University of Oxford

John-Arne Røttingen, a physician scientist with experience in global health and leading research initiatives, has taken over as CEO of the Wellcome Trust, succeeding Jeremy Farrar. Røttingen, who led the Ebola vaccine trial and the Covid-19 WHO Solidarity trial, emphasizes the need for long-term commitment to innovation and access to medicines.

Novavax's 2024-2025 Formula COVID-19 vaccine, the only protein-based option in the U.S. for individuals aged 12 and older, is now available at major pharmacy retailers nationwide. The vaccine targets the JN.1 variant and has received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA.

The COPCOV study found a 15% reduction in symptomatic COVID-19 and fewer workdays lost due to illness with hydroxychloroquine vs placebo. Despite controversy and halted studies, it was deemed safe and potentially beneficial early in the pandemic, though now unnecessary due to vaccines and natural immunity.

Liraglutide (Saxenda) helped obese children aged 6-11 lower BMI and reach healthier weight, per a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The drug, safe but with side effects like nausea, showed a 5.8% BMI drop in the liraglutide group vs. a 1.6% increase in the placebo group, though BMI rose again post-medication cessation. Experts suggest its potential for long-term health benefits despite current costs and need for further long-term studies.

A phase 1 study on Amycretin, a once-a-day weight loss tablet combining GLP-1 and amylin receptors agonists, presented at EASD showed weight reduction and mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects. Experts highlight the potential of oral medications for obesity treatment, though larger trials are needed to assess long-term effects and compare with injectable drugs.

Statin therapy is cost-effective and improves health outcomes for individuals aged ≥70, regardless of CVD history or LDL-C levels. It enhances survival and QALYs, with higher-intensity regimens offering additional benefits. Cost-effectiveness remains strong across analyses, though uncertainty exists for those without prior CVD.

Taking steroids more than doubles the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. Researchers found that patients on steroid treatment were 2.6 times more likely to develop diabetes compared to those not on steroids. The study analyzed data from over 450,000 people treated by Oxford University Hospitals between 2013 and 2023.

Researchers from Oxford and Cambridge developed 'origami-inspired' electrodes for minimally invasive brain surgery, reducing incision size and recovery risks. The electrodes, published in Nature Communications, start as a flat silicone wafer, fold into a compact form, and unfold inside the brain to cover a larger area. Successful tests on pigs suggest potential for diagnosing epilepsy, developing brain-computer interfaces, and treating other neurological conditions.

News media often repeat drug makers' medical claims as news, giving pharma companies free advertising and potentially misleading consumers. Examples include a shingles vaccine's alleged dementia risk reduction, GLP-1 agonists' mental health benefits, and Xolair's new urticaria treatment, all linked to conflicts of interest. Medical journals complicate conflict of interest identification, and news media rarely investigate the sources of these claims.

New review identifies varenicline, cytisine, and nicotine e-cigarettes as top methods to quit smoking, best when combined with counseling or behavioral support. Bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy are also effective, especially with fast-acting forms like gum. Published in 'Addiction,' the study highlights the importance of evidence-based cessation methods.