from April 25–30 in Chicago.

The key highlights include the launch of new QIAseq panels for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), an advanced QIAcuity digital PCR (dPCR) kit and assays for cell and gene therapy quality control, and the release of a limited-access version of the Human Somatic Mutation Database (HSMD) under QIAGEN Digital Insights (QDI).

“The new QIAseq panels mark a major advancement in enabling precise and comprehensive insights into cancer genomics,” said Nitin Sood, Senior Vice President and Head of Product Portfolio & Innovation at QIAGEN. “Combined with our digital PCR technology and curated bioinformatics tools, we’re empowering researchers and clinicians with tools that support every step of the precision oncology workflow.”

QIAGEN’s expanded QIAseq xHYB CGP portfolio includes highly curated DNA and RNA panels targeting key genomic regions associated with cancer. These panels integrate variant data from the HSMD, providing actionable insights for research and biomarker discovery. A proof-of-concept study on the panels' performance, using matched tumor and plasma samples from advanced-stage prostate and ovarian cancer patients, will be presented by Dr. Christopher Reynolds of Myriad Genetics at the AACR Spotlight Theater.

To support biotherapeutic manufacturing, QIAGEN has launched the QIAcuity RCL Quant Kit and QIAcuity CGT dPCR assays. These tools are tailored for quality control in cell and gene therapies, especially lentivirus-based approaches like CAR-T therapies, ensuring safety and reliability in treatment development.

Expanding on its collaboration with Element Biosciences, QIAGEN is integrating the QIAseq xHYB CGP Panels into the AVITI platform and Trinity workflow. This update, expected by late 2025, aims to simplify cancer genomic profiling by minimizing equipment requirements and reducing hands-on processing time.

Additionally, QIAGEN and Myriad Genetics are set to globally launch a sequencing-based Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) assay, excluding Japan. This test will enhance molecular analysis of DNA repair pathways, providing researchers with deeper insight into treatment optimization.

To further support academic research, QIAGEN is releasing HSMD Research, a free, limited-access version of its HSMD database. It provides data on 25 key genes implicated in solid tumors and blood cancers, offering insights into variant function, distribution, and clinical relevance.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited and Israel-based Moebius Medical Ltd. announced the publication of two significant studies in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, the official journal of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). These studies spotlight MM-II, a novel, non-opioid therapy for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

MM-II is formulated as a proprietary suspension of large, empty, multilamellar liposomes. This innovative design reduces joint friction and wear, aiming to relieve pain by forming a lubricative coating on the cartilage. The dual publications provide both clinical and mechanistic insights into MM-II’s therapeutic potential.

The first article details findings from a Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (NCT04506463), which included 397 patients from the US, Europe, and Asia. Results show that a single intra-articular injection of MM-II delivered significant and sustained pain relief for up to 26 weeks, with an excellent safety and tolerability profile. 

The second study, titled "Empty large liposomes reduce cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritic rats by forming a lubricative coating," provides key mechanistic evidence. It demonstrates that MM-II forms a protective lubricating layer over cartilage surfaces, reducing friction and slowing cartilage breakdown. This unique action may explain the extended pain relief observed in clinical trials. 

“MM-II offers a promising new approach for osteoarthritis patients, especially amid limited treatment options and growing concerns around opioid use,” said Prof. Thomas J. Schnitzer, MD, PhD, lead author and rheumatologist at Northwestern University. “Its potential to provide durable pain relief could represent a meaningful advancement over current therapies.”

Moshe Weinstein, CEO of Moebius Medical, emphasized, “The publication of both clinical and preclinical data in the field’s leading journal reinforces the innovation behind MM-II and its potential therapeutic impact.”

Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical are also presenting new data this week at the OARSI 2025 World Congress on Osteoarthritis, where three MM-II abstracts were accepted. The companies will also host a satellite symposium covering MM-II’s clinical results, mechanism of action, and plans for a Phase 3 development program.

Biolinq Incorporated, a healthcare technology company focused on precision multi-analyte biosensors, has raised $100 million in Series C financing. The round was led by Alpha Wave Ventures, with continued support from RiverVest Venture Partners, AXA IM Alts, LifeSci Venture Partners, M Ventures, Hikma Ventures, Aphelion Capital, Taisho Pharmaceutical, and Features Capital.

The funding will help Biolinq advance its novel intradermal glucose sensor through U.S. regulatory approval and prepare for commercial launch. The company’s first product is a wearable patch equipped with an array of tiny electrochemical sensors that continuously measure glucose levels just beneath the skin’s surface. Designed for ease of use, the sensor includes a real-time visual feedback system with a color-changing light to help users stay aware of glucose fluctuations.

CEO Rich Yang stated that Biolinq’s mission is to inspire healthier living by giving users meaningful context around their metabolic health. The first-generation sensor also integrates activity and sleep data to offer a broader picture of health. Biolinq’s platform supports future expansion into multi-analyte detection, positioning it for long-term impact in the biosensing space.

Rick Gerson, Chairman of Alpha Wave Global, noted that Biolinq’s technology and expertise are redefining what is possible in the biowearables category. Dan Bradbury, Chairman of Biolinq, emphasized the potential of this device to support millions of individuals managing Type 2 diabetes without insulin.

Currently, Biolinq’s intradermal glucose sensor is investigational and not yet approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. The company continues to advance its technology with a team of experts across biosensing, consumer electronics, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Biolinq aims to simplify and enhance access to metabolic health data through its minimally invasive, continuous biosensing platform.

LifeSignals, Inc. has announced the launch of its new UbiqVue 2AYe Holter System at Heart Rhythm 2025 in San Diego, in partnership with UltraLinQ Healthcare Solutions. This next-generation Holter solution is designed to streamline cardiac monitoring workflows by dramatically reducing diagnostic report turnaround times and removing the need to retrieve or mail back monitoring devices.

At the core of the system is the 2AYe Biosensor—a lightweight, single-use, chest-worn device capable of continuously capturing 2-channel ECG and event data for up to five days. Throughout the monitoring period, encrypted data is securely transmitted from the biosensor via a patient-friendly mobile app to a cloud-based system. Once the monitoring period concludes, data is automatically analyzed using cloud-based ECG analytics, enabling results to be ready for physician review within hours—significantly cutting down the time required for technician review and over-read.

The 2AYe Biosensor is easy to distribute and apply, whether in a clinical setting or by the patient at home. The device connects automatically to the app, eliminating the need for technical setup. Since there is no need for device return, clinics benefit from simplified workflows and reduced administrative overhead.

"UbiqVue Holter is the first Holter system designed specifically for the digital age," said Surendar Magar, Co-founder and CEO of LifeSignals. "It eliminates traditional workflow challenges and cost barriers, making continuous wireless monitoring a seamless option from hospitals to home settings."

Theo Vouniseas, Head of Finance & Operations at UltraLinQ, highlighted the system’s practical value: "We are excited to launch the UbiqVue Holter System at Heart Rhythm 2025. Its ease of use, reliability, and scalability make it a powerful tool for modern cardiology practices aiming to enhance diagnostic precision and efficiency."

This launch marks a significant advancement in remote cardiac monitoring and population health management.