Geneva, Switzerland — The World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns over limited mpox testing capacity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the epicenter of the ongoing international emergency. In its latest situation report released on Saturday, the UN health agency noted that testing coverage remains low due to inadequate resources in the country.

"Testing coverage in the DRC remains low, primarily due to limited testing capacity," the WHO stated, adding that the case fatality ratio for mpox in 2024 stood at 0.5% among confirmed cases, with 25 deaths from 5,160 cases, and 3.3% among suspected cases, accounting for 717 deaths from 21,835 cases.

The WHO further highlighted that only around 40% of suspected mpox cases in the DRC had been tested this year, a marked increase from 9% in 2023. Of those tested, 55% have returned positive results. The limited access to laboratory testing, particularly in remote areas, is cited as a key factor contributing to these figures.

The DRC continues to report the highest number of suspected mpox cases globally, followed by Burundi with 1,489 suspected cases and no deaths, and Nigeria with 935 suspected cases and no fatalities.

Mpox, which includes two main clades (each with subclades a and b), affects different regions and populations, requiring tailored outbreak responses. The WHO declared an international emergency over mpox on August 14, following a surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the DRC, which has spread to neighboring countries.

Clade 1b has been predominantly detected in the eastern provinces of South Kivu and North Kivu, as well as in the capital province of Kinshasa. However, the WHO noted that the current sequencing capacity in the DRC is limited, suggesting that the clade's distribution could be broader than currently reported.

In addition to the DRC, Clade 1b has also been identified in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Cases have been reported in Sweden and Thailand, with a single case detected in each country.

On the global front, more than 3.6 million vaccine doses have been pledged for the mpox response. This includes over 620,000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine from European countries, the United States, and Bavarian Nordic, the vaccine manufacturer. Japan has committed to providing 3 million doses of the LC16 vaccine. To date, 265,000 MVA-BN doses have been delivered to Kinshasa, with an additional 10,000 doses sent to Nigeria.

New York, NY — Pfizer Inc. announced promising long-term follow-up results from its Phase 2 PHAROS clinical trial, highlighting the efficacy and safety of BRAFTOVI® (encorafenib) in combination with MEKTOVI® (binimetinib) for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). After an additional 18 months of follow-up, the treatment achieved an objective response rate (ORR) of 75% in treatment-naïve patients, with a median duration of response (DoR) of 40 months. In previously treated patients, the ORR was 46%, with a DoR of 16.7 months.

The data, which will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024, also showed that treatment-naïve patients had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 30.2 months, with overall survival (OS) not yet reached after three years of follow-up.

“This trial represents a significant step forward in treating BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC, especially for treatment-naïve patients,” said Dr. Gregory Riely, Vice Chair of Clinical Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “The results support BRAFTOVI + MEKTOVI as a new standard of care option for these patients.”

The PHAROS trial also reported a favorable safety profile, consistent with previous findings, with the most common treatment-related side effects being nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. The combination was approved by the FDA in October 2023 and by the European Commission in August 2024 for BRAF V600E-mutant metastatic NSCLC.

In addition to NSCLC, Pfizer is investigating BRAFTOVI in other cancers, including colorectal cancer, as part of the Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial.

Kampala – Uganda has reported a total of ten confirmed mpox infections, with all cases linked to the highly transmissible clade 1b strain of the virus, a health official confirmed on Saturday.

The outbreak in Uganda is drawing attention due to its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the current mpox outbreak began in January 2023. The first two cases in Uganda were detected in July.

Henry Kyobe, head of the government’s mpox response team, informed Reuters that of the ten cases, six patients have been successfully treated and discharged, while four remain in isolation under medical care.

Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as they work to contain the spread of the virus.

A recent study involving over 17,000 women in the U.S. has revealed that more than two-thirds of those with endometriosis missed school or work due to the severe pain caused by the condition. The findings, published in the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders, highlight the significant impact endometriosis has on women’s daily lives, yet the condition remains underdiagnosed and underresearched.

Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of reproductive-age women worldwide and occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, including on the ovaries or even distant organs like the lungs or brain. These lesions respond to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to debilitating pain.

The study found that 6.4% of reproductive-age women in the U.S. had been diagnosed with endometriosis, and over 67% reported missing work, or school, or being unable to perform daily tasks due to pain. Additionally, the research highlighted significant disparities in diagnosis and care among different racial groups. Black women were 63% less likely to receive an endometriosis diagnosis, while Hispanic women had 55% lower odds compared to non-Hispanic white women, pointing to systemic biases in healthcare.

Furthermore, the study is the first of its kind to analyze the likelihood of endometriosis diagnosis among non-heterosexual women on a national level. It found that LGBTQ women had 54% higher odds of being diagnosed with endometriosis compared to heterosexual women, underscoring the importance of addressing women's health across diverse populations.

The study also reinforced the need for equitable healthcare practices and called attention to the longstanding bias against Black women, whose pain symptoms are often overlooked. Research from both the U.S. and U.K. suggests that medical professionals may underestimate the pain thresholds of Black women, contributing to delayed or missed diagnoses.

Endometriosis is not only a personal health burden but also an economic one. Previous research estimates that the annual cost associated with endometriosis in the U.S. is around $27,855 per patient, adding up to approximately $22 billion in healthcare expenditures each year.

This study highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, and equitable treatment of endometriosis across all racial, ethnic, and sexual orientation groups

Bengaluru: Eli Lilly announced on Friday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its new injectable eczema drug, Ebglyss, for use in adults and children aged 12 and above. The drug is expected to be available in the U.S. within the next few weeks, according to the company.

Ebglyss is already approved for use in Europe and Japan, with additional markets anticipated later this year. The drug is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and neutralizes the IL-13 protein, which plays a key role in the progression of eczema.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes symptoms such as itching, rashes, and dry skin patches. The FDA’s approval of Ebglyss is based on the results of three clinical trials involving over 1,000 patients with moderate-to-severe eczema who were unable to manage their symptoms with topical treatments or other systemic therapies, Eli Lilly said.

In a significant stride towards strengthening India’s clinical research ecosystem, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has formalized a Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) with multiple sponsors under its Network of Phase 1 Clinical Trials. The agreements mark a ground-breaking entry into First-in-Human Clinical Trials for four promising molecules. These include collaborative research over a small molecule for multiple myeloma with Aurigene Oncology Limited, partnering for Zika vaccine development with Indian Immunologicals Limited, coordinating seasonal Influenza virus vaccine trial with Mynvax Private Limited, and CAR-T cell therapy advancement study for a new indication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with ImmunoACT. This initiative is a crucial step towards establishing India as a leader in the clinical development of pharmaceutical agents.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Shri J P Nadda, commended the strategic collaboration between ICMR and prominent industry and academic partners, emphasizing it as a key milestone in pursuing affordable and accessible cutting-edge treatments for all citizens. He noted that this initiative positions India to emerge as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, of the Department of Health Research & Director General, of ICMR, emphasized the project's transformative potential, stating, “This collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing clinical research in India through strategic public-private partnerships. Establishing Phase 1 clinical trial infrastructure is a key component in fostering the development of indigenous molecules and cutting-edge treatments. Our vision is to expand this network further, ensuring that India continues to lead in the development of innovative and affordable healthcare solutions.”

Dr. Bahl also highlighted the broader impact of ICMR’s initiatives, such as the Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials, INTENT Network, and MedTech Mitra, aligning with the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He cited ICMR’s pivotal role in developing Covaxin in collaboration with Bharat Biotech as a testament to the organization’s commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare for all.

The ICMR Network for Phase 1 Clinical Trials comprises four strategically located institutions across India—KEMH & GSMC, Mumbai; ACTREC, Navi Mumbai; SRM MCH&RC, Kattankulathur; and PGIMER, Chandigarh—supported by a Central Coordinating Unit at ICMR Headquarters, New Delhi. This network is designed to build and enhance India’s capacity to conduct early-phase clinical trials, supported by robust infrastructure and dedicated manpower at each trial site, ensuring smooth and effective operations.

The signing of these agreements reinforces the strong partnerships ICMR has cultivated with key industry players. It underscores the institute’s dedication to building a robust clinical trial ecosystem in India, fostering the capacity to develop new drugs from early-phase trials through to marketing, thereby reducing dependency on international resources, and ultimately driving the mission of affordable, high-quality healthcare for all.

Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) is set for significant expansion with the construction of a new 1,000-bed hospital. This upcoming facility will also house a state-of-the-art neuroscience center and offer robotic surgery services. The announcement was made by RMLIMS Director, Prof. CM Singh, during the institute’s fourth foundation day celebrations on Friday.

Prof. Singh confirmed that the proposal for the new hospital is ready, with construction expected to be completed within two years. He added that the neuroscience center would be operational in the coming months, while robotic surgery services would commence within six months. "These projects will generate new job opportunities for doctors, paramedical staff, and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, the new hospital, located near the Shaheed Path referral hospital, will greatly benefit MBBS students who currently face an 8-kilometer commute between their hostel and the main institute in Gomtinagar," Prof. Singh noted.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated several new facilities at the institute, including a 15-storey hostel accommodating 326 students, a 10-storey faculty residence, and a 30-bed emergency triage area.

Reflecting on the institute’s accomplishments, Prof. Singh highlighted that RMLIMS has treated over 1.5 lakh patients in its emergency department, conducted over 6,000 angiographies and angioplasties in cardiology, and completed 1,500 complex neurosurgeries and 1,200 gastro-surgeries. The cancer department provided chemotherapy and radiotherapy to over 12,000 patients, and more than 200 kidney transplants have been performed in the urology department. Additionally, the diagnostic department has conducted over 2.5 million tests, while the transfusion medicine department has provided over 50,000 units of blood. Prof. Singh noted that over ₹100 crore has been spent treating 23,000 patients under various government schemes.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak praised RMLIMS for its rapid development, positioning it as the second-leading institute in Uttar Pradesh after SGPGIMS. He emphasized the need for additional land to support future expansion. Minister of State for Medical Education and Health, Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh, commended the institute’s progress over the past seven years, particularly its efforts to address the state’s shortage of hospital beds.

Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh lauded RMLIMS for its advanced departments and cutting-edge technology, underscoring the institute’s pivotal role in Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare system, which attracts patients from across the country.

During the event, Chief Minister Adityanath honored several distinguished doctors, including Prof. Jyotsna Agarwal (Microbiology), Prof. Madhup Rastogi (Radiation Oncology), Prof. Deepak Kumar Singh (Neurosurgery), Prof. Vandana Tiwari (Biochemistry), Prof. Ritu Karoli (General Medicine), Prof. Sanjeet Kumar Singh (Urology), Prof. Vibha Gangwar (Physiology), Prof. Abdul Qavi (Neurology), Prof. Sumeet Dixit (Community Medicine), and Prof. Neha Rai (Pediatrics).

Researchers have developed a novel biomarker that makes it easier to distinguish between Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathies, which are rare neurodegenerative disorders. These conditions, such as primary 4-repeat tauopathies, often present with movement abnormalities and share overlapping symptoms with Alzheimer’s, making diagnosis challenging. However, a team of scientists at LMU University Hospital has identified biomarkers that, when used with positron emission tomography (PET) scans, can accurately differentiate between these two conditions.

"Our new diagnostic algorithm allows for more precise differentiation between Alzheimer's disease and primary tauopathies, enabling earlier diagnosis and supporting personalized treatment strategies," said Professor Matthias Brendel, principal investigator and acting director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine at LMU, as well as a member of the SyNergy Cluster of Excellence. The findings have been published in the journal *Alzheimer's & Dementia*.

Both Alzheimer's disease and primary 4-repeat tauopathies are characterized by pathological aggregates of tau protein in the brain. Traditionally, tau proteins in Alzheimer's have been detected through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. However, recent advancements have introduced radioactively labeled tracers that accumulate at tau aggregates, which are visible on PET scans.

"Our study shows that tau can be detected in primary 4-repeat tauopathies using a novel tau PET tracer, though it is not identifiable in cerebrospinal fluid, but rather in specific subcortical regions of the brain," explained Roxane Dilcher, lead author of the study. The researchers also identified new biomarkers that indicate the presence of 4-repeat tauopathies, enhancing diagnostic accuracy when combined with CSF analysis and PET scans of the subcortical regions.

"Currently, primary 4-repeat tauopathies are diagnosed almost entirely through clinical criteria, without specific biomarkers for a conclusive diagnosis," said Dr. Nicolai Franzmeier, co-senior author and a SyNergy member. "This biological definition and the accompanying biomarker workflow will significantly advance the field of research."

The introduction of this diagnostic algorithm marks a significant step forward in diagnosing and treating rare neurodegenerative diseases, offering patients a clearer path to personalized care.

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday that eastern Uttar Pradesh is now free from encephalitis, with zero deaths reported this year. "This remarkable achievement was made possible through unwavering determination and collective effort—something that was once considered impossible," the Chief Minister said during the fourth Foundation Day celebration of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences.

According to an official statement, Adityanath highlighted the state's progress toward achieving the 'One District-One Medical College' vision. He stated that within five to seven years, Uttar Pradesh would overcome the shortage of doctors.

Reflecting on the region's past, Adityanath recalled how eastern UP, particularly Gorakhpur, was once severely affected by encephalitis, with annual death tolls ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 between July and November. Gorakhpur's BRD Medical College alone accounted for 500 to 700 of these deaths. "This crisis lasted for 40 years, claiming the lives of 50,000 children, while previous administrations failed to address the issue effectively," he said, attributing this failure to corruption and neglect.

Adityanath credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for establishing AIIMS in Gorakhpur, which played a crucial role in the battle against encephalitis. "When I became Chief Minister in 2017, I made it a priority to tackle this issue. By 2019, we had successfully controlled the spread of encephalitis. Today, eastern UP is free from the disease, thanks to a strong resolve and collective effort," the CM emphasized.

Recent surveys in eastern Uttar Pradesh have confirmed that no child has died from encephalitis this year, underscoring the success of the state's eradication efforts. Adityanath expressed disappointment, however, that no study or research paper has yet been published to document this achievement, which he described as a model of success.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the rapid progress toward establishing medical colleges in every district, aligning with PM Modi's vision. He noted that Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in healthcare initiatives, having issued over 5.11 crore Ayushman Bharat Golden Cards. Additionally, he welcomed the Union Cabinet's decision to extend Ayushman Card benefits to individuals aged 70 and above.

Adityanath concluded by affirming that financial assistance for medical treatment is being provided through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund without discrimination, ensuring healthcare access for all.

New Delhi: Mental wellness has emerged as a central component of employee well-being programs, with 74% of employers now including mental health services in insurance packages for their workforce, according to a report by Prudent Insurance Brokers. The report, covering 3,100 organizations across various sectors, highlighted that companies are expanding outpatient care and counseling services to support both physical and mental well-being, which in turn enhances productivity.

The report also noted that competitive employee benefits play a key role in attracting top talent, with 75% of employees favoring companies that offer comprehensive packages, including healthcare, wellness, and flexible work options.

In a notable shift, companies are increasingly focusing on Outpatient Department (OPD) benefits and preventive healthcare, with a 30-40% increase in uptake. Sectors such as Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI), Healthcare, Power, and Engineering are prioritizing preventive screenings, annual check-ups, and mental health support for their employees.

The report revealed that a median sum insured of Rs 10,000 is the most preferred coverage for OPD programs, followed by Rs 15,000. Additionally, there has been a growing demand for pet care benefits, particularly in the IT/ITES and e-commerce sectors, catering to younger employees and pet owners.

Looking ahead, Pavanjit Singh Dhingra, Joint Managing Director of Prudent Insurance Brokers, said that personalisation will become more prominent over the next 5 to 10 years. As the workforce becomes increasingly multi-generational, there will be a greater need to offer customized and relatable benefits, with wellness partners and aggregators needing to be more flexible to accommodate evolving employee needs.