UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

SimX secures $1.25M AFWERX Phase II STTR grant to adapt its VR Medical Simulation System for perioperative expeditionary medical support training, collaborating with USF Health CAMLS to enhance healthcare training accessibility and effectiveness.

USF Health and Weill Cornell Medicine published the first version of their clinically validated voice dataset on an AI platform, aiming to diagnose diseases like cancer and depression through voice analysis. The dataset includes over 12,500 recordings from 306 participants and will be expanded to 10,000 voices by the end of a four-year $14 million project. The data is standardized and includes respiratory, voice, and speech tasks, crucial for validating voice algorithms and developing new diagnostic methods.

Karine Tawagi discusses the need for more biomarkers and tools in precision oncology for prostate cancer, especially in mCRPC, due to real-world treatment sequencing challenges and genetic diversity limiting the applicability of current targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors.

Negotiations for FY 2025 appropriations are ongoing, impacting NIH funding; President-elect Trump's nominees for HHS, CMS, CDC, FDA, and Surgeon General spark concern in the medical research community; House Appropriations Subcommittee reviews NIH budget for FY 2025; AACR and FDA host workshops on DPD deficiency and clinical trials; U.S. Surgeon General highlights tobacco use disparities; FDA approves new drugs and updates product labeling.

The FDA accepted Sanofi and Regeneron's resubmitted sBLA for Dupixent in treating CSU in patients aged 12+ with inadequate H1 antihistamine control, supported by LIBERTY-CUPID Phase III data. Study C results showed Dupixent reduced itch severity and urticaria activity scores, with safety consistent with known profiles. The FDA decision target date is April 18, 2025.

The FDA is reviewing dupilumab's sBLA for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in patients 12+ not controlled by H1 antihistamines, with a decision target date of April 18, 2025. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13 pathways, has shown significant reductions in itch and hive activity in phase 3 trials, meeting primary and secondary endpoints. Safety results were consistent with known profiles, though AEs were more common with dupilumab.

The FDA accepted the resubmission of Dupixent's sBLA for treating chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and patients aged 12+; target action date is April 18, 2025. Dupixent, developed by Regeneron and Sanofi, inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 pathways and is approved for multiple indications. The resubmission includes data from Study C, showing Dupixent significantly reduced itch and urticaria activity in patients with uncontrolled CSU on antihistamines.

Tampa General Hospital partners with Medical Microinstruments to introduce the Symani Surgical System, a robotic technology for lymphatic surgery, marking a first in the Southeastern U.S. This innovation aims to improve patient outcomes in complex procedures, supported by Governor Ron DeSantis and enhancing Florida's healthcare leadership.

A study by Ohio State University found that remote brief cognitive behavioral therapy via video telehealth reduces suicide attempts and ideation. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the randomized trial involved 96 U.S. adults with recent suicidal thoughts, showing that virtual therapy is both safe and effective. The therapy led to significant reductions in suicide attempts compared to present-centered therapy, providing critical insights into effective treatments for those struggling with suicide.

Ketamine addiction is rising, with users experiencing withdrawal symptoms like 'K cramps' and hallucinations. It's used recreationally and for self-medication, leading to increased treatment seeking. Overdoses and deaths are reported, with DEA seizures indicating growing illicit use. Research highlights ketamine's addictive potential, especially in those with prior substance use disorders.