UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

A severe case of H5N1 bird flu in Louisiana marks the first such instance in the U.S., contrasting with typically mild cases. The CDC notes low public risk, emphasizing no human-to-human transmission. Symptoms range from conjunctivitis to pneumonia. Treatment includes Tamiflu, with flu vaccination advised to mitigate risks.

Mahmoud Nassar, MD, PhD, received several awards at the 2024 ACG annual meeting for studies on GLP-1 receptor agonists' impact on cancer rates and esophageal dilation safety in patients on antithrombotic therapy. His research suggests GLP-1 agonists may offer cancer-preventive benefits beyond diabetes and obesity management.

Theralase®'s Phase 2 study for BCG-Unresponsive NMIBC CIS shows 68.3% Total Response (CR and IR) and 100% safety. 14 clinical sites in North America are enrolling patients, with an additional site planned for 1Q2025.

The FDA oversees over 900 AI and machine learning-enabled medical devices, with regulatory frameworks still evolving. A recent public meeting discussed premarket approval and postmarket surveillance of generative AI tools, emphasizing the need for model cards to provide critical information. Dr. Peter L. Elkin advocates for patient engagement with AI, comparing it to the impact of 'Dr. Google' on healthcare.

Tiziana Life Sciences expands Phase 2 trial of foralumab nasal spray for nonactive SPMS, adding six sites in the U.S. Northeast. The trial aims to reduce microglial activity and inflammation, with preliminary data showing 80% reduction in microglial activity and 70% reduction in fatigue among patients. The FDA has granted fast track designation to foralumab for nonactive SPMS treatment.

Tiziana Life Sciences expands Phase 2 trial for intranasal foralumab in non-active SPMS to prestigious Northeast US centers, including Yale, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Buffalo, UMass, and Thomas Jefferson, aiming to address unmet medical needs and centralize PET scans at Invicro.

Roswell Park CEO Candace Johnson introduces Michael Wong as the center's first Physician in Chief, aiming to enhance patient care and outcomes. Wong, a former MD Anderson Cancer Center professor, will lead clinical teams and focus on improving care delivery.

POP Biotechnologies received $2.84M for developing a unique influenza vaccine using SNAP technology, aiming to address seasonal flu's unmet needs.

A new study suggests combining standard hematoma surgery with middle meningeal artery embolization using Onyx, reducing repeat surgeries by nearly threefold. This approach, detailed in the New England Journal of Medicine, could transform treatment for chronic subdural hematomas, especially in older patients.

Combining surgery with middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization reduces chronic subdural hematoma recurrence, according to EMBOLISE study. Hematoma recurrence requiring another surgery occurred in 4% of patients treated with MMA embolization plus surgery, compared to 11.3% with surgery alone. This approach may become the new standard of care for this common neurosurgical condition.