Influenza is a viral respiratory disease that occurs in seasonal epidemics and can also cause pandemics. WHO reports that seasonal influenza infects up to about one billion people each year, with millions of severe cases and substantial mortality.
An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended approval of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine mFlusiva for adults 50 and older. The vaccine showed a 27% reduction in flu cases versus a standard shot. A final FDA decision is expected by early August.
Trump secured agreements with 16 pharmaceutical companies tied to TrumpRx.gov, including most-favoured-nation pricing and direct-to-patient discounts. Several companies disclosed price cuts for obesity, diabetes, insulin and other medicines.
Moderna shares rose after the company reported quarterly results that beat earnings and revenue estimates. The stock move came as investors also weighed an FDA refusal-to-file for its mRNA flu vaccine and ongoing funding concerns.
The FDA reversed course and said it would review Moderna’s application for a new mRNA-based flu vaccine. The move followed growing concern about federal vaccine policy and came after HHS canceled nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts.
Eli Lilly, AbbVie, Vertex, Gilead Sciences and Pfizer were identified as pharmaceutical stocks to watch, with Abbott Laboratories and McKesson appearing on a separate seven-stock list.
NVIDIA and Eli Lilly announced a $1 billion AI co-innovation lab as AI drug discovery expands across research, trials and manufacturing. Companies including Recursion and Tempus are using large biological and clinical datasets to speed development and support precision medicine.
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.
Tennessee has implemented comprehensive pharmacist scope-of-practice expansion allowing independent prescribing, testing, and treatment for select conditions. The legislation enables pharmacists to prescribe medications including antivirals, contraceptives, and naloxone without collaborative agreements. This expansion aims to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas with provider shortages.
GLP-1 drugs discovered accidentally in anglerfish research now treat conditions beyond diabetes including kidney disease, sleep apnea, and addiction. The global diabetes therapeutics market is projected to reach $241.5 billion by 2030, growing at 12.4% annually.
Blackstone closed its sixth dedicated life sciences fund at a $6.3 billion hard cap, the largest private fund raised for the sector. The vehicle is nearly 40% larger than its 2020 predecessor and targets late-stage drug assets.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07610967 |
Light-based Immunomodulation for Guarding Against Human Respiratory Tract Infections |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07599449 |
Virological Surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infection in Primary Health Care in Metropolitan France |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | |
| NCT07545564 |
A Study on Mucosal Specific IgA Immunokinetics After Administration of Nasal Spray Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine |
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION | PHASE4 |
| NCT07516977 |
Noseguard for Prevention of Respiratory Infections in Real-World Use |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07508189 |
Communication Intervention to Improve Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Elderly in Can Tho |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07503405 |
Phase 2a Study of the Efficacy and Safety of TRX-100 in a Human Influenza A Challenge Model |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07496736 |
Post-exposure Influenza Prophylaxis in a Hospital Setting |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07496450 |
A Study of mRNA-1018-H5 Pandemic Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Adults |
RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07485855 |
Influenza Vaccination Strategy for Patients With Hematologic Malignancy |
RECRUITING | PHASE3 |
| NCT07431840 |
Immune Defense Protein Impact On Respiratory Immune Outcomes |
RECRUITING | NA |
