Human Embryo-Like Structures Created In Lab, A Research Breakthrough
Scientists have created living samples that mimic human blastocysts, a breakthrough it is hoped will help research into embryonic development. The model cells are stirring mixed responses amid moral and legal debates surrounding this type of science.
Stat:
Models Will Let Scientists Study Earliest Stages Of Embryonic Development
A pair of research teams unveiled two new ways to replicate a key structure from the earliest days of embryonic development — an advance that could provide important new insight into human development and pregnancy loss, but which also raise thorny questions about research with embryo-like models. (Joseph, 3/17)
NPR:
Researchers Create 'Model Embryos' To Study Human Fertility
For decades, science has been trying to unlock the mysteries of how a single cell becomes a fully formed human being and what goes wrong to cause genetic diseases, miscarriages and infertility. Now, scientists have created living entities in their labs that resemble human embryos; the results of two new experiments are the most complete such "model embryos" developed to date. The goal of the experiments is to gain important insights into early human development and find new ways to prevent birth defects and miscarriages and treat fertility problems. (Stein, 3/17)
In other research and pharmaceutical news —
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Translate Bio Suffers Setback With MRNA-Based Treatment For Cystic Fibrosis
An inhaled mRNA-based treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis from Translate Bio failed to produce meaningful improvements in lung function, the company said Wednesday. The new clinical trial results, while still preliminary, are a setback for Translate’s effort to develop its first drug based on messenger RNA — the same protein-making technology powering a pair of effective Covid-19 vaccines. (Feuerstein, 3/17)
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Pharma Wins A Round In A Battle With HHS Over A Drug Discount Program
In a victory for the pharmaceutical industry, a federal judge temporarily blocked the federal government from imposing a hotly contested rule for handling disputes over a program that provides discounted drugs to hospitals and clinics serving mostly low-income populations. The ruling granted a preliminary injunction sought by Eli Lilly (LLY), which filed a lawsuit arguing the Department of Health and Human Services improperly implemented a rule in attempting to settle a clash between several drug makers and hospitals. (Silverman, 3/17)
