WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Interferon-alpha (IFN) treatment in polycythemia vera (PV) patients reduces myelofibrosis risk by 9% and overall mortality by 6% annually, per a Weill Cornell Medicine study. IFN shows promise for both high- and low-risk PV, improving survival and myelofibrosis-free survival rates, suggesting its consideration in long-term PV management strategies.

Cancer patients face higher risks of severe COVID-19 complications and mortality due to their immunocompromised state. Biomarkers like CRP and IL-6 are crucial for assessing illness severity. Treatment guidelines emphasize risk stratification and the potential benefits of therapies like tocilizumab, despite risks of secondary infections. Cardiovascular complications and the role of RAAS in COVID-19 and cancer treatment are also highlighted.

Health literacy (HL) interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities. A review of 23 studies identified four HL intervention themes: traditional, art-based, interactive learning, and technology-based. Despite effectiveness in improving knowledge, innovative and technological strategies are underutilized, highlighting the need for future research on sustainable HL interventions.

The article highlights the unprecedented scale of COVID-19 clinical trials, with 689 trials targeting 396,366 participants. Most trials were small, focusing on treatments like antivirals and antimalarials, with few on prevention. Despite rapid initiation, many trials face recruitment challenges, risking resource waste. Coordination and evidence-based research are urgently needed to address global health threats effectively.

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains a deadly cancer despite surgery and chemoradiation. Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, successful in other cancers, is under investigation for GBM. Challenges include low mutational burden and treatment resistance. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing immunotherapy timing, combinatorial approaches, and novel targets to improve outcomes.

Over 20 drugmakers from Japan, the U.S., and Europe, including Eisai, Amgen, and Novartis, launched a $1 billion+ fund to support startups tackling antibiotic-resistant infections, with WHO and European Investment Bank participation.

Me-too drugs are pharmacologically active compounds structurally related to first-in-class drugs, used for similar therapeutic purposes but may differ in specificity, adverse reactions, or drug interactions. They offer therapeutic advantages like improved target specificity and pharmacokinetics, and can help with drug shortages. Examples include tricyclic antidepressants, β-blockers, and statins, illustrating their diversity and incremental innovation. Over 60% of WHO's essential list drugs are me-toos, with transnational differences in essential medicines lists partly due to varying me-too drug choices.

The CRISPR-Cas system, a bacterial immune mechanism, is explored as a novel strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by sensitizing them to antibiotics. This approach could lead to the development of smart antibiotics targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens while distinguishing between harmful and beneficial microbes, offering new avenues for treating infections and controlling microbial communities.

Ensifentrine, a novel inhaled dual phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 inhibitor, showed significant improvements in lung function and COPD symptoms in Phase 2b trials, offering potential as a first-in-class therapy combining bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects.

The global cancer profiling market is set for significant growth from 2021 to 2031, driven by precision medicine and advanced oncology care. Technological advancements like nanomedicine and next-generation sequencing are enhancing diagnostics. The market, valued at over US$ 900 million in 2018, is propelled by increased cancer prevalence and demand for personalized treatments. Key players are leveraging innovations and strategic partnerships to expand their market presence.