Last summer in Finnish Lapland was not just another season; it was a historical milestone, marking the warmest temperatures in the region in over 2,000 years, according to a groundbreaking study. The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) reported that the average temperature from June to August in Sodankylä reached 15.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in 1937 by 0.4 degrees. This unprecedented warmth was not confined to Sodankylä alone, as Utsjoki, in the northernmost part of Finland, experienced a record number of 25 hot days with temperatures exceeding 25C, leading to numerous forest fires across Lapland.

The study, published in the journal Climate & Atmospheric Science, utilized the analysis of annual pine tree rings to reconstruct summer mean temperatures in northern Fennoscandia over the past two millennia. Samuli Helama, one of the study's authors, explained the significance of their methodology, stating, 'The annual tree growth rings are dated to the nearest year and correlate strongly with measured June-August temperatures.' This meticulous approach has provided clear evidence that the summer of 2024 was not only the warmest in recorded history but also very likely the warmest in the last 2,000 years.

Further underscoring the impact of climate change, the study estimated that anthropogenic factors contributed to making the summer in Sodankylä about 2.1 °C warmer than it would have been otherwise. Without the influence of global warming, such extreme temperatures would have been an exceedingly rare occurrence, happening only once in approximately 1,400 years. However, under current climate conditions, similarly warm summers are expected to occur once every 16 years, making them about one hundred times more likely.

The findings highlight the accelerating pace of climate change in the Nordic region, which is warming considerably faster than the global average. With temperatures in Finland last year averaging 3.4 degrees warmer than in the pre-industrial era, the summer of 2024 stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing shifts in our climate system. As the world grapples with the broader implications of these changes, the study serves as a critical piece of evidence in understanding the profound impact of human activity on the planet's climate.

Inozyme Pharma, Inc. has reported encouraging interim data from its ENERGY 3 trial, showcasing INZ-701's potential to alter the disease trajectory in patients with ENPP1 Deficiency. The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company highlighted sustained increases in phosphate levels alongside a favorable safety and immunogenicity profile, marking a significant step forward in addressing this rare disease.

The ENERGY 3 trial, which completed enrollment in January 2025, is on schedule to deliver topline data in the first quarter of 2026. Douglas A. Treco, Ph.D., CEO and Chairman of Inozyme Pharma, expressed optimism about the trial's progress, noting the absence of patient dropouts, dose adjustments, or discontinuations. This consistency across key metrics underscores the potential of INZ-701 to become the first approved therapy for ENPP1 Deficiency, a condition with significant unmet medical needs.

Adding to the company's momentum, Petra Duda, M.D., Ph.D., has been appointed as Chief Medical Officer. Her expertise is expected to bolster Inozyme Pharma's clinical development efforts as it advances INZ-701 through pivotal trials. The appointment comes at a critical juncture, with the company poised to make significant strides in rare disease therapeutics.

As Inozyme Pharma continues to navigate the clinical development landscape, the progress of the ENERGY 3 trial and the strategic addition to its leadership team underscore its commitment to innovation in rare disease treatment. With the anticipation of topline data in early 2026, the medical and investment communities are closely watching INZ-701's journey toward potential approval and its impact on patients with ENPP1 Deficiency.