Novo Nordisk's shares plummeted 18% after its weight loss drug CagriSema underperformed in trials, achieving only a 22.7% weight loss against the expected 25%. The setback highlights increased competition in the lucrative GLP-1 medication market, as rivals like Eli Lilly gain ground.

The FDA has approved Eli Lilly's Zepbound for treating obstructive sleep apnea, marking a new pharmacological option for the condition. This could lead insurance companies to cover the drug, easing access for patients.

Rwanda officially declared the end of its first-ever Marburg Virus Disease outbreak on December 20, 2024, following 42 days without new cases. The outbreak resulted in 66 infections and 15 deaths, mostly affecting healthcare workers, with swift containment efforts lauded by the WHO.

Stanford Medicine researchers have developed an AI tool to analyze ADHD children's medical records, identifying care gaps post-medication. Published in Pediatrics, the AI efficiently processes vast data quicker than manual methods, revealing insights like drug interaction risks.

The U.S. flu season has begun with a notable rise in cases across 13 states, particularly in Tennessee and Louisiana, as reported by the CDC on December 20, 2024. Concerns grow over low vaccination rates, with only 41% of the population vaccinated, as experts emphasize the importance of getting the flu shot ahead of holiday gatherings.

Johnson & Johnson faces a class action lawsuit in Australia over selling cold and flu medications containing phenylephrine, alleged to be ineffective orally. The lawsuit aims to refund consumers who bought these products since 2005, aligning with global regulatory scrutiny.

Karolinska Institutet researchers reveal that AI-estimated biological brain ages of 70-year-olds average 71, highlighting health factors like diabetes and stroke as key to brain aging. Published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, this study underscores the importance of vascular health for cognitive resilience and points to potential future applications in dementia research.

Vanderbilt University has completed a successful Phase I trial for VU319, a novel Alzheimer's drug, marking its first full drug discovery project reaching human trials. Funded by the NIH and the Warren Foundation, VU319 shows promise for treating Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and other neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing acetylcholine efficacy.

Lenacapavir shows over 99% efficacy in preventing HIV in clinical trials, gaining FDA breakthrough designation for PrEP use. The twice-yearly injection could revolutionize HIV prevention globally.

Texas A&M researchers unveil how alcohol disrupts brain neuron patterns, impairing cognitive flexibility linked to learning and adaptability. This breakthrough could steer new treatments for AUD and other brain disorders.

Keio University researchers have innovated a rapid method to culture ALS patient-derived spinal motor neurons using iPSCs, achieving high induction efficiency in just two weeks. This advancement could accelerate ALS drug discovery by mirroring patient-specific responses and enabling high-throughput drug screening, although challenges in reproducibility remain.

A pioneering study in Neuron by a global team, including Karolinska Institutet, maps brain cell gene expression in multiple sclerosis patients. This could lead to personalized MS treatments by identifying unique patient subgroups through their brain cell profiles.

A new report by the National Academies highlights both potential benefits and risks of moderate alcohol consumption, influencing the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. While moderate drinking may lower cardiovascular risks, it is also linked to increased breast cancer risk, adding complexity to health guidelines.

University of Toronto researchers have discovered a gut-lung communication pathway influenced by the gut microbiome protozoan Tritrichomonas musculis. This protozoan enhances lung immunity, impacting asthma and tuberculosis, suggesting a novel approach to respiratory health treatment.

Music therapy is being highlighted as a cost-effective method to improve the quality of life for the UK's dementia sufferers, especially those with advanced cases. A study suggests integrating personalized music interventions into NHS dementia care to reduce agitation and anxiety, promoting social interaction and cognitive benefits.

A Taiwanese study reveals that anorexia patients face nearly double the risk of cardiovascular issues compared to non-anorexia individuals. Researchers urge clinicians to closely monitor heart health throughout treatment, noting that some risks decrease with weight restoration.

House Republicans proposed a limited funding bill, dropping significant health care reforms and pediatric cancer measures from a bipartisan package. The move, influenced by President-elect Trump and Elon Musk, has faced strong Democratic opposition.

Gene therapy safety concerns have escalated following a child's death linked to treatment, echoing past fatal incidents in trials. Calls for increased data sharing among stakeholders highlight the tension between commercial secrecy and the need for transparency to improve risk management.

A study finds post-exertional malaise (PEM) prevalent in 7.5% of patients with rheumatic diseases, with higher rates in those with COVID-19 or long COVID. Experts urge caution with exercise, advocating for pacing over traditional graded exercise to manage symptoms effectively.