WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Iterum Therapeutics' oral sulopenem faces FDA approval for uUTIs, with concerns over antibiotic resistance. The drug, a thiopenem antibiotic, previously faced rejection due to insufficient evidence. A Phase III trial showed efficacy in 61.7% of patients, leading to an NDA resubmission. The FDA's PDUFA date is October 25. The approval hinges on responsible use to prevent resistance.

EMA recommends extending Imvanex vaccine's indication to adolescents aged 12-17 for smallpox and mpox, based on similar immune response data in adolescents and adults. WHO declared mpox a public health emergency in 2024, emphasizing the need for equitable vaccine access.

President Biden pledges $500 million and 1 million mpox vaccine doses for Africa, urging global partners to match the commitment to reach $1 billion. The U.S. has led global mpox response efforts, including vaccine donations, clinical care support, and multilateral partnerships with WHO, Africa CDC, and Gavi.

A new Cochrane Library Editorial calls for global implementation of antenatal magnesium sulphate to prevent cerebral palsy in preterm babies. The drug, costing around £5 per dose, has been confirmed by a recent Cochrane review to reduce cerebral palsy rates by 30%. Despite WHO recommendation since 2015, widespread implementation remains a challenge. Successful programs like PReCePT in England have shown significant impact, but global uptake is still incomplete, especially in low-resource settings.

Brett Favre revealed he has Parkinson's disease during a congressional hearing, discussing his investment in Prevacus, a company that received $2 million in welfare funds. Favre, who is not criminally charged, is among those sued by Mississippi for repayment of misspent TANF funds, totaling over $90 million.

Brett Favre reveals Parkinson's diagnosis during congressional hearing on welfare spending; testifies about lost investment in concussion drug company; Mississippi sues Favre and others for $90 million recovery from welfare funds.

Analysis of WHO ADR data shows suicidality and self-harm with semaglutide, but not in clinical trials or a large cohort study. Both studies excluded patients with mental health history, leaving unanswered if GLP-1 receptor agonists worsen symptoms in such patients. Rapid weight loss due to semaglutide may exacerbate mental distress in vulnerable patients, necessitating continued vigilance and further research.

Takeda receives approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for FRUZAQLA® (fruquintinib) for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer, based on results from the global Phase III FRESCO-2 trial. FRUZAQLA® is the first novel targeted therapy approved in Japan for metastatic CRC in over a decade.

EMA's CHMP recommends a fully liquid Menveo (MenACWY vaccine) for invasive meningococcal disease, expected EU approval by Nov 2024. This single-vial option simplifies immunisation for children, adolescents, and adults.

A new $150 million partnership aims to end childhood lead poisoning by 2040, with UNICEF and USAID leading efforts to phase out lead from everyday products and enforce safe standards. The initiative reflects the belief that educators and leaders must give as much as they can to solve problems and ensure children reach their full potential.