BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Apple's Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) for AirPods Pro, approved by the FDA, aids mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. Adjustments for volume, tone, and balance are possible, but it lacks professional fitting and extended use capabilities. Audiologist Deyanira Gonzalez advises consulting professionals for accurate hearing assessments and tailored solutions.

Perimeter Medical Imaging AI announces completion of patient enrollment in pivotal study evaluating its B-Series OCT system with AI for breast-conserving surgeries, aiming to reduce reoperation rates. Primary endpoint results expected in Q4-2024, supporting potential FDA submission in 2025.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) lacks approved therapies, but olezarsen and plozasiran show promise in phase 3 trials. Olezarsen, an antisense oligonucleotide, and plozasiran, a small interfering RNA, both demonstrated significant triglyceride reduction and reduced pancreatitis risk in FCS patients.

The FDA approved Dupixent (dupilumab) as an add-on therapy for adults with poorly controlled COPD despite using inhaled medications, targeting patients with high eosinophil levels. Clinical trials showed Dupixent reduced moderate to severe COPD exacerbations by 14-22% compared to placebo, with similar side effect rates.

Scientists at NIH identified the gene UBAP1L as responsible for some inherited retinal diseases, paving the way for genetic testing and therapy development.

Dr. Jin Wang's Center for NextGen Therapeutics at Baylor College of Medicine focuses on developing multispecific drugs using advanced proteomics, aiming to accelerate novel therapeutic discovery for unmet medical needs. The center acts as a matchmaker, providing molecules for researchers and facilitating collaborative co-development. Wang's background in drug discovery, including targeted protein degraders and antibody drug conjugates, led to the center's creation, aligning with the fourth wave of biopharmaceutical industry innovation.

Novavax appoints Ruxandra Draghia-Akli, MD, PhD, as EVP and Head of R&D in November 2024, leveraging her 20+ years of clinical, corporate, and global public health expertise to evaluate the company's pipeline and Matrix-M™ adjuvant technology.

Baylor College of Medicine announces $51 million in new gifts for the Lillie and Roy Cullen Tower, bringing total philanthropy to almost $150 million. The 503,000-square-foot tower, part of the planned 800,000-square-foot Health Sciences Park, is set to open in 2026, fostering collaboration in medical education and research.

A blood test for colon cancer detected 83% of cancers but few precancerous growths, offering an alternative to colonoscopy. Available for $895, it awaits FDA approval and insurance coverage. Guardant Health's Shield test, recommended every three years, requires follow-up colonoscopy for abnormal results, potentially increasing costs. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 7,861 people and showed the test missed 17% of cancers and had 10% false alarms. More screening options aim to reduce colorectal cancer deaths.

Workplace anxiety, common in 60% of people, can be triggered by co-workers, supervisors, tasks, or projects. Signs include excessive anxiety, sweating, trembling, obsession, and lack of interest. Dr. Asim Shah recommends breaking tasks into small pieces, setting small goals, expressing emotions, starting healthy habits, and setting workload boundaries. If anxiety persists over six months, seek professional help.