WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

A mysterious flu-like illness has killed 79 people and sickened 376 in Congo, with symptoms including fever, headache, and difficulty breathing. Health officials are working to identify the cause, with initial tests for common infections and potential genetic sequencing if necessary. The outbreak raises concerns due to Congo's high human-wildlife interaction, which could facilitate zoonotic disease transmission.

Novotech's report on cervical cancer clinical trials highlights global trends, with Asia-Pacific leading in trials, and emerging therapies like immunotherapy and RNA-based treatments. Challenges include disparities in trial access and recruitment, particularly in low-income regions. Without intervention, cases are projected to rise by 40% by 2050.

Nafithromycin (Miqnaf) developed by Wockhardt with BIRAC support targets CABP, addressing 2M+ annual deaths. It combats AMR, offers 10x efficacy over azithromycin, broad-spectrum action, minimal side effects, and is the first in its class worldwide in 30 years. Extensive clinical trials and ₹500 crore investment underscore its reliability. Awaiting CDSCO approval, it promises 96.7% cure rate for drug-resistant pneumonia and will be integrated into Ayushman Bharat, tackling the AMR crisis globally.

Obesity, a global epidemic, results from energy imbalance, leading to excessive fat storage. Lifestyle changes are hard to maintain; thus, pharmacological interventions, especially multi-receptor agonists targeting GIP and GLP-1, are crucial. GIPR/GLP-1R co-agonists show superior weight loss and glycemic control, suggesting adipose tissue's role in energy balance and GIPR's potential in obesity management.

AI is transforming healthcare, with the FDA focusing on Generative AI for medical devices. Companies like Avant Technologies, Roche, Tempus AI, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, and Stryker Corporation are leading innovations. Avant Technologies' partner, Ainnova, is piloting a program with Roche to combat diabetic retinopathy in Costa Rica, with potential expansion to the U.S., Canada, and Europe. AI's impact is also seen in market growth, with the AI in Precision Medicine Market projected to reach $3.92 billion by 2030.

WHO prequalifies tafenoquine, the first single-dose treatment for preventing relapse of P. vivax malaria, co-administered with chloroquine. This milestone includes guidelines for both adults and children aged 2+ years, addressing the disproportionate burden of relapsing malaria in children. Tafenoquine's inclusion in WHO's updated malaria guidelines marks a significant step towards closing the treatment gap for P. vivax malaria.

Medication names are scientifically developed to ensure patient safety, with strict processes including chemical, generic, and brand names. The FDA and international bodies oversee these names to prevent errors and ensure global recognition.

HSV polymerase mutations confer resistance to antivirals acyclovir and foscarnet, affecting enzyme movement rather than drug binding. Cryo-EM reveals these mutations make polymerase fingers more dynamic, aiding viral evasion. Future drugs targeting static polymerase conformations may combat resistance.

Southeast Asia offers unique advantages for vaccine trials, including faster recruitment, lower costs, and higher immunisation rates, according to Novotech's Chris Chong. The region's large vaccine-naïve population and high prevalence of emerging diseases make it ideal for such trials. Novotech's research shows Asia-Pacific dominates prophylactic vaccine trials, with 46% of sites located in the region.

Valneva reports 96% seroresponse 3 years post-vaccination with IXCHIQ®, with comparable antibody persistence in older and younger adults, aligning with 2-year data. The vaccine, approved in the U.S., Europe, and Canada, aims for label extensions to include adolescents.