CDC ENTEBBE

Free Narcan vending machines launching in Deep Ellum, aiming to reduce opioid overdoses. By year's end, over 30 machines will be placed. Narcan, an opioid antagonist, temporarily reverses overdoses and is now available over-the-counter. Naloxone, the active ingredient in Narcan, works for 30-90 minutes, requiring immediate medical attention post-use. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, remains a significant threat, with 'rainbow fentanyl' targeting young adults.

Moderna acknowledges slower-than-expected uptake of its RSV vaccine, mResvia, amid competition from GSK and Pfizer. The company adjusts its market expectations and financial guidance, cutting R&D spending and discontinuing several pipeline projects. Moderna plans to focus more on oncology and respiratory disease vaccines, aiming to launch five new products by 2027.

Clinical trials must include persons with disabilities to be representative of the population. Despite progress, people with disabilities are often excluded, affecting drug response understanding. The FDA and National Council on Disability call for more inclusive trial designs and enforcement of accessibility laws.

Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV-prevention drug requiring dosing every six months, showed 89% more effectiveness than daily oral medication in preventing HIV among gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, and 100% effectiveness in cisgender women. Despite its potential to significantly reduce HIV infections, concerns over its high cost may hinder widespread adoption.

The CDC Foundation's Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI) aims to improve public health data systems by placing 140 tech and data experts in 49 U.S. jurisdictions, territories, and Tribal authorities, supported by a $74 million CDC award.

Gilead's twice-yearly lenacapavir shot reduced HIV infections by 96% in a second large study, setting the stage for potential FDA approval for HIV prevention. The drug was 89% more effective than Truvada and generally well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns.

Moderna plans to file for three vaccine approvals by year-end, cutting R&D spending by 20% and dropping five drug candidates from its pipeline. The company aims for 10 approvals by 2027, focusing on critical vaccines like next-gen COVID, flu-COVID combo, and RSV for high-risk adults under 60.

Two studies in *Pediatrics* show nirsevimab's safety and efficacy in preventing RSV in infants and children, with Spain's universal RSV prevention via nirsevimab reducing hospitalizations by 63%. Additionally, Oregon research finds a strong correlation between viral wastewater concentration and community respiratory tests for flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

A clinical trial shows Novo Nordisk's Saxenda (liraglutide) reduces BMI in children aged 6-11, with a 5.8% average reduction over 56 weeks, compared to a 1.6% increase in placebo group. Concerns remain over long-term safety and effectiveness, but obesity in this age group is a growing issue in the US.