WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

The Global Gene Therapy Market is valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 19.25% during 2024-2035. Gene therapies aim to treat genetic disorders by introducing healthy genes or inactivating faulty ones. The market has seen significant advancements, with 345 companies involved in developing therapies, and 1,100 active clinical trials in April 2024. By 2034, gene therapies are expected to treat over 65.6 million patients.

Thalidomide tragedy led to ethical concerns, cost, and legal risks preventing drug testing in pregnant women, resulting in common off-label use. Despite societal fears, medication use in pregnancy increased, with 63% of Danish pregnancies receiving at least one prescription in 2018. Barriers to testing include historical exclusion of pregnant women from trials, lack of incentives for drug companies, and prescriber/patient concerns. The WHO advocates for 'protection through research' to ensure safety.

Despite advancements, heart disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Recent breakthroughs in AI and personalised medicine are transforming cardiovascular care by enabling more comprehensive assessments and tailored treatments, offering more targeted and effective solutions.

The Thalidomide tragedy has influenced how medicine use during pregnancy is regulated, leading to ethical concerns, cost, and legal risks that prevent many drugs from being tested. Despite societal fears, medication use in pregnancy has increased, with most remaining 'off-label'. Barriers to testing include historical exclusion of pregnant women from trials, unwillingness of drug companies due to ethical and financial risks, and prescriber and patient concerns. Greater investment in trials during pregnancy is needed to ensure safety.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has renewed its status as an NCI-designated cancer center, earning an 'Outstanding' score. This designation recognizes Sylvester's impactful research, scientific achievements, and community outreach programs, making it the only NCI-designated center in South Florida.

CSL and Arcturus Therapeutics received approval from Japan's MHLW for their updated sa-mRNA Covid-19 vaccine, Kostaive, targeting the JN.1 Omicron subvariants for adults 18 and older. Meiji Seika Pharma will distribute the vaccine in time for the October Covid-19 vaccination campaign, marking the world's first commercially available sa-mRNA Covid-19 vaccine for adults. The approval is based on clinical evidence supporting the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, with data showing superior immunogenicity to Omicron BA 4/5 and duration of immunity up to one year.

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is pivotal for biosafety and product characterization in biotechnology, replacing older standards with increased sensitivity and accuracy. Regulatory bodies recommend NGS to mitigate viral contamination risks, necessitating updated electronic record-keeping methods. QIAGEN CLC Genomics Server facilitates NGS data management and compliance with GxP standards.

References detail lymphoid neoplasm classification, genetic subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, molecular classification and treatment, and targeted therapies like polatuzumab vedotin and AKT inhibitors in lymphoma treatment.

The global Breast Cancer Market is projected to grow from USD 21.7 Bn in 2023 to USD 49.2 Bn by 2032, at a CAGR of 9.8%. Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies are driving market growth, offering more precise and effective treatments. The increasing incidence of breast cancer globally is fueling the demand for advanced therapeutics, with North America leading in market share. Emerging trends include genomic testing, node preservation techniques, and immunotherapy, enhancing treatment options and patient outcomes.

Bavarian Nordic’s mpox vaccine added to WHO’s prequalified list.