WESTCHESTER COUNTY BIOSCIENCES UPDATE
Featuring news, events and industry trends
POSITIVE DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB) DATA ACROSS FIVE DISEASES WITH UNDERLYING TYPE 2 INFLAMMATION TO BE PRESENTED AT 2022 AAAAI ANNUAL MEETING


The five diseases include eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and atopic dermatitis. Additionally, positive results from two Phase 3 trials in a sixth indication, prurigo nodularis, were recently announced and will be presented at a separate medical meeting later this year.

In addition to the late-breaking abstract, a new analysis assesses the impact of Dupixent treatment on biomarkers of type 2 inflammation in patients with EoE. The use of Dupixent in EoE is investigational and has not been approved by any regulatory authority.
Sapience Therapeutics to Present at
Guggenheim Healthcare Talks, 2022 Oncology Conference

Harrison-based, Sapience Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide therapeutics to address difficult-to-treat cancers, announced the company will present at the Guggenheim Healthcare Talks, 2022 Oncology Conference, taking place virtually February 9-February 11, 2022.

Dr. Barry Kappel, CEO and President of Sapience, will present a company overview. Sapience management will also participate in one-on-one meetings with investors during the conference.
CHMP RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF DUPIXENT® (DUPILUMAB) FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 TO 11 YEARS WITH SEVERE ASTHMA WITH TYPE 2 INFLAMMATION


The CHMP positive opinion is supported by Phase 3 data recently published in the
New England Journal of Medicine showing that Dupixent added to standard of care significantly reduced the rate of severe asthma attacks and rapidly improved lung function within two weeks, with sustained improvement up to 52 weeks, in children with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. The safety results from the trial were generally consistent with the known safety profile of Dupixent in patients aged 12 years and older with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe asthma. Adverse events more commonly observed with Dupixent compared to placebo included injection site reactions, viral upper respiratory tract infections and eosinophilia. Helminth infections were also more commonly observed with Dupixent compared to placebo in patients aged 6 to 11 years.

Dupixent is the only biologic to show improved lung function in a randomized Phase 3 trial for children.
Central New York Biotech Accelerator Now Accepting Applications for 2022 Medical Device Innovation Challenge

The CNYBAC Medical Device Innovation Challenge is a 6-month intensive mentorship / network expansion / resource rich program for early-stage innovators. This highly competitive program accepts 5-6 teams each year to participate. To date, 26 teams have graduated from the program and have amassed milestone achievements during and following their participation. The MDIC serves as a complement and a pipeline to other incubation/acceleration programs.

Applications are accepted January 1 through April 30 each year and are reviewed through a due diligence process performed by The Innovation Law Center, Syracuse University.

Participants are selected by the MDIC Review Committee - interviews may be convened to assist in team selection. The program starts August 1 (some teams receive early commercialization research in advance of program start). You may participate virtually or on-site. If on-site, you receive 6-months of free work space in the CNYBC Creation Garage, 841 E. Fayette St., Syracuse, NY. All selected teams can utilize this facility at any point in time during the program. 
Opportunities with ContraFect

Yonkers-headquartered, ContraFect is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing therapeutic proteins and antibodies for life-threatening, drug-resistant infectious diseases, particularly those treated in hospital settings. There are several job openings with ContraFect offering a terrific opportunity to grow in an environment that is both challenging and energetic. ContraFect is seeking self-motivated and collaborative individuals to join the team and to contribute their talent and expertise.
 
Check out the ContraFect careers site for the latest available opportunities:
 
This position is responsible for the operational execution for ContraFect’s Early Discovery and CMC programs. The incumbent must have prior drug development experience (preferably with biologics) and ensure seamless integration of operational activities and scientific imperatives to make certain execution, scientific excellence and delivery of programs are within time, cost and quality parameters.  

Seeking an experienced toxicologist to provide support for conducting toxicology studies at CROs. 
EVENTS
Invest NY: Health on March 3

Invest NY is an event series highlighting impactful innovations in important industry sectors. Each event features startups, VC & PE investors, and industry leaders from across New York and beyond. This event is dedicated to highlighting innovation in Health. The event will take place in-person and online.

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