First human patient given cancer-killing virus for trial

May 23 2022

Scientists have injected the first ever patient with an experimental cancer-killing virus.

Called Vaxinia, the virus has been engineered to kill cancer cells whilst also increasing the body’s immune response to the disease. It is being hoped that the virus can help tackle advanced solid tumour cancers when combined with other drugs.

Vaxinia has proved successful in animals and the virus, known officially as CF33-hNIS, will have its true effectiveness revealed in this latest clinical trial.

In animal lab tests, the virus reduced the size of ovarian, pancreatic, lung, breast and colon cancer tumours. However, this does not mean that success in humans is guaranteed due to translation between species.

Still, lead study author Daneng Li expressed his optimism by saying that this is the time to further enhance the power of immunotherapy. The virus has the potential to improve outcomes for patients in their battle with cancer.

The trials are set to be completed by early 2025, and will test both the safety and optimal dose of Vaxinia. The virus will be test out in a Phase 1 trial of 100 cancer patients.

#MaltaDaily

Hamrun celebrations after AC Milan win Serie A after 11 years

May 23 2022

Massive celebrations took place in Hamrun since the Official Maltese Milan Club reopened in the locality after several years of being closed down.

Prior to their reopening in Hamrun, the club was situated in Qormi and is considered to be one of the biggest in the world by many members.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Malta Daily (@maltadaily.mt)

The streets were met with red smoke and flags as people sang and cheered on their team, which emerged victorious with a 3-0 win at Sassuolo. This meant that they finished two points clear of city rivals Inter Milan.

Celebrations were planned beforehand for yesterdays much anticipated title winning match. The club organised an event in the street, having it closed for the screening of the match.

The after party was attended by many as the fans blew off some steam after an 11 year build up.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Il-Bibbja tal-Futbol FB, Milan Club Malta 1979

Zebbug dog was dead prior to ‘burning’ reveals councillor Zammit Lupi

May 23 2022

On Sunday 23rd May, a dog was found dead after it was reported having been burnt to death and causing social media outrage.

However, independent councillor and activist Steve Zammit Lupi confirmed on Facebook that the dog was reported dead before it was found on fire. The dog was found by Justin Cauchi in Zebbug whilst on an afternoon walk.

At first, the dog was thought to have been set alight in a case of animal cruelty. Cauchi described the sight as macabre and informed Animal Welfare officers about the incident.

Zammit Lupi went on to post and confirm that the initial reports making the rounds were not accurate. The dog had been found earlier, unfortunately dead in an alley. No wounds were visible and it was set to be picked up, but someone decided to light it on fire.

‘A bit more caution before we post such stories, especially in as serious as a case as animal cruelty.’ The reasons as to why the dog was set on fire are unclear.

#MaltaDaily

AC Milan win Serie A title over rivals Inter

May 22 2022

AC Milan have won the Serie A beating out reigning champions and cross city rivals Inter Milan. The Rossoneri comfortably beating Sassuolo with a score of three goals to nil whilst the Nerazzuri also won 3-0 against Sampdoria. This is their first league title and major trophy since the 2010-2011 season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AC Milan (@acmilan)

It has been a difficult decade for the Rossoneri. A decade which has seen historic rivals Juventus dominate every aspect of Italian football, city rivals Inter regain their step and win a Scudetto last season and various seasons with no European football.

As the game started it was quite clear what the result would be. The Milan players looked hungry for the win and on top of that looked confident as ever. In the 17th minute, French striker Olivier Giroud opened the scoring with his 10th league goal of the season and it wasn’t long before he added his second in the 32nd. It took only another 4 minutes for their lead to be extended as Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie managed to tap in the ball in the back of the net to deny any chance of Inter retaining their Scudetto title.

Milan fans can thank various players for this historic league tile and campaign. These players include attackers Oliver Giroud and Rafael Leao who have consistenly performed throughout the season. The same has to go for French keeper Mike Maignan who filled Gianluigi Donnarumma’s gloves in a more than fitting well and Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali who stepped up in a massive way.

#MaltaDaily