CDC ENTEBBE

A study suggests Novo Nordisk's Ozempic may reduce opioid overdose risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder, offering potential in addressing the U.S. opioid epidemic.

FluMist Home, a nasal spray flu vaccine, is now approved for self-administration at home for adults under 50 and children aged 2 and up, offering convenience and accessibility. Available from 2025, it uses weakened flu viruses to stimulate immunity and is delivered via home delivery. The FDA hopes this option will boost vaccination rates, as flu vaccination is crucial for public health.

Football legend Brett Favre, 54, announced he has Parkinson’s disease, referencing his diagnosis during a congressional hearing. Favre, who experienced 'thousands' of concussions, highlights a link between head trauma and neurodegenerative disorders. Parkinson’s, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement, has no known cause but is linked to age, gender, and head injuries. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies.

UC Davis Pediatric Heart Center's Echocardiography Lab re-accredited by IAC for pediatric, congenital, and fetal echocardiography, the only center in Sacramento with all three accreditations. This reflects commitment to high-quality patient care and improved diagnosis/treatment of congenital heart defects.

President Biden's Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, launched in June 2023, has grown to 159 countries and 15 international organizations. The coalition aims to disrupt fentanyl supply chains, detect emerging drug threats, and prevent and treat drug use. New initiatives by core countries include disrupting fentanyl supply, detecting emerging drug trends, and expanding public health interventions. Provisional CDC data shows a 10% drop in overdose deaths, the largest recorded decline.

UCB and Biogen's phase 3 trial of dapirolizumab pegol for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was successful, with clinical improvement in primary and secondary endpoints. A second trial, PHOENICS FLY, is expected to start before year-end. If approved, dapirolizumab pegol could offer a new treatment for SLE, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organ systems.

FDA approves at-home, needle-free flu vaccine for self-administration via online pharmacy, aiming to boost vaccination rates. Available for next season, it's a nasal spray for ages 2-49, not pregnant, and not suitable for those with immune issues. CDC emphasizes flu vaccination as the best prevention against severe illness.

Serial entrepreneur Brian Bordainick launches Overdrive, a CPG brand offering fentanyl test strips in sleek packaging, aiming to destigmatize harm reduction and drug safety. Overdrive targets young adults, building brand affinity through content and social media before product launch. The brand seeks to normalize safety tools and conversations about substance abuse, contrasting with clinical anti-drug campaigns. Overdrive also plans to expand its product line and donates 1% of revenue to the nonprofit End Overdose.

COVID-19 vaccine trials lacked diversity, leading to mistrust among minority communities due to historical mistreatment in studies like Tuskegee. Efforts to improve community engagement and local clinical trial sites are suggested to address this issue.