Hi everyone,
Welcome to all our new subscribers who joined us this week! We're thrilled to have you as part of The Weekly Pill community. Your readership means the world to us. If you could kindly share this newsletter with your friends or coworkers, we would greatly appreciate your support! This resource holds value for a wide range of individuals, including venture capitalists, students, professionals at all levels within pharmaceutical companies, and anyone with a curious mindset eager to learn. Your assistance in this endeavor is greatly appreciated.
I sincerely hope you enjoy reading our newsletter and that it adds value to your understanding of the biotech world. Wishing each of you a blessed week ahead, and I look forward to connecting with you all again next week for another update.
If you really enjoy what we're doing here, consider becoming a paid subscriber to encourage us and gain access to the paid section, which includes insights on upcoming catalysts next week, the most shorted biotech stocks, earnings, market comments, notes and M&A comments. Now let’s dive into last week recap!
Table of contents
How the market performed this week
Licenses / Partnerships
Clinical trials
Financing
RIF
Disease of the week
What I’ve read this week
Paid Content Section
Upcoming Catalysts Next Week
Reminders
Biotech Valuation
Most Shorted Biotech Stock as of This Week
Market
Notes from analysts
Venture Capital Market
M&A
How the market performed this week
ETFs
Gene Therapy
RNA Therapy
Big Pharma
Gainers / Decliners this week in biotech
News of the week
Licenses/Partnerships
Hyloris Pharmaceuticals SA
Symbol: HYL
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: HY-090
Indication: Dermatology
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Unknown
LOA: Not specified
Partner Companies: AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (AFT)
Windtree Therapeutics, Inc.
Symbol: WINT
Event Phase: II
Drug: Istaroxime
Indication: Acute Decompensated Heart Failure - Reduced Ejection Fraction (Acute HFrEF)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Steroid
Target: Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA)
LOA: 10%
Partner Companies: Alfasigma S.p.A., Debiopharm S.A., Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (950:HK)
Windtree Therapeutics, Inc.
Symbol: WINT
Event Phase: Development Outside U.S.
Drug: Rostafuroxin
Indication: Hypertension (Systemic)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Src Kinase Family
LOA: Not specified
Partner Companies: Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited (950:HK)
Windtree Therapeutics, Inc.
Symbol: WINT
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: SERCA2a Activator Program (Windtree)
Indication: Chronic Heart Failure - Preserved Ejection Fraction (Chronic HFpEF)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Not Specified
Target: Sodium Potassium ATPase (Na/K ATPase)
LOA: Not specified
Xenetic Biosciences, Inc.
Symbol: XBIO
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: Systemic DNase Program (Xenetic Biosciences/UVA)
Indication: Solid Tumors
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Protein
Target: Tumor Cells
LOA: Not specified
Partner Companies: University of Virginia
PharmAust Limited
Symbol: PAA
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: Monepantel
Indication: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR)/mTORC
LOA: Not specified
Eyenovia, Inc.
Symbol: EYEN
Event Phase: III
Drug: MicroPine
Indication: Myopic Macular Degeneration (MMD)/Pathological Myopia (Ophthalmology)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
LOA: 51%
Partner Companies: Arctic Vision, Ltd., Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
BioSenic SA
Symbol: BIOS
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: Arscimed
Indication: Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) - Treatment
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Reactive Oxygen Species/Free Radicals, T lymphocytes
LOA: Not specified
Partner Companies: Phebra Pty Ltd
Clinical trials (LOA=likelihood of approval)
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Symbol: NRBO
Event Phase: II
Drug: DA-1241
Indication: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: GPR119/Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Receptor (GDIR)
LOA: 15%
Partner Companies: Dong-A Socio Holdings (000640:KS)
NextCure, Inc.
Symbol: NXTC
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: VSTM-1 Agonist (NextCure)
Indication: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody
Target: Unknown
LOA: Not specified
Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
Symbol: CHRS
Event Phase: II
Drug: CHS-388
Indication: Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer (HCC) (Including Secondary Metastases)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody
Target: IL-27 (Interleukin-27), Immune System
LOA: 11%
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Symbol: DCPH
Event Phase: Approved
Drug: Qinlock
Indication: Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: KIT/c-KIT, Platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFa)
LOA: 100%
Partner Companies: GENESIS Pharma S.A., Medison Pharma Ltd., Specialised Therapeutics, Zai Lab Ltd. (ZLAB)
ALK-Abello A/S
Symbol: ALKB
Event Phase: I
Drug: Peanut SLIT Tablet
Indication: Food Allergies
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Natural Protein
Target: Immune System
LOA: 10%
AEON Biopharma, Inc.
Symbol: AEON
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: ABP-450
Indication: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Protein
Target: Botulinum toxin, SNARE Proteins (e.g. synaptobrevin, syntaxin, SNAP-25)
LOA: Not specified
OptiNose, Inc.
Symbol: OPTN
Event Phase: NDA/BLA
Drug: Xhance
Indication: Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR)
LOA: 99%
AEON Biopharma, Inc.
Symbol: AEON
Event Phase: II
Drug: ABP-450
Indication: Cervical Dystonia
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Protein
Target: Botulinum toxin, SNARE Proteins (e.g. synaptobrevin, syntaxin, SNAP-25)
LOA: 15%
Kineta, Inc.
Symbol: KA
Event Phase: II
Drug: KVA12123
Indication: Solid Tumors
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody
Target: Immune System, VISTA (V-domain immunoglobulin-containing suppressor of T-cell activation)
LOA: 11%
Poolbeg Pharma plc
Symbol: POLB
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: POLB 001
Indication: Inflammatory Disorders
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: p38 MAP kinase (MAPK)
LOA: Not specified
Medivir AB
Symbol: MVIRB:SS
Event Phase: Preclinical
Drug: MIV-818
Indication: Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer (HCC) (Including Secondary Metastases)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: DNA polymerase
LOA: Not specified
Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Symbol: ACXP
Event Phase: II
Drug: Ibezapolstat
Indication: Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea/Infection (CDAD/CDI)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: DNA polymerase
LOA: 23%
MAIA Biotechnology, Inc.
Symbol: MAIA
Event Phase: II
Drug: THIO
Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: DNA synthesis, Telomeres
LOA: 11%
Cardiff Oncology, Inc.
Symbol: CRDF
Event Phase: II
Drug: Onvansertib
Indication: Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Adenosine (including AMP, ADP, and ATP), Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1)
LOA: 12%
Partner Companies: Nerviano Medical Sciences SRL
Coherus BioSciences, Inc.
Symbol: CHRS
Event Phase: III
Drug: Loqtorzi
Indication: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody
Target: Immune System, Programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1)
LOA: 44%
Partner Companies: AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), Excellmab Pte. Ltd., Hikma Pharmaceuticals plc (HIK), Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd. (1877)
Leap Therapeutics, Inc.
Symbol: LPTX
Event Phase: II
Drug: DKN-01
Indication: Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody
Target: Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) , Immune System
LOA: 12%
Partner Companies: BeiGene, Ltd. (BGNE), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
Sanofi
Symbol: SNY
Event Phase: Approved
Drug: Dupixent
Indication: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody
Target: IL-13 (Interleukin-13), IL-4 Receptor (IL-4R)
LOA: 100%
Partner Companies: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN)
Allakos Inc.
Symbol: ALLK
Event Phase: Suspended
Drug: AK002
Indication: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Monoclonal Antibody
Target: Mast Cell, Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 8 (SIGLEC8)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Symbol: VRTX
Event Phase: Approved
Drug: Casgevy
Indication: Thalassemia
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Non-Viral Gene Therapy
Target: BCL11A, CRISPR/CRISPR-Cas9
LOA: 100%
Partner Companies: Anagenesis Biotechnologies, Bayer AG (BAYN), CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP)
AbbVie Inc.
Symbol: ABBV
Event Phase: III
Drug: ABBV-RGX-314
Indication: Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) (Ophthalmology)
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Viral Gene Therapy
Target: VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor)
LOA: 55%
Partner Companies: Clearside Biomedical, Inc. (CLSD), Regenxbio Inc. (RGNX)
Arcus Biosciences, Inc.
Symbol: RCUS
Event Phase: I
Drug: Quemliclustat
Indication: Pancreatic Cancer
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Cluster of Differentiation 73 (CD73), Immune System
LOA: 5%
Partner Companies: Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)
Theralase Technologies Inc.
Symbol: TLT
Event Phase: II
Drug: Ruvidar
Indication: Bladder Cancer
Lead Indication: Y
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Unknown
LOA: 11%
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Symbol: VNDA
Event Phase: NDA/BLA
Drug: Fanapt
Indication: Bipolar Disorder
Lead Indication: N
Molecule: Small Molecule
Target: Alpha 1 Adrenergic Receptor, Dopamine 2 (D2) Receptor, Dopamine 3 (D3) Receptor, Dopamine 4 (D4) Receptor, Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, Serotonin 5-HT2B receptor, Serotonin 5-HT6 receptor
LOA: 97%
Partner Companies: Apotex Inc., Knight Therapeutics, Inc. (GUD), MegaPharm Ltd., Sanofi (SNY), Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TARO), Titan Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TTNP)
Financing events
Summit Biosciences
Description: Developer of a specialized pharmaceutical platform focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing generic and innovative nasal spray medicines.
Verticals: HealthTech, Life Sciences, Manufacturing
Deal Date: 18-janv-2024
Deal Type: Buyout/LBO
Deal Size: Undisclosed
Investors: Altaris Capital Partners, Kindeva Drug Delivery (Milton Boyer)
Deal Synopsis: Acquired by Kindeva Drug Delivery, via its financial sponsor Altaris Capital Partners, through an LBO on January 18, 2024, strengthening Kindeva's ability in nasal product development and manufacturing.
Advanced Medicine Partners
Description: Developer of biotechnology research technologies to accelerate and optimize the clinical development process.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Early Stage VC
Deal Size: Undisclosed
Investors: ARCH Venture Partners, Deerfield Management (Jonathan Leff), Nolan Capital
Deal Synopsis: Raised undisclosed venture funding in a deal led by Deerfield Management on January 17, 2024, focusing on clinical trial design, regulatory affairs, and data management automation.
AnaCardio
Description: Developer of therapeutic drugs designed to improve clinical outcomes in cardiac failure.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: SEK 200 million
Investors: 3B Future Health Fund, Flerie (Thomas Eldered), Karolinska Development (Viktor Drvota), others
Deal Synopsis: Raised SEK 200 million in Series A venture funding for the development of therapeutic peptides addressing heart failure.
Biomage
Description: Developer of a single-cell discovery platform for research biologists.
Verticals: Life Sciences, SaaS
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Merger/Acquisition
Acquirer: Parse Biosciences
Deal Synopsis: Acquired by Parse Biosciences for an undisclosed amount, enhancing single-cell RNA sequencing capabilities.
Bolden Therapeutics
Description: Operator of a biotechnology company focused on improving lives of neurodegeneration patients.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Seed Round
Deal Size: $1.5 million
Investors: Resolute Ventures, Slater Technology Fund, LifeSpan Vision Ventures, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to advance preclinical candidates for treating CNS diseases.
Certis (Drug Discovery)
Description: Developer of oncology intelligence connecting patients to personalized cancer treatment.
Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: $10 million
Investors: Undisclosed
Deal Synopsis: Raised $10 million in Series C venture funding to optimize cancer therapies using specialized mouse models.
Comanche Biopharma
Description: Operator of a preclinical biopharmaceutical company targeting preeclampsia treatment.
Verticals: FemTech, HealthTech, Life Sciences
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Early Stage VC
Deal Size: $75 million
Investors: Atlas Venture, F-Prime Capital, GV, Lilly Asia Ventures, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised $75 million in Series B venture funding to develop cost-effective therapies for preeclampsia.
Dechra Pharmaceuticals
Description: Major drug manufacturing company with a focus on veterinary pharmaceutical products.
Verticals: Life Sciences, Manufacturing
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Buyout/LBO
Deal Size: GBP 4.46 billion
Investors: EQT (STO: EQT), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Deal Synopsis: Acquired through a public-to-private GBP 4.46 billion LBO by EQT and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
Parexel International
Description: Provider of biopharmaceutical services for drug development.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Debt Refinancing
Deal Size: $600 million
Investors: Undisclosed
Deal Synopsis: Completed a $600 million debt refinancing round on January 11, 2024.
Tr1x
Description: Developer of cell therapies for autoimmune disorders.
Verticals: HR Tech, Life Sciences
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: $75 million
Investors: Alexandria Venture Investments, The Column Group, NEVA SGR, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised $75 million in venture funding to develop allogeneic regulatory cell therapies for autoimmune diseases.
Zymvol
Description: Developer of industrial enzymes designed to meet precise industrial requirements.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 17-janv-2024
Deal Type: Debt - General
Deal Size: EUR 700,000
Investors: Undisclosed
Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 700,000 of debt financing to expand the team and develop laboratory infrastructure.
Cyrano Therapeutics
Description: Developer of an intranasal therapy product for the restoration of chronic smell and flavor loss.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: $9 million
Investors: Florida Opportunity Fund, Lumira Ventures, Remiges Ventures, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised $9 million in Series B-1 and Series B venture funding to address smell and taste loss.
DelSiTech
Description: Operator of a drug delivery and drug development company providing technology for controlled release.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: EUR 10 million
Investors: DRW Venture Capital, Tolmar, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 10 million of venture funding to advance its silica-based drug delivery technology platform.
DISCO Pharmaceuticals
Description: Operator of a surfaceome mapping platform for cancer cell surface protein identification.
Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Seed Round
Deal Size: EUR 20 million
Investors: Sofinnova Partners, AbbVie Ventures, M Ventures, Panakes Partners, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised EUR 20 million in seed funding for surfaceome mapping technology focused on cancer cells.
EpiVario
Description: Developer of epigenetics therapies for memory-related psychiatric disorders.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: $125,000 (Convertible Debt)
Investors: Undisclosed
Deal Synopsis: Raised $125,000 in venture funding through convertible debt for the development of epigenetics therapies.
Kyverna (NAS: KYTX)
Description: Developer of cell-based therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: IPO
Offering Amount: $100 million
Deal Synopsis: Filed for an IPO on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KYTX on January 16, 2024, with an expected offering amount of $100 million.
NEXT Life Sciences
Description: Developer of medical technology for improving health and well-being.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Seed Round
Deal Size: $4 million
Investors: The Family, StartUp Health, Streamlined Ventures, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised $4 million in seed funding for the development of medical technology focused on birth control options.
RevivBio
Description: Developer and designer of eco-friendly bio-inspired crop and animal health products.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Seed Round
Deal Size: $2.95 million
Investors: Undisclosed
Deal Synopsis: Raised $2.95 million in seed funding for eco-friendly bio-inspired products.
Soligenix (NAS: SNGX)
Description: Late-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on rare diseases.
Verticals: Life Sciences, Oncology
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Public Investment 2nd Offering
Offering Amount: $10 million
Deal Synopsis: Filed for a second public offering on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SNGX, intending to sell 10,638,298 shares at $0.94 per share.
Stalicla
Description: Developer of an algorithm-based platform for identifying subgroups of autism spectrum disorder patients.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: $17.4 million
Investors: SPRIM Global Investments, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised $17.4 million in Series B venture funding for pioneering precision Autism Spectrum Disorder trials and mGluR5 Negative Allosteric Modulator platform.
Timeline (Biotechnology)
Description: Operator of a life science company offering products targeting mitochondrial health.
Verticals: Life Sciences, LOHAS & Wellness
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: Later Stage VC
Deal Size: $66 million
Investors: BOLD (Business Opportunities for L'Oréal Development), Climb Ventures, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised undisclosed venture funding for expansion across food, beauty, and health sectors.
Vaxart (NAS: VXRT)
Description: Clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on oral recombinant vaccines.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 16-janv-2024
Deal Type: PIPE
Offering Amount: $10 million
Investors: RA Capital Management
Deal Synopsis: In talks to receive $10 million of development capital from RA Capital Management through a private placement as of January 16, 2024, for general corporate purposes.
CellVoyant
Description: Developer of AI-first biotechnology for creating stem cell-based therapies.
Verticals: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Life Sciences, LOHAS & Wellness
Deal Date: 15-janv-2024
Deal Type: Seed Round
Deal Size: GBP 7.59 million
Investors: Octopus Ventures, Air Street Capital, Horizons Ventures, others
Deal Synopsis: Raised GBP 7.59 million in seed funding to predict and optimize stem cell differentiation using AI-first live-cell imaging.
MoBiTec (Gottingen)
Description: Developer and supplier of cell biology and molecular research tools.
Verticals: Life Sciences
Deal Date: 15-janv-2024
Deal Type: Merger/Acquisition
Acquirer: BIOZOL Diagnostica Vertrieb (Jonas Bäuerle)
Deal Synopsis: Acquired by BIOZOL Diagnostica Vertrieb, a subsidiary of Anatrace, for an undisclosed amount on January 15, 2024, strengthening its position in the German research and diagnostics market.
Reduction in force (RIF)
January 19 - Ikena Oncology: Looking to stretch its $175 million cash pile into the second half of 2026, the biotech is laying off around 20 people. The 35% headcount reduction will mainly affect drug discovery positions and will leave Ikena with around 37 full-time employees. Story
January 19 - PMV Pharma: The precision oncology biotech is laying off 30% of staff as it prioritizes pushing its lead solid tumor candidate toward a phase 2 trial in the coming months. Story
January 18 - Bayer: The German pharma is launching a sweeping business overhaul that will “come at the expense of many managerial employees,” according to chairwoman of the executives committee on Bayer’s supervisory board, Barbara Gansewend. The cuts will begin in the coming months and will end in 2025, the company said without providing a specific number of roles impacted. Story
January 17 - Dewpoint Therapeutics: Condensate-focused Dewpoint Therapeutics has laid off 18 employees and narrowed its pipeline following two lost pharma collaborations. Pfizer and Merck both moved on from partnered programs but the biotech is pressing forward with its lead asset, set to enter the clinic in the first half of 2025. Story
January 16 - Allakos: Allakos' decision to ax its lead asset came at the cost of substantial human capital, with the biotech laying off half its staff. The final nails in the coffin for lirentelimab were two midstage failures in patients with eczema and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Story
Disease of the week
Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacterium is the same one responsible for causing strep throat. Scarlet fever was more prevalent in the past, particularly in the 19th century, but its incidence has significantly decreased with the advent of antibiotics and improved living conditions.
Here are key aspects of scarlet fever:
Causes:
Bacterial Infection: Scarlet fever is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The bacteria produce toxins that can lead to the characteristic symptoms of scarlet fever.
Symptoms:
Sore Throat: It often begins with a sore throat, similar to strep throat.
Fever: High fever is a common symptom.
Rash: A distinctive red rash appears, typically within a day or two after the onset of symptoms. The rash feels like sandpaper and usually starts on the chest and abdomen before spreading to other parts of the body.
Red Tongue: Often referred to as a "strawberry tongue," the tongue may appear red and bumpy.
Transmission:
Person-to-Person: Like other streptococcal infections, scarlet fever is usually spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Treatment:
Antibiotics: Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, primarily penicillin or other suitable alternatives. Early treatment is essential to prevent complications and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Complications:
Rheumatic Fever: In some cases, untreated scarlet fever can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and other tissues.
Kidney Damage: Untreated streptococcal infections, including scarlet fever, can sometimes result in kidney damage (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis).
Prevention:
Hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, can help prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Prompt Treatment: Early detection and treatment of strep throat can prevent complications like scarlet fever.
Historical Context:
During the Victorian era, scarlet fever was more widespread and could be a serious and sometimes fatal illness, especially among children. Improved living conditions, the advent of antibiotics, and advancements in healthcare have significantly reduced the severity and frequency of scarlet fever in modern times.
What I’ve read this week
*Click on the pic to read*