NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

A nasal COVID-19 vaccine trial, using a live-weakened virus to deliver a stabilized spike protein, aims for better protection against variants by building robust mucosal immunity. This approach could overcome current vaccines' limitations, including efficacy over time and logistical challenges, offering a promising step in virus control.

A study reveals some brain cells are more affected by aging, potentially explaining increased risks for dementia and Alzheimer's. Aging decreases gene activity in brain cells, especially in areas related to learning and memory, while increasing immune and inflammatory gene activity. Findings suggest a link between aging, metabolism, and brain health.

BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) approved by FDA for treating CD19-positive B-ALL in consolidation phase, showing a 58% reduced risk of death and superior overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone, based on Phase 3 E1910 trial results.

Lyme disease, caused by tick bites, presents with a distinctive rash and can lead to serious health issues if untreated. NIH in Bethesda offers research studies for evaluation and therapy. Contact 1-800-411-1222 or lymedxstudies@niaid.nih.gov for more information.

A hormonal gel for male birth control, tested in a phase 2 trial, showed promising results with 86% of participants achieving sperm suppression within 12 weeks. The gel combines testosterone and Nestorone, aiming for fewer side effects. Despite interest, funding challenges hinder progress. Nonhormonal options are also in development, reflecting growing demand for male contraception.

A phase 2 trial of a hormonal gel for male contraception showed 86% sperm suppression in 222 men, achieving effective contraception in eight weeks. The gel combines testosterone and Nestorone, acting faster with less testosterone. Interest in male contraceptives is rising, with surveys indicating willingness among men to use new methods.

FDA advisers unanimously recommend approving Alzheimer’s drug donanemab, highlighting its effectiveness in early stages and benefits outweighing risks. It could allow halting treatment if amyloid plaques are removed, potentially within a year. Concerns include brain swelling/bleeding risks, especially for APOE4 gene carriers, but advocates stress the need for aggressive treatment options.

NIH researchers developed an AI tool, LORIS, predicting cancer response to immune checkpoint inhibitors using routine clinical data. It evaluates age, cancer type, therapy history, blood albumin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and tumor mutational burden. The model, tested on 2,881 patients, accurately predicts treatment response and survival, identifying effective immunotherapy candidates beyond current biomarkers.

In 2022, over 100,000 US deaths were due to drug overdoses, highlighting the urgent need for new solutions like medical devices to combat the opioid crisis. A 2022 FDA and NIDA workshop emphasized the importance of novel monitoring and diagnostic devices, patient engagement, and ecosystem-wide partnerships to develop effective solutions.