WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

The article highlights the 10 worst performing healthcare stocks in 2024, focusing on Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB), which saw a -27.89% YTD return. Despite innovations in cancer treatment, Genmab faces financial challenges, with EPS and revenue below expectations. The healthcare sector grows, driven by technology and demand, yet faces workforce shortages and financial instability, especially in the U.S.

Alex Jacobs experienced TCM moxibustion and Qigong at the 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine in Beijing. He praised He Nian's moxibustion skills and the intelligent moxibustion robot showcased at the event. TCM is gaining global recognition, with 196 countries and regions benefiting from its treatments. China has established 30 high-quality overseas TCM centers and signed cooperation agreements with over 40 governments. The WHO has included traditional medicine in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Jacobs, a TCM doctor, highlighted the popularity of Chinese medicine in the UK and its potential to revolutionize healthcare.

Depression research references cover antidepressant efficacy, SSRI discontinuation challenges, exercise and acupuncture treatments, neuroimaging studies, and the role of reward circuitry in depressive behaviors.

WHO seeks expressions of interest for Regional Biomanufacturing Training Centres under its Workforce Training Initiative, aiming to equip low- and middle-income countries with biomanufacturing skills. Centres will deliver comprehensive courses, utilize innovative pedagogical approaches, provide online training, collaborate with universities and industries, and serve as resource centres. Interested institutions must submit proposals by February 28, 2025, meeting criteria including non-profit status, experience in biomanufacturing training, focus on LMICs, and commitment from relevant ministries.

Talks to finalize a global pandemic agreement at WHO's Geneva headquarters closed without a breakthrough, extending negotiations into 2025. Key issues unresolved include pathogen sharing, surveillance, and technology transfer. Countries urged to approve 'as much as we can' to finalize a negotiation and get a pandemic agreement, even if 'not perfect'.

The global sickle cell disease (SCD) treatment market is projected to grow from USD 2.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 6.9 Billion by 2032, driven by advancements in treatments like gene therapy, bone marrow transplants, and pharmacotherapy. Despite progress, access to effective treatments remains uneven, especially in Africa where SCD prevalence and mortality rates are highest. Efforts to improve accessibility and comprehensive care models are crucial for better patient outcomes.

WHO's Vasee Moorthy calls for systematic reviews to address underrepresentation in clinical trials, noting less than 5% include pregnant women and 13% include children. WHO's new guidance aims to improve trial design and oversight globally.

The Hastings Center announces its 2024 fellows, leaders in bioethics addressing global issues like infectious disease, AI in health, neuroscience, reproductive rights, genetics, and disability.

US abortion laws' open language may discourage women's participation in clinical trials due to potential legal risks, including prosecution for actions during pregnancy that harm a fetus. Informed consent documents must consider these non-health-related risks, and trial sponsors face the challenge of balancing participant safety with legal uncertainties, especially in states with restrictive abortion laws.

IMFINZI® (durvalumab) approved in the US for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) post-chemoradiation, based on ADRIATIC Phase III trial showing 27% reduction in death risk versus placebo, with 57% survival at three years.