Peeking into 2023 for Oncology & Rare Diseases

As we kick off 2023, I’m looking forward to a busy year of scientific innovation. Advances in cell therapy, gene therapy, CRISPR- and mRNA-based approaches, bispecific antibodies and other biologics, and progress with degraders and targeting the “undruggable,” are just some of the exciting data I think we can expect to see in 2023.

From across the Industry, we could see updated read-outs from numerous gene therapy studies, including hemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We should also see programs beyond first generation AAV-based vectors, delivering exogenous genes for monogenic disorders using novel delivery vehicles. 

In 2023, we should see updated clinical data from the plethora of allogeneic cell therapy approaches (“off-the-shelf”), including clinical data in solid tumors. These studies include therapy from CAR-NK (natural killer) and pluripotent stem cell-derived T-cells. These approaches are on the cusp to deliver cellular therapies to many more patients globally, providing more equity in access to potentially curative treatment.

2023 could also herald the first approval of a CRISPR gene-editing therapy to treat β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. These therapies are based on CRISPR–Cas9 editing of the faulty gene of a person’s own stem cells, before infusing the cells back. This will be remarkable progress, from discovering of this breakthrough technology in 2012 to successful clinical implementation, and towards a future for potential in vivo gene editing. 

Beyond Oncology and Rare Disease, I am also looking forward to seeing data from mRNA vaccines against RSV, influenza (flu), shingles, genital herpes (HSV), and potentially even malaria and tuberculosis. And beyond biomedicine, I am personally excited to see new awe-inspiring images of galaxies far, far away, as observed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Images reminding us of our infinite small and vulnerable place in the universe.

And to top it off, 2023 for Pfizer will start in our new HQs at Hudson Yards in New York City.  

I’m so #PfizerProud of all that we’ve accomplished in 2022, and I’m immensely grateful for the talented, hardworking Pfizer colleagues who made these achievements possible. I’m looking forward to making even more impact for patients in 2023 and beyond. Happy New Year!

#Sciencewillwin #cancerresearch #raredisease