NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

A. Cornelius Baker, a prominent advocate for H.I.V. and AIDS patients, died at 63. He championed testing, secured federal funding, and worked for a vaccine. Baker established National H.I.V. Testing Day and collaborated with health organizations to fund research for Black gay men with H.I.V. and AIDS.

A study by UC San Francisco found increased water intake linked to weight loss, migraine prevention, urinary tract infections, and diabetes control. Pre-meal water intake of 500 mL showed greater weight loss, while daily urine output of 2000 mL reduced kidney stone events. Single studies suggested benefits for migraines, UTIs, and diabetes. The authors call for more research due to the low cost and adverse-effect profile of water.

A journalist tries a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) marketed as a wellness tool, finding it influences food choices and diet, unintentionally adopting a keto approach. Experts warn CGMs should be used correctly, as they are life-changing for insulin-dependent diabetics. Dexcom and Abbott now offer CGMs without prescriptions, aiming to provide health insights. The journalist's experience shows the CGM can affect eating habits and behavior, but scientific consensus on their value for non-diabetics is lacking.

Eisai launched Leqembi in South Korea for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease or mild AD dementia. Leqembi selectively binds to amyloid-beta aggregates, reducing disease progression and cognitive decline. Developed by BioArctic and Eisai, it is approved in multiple countries and under review in others. BioArctic and Eisai are preparing for joint commercialization in the Nordic region.

Over 6 million in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide have AD/ADRD. Dementia is not a normal part of aging but results from brain changes. ADRDs include FTD, LBD, VCID, and MED. NIH, through NINDS and NIA, leads research to diagnose, treat, and prevent AD/ADRD. Genetic research has identified over 80 genetic regions relevant to AD/ADRD, with studies showing gene variants can delay Alzheimer’s onset. New biomarkers and diagnostic tools are being developed, and lifestyle interventions show promise in reducing dementia risk. The next ADRD Summit in 2025 will set research priorities, inviting public input.

President-elect Trump's healthcare agency nominations, including Dr. Marty Makary for FDA and Dr. Dave Weldon for CDC, have stirred mixed reactions from industry insiders. The nominees advocate for radical transparency, action on chronic health crises, and skepticism around vaccine schedules, potentially leading to controversial Senate confirmation hearings in 2025. The appointments aim for radical transparency and addressing chronic diseases, but face challenges in distancing from debunked vaccine claims.

Exelixis announced the US FDA will discuss the sNDA for cabozantinib (Cabometyx) for treating advanced pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours at a March 2025 ODAC meeting. The sNDA is based on the phase 3 CABINET trial results, showing cabozantinib's significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to placebo. Cabometyx is approved for various cancers and has received regulatory approvals in over 65 countries.

Eisai and Biogen launch LEQEMBI, a humanized anti-amyloid-beta monoclonal antibody, in South Korea for treating Alzheimer's disease, targeting soluble and insoluble Abeta aggregates to reduce cognitive decline.