Curated news and analysis on clinical trials, drug approvals, and medical research.
A 10-year Chinese study of 387 candidemia patients found C. albicans was the top pathogen, with a 33.85% mortality rate. ICU stays, older age, and renal failure increased risk, while C. parapsilosis infection and antifungal therapy were protective.
Two new studies from the largest single-center cohort of Susac syndrome patients reveal that small-vessel infarcts on MRI predict vision loss from retinal artery occlusions, and the complete disease triad may affect up to 70% of patients. The findings were presented at the International Stroke Conference 2026.
Moderna awaits an August 2026 FDA decision on its mRNA flu vaccine while expanding into oncology, autoimmune disease, and monkeypox. Its COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax remains central amid financial losses and cautious analyst sentiment.
Phase 3 MAJESTY trial results show obinutuzumab led to 37% complete remission at 2 years vs 6% with tacrolimus in primary membranous nephropathy, with comparable safety. Genentech announced the positive data in February 2026, positioning obinutuzumab as a potential first approved therapy for PMN.
A deep learning pathomics platform called Path-IO accurately predicted outcomes and immunotherapy response in NSCLC patients using routine pathology slides, outperforming the PD-L1 biomarker. The model was validated across multiple cohorts and improved further when combined with radiomics and clinical data. If validated, it could be easily integrated into clinical workflows.
A biomimetic nanoplatform combining cerium ions and carbenicillin restores antibiotic activity against drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa by disrupting ATP synthesis and efflux pumps. The system showed efficacy in vitro and in vivo, offering a new metallic adjuvant strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Long-term QUASAR extension data show Tremfya (guselkumab) maintained clinical and endoscopic remission in ulcerative colitis through Week 140, with 80.8% in clinical remission and no new safety signals.
New AI data centres in Australia will be forced to minimise water and underwrite power under proposed standards, as the government creates an AI office. This follows rising resentment from communities near expanding datacentres over noise, emissions and fast-tracked approvals.
Prime Medicine receives a Buy upgrade from H.C. Wainwright after New Zealand clears its first in vivo prime editing trial for Wilson's disease. The FDA also granted RMAT designation to its CGD therapy PM359. Jacob Funds and ARK Investment have recently added to their positions in the gene-editing company.
A preclinical study shows that the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam can prevent the formation of amyloid-beta 42 in neurons by modulating synaptic vesicle recycling. Analysis of patient records indicates a modest delay in cognitive decline among Alzheimer's patients taking the drug, suggesting potential for very early preventive use.
Lund University and Skåne University Hospital have developed a collaborative model to accelerate cell and gene therapy delivery by integrating academia, healthcare, and innovation from the start. The approach includes the Cell and Gene Therapy Navigator, a tool to track technical, clinical, and commercial progress simultaneously, aiming to prevent promising therapies from being lost in the translational gap.
A single-center study of 95 chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis found the Cy-TB skin test agreed completely with standard IGRA testing for latent tuberculosis, with an overall prevalence of 4.2%. Early dialysis phase (<6 months) was a strong predictor of positivity, suggesting a potential priority screening window, though larger confirmatory studies are needed.
Four biomarkers—MMR, HER2, PD-L1, and Claudin 18.2—are now validated for advanced esophageal cancer, guiding immunotherapy and targeted treatment decisions. Checkpoint inhibitors show clear benefit in MSI-H and PD-L1-positive subgroups, with long-term survival observed. NCCN guidelines recommend broad testing to personalize therapy.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals dominates cystic fibrosis therapies with TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO generating $2.57 billion in Q4 2025 and ALYFTREK ramping to $380.1 million. The company posted strong free cash flow of $3.19 billion in 2025 and is expanding into pain, kidney disease, and gene-editing therapies.
In the BE RADIANT phase 3b trial, bimekizumab provided greater and durable improvements in patient-reported symptoms, skin clearance, and quality of life over 3 years compared with secukinumab in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. At week 4, significantly more patients on bimekizumab achieved complete absence of itching, skin pain, and scaling. The benefits were sustained through 3 years, including after patients switched from secukinumab.
Six-year SEQUOIA trial data show zanubrutinib sustains a progression-free survival advantage (74% vs 32%) over bendamustine-rituximab in CLL without del(17p). Benefit extends to high-risk del(17p) patients.
Acurx Pharmaceuticals announced that ibezapolstat preserves beneficial gut microbes in multiply-recurrent C. difficile infection and outperforms standard antibiotics in biofilm killing. A pilot trial in rCDI is set to begin, with plans for FDA approval under the Limited Population Pathway if successful.
Cardiol Therapeutics announced the publication of its Phase II MAvERIC study results in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study showed CardiolRx led to rapid and sustained reductions in pericarditis pain and inflammation with a favorable safety profile. The findings support the ongoing Phase III MAVERIC trial.
Nationwide FDA recalls include generic Adderall XR (mix-up), levothyroxine (subpotent), Gas-X (coolant contamination), and several prescription drugs classed as Class II. Moringa dietary supplements are under Class I recall due to serious health risks. Consumers are advised to check lot numbers and consult pharmacists.
UK biotech financing jumped 17% to £552m in Q1 2026, capturing over half of European VC. Meanwhile, a new coalition of VCs managing €24 billion aims to reverse Europe's 7% share of global life sciences venture capital. Separately, CriteriaCaixa commits €300m for early-stage biotech and tech by 2030.
