NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

CHOP and COG Phase 3 study shows blinatumomab plus chemotherapy significantly improves 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) in newly diagnosed NCI standard risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) pediatric patients, with DFS rates of 96.0% vs. 87.9% with chemotherapy alone.

MediciNova Inc. announced a positive interim analysis of its Phase 2b and Phase 3 trial for MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS, revealing correlations between six- and 12-month functional and survival metrics. The trial, with over 200 patients enrolled, is expected to complete assignments by mid-2025, with final results in 2026. The Data Safety Monitoring Board validated the results and recommended continuing the trial as per the protocol. Analysts rate the stock a Buy with a US$9 per share price target, highlighting MN-166's potential in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The 2024 election results will likely lead to Republican-driven changes in pharmacy regulation, focusing on transparency, biosimilar products, vaccines, and pharmacist scope of practice. The Trump administration may enforce stricter drug price transparency rules, improve biosimilar access, and influence vaccine policies and pharmacist roles.

UTHealth Houston's CCTS and Texas Tech Health El Paso formalize partnership with NIH funding, expanding resources and research impact from East Texas to the Borderplex region until 2031. The collaboration aims to address unique healthcare challenges in El Paso and enhance educational opportunities for health students, marking a significant step in transforming health care for underserved communities.

BostonGene presents 12 abstracts at the 66th ASH Annual Meeting, highlighting AI-driven innovations in molecular and immunoprofiling for advancing cancer therapies.

A clinical trial at WashU Medicine showed that adding itacitinib to standard care for 'half-matched' stem cell transplants may reduce graft-versus-host disease, with no severe cases observed in 42 patients.

A study found that prenatal cell-free DNA tests detected cancer in 48% of expecting mothers with abnormal results, including colon, breast, lung, kidney, lymph gland, bile duct, and pancreatic cancers. Whole-body MRI scans were most effective at detecting cancers, followed by cell-free DNA tests, while standard diagnostic techniques were least useful. Researchers suggest additional testing for women with abnormal prenatal test results due to a 48% risk of cancer.

The Hastings Center announces its 2024 fellows, leaders in bioethics addressing global issues like infectious disease, AI in health, neuroscience, reproductive rights, genetics, and disability.

Probiotics, despite their growing market, lack sufficient scientific backing for infant use, as highlighted by a 2023 case of a preterm baby's death from sepsis. The FDA has warned companies illegally selling probiotics for disease prevention in infants. Microbiome interventions like FMT and direct-to-consumer tests for infants raise ethical and safety concerns, emphasizing the need for rigorous FDA standards and caution in their application.