JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

FDA approved vorasidenib, a targeted drug for low-grade gliomas with IDH1/2 mutations, doubling progression-free survival to 27.7 months vs. 11.1 months for placebo. Developed through Duke and Johns Hopkins collaboration, it inhibits mutant IDH enzymes, reducing tumorigenesis. Future research explores its combination with other therapies and broader cancer applications.

NIH researchers found AKT2 alterations cause lysosome dysfunction, leading to drusen formation in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), suggesting AKT2 as a therapeutic target.

An FDA advisory panel voted against approving MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, questioning the credibility of research and safety in trials. Despite MDMA's therapeutic potential and prior FDA acknowledgment, concerns over data validity, trial diversity, and adverse effects were raised. The decision casts doubt on the future of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, emphasizing the need for rigorous trials and ethical practices.

Amid a bird flu outbreak affecting U.S. cattle and poultry, health officials warn against raw milk consumption due to pathogen risks. Despite warnings, raw milk sales have risen by 25%. Advocates claim health benefits, but experts dismiss these as unscientific, emphasizing pasteurization's effectiveness in killing pathogens.

2024 anticipates major health care developments: effective weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound become more accessible; psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin gain traction for mental health treatment; new drug price limits under the Inflation Reduction Act may lower costs; and the Supreme Court's decision on mifepristone could impact abortion access.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security selected 30 professionals for its 2024 Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Initiative fellowship, from a record 350 applicants. This 11th-year program connects rising biosecurity leaders across sectors, supported by a 300+ alumni network.

NIAID awards $3.2M for research on Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), aiming to understand its causes and improve diagnosis and treatment. PTLDS affects 10-20% of Lyme disease patients with lingering symptoms. Research may also shed light on related chronic illnesses like Long COVID and ME/CFS.

The Center for Health Security (CHS) at Johns Hopkins University focuses on reducing biological risks, including Global Catastrophic Biological Risks (GCBRs), through research, policy advocacy, and education. It emphasizes the importance of pandemic preparedness, biosecurity, and the development of medical countermeasures. CHS has played a significant role in COVID-19 response and continues to work on improving international biosafety norms and vaccine development for future pathogens.

The FDA's 2023 agenda includes updates on decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), psychedelic research, master protocols, and international harmonization of clinical trials. Key focuses are the anticipated DCT draft guidance, new guidelines for psychedelic drugs, and efforts to standardize and harmonize clinical trial practices globally. The agenda also covers disease-specific guidance and advancements in trial design, including the use of real-world data.

Johns Hopkins scientists developed a hydrogel treatment for aggressive brain cancers, combining chemo- and immunotherapy. Tested on mice, it prevented cancer return with a 100% survival rate, showing potential for human glioblastoma treatment.