“Remarkable” results for new maternal RSV vaccine in Phase 3 trial
Maternal vaccination reduced rates of severe medically attended lower respiratory tract illness due to RSV by 81.8% across the first three months of life.
Public health & disease
Radioactive implant wipes tumors in unprecedented pre-clinical success
Across all the models tested, the scientists report a 100% response rate. They deployed the treatment against pancreatic cancer specifically, but believe the results bode well for its wider application.
The world’s first Phase 3 psilocybin clinical trial is about to commence
The landmark Phase 3 trial to explore the psychedelic’s ability to treat depression will enroll close to 1,000 participants and Compass is looking to U.S. FDA approval by the end of 2025.
Gates Foundation pledges $1.2B to eradicate polio globally
The money will be used to help implement the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s strategy through 2026 and will be focused particularly on Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe becomes first African nation to approve HIV prevention drug
Last year, the nation launched a strategic plan to end AIDS by 2030 and has already reached a target known as 90-90-90 – 90% of people living with HIV knowing their status; 90% getting antiretroviral treatment; and 90% having the virus suppressed.
World-first stem cell therapy trial treats spina bifida before birth
The treatment from UC Davis Health involves administering a stem cell patch to the fetus’ spine while still developing in the womb, and early results are promising one year on.
New Alzheimer’s drug slows mental decline by 27% in trial
The Alzheimer’s Association called the robust study from American biotech company Biogen “the most encouraging results in clinical trials treating the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s to date.”
Australia’s most-polluting coal plant to shut decade earlier than planned
The coal-fired Loy Yang A power station near Melbourne – responsible for more than three percent of the country’s emissions – will shut down in 2035, a decade earlier than planned.
Meat consumption is falling significantly across Western Europe
A French research company interviewed more than 4,000 adults across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. More than 50% reported having reduced their meat consumption in the last five years largely for environmental, animal welfare, and personal health reasons.
Indian company develops country’s first HPV vaccine
The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s biggest vaccine maker, has developed the country’s first cervical cancer shot that will hit the market within a few months.