Curated news and analysis on clinical trials, drug approvals, and medical research.
Ivermectin is being promoted again for unproven uses like cancer and hantavirus, while several states consider making it available over the counter. Experts stress there is no clinical evidence for these uses and warn of serious side effects. Prescriptions among cancer patients have more than doubled.
Whole genome sequencing is improving rare disease diagnosis, with studies from Scotland, Sweden, and the Netherlands reporting diagnostic yields around 23% and long-read sequencing matching standard care with 96.4% concordance.
A CML blast phase prognostic score separates patients into three risk groups with distinct survival. Separate AML studies identified circRNA and NFS1/GSDMD biomarkers; a T-ALL study highlighted markers including CD38, CD99, and TRBC1.
A nationwide study found 40% of insured US adults with HCV achieved lab-confirmed viral clearance, 36% initiated DAA treatment, and 26% had clearance after treatment. Missing RNA tests may skew cure rates.
FBT biotech ETF is up 20.35% YTD and 53.20% over one year, beating category averages and IBB. Its concentrated equal-weight 30-stock portfolio carries a 0.55% expense ratio and $2.9B AUM.
FDA approved Orzeyful (oveporexton), the first drug to target the underlying loss of orexin signaling in narcolepsy type 1. In two 12-week trials, the twice-daily tablet improved wakefulness and reduced cataplexy versus placebo.
New studies show MRI, urine tests, and AI tools can reduce unnecessary prostate cancer biopsies and personalize treatment, including predicting abiraterone benefit and radiation dose before therapy.
Cocrystal Pharma advanced CDI-988 in a Phase 1b norovirus study and received FDA Fast Track designation. Nuvation Bio reported $18.5 million in IBTROZI net product revenues and presented updated TRUST trial data. Nautilus Biotechnology progressed its proteomics platform toward commercialization, maintaining a cash runway through 2027.
A randomized trial shows self-acupressure reduces fatigue and improves quality of life in ovarian cancer; a systematic review finds light to moderate massage safe for cancer patients.
Texas regulators fast-tracked gas-burning AI data center power plants in as little as two days without public notice. Nationwide, data center permits typically take 6 to 18 months, and regulators are tightening scrutiny of water use and emissions.
Health Canada, South Korea, and European regulators expanded Keytruda's use in bladder cancer, and Korea also approved it for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Health Canada additionally approved a subcutaneous Keytruda version.
New research links gut microbiome composition to cancer immunotherapy outcomes. A 674-patient study showed gut bacteria predict melanoma recurrence with up to 94% accuracy, while other studies identified specific microbes influencing treatment response and resistance in melanoma and liver cancer.
Meta-analysis of 24 trials found chemoimmunotherapy improved survival in PD-L1-high advanced NSCLC. PPIs and antibiotics were linked to worse durvalumab outcomes, and a chronotherapy trial was retracted.
Virginia Tech received a $20M NSF grant for an AI semiconductor lab; Navikenz raised $7.5M and ChemT Biotechnology raised $4M in seed funding. The investments support AI-driven research and manufacturing.
Clarity Pharmaceuticals announced preliminary SECuRE trial results showing 74% of participants achieved PSA25 and 81% disease control with 8 GBq 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA. A 76-year-old patient achieved undetectable disease after two cycles, and shares rose 14%.
Major oncology conferences in 2026 include the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer in Seoul, the APPOS CAR T-cell therapy dinner in Los Angeles, and the ACP/UKSMO Annual Conference in Birmingham. The events will cover thoracic oncology research, CAR T-cell toxicity management, and medical oncology workforce development.
Oncotelic granted Lunai Bioworks worldwide rights to its nose-to-brain delivery system for biodefense and Alzheimer's. Nearly 98% of small-molecule drugs fail to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Padgett Medical Center offers doctor-supervised compounded semaglutide starting at $149/month for Plant City, FL, with telehealth and statewide shipping. The medication is not FDA-approved.
Two studies link delayed colorectal cancer treatment to worse outcomes. A JAMA Oncology study of 112,672 patients found delays over six weeks hurt survival. High socioecological burden also delays care.
The FDA granted Fast Track designation to Oncolytics Biotech's pelareorep combined with a checkpoint inhibitor for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. The designation follows encouraging GOBLET study data and supports development in an estimated $1 billion market with no approved therapies.
