NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

A year-long course of valacyclovir significantly reduces risk of eye damage and chronic pain in shingles patients, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting. The Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) found a 26% reduction in new or worsening eye disease and a decrease in multiple disease flare-ups by 30% at 12 months and 28% at 18 months. The treatment also reduced chronic nerve pain, offering hope for clearer vision and less pain.

Blue Lake Biotechnology and CyanVac presented positive interim pediatric data on BLB201, their RSV vaccine, and Phase 1 data on CVXGA, their COVID-19 vaccine, at the 2024 ISV Annual Congress. The intranasal vaccines demonstrated safety, immunogenicity, and robust immune responses, potentially offering longer-lasting immunity and preventing disease transmission compared to other vaccine types.

Ralph Carmona, diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2014, credits Sen. Susan Collins’ efforts, including the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) in 2011, for increased research funding and his participation in a successful clinical trial. Carmona advocates for continued Alzheimer’s research, recently supporting Collins’ bills that passed Congress.

Kass et al propose a framework for IRB oversight proportional to research risks, arguing for minimal-risk designation and streamlined consent for studies comparing standard of care, to facilitate ethical and scientifically sound research.

Two large studies published in JAMA Network Open find no increased risk of developmental delays or autism in children of mothers who used cannabis in early pregnancy. Lead author Lyndsay Avalos emphasizes the importance of reporting null findings to focus health care resources effectively. The studies, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, suggest current universal screening practices may be adequate.

GE predicted digital twins could monitor health metrics by 2017, with 800,000 twins already monitoring machines. In 2024, NSF announced $6 million in funding for digital twin projects in healthcare, aiming to reduce medical risks and streamline clinical trials.

Phase 3 trial results indicate nivolumab+AVD reduces side effects and disease progression risk by 50% in advanced Hodgkin lymphoma, paving way for pediatric access to checkpoint inhibitors.

ARC-SV algorithm identifies complex structural variants near GWAS locations linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, affecting gene expression and suggesting their role in disease development.

The rapid expansion of open access (OA) publication is debated for its ability to address inequities, with the US OSTP mandating immediate public access to federally funded research by 2026. OA models vary widely, from 'green' (accepted manuscripts without embargos) to 'gold' (APC payments), and face challenges in financial sustainability and quality assurance. The NIH is developing implementation plans, aiming for equitable access without mandating fully open OA. Key gaps include the need for empirical studies on OA impacts and flexible approaches to avoid unintended consequences, emphasizing stakeholder engagement.