Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Research by Julio Aguirre-Ghiso and colleagues reveals alveolar macrophages' role in suppressing lung metastasis by keeping disseminated cancer cells dormant. The study identifies TGF-β2 signaling as crucial for maintaining dormancy, with potential for novel cancer therapies targeting macrophage manipulation.

Life expectancy has risen to 77 in the U.S. and 73 globally due to medical advancements. Researchers believe individual lifestyle changes and precision medicine can counter aging, potentially extending life beyond 100 years. Experts like Dr. Andrea Maier and Dr. Evelyne Bischof suggest that optimizing health, not just extending life, is crucial. The future of longevity may involve precision medicine, AI, and gerotherapeutics, but access remains a challenge.

The FDA's approval of Cobenfy (KarXT) marks a significant milestone in psychopharmacology as the first antipsychotic not targeting dopamine 2 receptors. The drug's journey began with xanomeline, synthesized by Novo Nordisk in the 1980s, showing promise in Alzheimer's and schizophrenia studies but shelved by Eli Lilly. Resurrected by Steven M. Paul, MD, who combined it with trospium at Karuna, the drug's approval highlights the industry's potential lapses in foresight and unnecessary delays in bringing effective treatments to market.

Biohaven initiated a Phase 2 trial for BHV-2100, an orally administered TRPM3 antagonist for migraine treatment, aiming to address high migraine burden and unmet needs.

A physician advocates for maintaining the current meningococcal vaccination schedule, expressing concern over proposed changes that could endanger young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The current schedule, which includes a dose at 11-12 years old followed by a booster at 16, has led to a 90% decline in meningococcal disease rates among adolescents. Removing the 11-12-year-old vaccination recommendation could widen existing gaps in care, exposing more families to the dangers of meningococcal disease, which has a high fatality rate and severe long-term effects.

A study reveals *ubrogepant* (brand name *Uberlevi*) may prevent migraines if taken at pre-migraine symptoms, with 65% reporting minimal pain 24 hours later. The drug targets CGRP protein, offering potential for proactive migraine management.

Junmin Song compared BCMA treatments for multiple myeloma at ESMO Congress 2024, finding CAR T-cell therapies (ide-cel, cilta-cel) improved overall survival over bispecific antibody teclistamab. CAR T-cell therapy showed lower mortality rates and higher risk of cytokine release syndrome. Older, transplant-ineligible patients benefited more from CAR T-cell therapy.

NIH establishes pandemic preparedness research network, ReVAMPP, to develop vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for high-priority pathogens, focusing on virus families known to infect humans. NIAID commits $100 million annually to fund the program, aiming to fill knowledge gaps and enhance pandemic response capabilities.

Dimerix opens first paediatric site in Mexico for ACTION3 Phase 3 trial of DMX-200 to treat FSGS, with 14 more sites planned across Argentina, US, and UK. Dr Howard Trachtman joins the Medical Advisory Board to support paediatric recruitment. The trial aims to recruit 22 adolescent patients, with DMX-200 dosage confirmed for adolescents. Recruitment for the trial remains on track, with funding secured through various sources.

The 2024 NIDA International Forum, held in Montreal, featured over 200 attendees from 73 countries, focusing on addiction research, treatment, and policy. Key sessions included updates on NIDA's strategic priorities, discussions on drug policy reforms, medical cannabis education, opioid stigma in pharmacies, and real-world interventions. The event also highlighted international research collaborations and the importance of addressing substance use in humanitarian settings.