WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

New weight-loss drugs by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, among others, could potentially end the obesity pandemic, according to the World Health Organization, as reported by Reuters in a JAMA opinion piece.

Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. announces FDA approval for Methadone Hydrochloride Injection USP, 200 mg/20 mL (10 mg/mL) Multi-Dose Vial, expanding its institutional channel presence and enhancing its portfolio.

The 3D Cell Culture Market, valued at USD 1.4 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 4.0 billion by 2032, growing at a 12.4% CAGR. 3D cell cultures offer a more in vivo-like environment, crucial for drug discovery, personalized medicine, and oncology. Government investments and rising cancer rates drive demand, with North America leading and Asia-Pacific emerging as a fast-growing region.

Todd Doan, a music teacher, was diagnosed with liver cancer caused by chronic hepatitis B virus (H.B.V.) infection. Despite being preventable and treatable, H.B.V. affects 254 million globally, causing 1.1 million deaths annually. Doan's case highlights the stealth nature of H.B.V., which can remain undetected for decades, leading to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. The article emphasizes the need for increased public health efforts, awareness, and funding to combat H.B.V., which disproportionately affects Asian, Pacific Islander, and African populations.

Janssen-Cilag International NV submitted a Type II variation application to the EMA for IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib) in combination with R-CHOP for previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplant. Supported by the TRIANGLE study, ibrutinib-based regimens showed improved efficacy over standard care, offering a potential alternative to transplant.

Eli Lilly and EVA Pharma received approval from the Egyptian Drug Authority for their human insulin glargine injection to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The partnership aims to provide affordable insulin to over one million diabetic individuals in low to middle-income countries annually, primarily in Africa. Lilly supplies the active pharmaceutical ingredient at low cost and provides technology transfer to EVA Pharma, enabling local manufacturing. The collaboration also seeks World Health Organization pre-qualification for the insulin injection.

Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV injection, could reach 2 million people in 3 years through Global Fund and PEPFAR, pending FDA, national, and WHO approvals. Clinical trials showed 99%+ success rate in preventing HIV. Gilead has signed voluntary licensing agreements for generic versions in 120 low- and middle-income countries. Global regulatory filings for PrEP are set to begin by end of 2024.