Antibodies induced by mRNA COVID-19 vaccines keep improving in quality for at least six months while the immune system continues to “train” its antibody-producing B cells, according to a new study. In other research, dysfunctional red blood cells contribute to the blood vessel injuries common in severe COVID-19, according to laboratory studies that also may suggest a way to treat the problem.

Kyverna Therapeutics secured an additional $85 million following a successful Series B financing round to support various projects in the company’s pipeline of therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. 

The Delta variant of the coronavirus does not appear to cause more severe disease in children than earlier forms of the virus, a UK study suggests. Another study found that in Covid-19 survivors, important components of the body’s immune response called memory B cells continue to evolve and get stronger for at least several months, producing highly potent antibodies that can neutralize new variants of the virus.

Two weeks after winning U.S. approval as a treatment for adults with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia, BeiGene’s Brukinsa scored again as a treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma (MZL).

Novel coronavirus

Current guidelines for screening U.S. blood donors for symptoms of COVID-19 and for a history of recent infections are effectively protecting the blood supply from contamination with the new coronavirus, researchers say.

A single dose of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine may not generate a sufficient immune response to protect against dominant new variants, except in people who have already been infected with Covid-19, according to a UK study published on April 30.

Along with inducing antibodies for immediate defense, mRNA vaccines against Covid-19 also stimulate the lymph nodes to generate immune cells that provide protection over the long term, a new study confirms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a shorter two-hour infusion time for Roche Group member Genentech’s Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), dosed twice-yearly for those living with relapsing or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) who have not experienced any prior serious infusion reactions.

Antibodies against the novel coronavirus declined rapidly in the British population during the summer, a study found, suggesting protection after infection may not be long lasting and raising the prospect of waning immunity in the community.

ADC Therapeutics SA announced the submission of a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for loncastuximab tesirine (Lonca) for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.