UBC professor played key role in development of mRNA vaccine technology

Pieter Cullis remembers giving a talk at Pfizer in March 2020, just days before Canada implemented stay-at-home measures to curb the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Five years later, and after the mRNA vaccine technology he worked on found its way into billions of shots, he reflects on the role of nanoparticles in vaccines and how the cancer therapeutics he's helping to develop are next.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Edmonton Journal

a day ago

• Edmonton Journal

Saturday's letters: Smith should trust frontline staff on vaccines

Pharmacist Randy Howden administers a COVID-19 vaccine at the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in the Crowfoot West Business Centre in Calgary on Oct. 16, 2024. Photo by Brent Calver / Postmedia Calgary archive Re. 'Province localizes hospital controls, axes AHS zones,' June 19 The premier, in a video address, said she believes local health-care leadership should have the flexibility to respond, the freedom to adapt and the authority to act and that people closest to the problem should have the power to fix it. She says when you trust frontline staff, good things happen. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Yet, previously very effective fall vaccination campaigns were delayed by her government and ordered to remove any mention of flu or COVID, tying their hands behind their backs. As frontline staff predicted, uptake plummeted. If you don't think accurate information campaigns matter, consider this. In a phone call to the premier's office yesterday, I was told that children under four can't receive COVID vaccines despite their availability in Alberta since fall 2022. Frontline staff have been clear: Vaccines are effective in reducing severe outcomes; that infants with COVID, who make up 30 per cent of pediatric hospitalizations, benefit from access from six months old; that vaccinated pregnant women can safely benefit and protect infants under six months; that cost is a barrier and staggering groups is less effective; that removing access for children under 12 is just wrong; that when children end up in hospital, many parents are shocked this was possible. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again The unilateral COVID vaccine changes, the superseding by government of formerly arms-length operations and the politicizing of services, make the premier's video promises to trust the front line sound very hollow indeed. S.M. Hogan, Edmonton Private trees at risk from infill builders Re. 'Density rollbacks would restrict housing choice,' Opinion, June 19 I find it interesting that one of the arguments Jacob Dawang uses in his opinion piece supporting large multi-unit infills is that mature neighbourhoods offer established trees — the very thing these large infills cut down to make way for the enormous footprint of these units. Yes, trees on city land are safe, but mature trees in yards are not. I have yet to see a large multi-unit infill that prioritizes maintaining established trees. Perhaps people would feel differently about these infills if the builders considered how cutting down trees, poor landscaping and poor maintenance of the landscaping around these units impacts neighbours and the overall feel of the neighborhood. Sarah Canil, Edmonton Proud of fast, exciting Oilers I don't think enough has been said about how talented and classy the Oilers team is, and what a clean game they continue to play, despite the intentional physical abuse by other teams. Our Oilers players just want to play fast, exciting hockey and Edmontonians are so proud of you, Oilers players and management, for this attitude. We love your brand of hockey! Lori Walker, St. Albert We invite you to write letters to the editor. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. Letters must carry a first and last name, or two initials and a last name, and include an address and daytime telephone number. All letters are subject to editing. We don't publish letters addressed to others or sent to other publications. Email: letters@ Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal |The Edmonton Sun. Cult of Hockey Cult of Hockey Edmonton Oilers Local News Cult of Hockey

The Province

a day ago

• The Province

'Swallowing razor blades': What to know about the painful symptom linked to latest COVID strain

The new variant, nicknamed Nimbus, has been detected in 22 countries as of May 18 Like the name suggests, "razor blade throat" describes severe sore throat pain, as if the throat is "covered with razor blades." Photo by m-gucci / Getty Images A painful symptom that has been linked to the latest strain of COVID-19 is being called 'razor blade throat.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The World Health Organization recently designated NB.1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring. The strain, nicknamed 'Nimbus,' has reportedly been causing extremely painful sort throats in those who have been infected with it. Cases of the Nimbus variant have been rising. It has been detected in 22 countries as of May 18 and made up 10.7 per cent of the global COVID samples taken in late April, WHO said. That was considered a 'significant rise in prevalence' since it only made up 2.5 per cent of global COVID samples four weeks prior. However, WHO deemed the overall risk of Nimbus to be low. 'Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation,' according to WHO. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Here's what to know. What is 'razor blade throat'? Like the name suggests, 'razor blade throat' describes severe sore throat pain, as if the throat is 'covered with razor blades,' chair of the department of medicine and chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau in New York Dr. Aaron Glatt told 'While not specific to COVID-19,' he said, 'this expression has been used to describe sore throat symptoms in some patients with the most recent COVID-19 variant.' It has been described by some as 'akin to swallowing shattered glass or razor blades,' news network NTD reported. However, infectious disease specialist at University of California San Francisco Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, told the San Francisco Chronicle that a sore throat from COVID is 'not novel at all.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'There has been a range of intensity of sore throat with COVID symptoms all along, including very severe pain,' said Chin-Hong. Other symptoms of COVID include runny nose, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. People at a COVID-19 vaccination site in Montreal, Sunday, April 18, 2021. Photo by Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press Is the Nimbus strain different from other COVID variants? This particular strain 'isn't too different from the Omicron variant, but it does have some tweaks to its spike protein,' according to general practitioner from private healthcare centre Pall Mall Medical in the United Kingdom Dr. Chun Tang, The Independent reported. That means it could 'spread a bit more easily or slip past some of our existing immunity.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'That said, early signs suggest it doesn't seem to cause more serious illness, but of course, we're still learning more about it,' said Tang. The earliest sample of Nimbus was taken in January, said WHO. How are Canadians being affected by the Nimbus strain? In Canada, the federal government has been keeping track of COVID variants detected nationwide. Nimbus was detected in Canada in March, but it only accounted for a very low percentage of COVID strains in the country, at just 0.2 per cent . By the end of May, Nimbus made up roughly 20 per cent of all identified COVID cases. Using earlier trends to estimate the current situation, the government is predicting how variants will spread or diminish. This method is called nowcasting. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For the week of June 1, the nowcasted estimates of Nimbus in Canada are predicted to be around 42 per cent. The nowcasted estimates for the week of June 15 jump to 53 per cent, meaning it would make up more than half of the cases in Canada if the prediction is accurate. Other than Canada, Nimbus has been detected around the world, with cases reported in India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States, according to the World Health Network. It has also made its way to Australia and the United Kingdom. Read More

Globe and Mail

2 days ago

• Globe and Mail

Vitiligo Therapeutics Market Size in 7MM is expected to grow at a decent CAGR by 2034, estimates DelveInsight

DelveInsight's ' Vitiligo Treatment Market Insights, Epidemiology and Market Forecast – 2034 ' report delivers an in-depth understanding of Vitiligo, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Vitiligo market trends in the United States, EU4 (Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) and the United Kingdom, and Japan. To know in detail about the Vitiligo market outlook, drug uptake, treatment scenario, and epidemiology trends, click here @ Vitiligo Treatment Market Size Key Takeaways from the Vitiligo Market Report In June 2025, Incyte Corporation announced a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib cream in pediatric participants with non-segmental vitiligo. In June 2025, Pfizer conducted a study to learn about the safety and effects of the study medicine ritlecitinib for the possible treatment of non-segmental vitiligo. Vitiligo causes white patches on your skin when the cells that give your skin color are destroyed. Nonsegmental means that it can affect both sides of the body, such as both knees and both hands. In June 2025, Vyne Therapeutics Inc. organized a Phase 2b Trial Evaluating the Efficacy, Safety & Pharmacokinetics of VYN201 Gel in the Treatment of Non-Segmental Vitiligo. According to the findings, the United States accounted for around 60% of the Vitiligo diagnosed Prevalent Cases in the 7MM in 2023. In EU4 and the UK, Germany contributed the highest patient share of vitiligo, followed by the UK. Whereas Spain contributed to the lowest patient share. As per the estimates, there were 493,000 treated cases of vitiligo in the 7MM in 2023. The leading Vitiligo Companies such as Incyte, AbbVie, Pfizer, Clinuvel, Inc., Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Bioniz Therapeutics, TAGCyx Biotechnologies, Temprian Therapeutics, Aclaris Therapeutics, TWi Biotechnology, Dermavant Sciences, Amgen, Pfizer, Incyte Corporation, and others Promising Vitiligo Pipeline Therapies such as OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream), RINVOQ (upadacitinib), Ritlecitinib, Afamelanotide, Phimelanotide, BNZ-1, TAGX-0003, TT-01, ATI-1777, AC-1101, Cerdulatinib, AMG 714, Ritlecitinib, Ruxolitinib, and others. Get a Free sample for the Vitiligo Therapeutics Market Report @ Vitiligo Drugs Market Vitiligo Epidemiology Segmentation in the 7MM Vitiligo Prevalence Cases Vitiligo Type-specific Cases Vitiligo Diagnosed Prevalent Cases Vitiligo Treated Cases Download the report to understand which factors are driving Vitiligo epidemiology trends @ Vitiligo Prevalence Vitiligo Marketed Drugs OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream): Incyte In July 2024, the US FDA approved a groundbreaking treatment for vitiligo, a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by depigmented white patches on the skin. The newly approved drug, OPZELURA, is a topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor called ruxolitinib. This approval marks a significant milestone, as OPZELURA is the first FDA-approved pharmacologic treatment specifically designed to address repigmentation in vitiligo patients, particularly those with nonsegmental vitiligo, the most common form of the condition. OPZELURA works by targeting JAK1 and JAK2 receptors to decrease interferon gamma signaling by immune cells, thereby halting the destruction of melanocytes responsible for skin color. Vitiligo Emerging Drugs RINVOQ (upadacitinib): Abbvie Upadacitinib (ABT-494) is a JAK1 selective inhibitor being investigated to treat alopecia areata, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial SpA, Crohn's disease, giant cell arteritis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE), Takayasu arteritis, ulcerative colitis, and vitiligo. Currently, the drug is in Phase III for the treatment of vitiligo, for which primary completion date is December 2024. At the 2024 AAD Annual Meeting, late-breaking data showed that upadacitinib demonstrated clinically meaningful repigmentation of extensive vitiligo after 52 weeks, potentially offering a new and effective systemic treatment for non-segmental vitiligo. LITFULO (Ritlecitinib): Pfizer LITFULO (ritlecitinib) is considered a kinase inhibitor, meaning it prevents kinases, which are certain proteins in the immune system, from working properly. This in turn blocks the immune pathways that are thought to contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, resulting in symptom improvements, such as repigmentation or stopping of disease progression in vitiligo. Currently, there is a Phase III Vitiligo Clinical Trial underway with an estimated completion date in June 2025. Depending on the results of that trial, ritlecitinib may be approved for vitiligo treatment. Discover more about therapies set to grab major Vitiligo market share @ Vitiligo Clinical Trials Assessment Vitiligo Treatment Market The Vitiligo Treatment Market Landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, marked by significant advancements anticipated in 2024 and beyond. With the introduction of FDA-approved topical therapies and the emergence of oral JAK inhibitors, dermatology is experiencing remarkable progress in managing this complex condition. These developments signify a promising future for vitiligo patients, reflecting the evolving strategies aimed at enhancing treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Key Vitiligo Companies such as AbbVie, Incyte, Pfizer, and others are evaluating their lead candidates in different stages of clinical development, respectively. They aim to investigate their products for the treatment of vitiligo. Vitiligo treatment typically involves a combination approach, incorporating various topical therapies such as steroids, vitamin D analogues, and calcineurin inhibitors. While mono-therapy topicals have shown improvement, the most effective treatment strategy often involves a combination of phototherapy, oral antioxidants, and both oral and topical medications. This multifaceted approach addresses the complex nature of vitiligo and maximizes therapeutic outcomes. Driven by rising awareness and new treatment options, the vitiligo market is poised for steady growth in the coming years. Vitiligo Drugs and Companies OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream): Incyte RINVOQ (upadacitinib): AbbVie Ritlecitinib: Pfizer Afamelanotide: Clinuvel, Inc. Phimelanotide - Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals BNZ-1: Bioniz Therapeutics TAGX-0003: TAGCyx Biotechnologies TT-01: Temprian Therapeutics ATI-1777: Aclaris Therapeutics AC-1101: TWi Biotechnology Cerdulatinib: Dermavant Sciences AMG 714: Amgen Ritlecitinib: Pfizer Ruxolitinib: Incyte Corporation Vitiligo Market Drivers Increasing awareness Demand for novel therapies Large patient pool and better healthcare infrastructure Vitiligo Market Barriers Patient compliance Chronic nature of the disease and long-term therapy Lack of adequate financial assistance & stringent regulatory procedure Download DelveInsight's latest report to gain strategic insights into upcoming Vitiligo Therapies and key Vitiligo Developments @ Vitiligo Market Drivers and Barriers, and Future Perspectives Scope of the Vitiligo Market Report Coverage- 7MM Study Period- 2020-2034 Vitiligo Companies- Incyte, AbbVie, Pfizer, Clinuvel, Inc., Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals, Bioniz Therapeutics, TAGCyx Biotechnologies, Temprian Therapeutics, Aclaris Therapeutics, TWi Biotechnology, Dermavant Sciences, Amgen, Pfizer, Incyte Corporation, and others Vitiligo Pipeline Therapies- OPZELURA (ruxolitinib cream), RINVOQ (upadacitinib), Ritlecitinib, Afamelanotide, Phimelanotide, BNZ-1, TAGX-0003, TT-01, ATI-1777, AC-1101, Cerdulatinib, AMG 714, Ritlecitinib, Ruxolitinib, and others. Vitiligo Therapeutic Assessment: Vitiligo current marketed and emerging therapies Vitiligo Market Dynamics: Vitiligo market drivers and Vitiligo market barriers Vitiligo Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis, PESTLE analysis, Porter's five forces, BCG Matrix, Market entry strategies Vitiligo Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, Vitiligo Market Access and Reimbursement Table of Contents 1 Key Insights 2 Vitiligo Market Report Introduction 3 Vitiligo Executive Summary 4 Key Events 5 Vitiligo Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 6 Vitiligo Market Overview at a Glance 7 Disease Background and Overview: Vitiligo 8 Vitiligo Treatment and Management 9 Vitiligo Epidemiology and Patient Population in the 7MM 10 Patient Journey 11 Vitiligo Marketed Therapies 12 Vitiligo Emerging Therapies 13 Vitiligo: Seven Major Market Analysis 14 Vitiligo Unmet Needs 15 Vitiligo SWOT Analysis 16 Vitiligo KOL Views 17 Vitiligo Market Access and Reimbursement 18 Appendix 19 DelveInsight Capabilities 20 Disclaimer 21 About DelveInsight About Us DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions. With a team of experienced industry experts and a deep understanding of the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we offer customized research solutions and insights to clients across the globe. Connect with us to get high-quality, accurate, and real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the growth curve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Business Research LLP Contact Person: Yash Bhardwaj Email: Send Email Phone: 09650213330 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Las Vegas State: NV Country: United States Website: