University of Pennsylvania

Long-term, low-dose antiviral treatment significantly reduces risk of recurring eye disease caused by shingles, according to the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS). The study found a 26% lower risk of new or worsening eye disease over 18 months with valacyclovir treatment compared to placebo. The research also highlights the importance of vaccination, particularly Shingrix, for prevention.

A year-long course of valacyclovir significantly reduces risk of eye damage and chronic pain in shingles patients, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting. The Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) found a 26% reduction in new or worsening eye disease and a decrease in multiple disease flare-ups by 30% at 12 months and 28% at 18 months. The treatment also reduced chronic nerve pain, offering hope for clearer vision and less pain.

Most medical devices, including implants, lack rigorous FDA safety standards, leading to avoidable harm and recalls. Critics urge more science in FDA approval processes, highlighting issues with clinical trial standards and follow-up periods. Public pressure to expedite approvals may exacerbate these problems, with device makers often protected from lawsuits post-FDA approval. Patients should be informed of potential device risks before implantation.

Public concern about RSV has declined, with 26% worried about contracting it, compared to 33% for COVID-19 and 37% for flu. RSV vaccine awareness has increased, especially among pregnant women and seniors, but accurate RSV information remains low.

Every Cure, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit biotech, received $60 million from a TED initiative to use AI for matching existing treatments to new diseases. Founded by immunologist David Fajgenbaum, the company's mission is driven by his personal experience with a repurposed drug.

The rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata sparked nationwide protests, highlighting systemic issues in India's healthcare, including long shifts, inadequate facilities, and vulnerability to violence. A 2018 report found 75% of Indian doctors experienced harassment or violence. Despite this, government spending on healthcare remains low at 2% of GDP, leading to a 70% market share for private healthcare, which is seven times more expensive. Health insurance coverage is minimal, with 7% of the population pushed into poverty annually due to treatment costs. West Bengal, with only 1% of its GDP spent on healthcare, has the second-highest out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Corruption in healthcare is rampant, with $500 billion lost annually worldwide. The article calls for increased government healthcare spending and the elimination of corruption to improve healthcare access and quality.

A $14M NIH grant funds gene-editing research at Penn and CHOP for rare metabolic diseases, focusing on urea cycle disorders using advanced CRISPR technology, aiming for personalized treatments and potential lifelong cures.

A $14M NIH grant funds Penn and CHOP research on CRISPR-based gene-editing therapies for urea cycle disorders, aiming to develop personalized treatments using prime editing technology, which could offer lifelong cures for rare metabolic diseases.

Calluna Pharma appoints Mark Gaffney as CEO; Gaffney brings 20+ years of experience in biotech, previously CEO of Oxular Limited and COO at Vedere Bio (acquired by Novartis). Gaffney will lead Calluna's strategy as CAL101 completes Phase 1 this year.