WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Psyence Biomed to acquire Clairvoyant Therapeutics, which is conducting a Phase IIb clinical trial for a synthetic psilocybin candidate for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Topline data expected in early 2025.

Mpox, caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), re-emerged in 2024 with clade I strains spreading faster and being deadlier. A new study led by researchers from the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, the National Institutes of Health, Boston University, and Moderna, published in *Cell*, demonstrated that mRNA-based vaccines, like mRNA-1769, could be more effective than the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine in protecting against severe mpox disease in macaques. The mRNA-1769 vaccine, targeting four MPXV antigens, showed tenfold fewer lesions and reduced viral load compared to MVA, highlighting the potential of mRNA technology to combat MPXV-like viruses.

Drug-drug interactions with statins and calcium channel blockers did not significantly alter colchicine's safety and efficacy in COVID-19 patients, suggesting pharmacokinetic changes do not translate into clinically significant effects.

Twice-yearly azithromycin distribution reduced all-cause childhood mortality in children aged 1-59 months in Niger, but not in infants aged 1-11 months.

First doses of mpox vaccine reach Congo, but 3 million doses are needed to curb outbreaks. WHO declared mpox a global health emergency, and 380,000 doses have been promised by Western partners. Congo has reported over 4,900 cases and 629 deaths since 2024.

Hilleman Laboratories' partner Bharat Biotech launched Hillchol oral cholera vaccine, using a single, genetically engineered Hikojima strain. Approved in India, Bharat Biotech aims for WHO prequalification for global distribution. The vaccine, developed through collaboration, addresses global cholera vaccine shortages.

Moderna's mRNA vaccine for mpox shows higher efficacy than Bavarian Nordic's Jynneos in preventing severe disease and reducing virus levels in monkeys, according to a study published in Cell. The vaccine also reduced viral replication and lesion formation, potentially limiting spread. Moderna is currently conducting a Phase I/II trial in the UK, with data expected in mid-2025.

UNRWA launched the second phase of a polio vaccination campaign in war-torn Gaza, targeting 340,000 children in southern areas. The overall campaign aims to vaccinate over 640,000 children under 10 against polio, in response to its resurgence after 25 years. The effort involves the Palestinian Ministry of Health, WHO, UNRWA, UNICEF, and other partners.