Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Bridge Joins With Cellion to Advance BBT-301 as IPF Ion Channel Therapy

Bridge Biotherapeutics has entered into an exclusive option-to-license agreement with Cellion BioMed to develop BBT-301, an experimental ion modulator therapy, as a potential treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic diseases. “We are highly excited to in-license BBT-301, a novel drug candidate for the treatment of fibrotic…

AdAlta’s AD-214 Granted Patent Protection in China

The China National Intellectual Property Administration has granted AdAlta a patent covering AD-214, the biotech company’s experimental therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The patent — number CN 107427574 B — entitled “CXCR4 binding molecules,” will expire in early January 2036. “China is now the second largest (and…

Ofev Negotiations Complete in Canada, Paving Way for Availability

Boehringer Ingelheim Canada has finished negotiations with the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) — a partnership between the country’s provincial, territorial and federal governments — for Ofev (nintedanib), the company’s approved oral medication for progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILD). The pCPA conducts negotiations with drug manufacturers for treatments…

AI-powered Imaging Biomarker May Predict IPF Lung Health, Survival

A novel imaging biomarker identified via an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analysis could help predict lung function and survival outcomes for people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Brainomix, a U.K.-based software company, is developing a number of AI-based tools to analyze different diseases, including one called e-ILD…

Early Trial Data Indicates NP-120 Could Ease Coughing in IPF

Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with chronic cough who are being treated with the investigational oral medication NP-120 (ifenprodil) in a small clinical trial tended to experience a reduction in coughing, according to the therapy’s developer Algernon Pharmaceuticals. The company is funding an open-label Phase 2…

Cudetaxestat Well-tolerated in Esbriet, Ofev Combos in Phase 1 Trial

Cudetaxestat (BLD-0409), an experimental medication for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) from Blade Therapeutics, was well-tolerated among healthy volunteers when given in combination with other IPF treatments — specifically nintedanib and pirfenidone — in a Phase 1 study. “These findings provide confidence in the potential to safely co-administer cudetaxestat…

Enrollment Complete for Phase 2 Trial Testing Anti-fibrotic PLN-74809

Enrollment has been completed for INTEGRIS-IPF, a Phase 2a trial testing PLN-74809, an experimental oral anti-fibrotic therapy, in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Pliant Therapeutics, the company developing PLN-74809 and sponsoring the trial, said it is expecting top-line results to become available midway through the year. The…

Ofev, Esbriet Found to Significantly Reduce Risk of Death in IPF

Treatment with either Ofev (nintedanib) or Esbriet (pirfenidone) — both antifibrotic therapies, but with different mechanisms of action — “offers protection” and can slow lung function decline in people with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), according to a new analysis. Moreover, the results showed that these medications can significantly reduce…