European Biotechnology Magazine Autumn 2020
Berlin, 24.09.2020 – Since the first approval of a checkpoint blocker in 2011, immune therapy has revolutionised cancer treatment. However, most tumours are still able to evade the immune response by creating an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment that blocks full activation of dormant T killer cells. A new generation of targeted cytokines is now on the cusp of helping us overcome that problem. The field looks set to change the treatment landscape in oncology in dramatic ways, and is providing new hope to those who contract cancers that are currently difficult or impossible to treat effectively.
The EU also needs new strategies to develop much needed new antibiotics. Participants at this year’s five-day digital AMR Conference called for, among other things, improved market conditions in Europe to increase the incentive for antibiotic development.
For the first time, the European Commission is focusing on hydrogen as a diversified energy source of the future as part of its Green Deal climate protection programme. The climate-neutral gas is to be produced primarily by electrolysis. What opportunities does biotechnology offer?
Focus of the issue: CROs and CMOs – Implications of the COVID 19 pandemic; antiviral drugs, BREXIT: Clinical trials in the EU after 2020