Sunday, 30 July 2023

Cost Reduction Technologies for Cell and Gene Therapy

 

Image: Ingenious



The field of cell and gene therapy has seen tremendous advancements in recent years, offering unprecedented hope for patients suffering from previously untreatable conditions. As these groundbreaking therapies gain recognition, a crucial challenge emerges: high manufacturing costs that hinder their widespread accessibility. Ingenious E-Brain’s report on “Cost Reduction Technologies for Cell and Gene Therapy” comprehensively explores cutting-edge technologies to address this critical issue.

 



By Nitin Jinda


 



The emergence of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technologies in the early 1970s created an inflection point across the therapeutic sector, intending to alleviate chronic ailments using gene editing techniques. Gene therapy has been evolving as an innovative & enticing approach to effectively deliver & incorporate therapeutic genes at a cellular level using vectors, thereby treating human genetic disorders. However, the treatment cost is one of the influencing factors determining the extent of accessibility & affordability of cell & gene therapies worldwide. The price range of cell & gene therapy is based on the value of a life saved or the improved quality of life within a specific timeframe, also referred to as quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains.

 

To illustrate, the expected price to genetically treat Metachromatic Leukodystrophy—an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder (LSD)— using AVXS-101 (brand name: Zolgensma) is around 2 million Euros per treatment. In addition, the US-based biopharmaceutical company, CSL Behring, has got approval from FDA for its recently developed one-time gene therapy against hemophilia B, Hemgenix. It would cost USD 3.5 million per treatment. The average healthcare expenses to treat or control hemophilia for a lifetime likely reach USD 20 million due to repetitive courses of treatment for an extended period.

 



Although, it is only feasible for some to spend hefty amounts on genetic disorders treatment. Hence, various companies in the field of biomedical treatment are innovating cost-effective & easily accessible cell & gene therapies. Industries have explored numerous innovative solutions to enable cell and gene therapies to reach more patients. In the last five recent years, researchers have recognized several cost-effective, time or process-efficient technologies to improve the overall manufacturing process of cell and gene therapies.

 



The exclusive report on “Cost Reduction Technologies for Cell and Gene Therapy” by Ingenious Ee-Brain focus on various cost-effective upstream technologies, such as the optimization of different viral & non-viral vectors and capsid-engineered viral particles, AI-mediated/in-silico-based vector designing, cell culturing methods, AI-assisted genetic/epigenetic modifications, etc. Further, it talks about, recently explored refining technologies such as closed bioreactor systems equipped with tiny, automated sensors; magnetic beads; and novel resins; along with novel packaging/ manufacturing methodologies for therapeutic formulation.

 



The report also covers how AI contributes to generating effective cell/gene therapies, thereby reducing the overall developmental cost of therapeutic candidates expended on R&D activities. AI can significantly accelerate the pace of CAR-T cell/ vector systems designing, feeding, and control. The chapter on AI/ML-based systems for in silico screening of thousands of CAR/ genetic constructs to identify candidates with high binding affinity to the target cell for immune system activation. This will also unleash the potential of AI in developing personalized DNA/mRNA/CAR-T-based therapies.

 



The report thoroughly investigates an array of innovative cost reduction technologies that can revolutionize cell and gene therapy manufacturing. These technologies encompass various aspects of the production process, targeting key cost drivers such as raw material acquisition, labor expenses, and quality control. By adopting these advancements, manufacturers can streamline operations and enhance efficiency, ultimately leading to more affordable therapies.

 



The report shines a spotlight on successful case studies where cost reduction technologies have already made a significant impact. These real-world examples demonstrate how companies and research institutions have leveraged innovative solutions to lower production costs without compromising on product quality or patient safety. These inspiring stories showcase the tangible benefits of embracing transformative technologies and serve as a testament to the potential of cost-effective manufacturing.

 



To ensure practical implementation, the report on “Cost Reduction Technologies for Cell and Gene Therapy” offers a thorough scalability analysis of each technology. Manufacturers need to assess how well these solutions can adapt to larger production volumes as demand increases. Moreover, understanding the current readiness level of each technology is crucial for seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes. The report evaluates the maturity and feasibility of these technologies, providing valuable insights for stakeholders to plan for the future.

 



Stakeholders gain valuable insights into the diverse range of cost reduction technologies available, empowering them to make informed decisions and invest strategically. Learning from successful case studies inspires confidence in the potential of these technologies to revolutionize manufacturing and make therapies more affordable for patients. Assessing scalability and readiness levels aids in selecting the most suitable technologies for individual manufacturing processes, ensuring seamless integration and long-term success.

 



The report on “Cost Reduction Technologies for Cell and Gene Therapy” marks a pivotal step toward unlocking affordable innovations in the industry. As the demand for these life-changing therapies grows, addressing the cost challenge becomes paramount. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, learning from successful case studies, and collaborating with industry peers, we can usher in a future where cell and gene therapies are accessible to all in need. Together, we can make a profound impact on patients' lives and revolutionize the landscape of modern medicine.

 

We're here to support you in reducing cell & gene therapy costs and improving efficiency! Drop us an email at sales@ingeniousreports.co, and we'll be delighted to address any queries you have.

 

 Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

Wednesday, 26 July 2023

A Comprehensive Guide to Offering Aid to Patients with Orthostatic Intolerance


 

As a pharmacy owner, it’s your responsibility to offer your patients the aid and guidance they need to manage their medical conditions. A common condition among patients is orthostatic intolerance, particularly in the elderly population. Orthostatic intolerance refers to the inability of the body to maintain blood pressure and heart rate in the upright position, causing dizziness and fainting. This blog post will be discussing five different aids that you can offer to support your patients with orthostatic intolerance.


By Lizzie Weakley


Compression Stockings

Wearing compression stockings can help improve blood flow and prevent pooling in the legs, reducing the risk of dizziness and fainting. As a pharmacy owner, you can offer a range of compression stockings to your patients, including knee-high, thigh-high, and waist-high. You can also assist patients in finding the correct size and compression level based on their individual needs.

 

Medications

 

 

There are various medications available that can help manage the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. For example, fludrocortisone can help increase blood volume, while midodrine can help constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. As a pharmacy owner, it’s important to educate your patients on the correct dosage and potential side effects of these medications.

 

Mobility Scooters

For patients with severe orthostatic intolerance, mobility scooters can be a great aid in maintaining mobility and independence. Mobility scooters are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride, with adjustable seats and armrests. As a pharmacy owner, you can offer a range of mobility scooters to suit different needs and budgets.

 

Fluid and Salt Intake

Fluid and salt intake can play a crucial role in managing orthostatic intolerance. Encourage your patients to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water and low-sugar sports drinks, to maintain blood volume. You can also advise them to increase their salt intake, either through diet or supplements, to help retain fluids in the body.

 

Lifestyle Changes

Encouraging lifestyle changes can help manage orthostatic intolerance in the long term. For example, advise patients to avoid standing for long periods, particularly in hot environments. You can also recommend regular exercise, such as swimming or cycling, to improve cardiovascular health and reduce symptoms of orthostatic intolerance over time.

 

As a pharmacy owner, offering aid to your patients with orthostatic intolerance can greatly improve their quality of life. From compression stockings to mobility scooters, there are many aids available that can help manage the symptoms of this condition. By educating your patients on the correct use and potential side effects of these aids, you can help them better manage their condition and enjoy a more active and fulfilling life.

 

Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Harnessing Technology for Anti-Aging: Exploring Age Reversal and Longevity

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/Iy7QyzOs1bo

 

Humans have pursued eternal youth and increased longevity for millennia. The Vikings believed in magical apples that could preserve the life of all who ate them, Medieval Britons believed in the age-reversing Holy Grail, and Ancient Greeks sought the Fountain of Youth that would restore bathers to their younger selves. 

 

By Indiana Lee

 

While there’s no evidence to suggest that we can really turn back the clock, recent advancements in technology support the idea that anti-ageing is possible.

 

Cell reprogramming and gene therapy might offer us a better chance of a long life, while high-tech plastic surgery can restore your face to its former glory. However, almost all approaches to anti-ageing contain some precarious pitfalls that you should be aware of.

Age Reversal Technology

Scientists aren’t yet able to turn back the time and restore you to your 20-something self. However, recent advancements in anti-ageing technology suggest that we can at least mitigate the effects of growing older.

 

Some scientists have even experimented with the idea of cell reprogramming. Cell reprogramming alters your DNA, causing your cells to return to an embryonic-like state. This is particularly helpful if you’ve suffered a stroke or heart attack, as reprogrammed cells may be able to treat the damaged area.

 

Recent advancements in gene therapy may be able to turn back time, too. Gene therapy — which works by “turning off” faulty genetic code — can be used to treat polygenic complex diseases. These polygenic complex diseases are usually associated with ageing, as your genetic code has more time to develop a fault given a greater length of life. Hypothetically, small amounts of mutated DNA can be removed and replaced with the correct sequence.

 

Some speculative research suggests that we may be able to dive even deeper into the structure of the cell and replace the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. These protective caps (telomeres) keep the cell alive but, over time, shorten. Some researchers speculate that we may be able to lengthen the caps in the future, meaning your body has more resources to replenish itself with.

Artificial Intelligence

Anti-ageing research requires extreme attention to detail and a massive amount of data analysis. Reading reams of genetic code and compounds takes an unimaginable amount of effort and time. However, artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up anti-ageing research and help scientists make breakthroughs sooner.

 

Experts from Integrated Biosciences used AI to analyze 800,000 senolytic compounds with the hope of identifying those compounds which may cause age-related conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Researchers used machine-learning models to identify a few compounds that seemed to be present in age-related diseases and were able to minimize the expression of the compounds in 80-week-old mice.

 

Clearly, senolytic compounds need much more research before human trials can begin. However, the rapid advancement of AI suggests that breakthroughs in anti-ageing studies will become increasingly common as our ability to capture and analyze large data sets improves.

Cosmetic Changes for Health

DNA strands and cells form the backbone of human health and ageing. However, surface-level changes to your appearance can have a positive impact on your self-image and esteem. This can help you age with grace, as surgical procedures can help you feel at home in your own skin.

 

Botox and fillers may not make you any younger, but cosmetic surgery can improve your health if you’re currently undergoing a long-term health plan. For example, if you’ve recently recovered from cancer treatment, you may want to explore restorative cosmetic surgery after your care is completed.

 

Alternatively, if your body has been through significant trauma, plastic surgery can be a good way to health your body and mind. Cosmetic surgery is particularly powerful for folks who have suffered third-degree burns or who may have received injuries to the face. Going under the scalpel can remove some of the physical reminders of the accident and help you approach later life with renewed purpose.

Bariatric Surgery

Carrying unwanted weight isn’t just a strain on your mental health. According to the World Health Organization, obesity can lead to heart disease and stroke as well as diabetes and other aging illnesses.

 

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery shouldn’t be taken lightly. Before going under, you should pursue every other possible avenue to reduce your weight and improve your diet. You’ll also need to undergo a lengthy follow-up process to ensure that the surgery is a success.

 

It’s important to note that bariatric surgery isn’t a silver bullet that will “cure” your obesity. Though you may lose weight rapidly, you need to commit to lifestyle changes that help you exercise more frequently and eat healthily. This will ensure that the surgery is a success and will give you a chance at living a longer, healthier life.

Alternatives to the Scalpel

Plastic surgery and bariatric operations can improve your quality of life and life expectancy. However, your body is not made from clay and your plastic surgeon cannot perform miracles. Even one sitting for plastic surgery will require months of recovery and you may have to come in for multiple follow-up appointments after the initial procedure.

 

Before pursuing invasive procedures, consider making lifestyle changes that improve your health and well-being. For example, if you’re constantly fighting chronic fatigue, you may want to consider a sleep holiday.

 

As the name suggests, a sleep holiday involves visiting a destination with the goal of improving your quality of sleep. Today, sleep retreats and restores exist to help you find your perfect slumber and reset your circadian rhythm. This is particularly important if you’re concerned about longevity, as sleep gives the body a chance to take out the trash and recover after a long day.

 

You can also buy high-tech supplements that are designed to improve your health and minimize the effects of ageing. However, before purchasing a supplement, be sure to read the label and side-step any products that contain toxins. Instead, opt for goods that include International Herbal Grade-10 Scale, as these products are certified to include clinically backed natural herbs.

Improved Health Tracking

Prioritizing your health and well-being is vital for longevity and graceful ageing. However, it can be difficult to know if you’re on the right track — particularly if you aren’t used to exercising and eating healthy foods.

 

Today, you can lean on a range of health-tracking devices to track your progress and improve your vital signs. Widely available health tracking devices (like FitBits and AmazFit) can record key metrics like heart rate, exercise, hydration, and calories burnt. This gives you a clear indication of your activity level and can help you make lifestyle changes that improve your longevity.

 

The data collected by tracking devices can be given to your doctor, too. This is particularly important if you’re currently on a health plan, as your physician will be able to monitor your progress remotely.

Conclusion

Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life. Technology can support your longevity and counter the effects of ageing by helping you to live a more active, health-conscious lifestyle. Even small changes, like drinking more water, supplementing your diet, quitting smoking, and minimizing alcohol consumption can have a huge impact on your well-being and help reduce the risk of age-related conditions like stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

 

 Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)

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