NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

Professor Fatima Merchant leads a team developing patient-specific molds for breast cancer patients, funded by a $2.7 million NIH grant. The project aims to improve reconstruction efficiency and psychosocial adjustment, featuring a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate impact.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) announces a special interest in supporting research on Model-informed Drug Development (MIDD) approaches for developing medications to treat substance use disorders (SUDs). MIDD uses data-driven and model-based approaches to streamline drug development, potentially reducing failure rates and speeding up the process. This initiative applies to due dates on or after June 5, 2025, through September 8, 2028, and encourages applications using specified funding opportunities. Applicants must include 'NOT-DA-26-002' in the Agency Routing Identifier field for consideration.

The Pain Management Collaboratory (PMC) will host a series of VA Spotlight on Pain Management Cyberseminar webinars from September to December 2024, showcasing PMC's achievements and future plans, featuring early research findings and lessons learned from PMC Pragmatic Clinical Trials. Registration is free, with CE credits available for VA affiliates.

A vaccine, BNT116 by BioNTech, targeting non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is being tested in Maryland and Virginia, aiming to eliminate cancer cells and prevent recurrence through a global clinical trial. Using mRNA technology, it trains the immune system to recognize and attack NSCLC-specific tumor markers. The trial, recruiting participants in the D.C. region, will test BNT116's efficacy alone and with chemotherapy/immunotherapy, aiming to prevent lung cancer recurrence.

Low-intensity blood stem cell transplants for sickle cell disease appear safe for lung health and may improve lung function, according to a three-year NIH study.

Most Americans (77%) don't know how to help someone in opioid overdose. Naloxone and nalmefene, FDA-approved nasal sprays, can reverse opioid overdoses, but many are uncomfortable using them. Naloxone is available over the counter and from community programs. Administer if someone is unconscious, not breathing, and unresponsive.

A federal meta-analysis suggests fluoride exposure may slightly reduce children's IQ scores, but not at U.S. recommended drinking water levels (0.7 mg/L). Studies, mostly from China, indicate IQ decreases at higher fluoride levels, with a 1.14-point drop per 1 mg/L increase in urine fluoride. The American Dental Association supports fluoridation for dental health, despite criticism and calls for further research on its neurotoxic effects.

NIH launched N CREW Program to support Native American communities in leading public health research on overdose, substance use, and pain, with $268 million over seven years. Focuses on research prioritized by Native communities, enhancing research capacity, and improving data access.

Tecovirimat did not improve clade I mpox resolution in DRC, but showed safe use and lower mortality. Ongoing trials like PALM007 and STOMP aim to develop effective mpox interventions.