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Moderna Begins Trial of mRNA Vaccine for H5N1 Bird Flu in US and UK

Moderna Begins Trial of mRNA Vaccine for H5N1 Bird Flu in US and UK

Moderna has initiated a pivotal trial for its mRNA-based vaccine targeting the H5N1 bird flu strain, with the trial taking place in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The vaccine, known as mRNA-1018, is designed to combat a new strain of the influenza virus that has significantly impacted bird populations and livestock globally, while also being responsible for hundreds of human fatalities. The trial aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity in approximately 4,000 healthy adults aged 18 and older. This development highlights the potential of mRNA technology to revolutionize pandemic responses, building on the success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial is particularly focused on recruiting participants from the poultry industry and individuals over 65, who are considered most at risk.
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Researchers Discover Ancient Parasites in Roman Toilets, Offering Insights into Historical Health

Researchers Discover Ancient Parasites in Roman Toilets, Offering Insights into Historical Health

Researchers from Poland have uncovered evidence of ancient parasites in Roman toilets, dating back to the 2nd to 4th centuries CE, in the Roman province of Moesia Inferior, present-day Bulgaria. The study involved analyzing mineralized deposits from chamber pots in Novae and Marcianopolis. The findings revealed the presence of parasites such as tapeworms and Cryptosporidium, a protozoan parasite previously thought to have originated in Central America. The study provides the earliest evidence of Cryptosporidium in the Mediterranean region. The research highlights differences in parasite prevalence between the two cities, suggesting variations in water quality and diet.
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U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. health officials have stopped the publication of a study that evaluated the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The study, which was set to be published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, concluded that the vaccine reduced ER visits and hospitalizations by about half among healthy adults during the past winter. The decision to halt the publication was confirmed by a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman, citing concerns over the study's methodology. This methodology, which involves comparing the odds of a positive COVID-19 test among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, has been used in other reputable journals. However, HHS officials argue that factors such as prior infection and patient behavior could affect the results.
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Divergent Views Emerge on New Data from America's Anti-HIV Efforts

Divergent Views Emerge on New Data from America's Anti-HIV Efforts

The release of new data on the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has sparked differing interpretations. PEPFAR, a program initiated in 2003, is credited with saving millions of lives through HIV treatment and prevention efforts. Recent data highlights an increase in the number of pregnant and breastfeeding women starting PrEP, a preventive medication, and continued support for over 20 million people receiving HIV treatment. However, experts express concerns over disruptions in services and a decline in new HIV diagnoses, attributing these issues to previous aid cuts and program interruptions.
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Texas Biomed Launches Tuberculosis Innovation Fund to Boost Research and Treatment

Texas Biomed Launches Tuberculosis Innovation Fund to Boost Research and Treatment

Texas Biomedical Research Institute has announced the establishment of a $2 million Tuberculosis Innovation and Technology Fund. This initiative is supported by philanthropic investments aimed at accelerating research and development of new therapies and cures for tuberculosis (TB), the world's deadliest infectious disease. The fund will enhance the institute's ability to recruit top scientific talent and acquire advanced research technologies. These technologies will allow for more detailed studies of disease mechanisms and interactions, potentially leading to breakthroughs in TB prevention and treatment. Texas Biomed's efforts are part of a broader global initiative to combat TB, which remains a significant health concern, particularly in Texas, where TB cases have been rising.
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U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. Health Officials Halt Publication of COVID Vaccine Effectiveness Study Amid Methodology Dispute

U.S. health officials have stopped the publication of a study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing hospitalizations. The study was set to be published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The decision was made due to concerns about the study's methodology, which involved comparing the odds of a positive COVID-19 test among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients admitted to hospitals or emergency rooms. This approach has been used in other reputable journals, but officials argue that factors like prior infection and patient behavior could affect results. The study had concluded that vaccines reduced ER visits and hospitalizations by about half among healthy adults during the past winter.
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Expert quits US HIV role, rebukes Trump global health approach

Expert quits US HIV role, rebukes Trump global health approach

By Simon Lewis WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - The chief science officer for the U.S. flagship HIV/AIDS program left his role this week and criticized the Trump administration's cuts to foreign assistance and what he said was its use of aid as leverage for U.S. commercial interests.
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Moderna Begins Pivotal Trial for H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccine in US and UK

Moderna Begins Pivotal Trial for H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccine in US and UK

Moderna has initiated a large-scale phase 3 trial for its mRNA-based vaccine, mRNA-1018, targeting the H5N1 bird flu virus. This trial involves around 4,000 healthy adults in the US and UK, focusing on poultry industry workers and individuals over 65, who are at higher risk. The H5N1 strain has been a significant threat to bird populations globally and poses a potential pandemic risk to humans. The trial aims to assess the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity, with Moderna planning to combine results with data from its seasonal flu vaccine for regulatory filings. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is supporting the project, emphasizing the importance of mRNA technology in pandemic preparedness.
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Moderna starts late-stage trial of bird flu vaccine in US, UK

Moderna starts late-stage trial of bird flu vaccine in US, UK

April 21 (Reuters) - Moderna said on Tuesday it had started a late-stage study of its experimental bird flu vaccine in the U.S. and the UK, marking the first time a pandemic bird flu vaccine made with mRNA technology has reached late-stage trials.
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US health officials nix publication of a study on COVID vaccine effectiveness

US health officials nix publication of a study on COVID vaccine effectiveness

U.S. health officials have stopped the publication of a study on the COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness in preventing hospitalizations
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World's top condom maker Karex to raise prices sharply as Iran war strains supply chain

World's top condom maker Karex to raise prices sharply as Iran war strains supply chain

By Rozanna Latiff KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Karex Bhd, the world's top condom producer, plans to raise prices by 20% to 30% and possibly further if supply chain disruptions drag on due to the Iran war, its chief executive said on Tuesday. 
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New Skincare Compound Shows Promise Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

New Skincare Compound Shows Promise Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered that madecassic acid, a compound derived from the plant Centella asiatica, exhibits strong antibacterial properties against drug-resistant bacteria. The study, conducted in collaboration with University College London, found that madecassic acid can inhibit the growth of antibiotic-resistant E. coli by targeting the cytochrome bd complex, a protein system crucial for bacterial respiration. The compound's structure can be modified to enhance its effectiveness, with some variants showing the ability to kill E. coli at higher concentrations.