NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Lyme disease, caused by tick bites, presents with a distinctive rash and can lead to serious health issues if untreated. NIH in Bethesda offers research studies for evaluation and therapy. Contact 1-800-411-1222 or lymedxstudies@niaid.nih.gov for more information.

FDA advisers endorsed Eli Lilly's donanemab for early Alzheimer's, citing its safety and effectiveness in slowing disease progression by targeting amyloid plaques. Despite risks like ARIA, the drug showed a 37% lower disease progression risk over 18 months. The FDA considers approval, emphasizing the need for diverse research and patient education on risks versus benefits.

2024 highlights 11 pivotal clinical trials across diseases like cancer, malaria, and HIV, and tech advancements in AI and stem cell therapy, showing promising results. Key studies include a breast cancer treatment with a 73.3% response rate, a malaria vaccine with 78% efficacy, and AI for early lung cancer detection, aiming to significantly impact future medicine.

Omalizumab, a monoclonal antibody, significantly increased the amount of peanut, tree nuts, egg, milk, and wheat that children with multiple food allergies could consume without allergic reactions in a clinical trial. Nearly 67% of treated participants tolerated 600 mg of peanut protein, equivalent to 2.5 peanuts, compared to less than 7% on placebo. The treatment offers potential protection against accidental exposure to allergens, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

No mpox treatment is approved in the U.S., but smallpox antivirals like tecovirimat and brincidofovir may help. NIAID's research shows supportive care improves outcomes. Ongoing trials, including STOMP, aim to assess tecovirimat's effectiveness. Both drugs, approved for smallpox, are in the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile. NIAID continues seeking new antivirals for mpox and related conditions.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals announced TNX-102 SL, a non-opioid analgesic, showed significant pain reduction over placebo in a Phase 3 trial. Plans to submit an NDA to the FDA in 2024. Also developing treatments for Long COVID, cocaine intoxication, and other diseases. Tonix will present at investor conferences in January 2024.

The article reviews U.S. food allergy guidelines, prevalence, and management, highlighting racial disparities, economic impacts, and advancements in treatment, including immunotherapy and FDA-approved drugs for peanut allergy.

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.

Trethera Corporation received a $0.6M STTR grant for developing TRE-515, a novel drug targeting nucleotide metabolism to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, highlighting its potential to address a broad spectrum of diseases and reduce development risk.