NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Duke Clinical Research Institute found that montelukast, commonly used to prevent asthma attacks, does not speed recovery from mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. The randomized trial, part of the NIH ACTIV-6 platform, involved 1,250 outpatients and found no difference in recovery times between montelukast and placebo groups.

Aging increases disease risk; targeting the aging process itself could reduce this burden. Researchers are developing 'aging clocks' to measure biological age and 'speedometers' to track aging rates. Blood from young mice rejuvenates aged mice's brains, suggesting potential treatments for neurodegeneration. Calorie restriction (CR) in humans slows biological aging and improves muscle health, though practical measures like physical activity and healthy eating are currently the best anti-aging strategies.

The interim report on the Internationalization of Industries in the Biotechnology Sector, presented by Italy in the U.S., outlines a strategy to enhance Italy's biotech competitiveness through internationalization support and R&D assistance, focusing on venture capital. The meeting aimed to showcase Italy's biotech excellence to U.S. investors and included discussions on a G7 initiative for sustainable coffee farming.

Italy's Ambassador to the US, Mariangela Zappia, presented the interim report on the Internationalisation of Biotechnology Industries at the US Senate, highlighting potential for increased investment between Italy and the US in biotechnology. The report, presented by Mauro Battocchi and Pierluigi Paracchi, outlines strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Italy's biotech sector, focusing on venture capital support for R&D activities. The meeting aimed to showcase Italy's biotech excellence to US investors and included representatives from leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, NIH researchers, and FDA officials.

Tarrant County convicts Kaeden Farish, 19, to 19 years for fentanyl-related murder under new law. Farish sold fentanyl-laced pills to a 17-year-old who died. Fentanyl, 50x more potent than heroin, is the deadliest drug threat in the U.S., causing 66% of 2021's 107,622 overdose deaths. Rainbow fentanyl, brightly colored, aims to target young adults. Narcan, an opioid antagonist, temporarily reverses overdoses and is now over-the-counter.

Caris Life Sciences collaborates with ECOG-ACRIN on a multi-year research project leveraging TAILORx breast cancer trial data, aiming to improve early-stage breast cancer treatment options and understand recurrence risks and racial disparities. Caris will perform comprehensive molecular characterization on nearly 10,000 early-stage breast cancer samples, integrating advanced AI and machine learning. ECOG-ACRIN also joins the Caris Precision Oncology Alliance to advance precision medicine and biomarker research.

Newly described lymph node-like structures in liver tumors after immunotherapy may be crucial for treating hepatocellular carcinoma, potentially increasing the likelihood of curing the cancer, according to a study by Johns Hopkins researchers.

44.4% of eligible infants included in neonatal trial results; parents declining (29.8%) or not approached (9.3%) major reasons for noninclusion. Modifiable factors account for most noninclusions, highlighting recruitment challenges and need for improved trial documentation.

Sonara Health received a $2.5m grant from NIDA to advance its remote monitoring app for methadone treatment. The Phase II trial, ROME study, will evaluate the app's impact on treatment retention, opioid use, and insurance costs. The app uses a phone camera to record methadone intake and provides tamper-proof bottles with QR codes for self-administration at home. Sonara aims to expand its remote monitoring system across the US, with preliminary data showing a 15% higher retention rate compared to industry standards.