CDC ENTEBBE

St. Elizabeth Cancer Center renamed Yung Family Cancer Center after receiving $10 million donation from Yung Family Foundation to improve cancer care in Northern Kentucky. The center treats various cancers and offers precision medicine.

Danco plans to seek FDA approval for mifepristone use in managing miscarriages, potentially expanding its availability amidst legal challenges.

GSK's Arexvy vaccine showed 63% efficacy against RSV over three seasons, with a decline to 48% in the third season. The CDC does not recommend a second dose, but GSK suggests revaccination may be needed. Arexvy is the only RSV vaccine with three-season data, and GSK will provide further data to help determine future schedules.

People with Down syndrome have high Alzheimer’s prevalence; FDA-approved anti-amyloid drugs like lecanemab and donanemab may not be safe for them. Clinical trials for these drugs have historically excluded individuals with Down syndrome, highlighting the need for inclusive research.

AstraZeneca entered an exclusive licensing deal with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group to develop a preclinical lipid-lowering drug candidate, YS2302018, aiming to treat dyslipidemia and related cardiometabolic diseases. The deal includes $100 million upfront and up to $1.92 billion in milestones, with CSPC eligible for royalties. YS2302018 is an oral small molecule disruptor of Lp(a), a type of LDL cholesterol linked to higher heart attack and stroke risks. AstraZeneca joins Eli Lilly and others in the Lp(a) drug development arena.

Sign up for COVID and flu vaccinations at Vashon Pharmacy, Mobile Integrated Health, or Sea Mar. School clinics on Oct 15 and 17. Check with your provider for vaccine offerings. CDC recommends updated COVID vaccine for protection against severe infections. Optimize timing for October/November. Get flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines together. Costs covered by insurance and local donations. Free home COVID tests available at COVIDtests.gov.

UVA Health is launching clinical trials for a Type 2 diabetes management method that increases physical activity and identifies high-glucose foods, avoiding medications and weight loss.

Despite the development of three new RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older, vaccine uptake remains low due to COVID- and flu-induced vaccine fatigue and lack of awareness. The FDA approved the first RSV vaccine in 2023, with Moderna, Pfizer, and GSK following suit in 2024. However, only 25% of eligible adults had received the vaccine by spring 2024, and a survey showed that 38% of eligible recipients plan to get the vaccine, citing concerns about side effects and general distrust. The CDC recommends the vaccine for those 75 and older and those 60-74 with chronic conditions or living in nursing homes.

Johnson & Johnson halted phase 2 field study of antiviral mosnodenvir (JNJ-1802) due to strategic R&D reprioritization. Mosnodenvir was safe and induced antiviral activity against dengue in phase 1/2a studies. Final phase 2 efficacy data pending. Dengue cases surged globally, with 11 million in Americas by Sept 2024. US CDC reported 3,613 local cases by Oct 2024. FDA-approved Dengvaxia vaccine limited to US territories and children with prior dengue infection.

Moderna has dosed the first participant in its Phase 3 trial for mRNA-1403, an investigational norovirus vaccine. Norovirus, a contagious gastrointestinal virus, spreads through direct contact, contaminated food, and surfaces. The trial aims to enroll 25,000 participants globally to assess mRNA-1403's efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity, focusing on adults, particularly those 60 and older. Prevention measures include handwashing, thorough cooking, and surface disinfection.