LifeArc
@lifearc.bsky.social
Medical research non-profit transforming promising life science ideas into medical breakthroughs that change patients’ lives.
Proposals from 31 countries across 5 continents, narrowed to 4 groundbreaking research projects that we're supporting to explore whether existing medicines can be repurposed to treat motor neuron disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Meet the projects ⬇️
December 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Proposals from 31 countries across 5 continents, narrowed to 4 groundbreaking research projects that we're supporting to explore whether existing medicines can be repurposed to treat motor neuron disease (MND), also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Meet the projects ⬇️
Living with motor neuron disease (MND) brings significant daily challenges. Our new report shares insights from people living with MND, their caregivers, and the wider community about the most pressing issues, and how technology could help: https://bit.ly/4pgDfYc
December 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Living with motor neuron disease (MND) brings significant daily challenges. Our new report shares insights from people living with MND, their caregivers, and the wider community about the most pressing issues, and how technology could help: https://bit.ly/4pgDfYc
@ukdri.ac.uk researchers are testing an RNA-editing technique that could help prevent the expansion of the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTD.
This fascinating research is one of 5 projects we’re funding as part of the UK DRI Translation Awards.
This fascinating research is one of 5 projects we’re funding as part of the UK DRI Translation Awards.
December 2, 2025 at 9:15 AM
@ukdri.ac.uk researchers are testing an RNA-editing technique that could help prevent the expansion of the most common genetic cause of ALS and FTD.
This fascinating research is one of 5 projects we’re funding as part of the UK DRI Translation Awards.
This fascinating research is one of 5 projects we’re funding as part of the UK DRI Translation Awards.
Today, we are pleased to welcome Dr Alessandra Gaeta as our new Head of Rare Disease.
Alessandra has more than 20 years of experience in research and innovation, including senior roles at @nihr.bsky.social, the Medicines Discovery Catapult and most recently, Duchenne UK.
Alessandra has more than 20 years of experience in research and innovation, including senior roles at @nihr.bsky.social, the Medicines Discovery Catapult and most recently, Duchenne UK.
December 1, 2025 at 9:17 AM
Today, we are pleased to welcome Dr Alessandra Gaeta as our new Head of Rare Disease.
Alessandra has more than 20 years of experience in research and innovation, including senior roles at @nihr.bsky.social, the Medicines Discovery Catapult and most recently, Duchenne UK.
Alessandra has more than 20 years of experience in research and innovation, including senior roles at @nihr.bsky.social, the Medicines Discovery Catapult and most recently, Duchenne UK.
Motor neuron disease is a devastating condition without a cure. Our in-house induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides accurate disease models to support drug discovery projects and research in motor neuron disease.
📷: Our iPSC scientists in Stevenage
📷: Our iPSC scientists in Stevenage
November 29, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Motor neuron disease is a devastating condition without a cure. Our in-house induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology provides accurate disease models to support drug discovery projects and research in motor neuron disease.
📷: Our iPSC scientists in Stevenage
📷: Our iPSC scientists in Stevenage
Diagnosing chronic lung conditions can take years, partly due to a lack of tools in primary care.
With @asthmaandlung.org.uk, we've developed a Target Product Profile (TPP) to guide developers in creating a simple diagnostic test that can be used in primary care.
Read TPP: https://bit.ly/4rlIcQH
With @asthmaandlung.org.uk, we've developed a Target Product Profile (TPP) to guide developers in creating a simple diagnostic test that can be used in primary care.
Read TPP: https://bit.ly/4rlIcQH
November 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Diagnosing chronic lung conditions can take years, partly due to a lack of tools in primary care.
With @asthmaandlung.org.uk, we've developed a Target Product Profile (TPP) to guide developers in creating a simple diagnostic test that can be used in primary care.
Read TPP: https://bit.ly/4rlIcQH
With @asthmaandlung.org.uk, we've developed a Target Product Profile (TPP) to guide developers in creating a simple diagnostic test that can be used in primary care.
Read TPP: https://bit.ly/4rlIcQH
Entries for the #LongitudePrizeOnALS close on 3 December. This global Prize supports AI-led approaches to validate new drug targets for ALS/MND. We're helping shape its impact by identifying promising therapeutic hypotheses.
https://bit.ly/3HBz0VW
@mndassoc.bsky.social @challengeworks.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3HBz0VW
@mndassoc.bsky.social @challengeworks.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Entries for the #LongitudePrizeOnALS close on 3 December. This global Prize supports AI-led approaches to validate new drug targets for ALS/MND. We're helping shape its impact by identifying promising therapeutic hypotheses.
https://bit.ly/3HBz0VW
@mndassoc.bsky.social @challengeworks.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/3HBz0VW
@mndassoc.bsky.social @challengeworks.bsky.social
UTIs are the second most common reason for antibiotic use globally and inappropriate use is contributing to the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This #WAAW2025, we're spotlighting some of the projects we are supporting to address AMR.
Today's spotlight - DOSA2: https://t.ly/Z-k9x
Today's spotlight - DOSA2: https://t.ly/Z-k9x
November 20, 2025 at 9:15 AM
UTIs are the second most common reason for antibiotic use globally and inappropriate use is contributing to the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This #WAAW2025, we're spotlighting some of the projects we are supporting to address AMR.
Today's spotlight - DOSA2: https://t.ly/Z-k9x
Today's spotlight - DOSA2: https://t.ly/Z-k9x
It was powerful to see the many stories of how antibiotics have changed people's lives as part of the Fleming Initiative's takeover of the Piccadilly Lights in London last night. #WAAW2025
November 19, 2025 at 9:21 AM
It was powerful to see the many stories of how antibiotics have changed people's lives as part of the Fleming Initiative's takeover of the Piccadilly Lights in London last night. #WAAW2025
We put lived experience at the heart of our work – and want to empower others to do the same.
This new report shares insights from a workshop on advancing patient public involvement in translational research and 10 top priorities for action.
🔗 Read the report: https://t.ly/Z6Oap
This new report shares insights from a workshop on advancing patient public involvement in translational research and 10 top priorities for action.
🔗 Read the report: https://t.ly/Z6Oap
November 17, 2025 at 9:15 AM
We put lived experience at the heart of our work – and want to empower others to do the same.
This new report shares insights from a workshop on advancing patient public involvement in translational research and 10 top priorities for action.
🔗 Read the report: https://t.ly/Z6Oap
This new report shares insights from a workshop on advancing patient public involvement in translational research and 10 top priorities for action.
🔗 Read the report: https://t.ly/Z6Oap
The first patient has been treated in an early-phase clinical trial investigating whether a new medical device, Carbalive, can slow disease progression of a rare liver disease.
We are proud to fund this trial through our Pathfinder Programme.
🔗 https://t.ly/0BYtw
We are proud to fund this trial through our Pathfinder Programme.
🔗 https://t.ly/0BYtw
November 14, 2025 at 9:15 AM
The first patient has been treated in an early-phase clinical trial investigating whether a new medical device, Carbalive, can slow disease progression of a rare liver disease.
We are proud to fund this trial through our Pathfinder Programme.
🔗 https://t.ly/0BYtw
We are proud to fund this trial through our Pathfinder Programme.
🔗 https://t.ly/0BYtw
Patient voices have been involved at every stage of establishing a UK-wide network of research hubs improving how lung infections are managed. Read more about how we work with patients: https://www.lifearc.org/work-with-us/patients-community/
@cysticfibrosis.org.uk
@cysticfibrosis.org.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Patient voices have been involved at every stage of establishing a UK-wide network of research hubs improving how lung infections are managed. Read more about how we work with patients: https://www.lifearc.org/work-with-us/patients-community/
@cysticfibrosis.org.uk
@cysticfibrosis.org.uk
Yesterday, over 100 people working on the Translational Centres for Rare Disease gathered to share achievements from their first year of operation and upcoming plans, as well as discuss important themes that affect the rare disease ecosystem in the UK.
November 12, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Yesterday, over 100 people working on the Translational Centres for Rare Disease gathered to share achievements from their first year of operation and upcoming plans, as well as discuss important themes that affect the rare disease ecosystem in the UK.
Researchers, philanthropists, industry and other partners working in childhood cancer -- join our international consortium, C-Further, with your expertise, capabilities, ideas and investment.
November 7, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Researchers, philanthropists, industry and other partners working in childhood cancer -- join our international consortium, C-Further, with your expertise, capabilities, ideas and investment.
Just like yesterday's fireworks displays, this network of mature motor neurons is colourfully displaying their expression of MAP2 (red), ISL1 (orange), and SMI32 (green) with their blue nuclei.
This image is courtesy of our team working on our iPSC platform.
Photo: Will Stebbeds
This image is courtesy of our team working on our iPSC platform.
Photo: Will Stebbeds
November 6, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Just like yesterday's fireworks displays, this network of mature motor neurons is colourfully displaying their expression of MAP2 (red), ISL1 (orange), and SMI32 (green) with their blue nuclei.
This image is courtesy of our team working on our iPSC platform.
Photo: Will Stebbeds
This image is courtesy of our team working on our iPSC platform.
Photo: Will Stebbeds
What does patient engagement mean to us?
Working with patients, carers and communities to gather insights that shape research and improve health outcomes.
From setting priorities to guiding funding decisions, the patient voice is at the heart of our work.
🔗Learn more: https://t.ly/9e8yO
Working with patients, carers and communities to gather insights that shape research and improve health outcomes.
From setting priorities to guiding funding decisions, the patient voice is at the heart of our work.
🔗Learn more: https://t.ly/9e8yO
November 5, 2025 at 9:15 AM
What does patient engagement mean to us?
Working with patients, carers and communities to gather insights that shape research and improve health outcomes.
From setting priorities to guiding funding decisions, the patient voice is at the heart of our work.
🔗Learn more: https://t.ly/9e8yO
Working with patients, carers and communities to gather insights that shape research and improve health outcomes.
From setting priorities to guiding funding decisions, the patient voice is at the heart of our work.
🔗Learn more: https://t.ly/9e8yO
Rare disease research needs a more integrated and collaborative approach.
Next week, experts from across our 4 Translational Centres for Rare Disease, will meet to discuss the year's progress, share knowledge, and discuss the challenges and opportunities to come.
Next week, experts from across our 4 Translational Centres for Rare Disease, will meet to discuss the year's progress, share knowledge, and discuss the challenges and opportunities to come.
November 4, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Rare disease research needs a more integrated and collaborative approach.
Next week, experts from across our 4 Translational Centres for Rare Disease, will meet to discuss the year's progress, share knowledge, and discuss the challenges and opportunities to come.
Next week, experts from across our 4 Translational Centres for Rare Disease, will meet to discuss the year's progress, share knowledge, and discuss the challenges and opportunities to come.
Happy Halloween from some spooky A549 cells and their E3 ligase expression (or haunting lack of in the nucleus).
Photo credit: Chloe Sanders
Photo credit: Chloe Sanders
October 31, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Happy Halloween from some spooky A549 cells and their E3 ligase expression (or haunting lack of in the nucleus).
Photo credit: Chloe Sanders
Photo credit: Chloe Sanders
TROP-2 is an attractive cancer target that is overexpressed on solid tumours. Yet, developing effective safe therapies targeting it remains a challenge.
With KisoJi, we've humanised the first unconjugated anti-TROP-2 antibody showing strong efficacy in vivo: https://t.ly/qRRSs
With KisoJi, we've humanised the first unconjugated anti-TROP-2 antibody showing strong efficacy in vivo: https://t.ly/qRRSs
October 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM
TROP-2 is an attractive cancer target that is overexpressed on solid tumours. Yet, developing effective safe therapies targeting it remains a challenge.
With KisoJi, we've humanised the first unconjugated anti-TROP-2 antibody showing strong efficacy in vivo: https://t.ly/qRRSs
With KisoJi, we've humanised the first unconjugated anti-TROP-2 antibody showing strong efficacy in vivo: https://t.ly/qRRSs
Science + precision + creativity: 3 of our chemical biologists recently learned to use a cutting-edge liquid-handling robot for high-throughput experimentation, and tested their skills by programming it to dispense coloured solutions into a 384-well plate to recreate our logo 🧪
October 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Science + precision + creativity: 3 of our chemical biologists recently learned to use a cutting-edge liquid-handling robot for high-throughput experimentation, and tested their skills by programming it to dispense coloured solutions into a 384-well plate to recreate our logo 🧪
In 2024, we held 4 workshops with our MND Insights Group, conducted 2 community surveys and published the MND Insights Report, sharing the findings with researchers and decision-makers.
You can find out more about this group and the report here: https://www.lifearc.org/project/mnd-insights-group/
You can find out more about this group and the report here: https://www.lifearc.org/project/mnd-insights-group/
October 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
In 2024, we held 4 workshops with our MND Insights Group, conducted 2 community surveys and published the MND Insights Report, sharing the findings with researchers and decision-makers.
You can find out more about this group and the report here: https://www.lifearc.org/project/mnd-insights-group/
You can find out more about this group and the report here: https://www.lifearc.org/project/mnd-insights-group/
Monoclonal antibodies save lives — but high manufacturing costs keep them out of reach in low-resource settings. With the Gates Foundation, we've awarded over $5 million to 7 projects aimed at cutting manufacturing costs and making mAbs more affordable.
Read about the projects: https://t.ly/mrjH-
Read about the projects: https://t.ly/mrjH-
October 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Monoclonal antibodies save lives — but high manufacturing costs keep them out of reach in low-resource settings. With the Gates Foundation, we've awarded over $5 million to 7 projects aimed at cutting manufacturing costs and making mAbs more affordable.
Read about the projects: https://t.ly/mrjH-
Read about the projects: https://t.ly/mrjH-
@marcaurelbusche.bsky.social is exploring exactly that in one of the 5 projects we’re funding as part of the @ukdri.ac.uk Translation Awards: https://t.ly/C3vOl
October 21, 2025 at 8:15 AM
@marcaurelbusche.bsky.social is exploring exactly that in one of the 5 projects we’re funding as part of the @ukdri.ac.uk Translation Awards: https://t.ly/C3vOl
With Professor Joanna Zakrzewska at @ucl.ac.uk, we analysed GP records to uncover patterns in trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis –building the evidence needed to establish centres of excellence for faster, earlier care.
October 20, 2025 at 10:27 AM
With Professor Joanna Zakrzewska at @ucl.ac.uk, we analysed GP records to uncover patterns in trigeminal neuralgia diagnosis –building the evidence needed to establish centres of excellence for faster, earlier care.
🎓 This year, we have industrial placement students joining our teams across data science, molecular and cellular pharmacology, analytics, and more! We're proud to support the next generation of scientists, helping them develop their skills and make an impact early in their careers.
October 16, 2025 at 8:15 AM
🎓 This year, we have industrial placement students joining our teams across data science, molecular and cellular pharmacology, analytics, and more! We're proud to support the next generation of scientists, helping them develop their skills and make an impact early in their careers.