WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

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.

Clinical trials face challenges like lengthy timelines, high costs, and complex planning. Advanced technologies aid in early planning, patient recruitment, and retention, streamlining feasibility analysis, leveraging big data and AI, ensuring diverse patient populations, and improving overall trial success through clinical business intelligence platforms.