WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Isa-RVd (isatuximab-irfc, lenalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone) as induction for 18 weeks, followed by autologous stem cell transplant, significantly reduced disease progression or death risk vs RVd in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, according to GMMG-HD7 trial data. The progression-free survival benefit was observed in most subgroups except those with WHO performance status over grade 1, high-risk cytogenetics, or R-ISS stage III disease. Isa-RVd also demonstrated deeper MRD-negative responses post-transplant compared to RVd.

A study led by Dr. Kristen Marks found HepB-CpG vaccine induced protective antibodies in 99.4% of HIV-positive individuals who didn't respond to prior vaccination, compared to 80.6% with HepB-alum. HepB-CpG is preferred for boosting hepatitis B immunity in HIV-positive adults.

The NIH's STOMP trial found tecovirimat (TPOXX) safe but ineffective for improving lesion resolution or pain relief in mild to moderate mpox cases. The study, halted early, involved participants from multiple countries. Tecovirimat remains available through the CDC's expanded access program for severe cases.

The 2024 Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo showcased six transformative cancer treatments: AI diagnostics, immunotherapy, precision testing, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and innovative therapies. These advancements promise more effective, personalized, and less invasive cancer care.

Isa-RVd (isatuximab-irfc, lenalidomide, bortezomib, dexamethasone) improved progression-free survival (PFS) over RVd in transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, with a 30% reduction in risk of disease progression or death. The benefit was observed in most subgroups except those with high-risk cytogenetics or advanced disease stages. Isa-RVd also showed deeper minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity post-transplant compared to RVd, translating to better PFS outcomes.

NIH study finds tecovirimat safe but ineffective in reducing mpox lesion resolution time or pain among adults with mild to moderate clade II mpox. Study halted enrollment due to lack of efficacy, with no safety concerns reported.

Recce Pharmaceuticals received approval from Indonesia's BPOM to start a Phase 3 trial for RECCE® 327 gel (R327G) treating diabetic foot infections (DFIs), expediting commercial opportunities in ASEAN. The trial, one of the largest DFI studies globally, aims to enroll up to 300 patients and is expected to complete by late 2025, with a commercial launch planned for H1 2026.

Kelly Chibale's vision for an African drug discovery network, initiated 20 years ago, has materialized into the Grand Challenges African Drug Discovery Accelerator (GC-ADDA), supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and LifeArc. The network focuses on four flagship projects across Africa, addressing malaria, TB, drug metabolism, and natural product research, aiming to combat antimicrobial resistance and support local API manufacturing.

The University of South Florida achieved a record $738 million in research funding in FY 2024, up 7% from the previous year and 35% since 2022. Over half of the funding comes from federal agencies, with NIH providing $227 million, and the Department of Defense increasing its funding by 73% to $36 million. USF aims to reach $1 billion in annual research funding.