The Governing Council of the University of Toronto

Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered natural compounds effective against parasitic worms by targeting their unique RQ-dependent metabolism, offering a new treatment avenue. These worms, affecting over a billion people, are becoming resistant to current drugs. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the potential of these compounds for global health.

Insulin prices in the U.S. surged from the 1990s to mid-2010s, with Humalog's price jumping from $26 to over $300 per vial. Despite rebates lowering net prices, high list prices burden patients, leading to rationing and deaths. Similar affordability issues affect other diabetes treatments. The system benefits manufacturers and PBMs while penalizing patients, especially the uninsured. U.S. insulin prices are significantly higher than in other countries, exacerbated by patent strategies and lack of competition.

Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are aggressive with poor prognosis. Radical surgery is curative but often not feasible. Systemic therapy, including gemcitabine-cisplatin plus durvalumab, is standard for advanced cases. Adjuvant capecitabine is recommended post-surgery. Neoadjuvant therapy may downstage borderline resectable tumors. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy are emerging, but access and efficacy vary.

The alfapump effectively controls ascites, nearly eliminating the need for paracentesis, with a 70% one-year survival rate. It significantly improves quality of life, with safety events in line with expectations. Data from the POSEIDON study supports its use for recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis.

2022 marked a transition in the COVID-19 pandemic, with advancements in cancer research including 40 FDA oncology drug approvals and promising immunotherapy trials. Despite progress, challenges remain in cancer prevention and treatment. The AACR emphasized the importance of e-cigarette regulation and highlighted future directions in cancer research, including immunotherapy, precision medicine, and addressing health disparities.

Agios Pharmaceuticals reported new Phase 2 study data on PYRUKYND® for α- and β-thalassemia, showing durable improvements in hemoglobin and hemolysis markers. The drug was well-tolerated, with a consistent safety profile. Agios is enrolling for Phase 3 trials and highlighted the need for new thalassemia therapies at the ASH meeting.

Over 2 million patients undergo cardiac surgery annually, often requiring ICU care and mechanical ventilation due to complications. Research focuses on risk factors, preventive measures, and weaning strategies for prolonged ventilation. Non-invasive ventilation is increasingly used for milder cases. A bibliometric analysis highlights global research trends, with the US, China, and Canada leading in publications and citations. Key concerns include mortality and cardiopulmonary bypass, with a growing focus on morality in recent years.

Canada faces a surge in COVID-19 cases and demand for rapid antigen tests (RATs). Proper disposal of used RATs, potentially biohazardous, is crucial. While ideal disposal is at authorized sites, most will likely discard them in household trash. Experts suggest the risk is low but recommend checking local municipal guidelines for disposal.

Adding BLINCYTO (blinatumomab) to chemotherapy significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) in newly diagnosed pediatric patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), with a 3-year DFS of 96% compared to 87.9% with chemotherapy alone.

Faricimab, a new therapy for diabetic macular edema and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, offers longer durability than previous anti-VEGF treatments. Real-world application differs from clinical trials in patient selection, dosing, and administration techniques, highlighting the need for a flexible, patient-centered approach in clinical practice.