FDA approved Moderna's mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine for adults 50+. It was 27% more effective than standard flu shots in a large trial. The approval came after earlier FDA pushback.
The U.S. FDA approved Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin), a single-dose oral treatment for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea, based on a non-inferiority Phase 3 trial. Thailand also authorized the drug under the brand Nuzolvance, expanding access in low- and middle-income countries.
The European Medicines Agency is enforcing clinical trial transparency and has launched a new vaccine information initiative, while a coalition of health professionals warns of suboptimal vaccination coverage across Europe. An analysis also shows that only a portion of EMA-approved medicines are available to NHS patients in England after additional assessments.
The FDA has approved Shionogi's XOCOVA (ensitrelvir) as the first oral antiviral for post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19. Approval was based on the Phase 3 SCORPIO-PEP trial, which showed a 67% reduction in risk of symptomatic disease after exposure.
The Trump administration barred NIAID officials from WHO meetings, reclaimed $600M from four states, and faced a Senate report showing drug prices rising despite deals. New drugs average $353K a year.
President Trump has terminated the EPA's endangerment finding, stripping federal authority to limit greenhouse gas pollution. The move could add up to 18 billion metric tons of climate pollution by 2055, potentially causing 184,000 early deaths and 37 million asthma attacks. Legal challenges are expected from Democratic leaders and environmental groups.
The CDC reported six new influenza-associated pediatric deaths in Week 6 of 2026, bringing the 2025-2026 U.S. season total to 71. About 90% of deaths with known vaccination status were in children not fully vaccinated.
At least seven people in California, Florida, and Texas have been sickened by E. coli linked to cheddar cheese made from raw milk by California-based Raw Farm. The company has declined to voluntarily recall its products.
New research from 18 countries shows COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, particularly with booster doses, significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia and other serious complications for both mothers and babies.
Novo Nordisk will reduce prices for Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus by up to 50% starting January 2027. Meanwhile, WADA investigates potential Olympic ban on weight loss drugs, and Brazil's Anvisa reports 65 suspected deaths linked to GLP-1 medications.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT04241705 |
Evaluation of Targeted Mass Drug Administration for Malaria in Ethiopia |
UNKNOWN | NA |
