WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Recce Pharmaceuticals received approval from Indonesia's BPOM to initiate a Phase 3 trial for RECCE® 327 topical gel (R327G) to treat diabetic foot infections, aiming to enroll up to 300 patients and expected to complete by late 2025.

Ghana FDA approves moxidectin for river blindness treatment, marking the first regulatory approval in an endemic country. The MOMENTUM pilot program will begin in Twifo Atti-Morkwa district in January 2025, aiming to accelerate parasite transmission elimination.

The STOMP study found tecovirimat ineffective in reducing lesion resolution time or pain for mild to moderate clade II mpox patients, leading to halted enrollment. No safety issues were noted. The study emphasizes the need for randomized trials during outbreaks and continues to explore mpox treatments.

The University of Pittsburgh launches VIHAR, a global initiative leveraging AI to address women’s health disparities, funded by Pitt’s School of Medicine and a gift from Vizzhy Inc. co-founders. VIHAR aims to coalesce researchers and develop AI tools for efficient analyses, focusing on women’s health across life stages. The center will be led by Vanathi Gopalakrishnan, using AI and mobile apps to create “female digital health twins” for global health simulation and optimization.

WHO seeks expressions of interest for Regional Biomanufacturing Training Centers under its Workforce Training Initiative, coordinated by Jicui Dong. Centers must deliver comprehensive biomanufacturing courses, utilize innovative pedagogical approaches, provide online training, collaborate with universities and industries, and serve as resource centers. Selection criteria include non-profit status, experience in biomanufacturing training, focus on LMICs, accredited courses, explicit commitment from institution heads, GMP-like environments, adequate infrastructure, relevant human resources, proficiency in English and target languages, ability to assess learning, sustainability strategies, strong advocacy, adequate governance, financial sustainability, and offering free seats to WHO-selected trainees. Proposals are due by February 28, 2025.

The LODEFI study showed low-dose deferasirox effectively induced transfusion independence in low-risk MDS patients, with 47.4% achieving TI at 12 months. The treatment was well-tolerated, suggesting it could be a potential option for ESA-refractory or relapsing MDS patients with low transfusion burden.

GSK's DREAMM-7 trial shows belantamab mafodotin reduces death risk by 42% in multiple myeloma post-first relapse, with projected median OS of 84 months vs 51 months for daratumumab combination, and 3-year OS rate of 74% vs 60%. Therapy under regulatory review in seven major markets.

A Moroccan company, Moldiag, is producing mpox tests for African countries, addressing the continent's dependency on imported medical supplies highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moldiag's $5 tests are being sold to several African nations, aiming to provide affordable solutions. The Africa CDC has expedited approval for such tests, recognizing the need for rapid, locally produced diagnostics.

Achieve Life Sciences appoints Mark Oki as CFO to oversee financial strategy and operations, aiming to commercialize cytisinicline for nicotine dependence. Oki's experience in biopharma will support the potential first new treatment in two decades, addressing a global health crisis.