CDC ENTEBBE

The U.S. OTC drugs market is projected to grow from USD 42.80 billion in 2024 to USD 53 billion by 2029, driven by high Rx drug costs and increased OTC approvals. Dermatology and tablets segments are expected to lead growth. Key players include Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Bayer, Sanofi, and Pfizer.

Philip Morris International launches IQOS, a smokeless nicotine product in Austin, designed to help smokers quit cigarettes. IQOS heats tobacco instead of burning it, reducing harmful chemicals intake. The company aims to market only to existing nicotine users, not targeting under 21s. Initial research and focus groups precede public availability.

In a cluster-randomized trial of 67 communities, intervention communities showed a nonsignificant 8% lower overdose death rate and a significant 37% reduction in deaths involving opioids and psychostimulants other than cocaine. These results suggest that community-focused, data-driven interventions with communication campaigns may help reduce some opioid-involved polysubstance overdose deaths.

Kratom, an unregulated herbal supplement, binds to opioid receptors, offering benefits like mood enhancement and pain relief but also risks like dependence and potential interactions with other drugs. Despite rare overdose deaths, its unregulated status raises concerns about purity and safety.

Dustin Mitchell Kjersem's death, initially thought to be a bear attack, is now investigated as a homicide. No evidence of a bear attack was found, leading Gallatin County officers to classify the death as a 'vicious' homicide. The public is asked to provide any information related to the case.

The North America IVD raw materials market, valued at USD 5,720.5 million in 2024, is projected to reach USD 15,385.3 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.6%. Factors driving growth include the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in diagnostic tools, and increased R&D investments. High production costs and regulatory hurdles restrain market expansion. Opportunities lie in growing R&D investments and advancements in molecular diagnostics and immunochemistry.

GLP-1 drugs, initially for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss, see soaring popularity and costs, with 3.2% of Massachusetts insured prescribed in 2023. Weight loss prescriptions grow fastest, with Wegovy costing $1,303 monthly. Insurers limit coverage due to high costs; Medicare Part D excludes weight loss drugs. Despite effectiveness, long-term cost benefits of GLP-1 drugs remain unproven. Innovative programs like Connecticut's Flyte aim to balance access and cost, while US prices are 4-5 times higher than in other countries. Calls for federal intervention to lower drug prices intensify.

RSV vaccine provided 80% protection against severe disease, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death in adults 60+ during the 2023–24 season, according to a CDC-led study in The Lancet. The study, using real-world data, found the vaccine particularly effective in those 75+.

The U.S. IVD raw materials market was valued at USD 5,290.6 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14,130.5 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.5%. Key drivers include the rise in chronic diseases, advancements in diagnostic tools, and personalized medicine. High development costs and regulatory compliance are restraints, while opportunities lie in R&D investments and personalized medicine advancements.

Dr. Alyssa Robillard and Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation use narrative and social media to promote HIV testing and PrEP for Black women in South Carolina, addressing underrepresentation in HIV prevention messaging.