WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

The Oxford AMR Network, led by Professor Craig MacLean, unites multidisciplinary research to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global threat affecting human and animal health, food security, and economic stability. Funded by the Ineos Oxford Institute, the network leverages Oxford's expertise in drug discovery, diagnostics, health interventions, social dimensions, and epidemiology to develop solutions for AMR, which has caused over one million deaths annually since 1990 and is projected to cause 39 million more by 2050.

In September 2024, Rwanda reported its first Marburg outbreak, prompting swift action by health authorities. Marburg, similar to Ebola, causes hemorrhagic fever with high mortality rates. It spreads through bodily fluids and requires close contact. While there is no cure, experimental vaccines are being tested, including the Sabin vaccine deployed in Rwanda.

Rwanda faces a Marburg disease outbreak with 49 infected and 12 deaths. WHO assesses risk as very high, with potential spread to neighboring countries. No licensed vaccines or treatments exist, but human trials for experimental vaccines and therapeutics are imminent. 28 vaccine candidates are in development, with four prioritized by WHO. The Sabin Vaccine Institute's adenovirus-based vaccine is most advanced, with 700 doses shipped to Rwanda. WHO also organizes the SOLIDARITY PARTNERS trial to evaluate treatments like remdesivir and MBP091. Rwanda's Ministry of Health urges public vigilance and hygiene.

August 2024 Life Sciences and Healthcare Newsletter covers legal and regulatory updates, including waiver of clinical trials for certain drugs approved in the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, and EU; initiation of the first dengue vaccine Phase 3 clinical trial in India; and Supreme Court's stay on AYUSH Ministry's notification. Also discussed are recent judicial decisions and government initiatives impacting the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

WHO launched new clinical trial guidance to improve global standards, emphasizing relevance, ethics, infrastructure, transparency, and inclusivity. Cochrane’s Dr. Karla Soares-Weiser contributed, and Eva Madrid highlighted the need for collaboration between trial and evidence synthesis communities.

The Open Science movement enhances collaboration and transparency in biomedical research, enabling faster medical discoveries through open-source data and tools. It was crucial during COVID-19, aiding vaccine development, and is vital for rare diseases and precision medicine. Initiatives like the White House's 'Year of Open Science' aim to expand access to federally funded research, fostering a more inclusive research environment.

NKGen Biotech to present Phase 1 study results of troculeucel for Alzheimer’s at CTAD 2024 in Madrid.

WHO updated guidelines for cervical cancer prevention to include CINtec PLUS Cytology, a dual-stain test aiding in identifying HPV-positive individuals at high risk of cervical precancer and cancer. The test detects p16 and KI-67 biomarkers, indicating cell transformation. IMPACT trial results showed 8.8% of participants had grade 2 or higher CIN, with HPV16-positive women having a 13.6% baseline risk for grade 3 or higher CIN.

NeoGenomics launches AML Express, an NGS assay for rapid genetic profiling in AML patients, aiming to improve treatment decisions and patient outcomes.