Biogen and Apple are collaborating on a new virtual research study investigating the role smart devices could have on monitoring cognitive health.

The multi-year, observational study will evaluate the role that Apple Watch and iPhone could play in monitoring cognitive performance and screening for decline in cognitive health, including mild cognitive impairment.

The study will launch later in 2021 and is set to enrol participants including young and ageing adults with a range of cognitive performance. Its primary objectives are to develop digital biomarkers to help monitor cognitive performance over time and to identify the early signs of mild cognitive impairment.

“Cognitive decline can be an early symptom of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia. The successful development of digital biomarkers in brain health would help address the significant need to accelerate patient diagnoses and empower physicians and individuals to take timely action,” said Michel Vounatsos, chief executive officer at Biogen.

“For healthcare systems, such advancements in cognitive biomarkers from large-scale studies could contribute significantly to prevention and better population-based health outcomes, and lower costs to health systems. Bringing together the best of neuroscience with the best of technology creates a wonderful prospect for patients and public health,” he added.

Boehringer Ingelheim has signed a collaborative agreement with Google Quantum AI to research and implement quantum computing in pharma research and development.

The three-year partnership will see the German pharma combine its expertise in the field of computer-aided drug design and in silico modelling with Google’s resources in quantum computer and algorithm development.

“Quantum computing has the potential to significantly accelerate and enhance R&D processes in our industry,” said Michael Schmelmer, a member of Boehringer’s board of managing directors. “Quantum computing is still very much an emerging technology. However, we are convinced that this technology could help us to provide even more humans and animals with innovative and groundbreaking medicines in the future.”

Gilead Sciences and Vir Biotechnology have partnered to evaluate novel therapeutic combination strategies aimed at developing a ‘functional cure’ for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV).

As part of the clinical collaboration, the companies are expecting to launch a Phase II trial assessing combination therapies for both treatment-experienced and treatment-naïve people living with HBV.

This study will evaluate a number of combinations of Gilead’s investigational TLR-8 agonist selgantolimod, Vir’s small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) candidate VIR-2218 and a marketed PD-1 antagonist. Study participants who have previously received treatment for HBV may also be given Gilead’s Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, TAF).

As part of the agreement, both companies will retain full rights to their individual product candidates and will discuss the ‘potential path forward’ for future studies based on the outcome of the Phase II study.