Sickle Cell Disease gene therapies approved⚕️| Cloudline $6m raise💰

TODAY’S MENU

• US FDA Grants Approval for Gene Therapies in Treating Sickle Cell Disease

• Nigeria introduces first-ever locally produced Glucose Meter Facility

• Cloudline Secures $6 Million Funding to Pioneer Carbon Emissions-Free Autonomous Flight

HEALTH

US FDA Grants Approval for Gene Therapies in Treating Sickle Cell Disease

In a groundbreaking moment for medical science, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two cutting-edge treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, marking the first-ever cell-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients aged 12 and older. Notably, Casgevy stands out as the maiden FDA-approved therapy utilizing CRISPR/Cas9, a groundbreaking genome editing technology, signaling a paradigm shift in the landscape of gene therapy.

Sickle cell disease, a group of inherited blood disorders, disproportionately affects around 100,000 individuals in the U.S., with a higher incidence among African and Hispanic Americans. The condition arises from a mutation in haemoglobin, a crucial protein in red blood cells responsible for delivering oxygen to the body’s tissues. This mutation results in red blood cells adopting a crescent or “sickle” shape, impeding blood flow and causing vaso-occlusive events (VOEs) or crises that lead to severe pain and organ damage, often proving life-threatening.

The approval of Casgevy and Lyfgenia, as the first cell-based gene therapies, marks a monumental stride in the treatment of sickle cell disease.

While the FDA approval directly impacts SCD treatment in the U.S., its ripple effect is anticipated to reach African regions grappling with the burden of sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is prevalent in Africa, with a significant number of affected individuals, particularly in regions with higher rates of consanguinity. According to the World Health Organisation, Sickle cell prevalence is as high as 45% in parts of Uganda, and between 20-30% in Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana and Nigeria..….read more

PRODUCTS

Nigeria introduces first-ever locally produced Glucose Meter Facility

The Federal Government, represented by the Coordinating Health Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has introduced Nigeria’s inaugural locally manufactured glucose meter facility – Colexa Biosensor Diagnostics manufacturing.

Representing a fully Nigerian-owned enterprise, Colexa Biosensor Diagnostics Manufacturing stands as a pioneering health technology company focusing on the domestic production of blood glucose meters.

This significant development follows the recent launch of the presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain Initiative and the endorsement of the Health Sector Renewal Compact..….read more

Apple Ramps Up Vision Pro Production, Aiming for Launch by February

Apple Inc. is ramping up production of the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, setting the stage for a launch by February, 2024

Production of the new headset is running at full speed at facilities in China and has been for several weeks, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The goal is for customer-bound units to be ready by the end of January, with the retail debut planned for the following month, the people said…..read more

INVESTMENTS

Cloudline Secures $6 Million Funding to Pioneer Carbon Emissions-Free Autonomous Flight

South African aerospace startup, Cloudline, has successfully raised $6 million in funding to propel its vision of leading the global frontier in carbon emissions-free autonomous flight. The seed round saw investment from Schmidt Futures, founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Wendy Schmidt, along with pan-African funds like the Raba Partnership, Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, 4Di, and other venture firms.

Founded six years ago by CEO Spencer Horne, Cloudline initially set out to create a transport system connecting isolated communities to the global supply chain using lighter-than-air uncrewed aerial vehicles. The startup’s journey reflects a commitment to harnessing transportation technology to overcome infrastructure challenges and enhance community outcomes.……read more

STARTUPS

Peace Itimi unveils a documentary titled “Innovating Africa Documentary: The Rise of Tech in Nigeria.”

Founder and Host of Founders Connect, Peace Itimi, has just unveiled a documentary on the rise of tech in Africa. The documentary aptly named, Innovating Africa Documentary: The Rise of Tech in Nigeria, tells the growth story of the tech scene in Nigeria over the last 15 years. Through raw interviews, it paints a vivid picture of the struggles & triumphs of the industry’s early days.

You’ll meet passionate founders who took huge risks to push boundaries, investors who backed founders they believed in and see how their determination changed the landscape. Most inspiring are the everyday impact stories - talents whose lives improved because of bold ideas. It’s a reminder that innovation happens through perseverance against all odds.

Click here to watch the documentary.