Curated news and analysis on clinical trials, drug approvals, and medical research.
Multiple studies confirm high effectiveness of key antimalarial drugs in Indonesia, Ethiopia, and for malaria prevention in HIV-positive pregnancies. Research shows DHA-PPQ, artemether-lumefantrine, and other treatments remain well-tolerated with no delayed parasite clearance. Findings support continued use of current treatment policies while emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring.
A phase IIb trial demonstrated that low-dose IL-2 therapy produced dose-dependent improvements in SLE patients, with 69.7% achieving SRI-4 response at the highest dose versus 23.5% on placebo. A separate systematic review found IL-17 inhibitors remain potential SLE treatment options, though efficacy data are limited.
Swissmedic has authorized three orphan drugs for rare diseases: Breyanzi for mantle cell lymphoma, Alhemo for haemophilia A and B, and Ekterly for hereditary angioedema. The decisions include a new indication extension for Breyanzi, an expanded indication for Alhemo, and the initial authorization of Ekterly as part of a joint international regulatory initiative.
Regeneron announced FDA and EMA review acceptance for cemdisiran in generalized myasthenia gravis and FDA priority review acceptance for garetosmab in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The garetosmab BLA is supported by Phase 3 OPTIMA trial data showing 94% and 90% reductions in new bone lesions.
Eledon Pharmaceuticals reported positive long-term Phase 2 BESTOW trial results for tegoprubart in kidney transplant, showing sustained kidney function benefits and improved patient outcomes versus tacrolimus. The company outlined plans for a Phase 3 registrational trial and seeks an FDA meeting in early 2027. Safety data indicated lower adverse event rates with tegoprubart.
ChemT Biotechnology closed a $4 million seed round led by Wavemaker Ventures to advance its AI-driven biomanufacturing platform. The company's CelMo™ platform demonstrated a 50% increase in antibody output in CHO cells. ChemT plans to expand its technology to stem cells, NK cells, and HEK cells.
China has approved the world's first CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors, specifically for stomach cancer, developed by CARsgen Therapeutics. Meanwhile, the WVU Cancer Institute has conducted the first-ever use of a subcutaneous formulation of blinatumomab to achieve remission in a patient with ultra-rare mixed phenotype acute leukemia.
A Massachusetts judge allowed key prosecution evidence, including autopsy photos and a 911 call, in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, accused of killing her three children in 2023. The judge denied a defense request for a bifurcated trial. The trial is set to begin July 20.
Research estimates 300 million people worldwide live with rare diseases, yet only 5% of conditions have approved treatments. Patients face diagnostic delays of 4.7 to 8 years, with emerging AI and machine learning tools showing promise in accelerating diagnosis and drug development.
In Australia, 19 women are diagnosed daily with gynaecological cancer, and experts say late detection is the primary issue. Ovarian cancer is often caught at advanced stages, while endometrial cancer deaths are rising. Personal stories underscore the need for early symptom awareness.
New clinical data for ANKTIVA immunotherapy in lung cancer, a study on EBV-driven resistance via ADAR1 RNA editing, and research on microbiome metabolites modulating immunotherapy response were presented at major conferences and in recent publications.
Cantargia reported full year 2025 financial results with net sales of SEK 316.7 million and cash of SEK 281.8 million. The company secured a SEK 124 million financing package to advance clinical development of nadunolimab, including a phase Ib study combining it with a RAS inhibitor in pancreatic cancer.
The FDA now allows "no artificial colors" labeling claims for foods without FD&C-certified synthetic colors, part of federal efforts to transition away from petroleum-based dyes. The agency approved beetroot red and expanded spirulina extract uses while initiating a safety review of preservative BHA.
Two major drug trafficking investigations in North Carolina and Tennessee have led to over 30 arrests combined. The North Carolina case resulted in more than 170 charges after seizing cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, guns and cash. In Tennessee, 15 individuals were indicted for conspiring to distribute cocaine, with seizures including fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms and cash.
Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals reported positive 36-week data for EP-104GI in eosinophilic esophagitis, showing durable clinical remission. The company closed a $63.2 million public offering to advance its gastrointestinal pipeline. All director nominees were elected at the annual general meeting.
Iterative Health closes $77M Series C to expand its multispecialty clinical research network, while Biorce secures $52.5M Series A for AI platform aimed at streamlining clinical trial design and execution.
Nova Scotia Health has reduced radiation therapy hours at the Halifax cancer centre due to 14 radiation therapist vacancies, with up to 48 appointments going unfilled daily. A proposed 10-seat training program at Dalhousie University was rejected by the treasury board despite a looming workforce retirement wave. Advocates warn the staffing shortage will worsen as Nova Scotia's high cancer rates continue to grow.
The FDA reversed its initial rejection of Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, agreeing to a normal review after public backlash, while a federal judge invalidated the ACIP advisory committee, leaving the US without functioning vaccine oversight. Moderna's vaccine showed 26.6% greater efficacy than standard flu shots in clinical trials.
Clinical trial results support ctDNA-guided therapy for bladder cancer, with the phase III IMvigor011 trial showing improved survival outcomes. Standardisation efforts are underway through position papers from professional societies and consensus guidelines. Nanotechnology advances and AI integration are poised to improve ctDNA detection sensitivity for liquid biopsy applications.
AstraZeneca is advancing its oral GLP-1 drug into Phase III trials while defending dapagliflozin patents in Australia. The company obtained an Australian court injunction against a generic competitor and has partnered with Evinova to use AI for clinical trials. India could be a future market for the oral GLP-1 drug pending global trial data.
