WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

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.

The Council on Strategic Risks (CSR) has selected nine individuals for its Mid-Career Biodefense Bootcamp Fellowship, aiming to enhance biosecurity and reduce biological threats. Fellows will engage in virtual training, mentorship, and in-person exchanges with experts, focusing on biological threat reduction and policy development for a safer world in life sciences.

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.

WHO announces updates for DR-TB treatment, including a 6-month regimen with bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, and either levofloxacin or clofazimine, and 9-month regimens for MDR/RR-TB without fluoroquinolone resistance, ahead of 2025 guidelines.

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.