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Niger Launches Malaria Vaccine Campaign to Combat Childhood Mortality

  • Niger has initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign against malaria, starting in the southwestern city of Gaya, a hotspot for the disease.
  • The RTS,S vaccine, produced by GSK, has been integrated into Niger's routine vaccination schedule following its approval in 2022.
  • Malaria accounts for 19% of child deaths in Niger, and the vaccine is estimated to be 75% effective against severe forms of the disease.
  • Niger will continue its anti-malarial strategy by distributing mosquito nets and administering preventive medication to children before the wet season.

Lenalidomide and Obinutuzumab Combination Shows Promise in Relapsed Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

  • A phase 1/2 trial evaluated lenalidomide plus obinutuzumab in relapsed indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, demonstrating a 90% overall response rate.
  • The combination therapy showed a manageable safety profile, with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia being the most common Grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicities.
  • After a median follow-up of 41.7 months, the estimated 4-year progression-free survival rate was 55%, indicating prolonged remission duration.
  • The study suggests lenalidomide with obinutuzumab is highly active in relapsed/refractory indolent B cell NHL, though it lacks a control arm.

Real-World Study Affirms Long-Term Benefits of Anti-VEGF Therapy for Neovascular AMD

  • A recent analysis of the Fight Retinal Blindness SPAIN database highlights the effectiveness of anti-VEGF therapy in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
  • The study demonstrates that consistent anti-VEGF treatment can maintain and even improve visual acuity in nAMD patients over several years.
  • Researchers emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and continuous treatment to achieve optimal outcomes and prevent vision loss in nAMD.
  • The findings support the use of real-world data to assess and improve treatment strategies for retinal diseases.

FDA Approves Armour's Mononine, the First Monoclonal Antibody-Purified Hemophilia B Therapy

  • The FDA approved Armour's Mononine on August 20 for preventing and controlling bleeding in Hemophilia B patients with Factor IX deficiency.
  • Mononine, a Coagulation Factor IX, is the first monoclonal antibody-purified Hemophilia B therapy, priced at $1.04 per unit.
  • The therapy is available in single-dose vials of 250, 500, and 1000 IUs, administered at approximately 2.0 ml per minute when reconstituted.
  • Mononine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to mouse protein; other Factor IX biologics were also recently approved.

EG-70 Shows Promise in BCG-Unresponsive Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

  • EG-70 (detalimogene voraplasmid) is a novel non-viral gene therapy designed to stimulate anti-tumor immune response in the bladder for BCG-unresponsive NMIBC.
  • Preclinical data demonstrates that mEG-70 treatment activates both innate and adaptive immune responses, remodeling the tumor microenvironment and clearing existing tumors.
  • Phase 1/2 study (LEGEND) interim data suggests a promising safety, tolerability, and efficacy profile, with an overall complete response rate of 73%.
  • Treatment-related adverse events were mostly grade 1/2 and consistent with catheterization and intravesical administration, suggesting good tolerability.

LEGEND Study: EG-70 in NMIBC Patients BCG-Unresponsive and High-Risk NMIBC Incompletely Treated With BCG or BCG-Naïve

NCT04752722RecruitingPhase 1
enGene, Inc.
Posted 4/22/2021

Aga Khan University Hospital Launches Clinical Trial of KRAS Inhibitor GDC-6036 in Kenya

  • A new clinical trial in Kenya is evaluating Roche's GDC-6036, a novel drug targeting the KRAS gene, in cancer patients.
  • The trial aims to determine if GDC-6036 can effectively block the mutation of the KRAS gene into the KRAS G12C variant, which is implicated in various cancers.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of conducting clinical trials in Africa to develop therapies that are better suited to the genetic specifications of African populations.
  • The trial seeks to provide new treatment options for cancer patients and contribute to the advancement of precision oncology in the region.

Gene Editing Shows Promise for Usher Syndrome Treatment

  • Researchers are exploring gene editing techniques to address the underlying genetic mutations in Usher syndrome, a rare disorder causing hearing and vision loss.
  • An exon skipping strategy targeting the Ush2A gene, responsible for the most common form of Usher syndrome, has shown potential in preclinical studies.
  • Gene and cell therapies offer avenues for restoring hearing and vision, with gene therapy demonstrating success in other hearing and vision loss conditions.
  • Further research is needed to demonstrate treatment efficacy in mature animal models before clinical trials can be initiated for Usher syndrome patients.

GLP-1 Agonists Show Promise in Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events

  • GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, traditionally used for diabetes and obesity, may significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
  • A new study suggests GLP-1 drugs could prevent up to 34,000 strokes and heart attacks annually in the United States.
  • Research indicates GLP-1s could serve as primary prevention for heart attack and stroke in patients with obesity and mild to moderate CVD.
  • Further research is needed to validate these findings and address the challenges of widespread GLP-1 use for primary prevention.

Expert Dermatologist Outlines Key Diagnostic Criteria for Urticaria at Maui Derm Conference

  • Dr. Jason Hawkes emphasizes that urticaria should be viewed as a heterogeneous condition characterized by wheals lasting less than 24 hours or angioedema persisting up to 72 hours.
  • The expert highlights that mast cell degranulation, rather than T-cell activity, is the key pathophysiological mechanism underlying all types of urticaria, including acute, inducible, and chronic spontaneous forms.
  • Angioedema, involving deeper skin swelling, is identified as the primary driver of emergency care visits, with the condition requiring longer resolution time compared to typical hives.

Aspirin Efficacy Varies During Pregnancy, Suggesting Need for Dose Adjustment

  • A recent study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that aspirin's effectiveness in pregnancy varies, impacting salicylic acid concentrations and platelet inhibition.
  • The study found an inverse relationship between BMI and peak aspirin concentration (Cmax), indicating obesity may affect drug absorption during pregnancy.
  • While aspirin reduced urinary thromboxane levels, these changes decreased in the third trimester, suggesting a potential need for dose adjustments as pregnancy progresses.
  • Researchers recommend considering aspirin dose modification during pregnancy to achieve optimal therapeutic response and improve outcomes.

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