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A New Turning Point In Lung Cancer Treatment, Inspired By Mussels

Researchers from POSTECH and Kyungpook National University have developed a novel inhalable therapeutic delivery system for lung cancer, leveraging mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles inspired by the adhesive properties of marine mussels. This effort was spearheaded by Professor Hyung Joon Cha (Department of Chemical Engineering and Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology with a specialization in Medical Science) and Dr. Yeonsu Jeong (Department of Chemical Engineering) at POSTECH, in collaboration with Professor Yun Kee Jo (Department of Biomedical Convergence Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) at Kyungpook National University.

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers globally. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases, is particularly challenging to treat due to difficulties in early detection. Current anticancer treatments are predominantly administered intravenously, impacting both malignant and healthy tissues, often leading to severe adverse effects. As a result, inhalable therapeutics have emerged as a promising alternative, enabling localized drug delivery directly to the lungs. However, the efficacy of this approach has been significantly hindered by the lung's mucosal barriers and immune cells. Building on this context, collaborative research has culminated in the development of a mucoadhesive protein nanoparticle designed for lung cancer treatment.

This approach leverages the remarkable adhesive properties of marine mussel proteins, renowned for their underwater adhesion. Drawing inspiration from the oxidation-reduction mechanisms of foot protein type 6 (fp-6), the researchers engineered foot protein type 1 (fp-1) by integrating cysteine, creating a biomaterial with enhanced adhesive strength and precise drug delivery capabilities within the lung cancer microenvironment. These nanoparticles exhibit exceptional therapeutic efficacy by enabling selective payload release while effectively inhibiting release in healthy tissues to minimize adverse effects. Moreover, the intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and immunocompatibility of marine mussel proteins ensure superior biological safety and substantially prolong the retention of anticancer drugs, thereby amplifying their therapeutic impact.

In animal models of lung cancer, the nanoparticles developed by the research team and their contained anti-cancer drugs showed effectiveness in inhibiting cancer cell metastasis and invasion after being delivered to the lungs through a nebulizerand adhering to the mucosa for extended periods. This advancement holds the potential to enhance patient access to lung cancer treatment, as the simplified inhalation-based drug administration could be self-managed at home. Furthermore, this approach may significantly improve patients' quality of life by reducing the need for hospital visits.

Professor Hyung Joon Cha, who spearheaded the collaborative research at POSTECH, stated, "The findings from our study have the potential to substantially enhance both the precision and efficacy of lung cancer treatments, while significantly improving patients' quality of life."

The research findings were published online in Biomaterials, the premier international journal for biomaterial research. This study was made possible through funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) Mid-Career Researcher Program, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Dental and Medical Technology R&D Program, and the Pan-Governmental Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Program.

Insmed's Strong Performance And Strategic Developments Drive Buy Rating

Analyst Joseph Schwartz of Leerink Partners reiterated a Buy rating on Insmed (INSM – Research Report), with a price target of $85.00.

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Joseph Schwartz has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors including Insmed's recent financial performance and strategic developments. The company's Arikayce sales have exceeded expectations, surpassing their FY24 guidance and setting a strong forecast for FY25 with anticipated double-digit year-over-year growth. This robust performance is backed by a series of upcoming catalysts expected in 2025, indicating a positive outlook for the stock.Additionally, Insmed's progress with the brensocatib program contributes to the favorable rating. The company has submitted an NDA for brensocatib, with a potential US launch expected by the third quarter of 2025, assuming priority review approval. Further expansion plans for brensocatib into other indications and international markets in 2026, pending regulatory approvals, also reinforce the optimistic projection for Insmed's future growth and development.

Schwartz covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Wave Life Sciences, and PTC Therapeutics. According to TipRanks, Schwartz has an average return of 10.9% and a 40.73% success rate on recommended stocks.

In another report released on January 13, Evercore ISI also assigned a Buy rating to the stock with a $75.00 price target.

TipRanks tracks over 100,000 company insiders, identifying the select few who excel in timing their transactions. By upgrading to TipRanks Premium, you will gain access to this exclusive data and discover crucial insights to guide your investment decisions. Begin your TipRanks Premium journey today.

Insmed (INSM) Company Description:

Insmed, Inc. Is a biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases. Its first commercial product is ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), which is approved in the United States for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen for adult patients with limited or no alternative treatment options. The MAC lung disease is a rare and often chronic infection that can cause irreversible lung damage and can be fatal. Its earlier-stage clinical pipeline includes INS1007, a novel oral reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 with therapeutic potential in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and other inflammatory diseases, and INS1009, an inhaled formulation of a treprostinil prodrug that may offer a differentiated product profile for rare pulmonary disorders, including pulmonary arterial hypertension. The company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Bridgewater, NJ.

Insmed's Promising Growth Prospects And Strong Pipeline Justify Buy Rating

Bank of America Securities analyst Jason Zemansky reiterated a Buy rating on Insmed (INSM – Research Report) yesterday and set a price target of $90.00.

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Jason Zemansky's rating is based on several promising developments for Insmed. The company has provided optimistic financial updates, with Arikayce showing strong growth prospects, particularly outside the US, such as in Japan. The FY25 guidance for Arikayce revenues is significantly higher than previous estimates, indicating a positive outlook. Additionally, the potential expansion into the first-line treatment market, supported by ongoing trials, adds to the company's growth potential.Furthermore, the submission of the NDA for brensocatib suggests a promising regulatory path, with a potential launch under Priority Review. Although some uncertainty remains about the commercial outlook, the likelihood of approval is considered high. Other pipeline developments, such as TPIP's phase 2 data and new gene therapy initiatives, offer additional upside potential. These factors combine to create a favorable risk/reward profile, justifying the Buy rating with a price objective of $90.

Zemansky covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Insmed, Arcus Biosciences, and Cytokinetics. According to TipRanks, Zemansky has an average return of 5.6% and a 41.28% success rate on recommended stocks.

TipRanks tracks over 100,000 company insiders, identifying the select few who excel in timing their transactions. By upgrading to TipRanks Premium, you will gain access to this exclusive data and discover crucial insights to guide your investment decisions. Begin your TipRanks Premium journey today.

Insmed (INSM) Company Description:

Insmed, Inc. Is a biopharmaceutical company on a mission to transform the lives of patients with serious and rare diseases. Its first commercial product is ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), which is approved in the United States for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen for adult patients with limited or no alternative treatment options. The MAC lung disease is a rare and often chronic infection that can cause irreversible lung damage and can be fatal. Its earlier-stage clinical pipeline includes INS1007, a novel oral reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 with therapeutic potential in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and other inflammatory diseases, and INS1009, an inhaled formulation of a treprostinil prodrug that may offer a differentiated product profile for rare pulmonary disorders, including pulmonary arterial hypertension. The company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Bridgewater, NJ.

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