Category: 3. Business

The novel BTK degrader BGB-16673 demonstrated significant antitumor activity and was generally well tolerated without unexpected toxicities for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), according to Lydia Scarfò, MD.

Data from the phase 1/2 CaDAnCe-101 trial (NCT05006716), presented at the 2025 European Hematology Association Congress, revealed that, at a median follow-up of 15.6 months (range, 0.3-30.6+), patients with relapsed/refractory CLL/SLL (n = 66), experienced any-grade treatment-related adverse effects (TEAEs) at a rate of 95.5%, of which 74.2% were treatment-related and 60.6% were grade 3 or greater.

Furthermore, patients treated at the 200-mg dose level of BGB-16673 achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 93.8%, including 1 complete response, 12 partial responses, and 2 partial responses with lymphocytosis. The 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 77.4%. (95% CI, 63.1%-86.8%).

“We have made great progress in the past few years in the treatment of patients with CLL, but the disease remains incurable in the majority of patients, so we need to increase the therapeutic options available, and BTK degraders look very promising,” Scarfò said during an interview with OncLive® at the meeting.

In the interview, Scarfò discussed the rationale for CaDAnCe-101, the mechanism of action of BGB-16673, safety and efficacy data from the study, and future directions for the novel BTK degrader.

Scarfò is a physician scientist at the B-Cell Neoplasia Unit and an assistant professor at the Università Vita-Salute Raffaele in Milano, Italy.

OncLive: What was the rationale for CaDAnCe-101?

Scarfò: The treatment of patients with CLL has radically changed in the last few years, thanks to the introduction of BCL2 and BTK inhibitors. The issue is that patients exposed to BTK and BCL2 inhibitors still have a chance of relapse, and they become a very difficult-to-treat population, so we need drugs that act with a different mechanism of action to overcome resistance and achieve long-term disease control.

What is the mechanism of action of BGB-16673?

BGB-16673 is a BTK degrader, meaning that the target is BTK, which is crucial for the survival and proliferation of CLL cells. However, instead of inhibiting the enzymatic activity of BTK, BGB-16673 targets BTK for degradation via the proteasome pathway.

What were the key design characteristics of CaDAnCe-101?

The phase 1 study is a basket trial [that included] patients with different B-cell malignancies and were enrolled into the trial we recently presented. [At the EHA Congress,] we have presented the results of the use of BGB-16673 in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL, both in the dose escalation and in the dose expansion phase of the trial.

What were the updated safety findings presented at EHA?

The reassuring thing is that we can confirm that BGB-16673 is generally well tolerated, with no unexpected toxicities associated with the use of this drug because the target is BTK. We do expect some cardiovascular adverse effects and some bleeding events, but they were very limited in the patient cohort. We also have to take into consideration that the follow-up remains pretty short.

What were the key efficacy data?

We have evaluated the ORR in the whole patient population, and we are happy to confirm that BGB-16673 is effective in the majority of patients, and in particular, at the recommended dose for the expansion phase of 200 mg daily, the ORR is 93.8% and we now have longer follow-up. Therefore, we can confirm that in terms of PFS, the response is endurable with a 12-month PFS rate of 77.4%.

What are the next steps for this research?

Thanks to the results of this phase 1/2 trial, several trials are currently ongoing trying to compare BGB-16673 with the standard of care. Several phase 2 and phase 3 trials are currently being performed to understand how to add this [therapy] to our therapeutic armamentarium in [clinical practice].

We hope that with additional evidence, we can confirm the efficacy and the safety of these mechanisms of action, of the specific compound, but also in general, of the use of a BTK degrader as a potential mechanism of action. In the near future, we hope we can add these mechanisms of action to our therapeutic armamentarium.

Reference

Scarfò L, Parrondo RD, Thompson MC, et al. Updated efficacy and safety of the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) degrader BGB-16673 in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory (R/R) CLL/SLL: results from the ongoing phase (ph) 1 CADANCE-101 study. Presented at: 2025 European Hematology Association Congress; June 12-15, 2025; Milan, Italy. Abstract S158.

For decades, ferromagnetic materials have driven technologies like magnetic hard drives, magnetic random access memories and oscillators. But antiferromagnetic materials, if only they could be harnessed, hold out even greater promise: ultra-fast information transfer and communications at much higher frequencies – a “holy grail” for physicists.

Now, researchers have taken a meaningful step towards utilizing antiferromagnets for new technologies. In “Spin-filter tunneling detection of antiferromagnetic resonance with electrically-tunable damping,” published July 10 in Science, they describe their innovative approach for both detecting and controlling the motion of spins within antiferromagnets using 2D antiferromagnetic materials and tunnel junctions.

Both types of materials contain atoms that act like tiny individual magnets, each having “spin.” In a ferromagnet, all of these atomic spins are aligned, producing an external magnetic field. In an antiferromagnet, atomic spins cancel when they are added up, so no external magnetic field is produced. That’s why it’s difficult to not only detect the motions of spins within antiferromagnets but also control the motion of their spins.

Previously, detections of the spin dynamics in antiferromagnets occurred with millimeter or larger samples, “not something that really scales down to any kind of useful device scale,” said co-corresponding author Dan Ralph, F.R. Newman Professor of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Kavli Institute at Cornell. “What we’ve done is make micrometer-scale devices where we can see strong signals, using tunnel junctions to be able to detect the spin motions electrically – and that’s nearly a factor of 1,000 smaller than what’s been done before.”

Tunneling is a sort of quantum mechanical leaking of an electron through a barrier that a classical particle wouldn’t be able to get through; it’s not a direct flow of electrons across, but a penetration of an electron wave function as it goes through a barrier, Ralph said. “Electrons can do funny things,” he said, adding that tunneling is a common device used in all kinds of technologies.

When the spins in the antiferromagnet change their directions inside a tunnel junction, this changes the electrical resistance associated with the tunneling electrons, providing a way to measure the spin dynamics.

This electrical detection works at very high speeds. Most technologies are not equipped to detect at that frequency.

“This is one of our breakthroughs: that we’re using this tunneling behavior, which is this quantum mechanical electron behavior, to really read out these extremely fast oscillations,” said co-corresponding author Kelly Luo, a former Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow and Honorary Kavli Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell, now an assistant professor at the University of Southern California.

Their breakthroughs came in part by interweaving two fields: 2D materials and spintronics, also known as spin electronics, said lead author Thow Min Jerald Cham, M.S. ’21, Ph.D. ’24.

To help control the spins within the 2D antiferromagnet, the researchers used a mechanism known as spin-orbit torque. They passed a charge current through a material to make a spin current that can interact with the magnet, to apply a torque to the magnet and make it move.

“We were mainly searching for a way to manipulate the spins so that we could detect the 2D layers separately, and we couldn’t really distinguish which layer was doing what. Then we came up with this idea, where we could break the symmetry by twisting the layers,” said Cham, who is now a postdoctoral scholar at California Institute of Technology.

With this geometry, we can use applied currents with spin-orbit torque to apply a force to just one of the spin layers and not the other, a first step for controlling the spin dynamics,” Ralph said.

“Our studies shows that antiferromagnetic materials have great potential,” the researchers wrote, “for realizing nano-oscillators for high-frequency applications”— an avenue they continue to explore.

Other co-authors are Xiaoxi Huang, postdoctoral associate in Ralph’s lab; Daniel G. Chica and Xavier Roy, Columbia University; and Kenji Watanabe and Takashi Taniguchi, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan.

Support for the research included funding from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Linda B. Glaser is news and media relations manager for the College of Arts and Sciences.

We came across a bullish thesis on Verve Therapeutics, Inc. on Stock Region Research’s Substack by Stock Region. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on VERV. Verve Therapeutics, Inc.’s share was trading at $11.26 as of June 26^th.

A scientist in a laboratory working on a gene editing tool, to create treatments for rare genetic diseases.

Verve Therapeutics’ stock surged an astounding 75% following Eli Lilly’s $1.3 billion acquisition announcement, signaling a pivotal moment for the biotech space. At the heart of this excitement is VERVE-102, Verve’s lead drug candidate targeting cardiovascular disease. The therapy, which aims to eliminate chronic disease management through gene editing, could mark a paradigm shift in how heart disease is treated.

The FDA’s Fast Track designation for VERVE-102 further underscores the drug’s breakthrough potential and validates Verve’s scientific approach. Eli Lilly’s substantial bid is a clear vote of confidence, suggesting the pharma giant sees transformational value in Verve’s pipeline. The acquisition not only provides financial validation but also shines a light on the evolving landscape of biotech, where high-impact innovation meets large-scale pharmaceutical backing. From a technical perspective, bullish momentum remains strong above $11.27, with caution advised if the stock dips below $10.95.

Beyond the numbers, this deal exemplifies how cutting-edge therapies are attracting serious capital and reshaping the future of medicine. The excitement surrounding Verve’s breakthrough technology and Eli Lilly’s aggressive investment underscores the growing belief in gene editing as a frontier in healthcare. For investors, this move by Lilly isn’t just about Verve—it reflects a broader confidence in biotech’s ability to redefine chronic disease care.

With VERVE-102 leading the charge and now bolstered by big pharma support, Verve appears well-positioned at the intersection of innovation and real-world impact, making this a landmark moment for the company and the sector at large.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) by Two Natural Cap in June 2025, which highlighted the company’s role in a groundbreaking base-editing therapy for a rare liver disorder. The company’s stock price has appreciated approximately by 12.4% since our coverage. The thesis still stands as CRSP advances gene-editing leadership. Stock Region shares a similar outlook but emphasizes Verve’s cardiovascular focus.

VERV isn’t on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of VERV as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

NEW YORK — When Claire Paré was a classroom teacher, working in a setting where every minute, down to the bathroom breaks, was scheduled, she brought granola bars, fruit and protein shakes to school so she’d be prepared when hunger hits.

Then she transitioned to a job at education publisher McGraw Hill. Working remotely at home in New Hampshire, her children’s cheddar bunny crackers and Fruit Roll-Ups lured her to the pantry, confounding her commitment to healthy snacking.

“I have the opportunity to be judicious, but I choose not to most of the time,” Paré said. “I really do enjoy being able to put the time into making something, but oftentimes convenience just has to win out.”

Eating healthy snacks during the workday can be challenging. Many people find themselves facing down a mid-afternoon slump and accompanying sugar, caffeine or carbohydrate cravings after lunch. Busy adults racing from back-to-back meetings to family commitments often reach for what’s easy, whether it’s a candy bar from the office vending machine or potato chips from a kitchen cupboard.

The problem with eating packaged sugary or salty snacks to get through the afternoon is they may spike blood sugar levels but don’t give a sustained second wind, according to Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic.

“It’s going to burn off really fast, so you’re going to get that boost of energy and then all of a sudden you’re going to get another crash,” Czerwony said. “Some people just chase that for a while, and they’re drinking coffee or their energy drinks and they’re eating their candy, and it just sets you up for these spikes and these drops.”

Here are some ideas for maintaining healthy snacking habits at work.

Foods that are high in protein, such as Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese and beef or turkey jerky, can help people feel full for longer periods of time than snacks without protein, said Caroline Susie, a Dallas-based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Eating a snack consisting of refined carbohydrates such as a bagel causes blood sugar to rise rapidly and then drop, so teaming it up with another source of nutrition is preferable, Susie said.

“When you pair that carbohydrate with lean protein or have a protein-forward choice, it contributes to satiety. So you’re just going to stay fuller longer,” she added.

Czerwony recommends snacks that combine lean proteins with complex carbohydrates such as crackers, rice cakes or fruit. The combination works because carbohydrates raise blood sugar, giving you a boost, while the protein takes longer to digest, helping to sustain you for longer, she said.

“The carbohydrates are like the kindling on the fire, and then the proteins are the logs,” Czerwony said. “You’re going to get the slow burn from the protein, but you need that sudden start, so you have the carbohydrates to get you going.”

Many people find it hard to resist crunchy foods. For a satisfying munch, the American Heart Association recommends sliced apples with a tablespoon of low-sodium peanut butter, pears dipped in reduced-fat cottage cheese, vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber or zucchini paired with hummus or tzatziki sauce, popcorn, rice cakes or unsalted nuts and seeds. You can also roast chickpeas, which provide both protein and carbohydrates.

For a packaged snack, read the nutrition label to check how much added sugar and sodium it contains, the association suggests.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends whole fruit, edamame, seeds, a handful of nuts or a single-serving package of tuna that you can eat with a fork.

Bringing your own snacks to work can help you control the quality and quantity of what you eat, Czerwony said. Try slicing vegetables, cheese or low-fat meats on weekends to last through the week, she said.

“If you have all that stuff already made, then it’s easy in the morning to just grab it and go,” she said.

Take along a small, soft-sided cooler to help keep snacks like yogurt, sliced veggies or hummus fresh. “Get cute little bento boxes, get little containers, make it fun if that’s something that you want to do, because we’ll eat things that are more attractive instead of just being in a Ziploc,” Czerwony said.

Petra Durnin, a Los Angeles-based senior director at commercial real estate firm JLL, blends greens, nuts, berries, avocado, banana and chia or flax seeds into homemade smoothies, which she makes in large batches. At night, she moves one jar to the fridge to thaw for the next day. An afternoon smoothie keeps her full until dinnertime and less likely to reach for chips, chocolate and sugar, she said.

“I feel like I have better brain clarity,” Durnin said. “I’m able to push through the afternoon and work more efficiently. I don’t feel bloated, bogged down. It just feels better.”’

Adopting healthy snacking habits doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself entirely of treats. If a coworker is celebrating a birthday, an occasional slice of cake won’t completely derail healthy habits.

“Let’s not demonize food,” Susie said.

Before dipping into a bag of chips, eat a meal that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fat, and then add something healthy to the snack while keeping an eye on portion size, Susie said.

“There’s not going to be a perfect substitute for chips. You can eat carrots all you want, but you can’t trick your body with thinking that they’re chips,” Czerwony said. “If you want a chip, have the stinking chip and just be done with it.”

However, a constant hankering for chips could be a sign of a dietary deficiency, and it’s worth figuring that out so “those types of things are more treats than something that’s in the routine mix of what you’re eating throughout the day,” Czerwony said.

Gisela Marx, 53, rarely gets a chance to sit or eat while working as deputy front of house manager at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. On event days, she works from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. or later. She packs healthy snacks such as watermelon and nuts.

She also keeps an emergency stash of Reese’s Pieces, which her boss has to replenish if he eats the last one.

“Just having it there is a comfort. I can always have it if I want it,” Marx said.

___

Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ap.org. Follow AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well

Tesla has scheduled an annual shareholders meeting for November, one day after the electric vehicle company came under pressure from major shareholders to do so.

Billionaire Elon Musk’s company said in a regulatory filing on Thursday that the meeting will be held on Nov. 6. A group of more than 20 Tesla shareholders said in a letter to the company a day earlier that it needed to provide public notice of the annual meeting.

Texas law states businesses must hold annual meetings within 13 months of their last one, if shareholders request it. But the law also allows for “written consent instead of the annual meeting” to be executed within the 13-month timeframe. Tesla is incorporated in Texas.

The annual meeting, given Tesla’s fortunes this year, has the potential to be a raucous event and it is unclear how investors will react to the delay, which is rare for any major U.S. corporation.

Tesla shares have plunged 27% this year, largely due to blowback over Musk’s affiliation with President Donald Trump, as well as rising competition.

Many shareholders have been miffed by Musk’s participation in the Trump administration this year, saying he needs to focus on his EV company which is facing extraordinary pressures.

“An annual meeting provides shareholders with the opportunity to hear directly from the board about these concerns, and to vote for or against directors, the board’s approach to executive compensation, and other matters of material importance,” the group said in the letter.

Tesla’s last shareholders meeting was on June 13 of last year, where investors voted to restore Musk’s record $44.9 billion pay package that was thrown out by a Delaware judge earlier that year.

Tesla also said in its regulatory filing on Thursday that July 31 is the new deadline for the submission of proposals to be included in the proxy statement. In a January filing, Tesla said it would file its proxy statement for this year’s annual meeting by the end of April.

However, the company filed an amended report on April 30, saying that it didn’t have a date for the meeting yet. Tesla also said in that filing that it was creating a special committee to look at Musk’s compensation as CEO.

Also on Thursday, Musk said that the Grok chatbot will be heading to Tesla vehicles.

“Grok is coming to Tesla vehicles very soon. Next week at the latest,” Musk said on social media platform X, in response to a post stating that Grok implementation on Teslas wasn’t announced on a Grok livestream Wednesday.

Grok was developed by Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI and pitched as an alternative to “woke AI” interactions from rival chatbots like Google’s Gemini, or OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Yet Grok has had a bumpy ride during its rollout.

On Wednesday xAI announced that it was taking down “inappropriate posts” made by its Grok chatbot, which appeared to include antisemitic comments that praised Adolf Hitler.

Shares of Tesla rose more than 3% in Thursday morning trading after tumbling this week as the feud between Trump and Musk heated up again.