WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

A study in Nigeria found a low-dose triple-drug combination pill safe and effective for hypertension control in Black Africans, with significant blood pressure reduction at 6 months compared to standard care, highlighting the need for long-term safety data and implementation science to improve hypertension control in sub-Saharan Africa.

Low-dose triple-pill protocol significantly reduced home systolic blood pressure by 5.8 mm Hg in a randomized trial in Nigeria among 300 Black African patients with uncontrolled hypertension, compared to standard-care protocol, with no increase in treatment discontinuation due to adverse events. This suggests that the triple-pill protocol can improve blood pressure lowering compared to standard care, potentially addressing the high burden of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.

Antibiotic overuse in nursing homes linked to 'superbugs', with doxycycline contributing significantly to antibiotic resistance, according to a study in the Journal of Infection.

Novavax's 2024-2025 Formula COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2705, receives EUA from FDA for use in individuals aged 12+ to prevent COVID-19. The vaccine targets JN.1, a 'parent strain' of currently circulating variants, and is available in pre-filled syringes at thousands of locations nationwide. The CDC recommends its use, and it includes Matrix-M adjuvant for enhanced immune response.

A promising mpox antiviral drug, tecovirimat (TPOXX), failed to improve symptoms in a trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shared initial findings early due to the urgent need for evidence on its use, amid a global health emergency declared by the WHO.

Children see 95% fewer junk food ads on kids' TV shows since a 2006 industry pledge, but still encounter over 1,000 food ads/year, mostly for unhealthy products. Black children see more ads, suggesting a need for targeted regulations. The study highlights the shift to non-TV media for ads.

WHO launches a six-month plan to end the African mpox outbreak, requiring $135 million for improved vaccine access and response efforts. The plan follows the declaration of mpox as a global health emergency, with the Congo reporting the majority of cases. Vaccines from the U.S., Germany, and Japan are set to aid in the response.

Pfizer and BioNTech announce Phase 3 trial results for their mRNA-based combination vaccine against influenza and COVID-19 in adults 18-64, with one immunogenicity objective met. A separate Phase 2 trial showed robust immunogenicity for standalone influenza mRNA vaccines. The companies are evaluating adjustments to improve immune responses against influenza B and will discuss next steps with health authorities.

Tecovirimat did not improve clade I mpox resolution in DRC, but showed safe use and lower mortality. Ongoing trials like PALM007 and STOMP aim to develop effective mpox interventions.