Imperial College London

Men with heart risk factors lose brain health faster than women, with decline starting in mid-50s for men vs. mid-60s for women, according to a study in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Heart disease risk factors like obesity and high blood pressure cause gradual brain volume loss, affecting men more between 55-74 and women between 65-74. Tackling these risks could preserve brain health, emphasizing the need to address cardiovascular risk factors before age 55 for men.

Mursla Bio announced results of its MEV01 study, showing EvoLiver's 86% early-stage sensitivity and 88% specificity for HCC detection, surpassing existing methods. The study involved 464 patient samples and collaboration with leading academic institutes. EvoLiver isolates hepatocyte extracellular vesicles from blood to validate a novel HCC biomarker signature, aiming to improve patient outcomes and streamline disease management.

THEO-260, a novel oncolytic immunotherapy, targets stromal-rich tumour microenvironments in advanced ovarian cancer and other solid tumours. It lyses cancer cells and fibroblasts while reducing immune suppression. A Phase I/IIa trial is underway to assess its safety and determine the recommended Phase II dose.

Diabetes drugs metformin and GLP-1s reduce asthma attacks by up to 70%, with metformin cutting odds by 30% and GLP-1s adding another 40%, according to a British study of 13,000 patients. The effects may involve direct airway function improvement beyond blood sugar control or weight reduction.

SUMMIT trial shows tirzepatide reduces cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure events in obese HFpEF patients, with significant improvements in quality of life, functional capacity, weight, and systemic inflammation. Tirzepatide's benefits are consistent across subgroups, though the mechanism of its HF benefit remains unclear.

EMA's Marco Cavaleri states a clear link exists between AstraZeneca vaccine and rare blood clots, though cause remains unknown. EMA to issue statement soon; countries like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and the Netherlands have restricted vaccine use to older age groups pending investigation. MHRA's Dr. June Raine says no decision on regulatory action yet, urging continued vaccination. Professor Neil Ferguson raises concerns about young people receiving the shot due to rare clot risk.

Lecanemab use in the U.S. and Japan shows ARIA rates similar to trials despite broader patient populations. Japan's ARIA rates are half of the U.S., mirroring Phase 3 trial results. Lecanemab is approved in several countries but rejected by the EMA and Australia. The U.K. restricts use to non-APOE4 homozygotes, and the NHS does not cover costs. Other countries may follow the U.K.'s example. Lecanemab use is growing in Japan but faces hurdles like limited infusion sites and physician numbers.

Over 800 million people worldwide have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes surging in poorer countries, where only half receive treatment. This highlights global inequalities in diabetes treatment, with rising rates in low- and middle-income countries, and a need for more ambitious policies to improve access to healthcare and healthy lifestyles.

UK study shows RSV infections lead to 640,000 antibiotic prescriptions annually, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. New RSV vaccination program aims to reduce infections and antibiotic use, aligning with the UK's five-year action plan to combat AMR.