WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

The review highlights inotuzumab ozogamicin's role in treating pediatric ALL, particularly R/R ALL, and evolving therapeutic options. It emphasizes the drug's FDA approval for pediatric patients, its efficacy in clinical trials, and ongoing research to improve ALL treatment strategies.

Europe IVD raw materials market valued at USD 4,231.3 million in 2024, projected to reach USD 10,486.2 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.9%. Driven by chronic disease prevalence, diagnostic tech advancements, and healthcare infrastructure investments. Key growth factors include personalized medicine demand and R&D activities. Regulatory challenges and high compliance costs hinder market entry for SMEs. Opportunities lie in personalized medicine trends and EU investments. Regional variations exist, with Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Netherlands leading in demand.

NovoCure’s Optune Lua, a wearable device delivering Tumour Treating Fields (TTFields), received FDA approval for use with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or docetaxel in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) patients. The Phase III LUNAR trial showed a 3.3-month extension in median overall survival (OS) for patients using Optune Lua, with a median OS of 13.2 months versus 9.9 months without the device. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

The committee recommended marketing authorisations for ten new medicines, including treatments for haemophilia, influenza, malignant ascites, tuberculosis diagnosis, hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis, and opioid dependence. Six existing medicines received extensions of indication, while two applications were withdrawn. The CHMP confirmed refusals for conditional marketing authorisations for masitinib and non-renewal for Translarna. Updates to COVID-19 vaccines were also approved. Outi Mäki-Ikola was elected as the new CHMP vice-chair.

Huan Xi and colleagues advocate for tailored strategies to integrate frailty assessment into multimorbidity management, promoting a shift towards health-oriented care. They highlight the importance of frailty assessment as a breakthrough point for managing multimorbidity, emphasizing its predictive power for clinical outcomes and quality of life. Despite global advancements in guidelines, tools, and strategies, real-world implementation in China faces challenges such as lack of localized guidelines and physician incentives. The authors suggest leveraging community-based initiatives and digital health technologies to enhance frailty assessment and multimorbidity management, advocating for a shift from disease-centered to health-centered care.

Briefings today include Volker Türk, World Social Report 2024 launch, and Siobhán Mullally. The Secretary-General is alarmed by Gaza's IPC report findings, calling for immediate aid access. Tomorrow's briefings feature Irene Khan and a joint briefing by Special Rapporteurs on food, water, and housing. Ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza threaten civilians and essential services. UNIFIL reports incidents involving UAVs and IDF violations. Humanitarian crises in Lebanon, Syria, Chad, and Afghanistan are highlighted. The UNHCR assists displaced populations, and UNDP releases the 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Index. The Secretary-General emphasizes the need for global action to eradicate poverty.

Rwanda launches world's first clinical trial for Marburg virus treatment in partnership with WHO, testing two treatments, one used for COVID-19. Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana details proactive measures including vaccination and contact-tracing. Rwanda reports 62 confirmed cases, 80% among healthcare workers, with 15 deaths and 30 recoveries.

The 7th Annual Outsourcing in Clinical Trials DACH 2024 will be held in Zurich on 29-30 October, featuring discussions on VC investment criteria, European ICH GCP V3 regulatory changes, pharmacovigilance, AI in clinical trials, and diversity in trials, including WHO's new global guidance for equitable clinical trials.

National multi-centre trial in UK kidney units comparing 'prepare for responsive management' vs 'prepare for renal dialysis' in advanced CKD patients. Inclusion criteria: stage 5 CKD, aged 65+ with WHO performance status 3+, comorbidity score 2+, or aged 80+. Exclusion: inability to consent, unfit for dialysis, within 4 weeks of needing dialysis, previous transplant, active on transplant list. Intervention: optimised conservative kidney management with regular support and responsive care. Comparator: routine NHS care for dialysis preparation. Primary outcome: mean QALYs. Secondary outcomes: survival, quality of life, symptom burden, treatment burden, carer impact, health economic outcomes. Sample size: 512 participants. Recruitment challenges addressed via the Quintet Recruitment Intervention (QRI).