Albert Einstein College of Medicine

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.

CytoDyn Inc. (CYDY) reports significant 2024 progress, including FDA lifting leronlimab's clinical hold, submitting two trial protocols, settling with Amarex for $10 million, and initiating pre-clinical/clinical trials. Focus areas include oncology (colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, glioblastoma) and inflammation (HIV-related chronic inflammation, Alzheimer's Disease, chronic fatigue syndrome). The company believes it has sufficient cash to advance development into 2025.

Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) showed 73% more effectiveness in reducing migraine disability within 2 hours compared to placebo in a clinical trial, potentially improving quality of life for migraine sufferers.

Metformin, a diabetes drug, may slow aging and prevent age-related diseases. The TAME Trial aims to test its effects on healthy older adults. Despite promising observational evidence, funding challenges hinder the study. Metformin's potential benefits include reduced cancer risk, improved cardiovascular outcomes, and cognitive decline prevention, but its efficacy in healthy individuals remains unproven.

Long COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), affects a significant number of individuals with symptoms lasting weeks to years post-infection. Research under the NIH's RECOVER initiative explores mechanisms like viral persistence, immune dysregulation, and gut dysbiosis. Therapeutic trials are underway, focusing on repurposed and novel treatments, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical trials to address this public health challenge.

Metformin, a low-cost diabetes drug, aids weight loss and may slow aging, preventing cancers and dementia. Research suggests it mimics fasting benefits, promoting autophagy and metabolism changes. Despite potential side effects, its anti-aging and antiviral properties are under study, with a major trial, TAME, aiming to explore its impact on aging-related diseases.

Metformin, a diabetes drug, shows promise in preventing aging-related diseases. Nir Barzilai's TAME Trial aims to prove this, facing FDA and funding hurdles. Despite interest, securing the $30-50M needed remains challenging, with hopes pinned on new philanthropists and organizations like Hevolution.