Latest Health News
PAHO launches Regional Alliance to accelerate HIV elimination in the Americas
PAHO has launched the Regional Alliance for HIV Elimination in the Americas to accelerate progress toward ending HIV, leveraging joint procurement of new tools like lenacapavir . The region recorded 170,000 new infections and 38,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2024, with persistent gaps in access for key populations
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First people receive lenacapavir for PrEP in multiple countries
Brazil, Eswatini, South Africa, and Zambia have administered the first injections of lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV, marking a major step in long-acting prevention . This follows regional efforts to improve access to innovative HIV technologies through mechanisms like PAHO’s Revolving Fund
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US vaccine advisory process faces political and scientific turmoil
The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee has a new chair who has blamed vaccines for cardiovascular disease, raising concerns about politicization of vaccine guidance . Experts warn this could undermine domestic immunization and global confidence in science-based public health
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Breakthrough in cellular rejuvenation via epigenetic reprogramming
A December 2025 Cell study shows that short bursts of modified Yamanaka factors can rejuvenate mouse cells, improving tissue repair and lifespan markers . This partial epigenetic reprogramming approach holds promise for treating age-related diseases without increasing cancer risk
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AI and virtual cell models accelerate drug discovery and disease understanding
Virtual cell models powered by AI, such as the MorphoDiff pipeline, are enabling digital simulation of cellular responses to therapies and perturbations . These tools are reducing reliance on animal testing and could transform understanding of complex diseases by 2050
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CRISPR and gene therapy advances highlighted in 2025 genomic medicine wrap-up
2025 saw promising phase 2 results for CRISPR-based therapies in hereditary angioedema and hemophilia B, with safe repeated delivery via lipid nanoparticles . Long-read genome sequencing also improved rare disease diagnosis and utility of exome sequencing in critical illness
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World AIDS Day 2025 marked by advocacy amid US political challenges
Global advocates highlighted World AIDS Day 2025 with strong calls for equity and access, even as the US government declined to officially recognize the day . This occurs at a pivotal moment for HIV prevention, cure, and vaccine research
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US hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for infants under review
A US vaccine advisory panel is set to vote on whether to rescind current guidance recommending hepatitis B vaccination for all infants . The outcome could significantly affect infant immunization policy and global perceptions of vaccine safety
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Promising new cancer drugs and cell therapies in late-stage development
Darovasertib, a PKC inhibitor, is in a registrational phase 3 trial for uveal melanoma, aiming to preserve vision and avoid eye removal . AgenT-797, an off-the-shelf allo-iNKT cell therapy, shows durable benefit in checkpoint-refractory solid tumors
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Antibody halts triple-negative breast cancer in preclinical models
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center developed an antibody that blocks multiple survival pathways in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells . In preclinical models, the antibody stops TNBC growth and immune evasion, suggesting a promising new therapeutic strategy
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Global progress toward universal health coverage remains off track
The 2025 WHO global monitoring report on universal health coverage finds the world is off track to meet SDG target 3.8 by 2030 . Persistent inequities in access to essential health services threaten progress on multiple health goals
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