WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Isa-RVd (isatuximab-irfc, lenalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone) improved progression-free survival (PFS) over RVd in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, with a 30% reduction in risk of disease progression or death. The benefit was observed in most subgroups except those with high-risk cytogenetics or advanced disease stages. Isa-RVd also showed deeper minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity post-transplant compared to RVd, translating to better PFS outcomes.

Tecovirimat showed no efficacy in reducing lesion resolution time or pain in adults with mild to moderate clade II mpox, leading to halted enrollment in the STOMP trial. No safety concerns were noted. The study highlights the importance of clinical trials during outbreaks and continues to assess data for severe cases.

Over 800 million people globally have genital herpes, with 42 million new cases in 2020. HSV-1 and HSV-2, causing oral and genital herpes, are lifelong infections with significant social and psychological impacts. Despite treatments reducing symptoms and transmission, a vaccine is urgently needed to control the widespread infection.

A social media post falsely claims a $40,000 twice-yearly shot cures AIDS. The drug, lenacapavir, prevents HIV but doesn't cure existing infections or AIDS. It's effective in preventing HIV but is not a cure, as clarified by researchers and the drug's manufacturer.

NIH study finds tecovirimat safe but ineffective in reducing mpox lesion resolution time or pain among adults with mild to moderate clade II mpox. Study halted enrollment due to lack of efficacy, with no safety concerns reported.

Recce Pharmaceuticals received approval from Indonesia's BPOM to start a Phase 3 trial for RECCE® 327 gel (R327G) treating diabetic foot infections (DFIs), expediting commercial opportunities in ASEAN. The trial, one of the largest DFI studies globally, aims to enroll up to 300 patients and is expected to complete by late 2025, with a commercial launch planned for H1 2026.

Kelly Chibale's vision for an African drug discovery network, initiated 20 years ago, has materialized into the Grand Challenges African Drug Discovery Accelerator (GC-ADDA), supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and LifeArc. The network focuses on four flagship projects across Africa, addressing malaria, TB, drug metabolism, and natural product research, aiming to combat antimicrobial resistance and support local API manufacturing.

The University of South Florida achieved a record $738 million in research funding in FY 2024, up 7% from the previous year and 35% since 2022. Over half of the funding comes from federal agencies, with NIH providing $227 million, and the Department of Defense increasing its funding by 73% to $36 million. USF aims to reach $1 billion in annual research funding.

Recce Pharmaceuticals received approval from Indonesia's BPOM to initiate a Phase 3 trial for RECCE® 327 gel to treat diabetic foot infections, with the trial set to begin mid-December and expected to conclude in late 2025.