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Latest Health News

📅December 21, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Global health updates: new gene-edited leukemia therapy shows promise, WHO warns attacks on Sudan’s health system, rising measles and dengue outbreaks, and advances in Alzheimer's, obesity, and antimicrobial resistance.
1

Gene‑edited immune cell therapy produces deep remissions in aggressive T‑cell leukaemia in early UK trial

Early clinical trial of a base‑edited donor immune cell therapy for aggressive T‑cell leukaemia reported most patients achieved deep remission and remained disease‑free up to three years, offering hope for a previously treatment‑resistant cancer; researchers caution larger trials are needed to confirm long‑term safety and broader applicabilitySource 2.

2

WHO: attacks on health care in Sudan becoming deadlier and more widespread

The World Health Organization reports a dangerous escalation of attacks on health care across Sudan that is cutting off access to lifesaving services, endangering health workers and humanitarian operations, and documenting hundreds of verified incidents since the conflict beganSource 5.

3

Measles surges in multiple countries, including Brazil and the USA

ProMED and regional reports show accelerating measles cases in Brazil (São Paulo) and multiple US states, reflecting ongoing outbreaks tied to gaps in vaccination coverage and prompting heightened surveillance and response measuresSource 1.

4

Dengue outbreaks intensify in Bangladesh and other tropical regions

ProMED alerts indicate rising dengue activity in Bangladesh and other endemic areas, with health authorities reporting increased case counts and expanded vector‑control efforts to reduce transmission and hospital burdenSource 1.

5

WHO and ReAct Africa partner to strengthen efforts against antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

The WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean signed an MoU with ReAct Africa to enhance collaboration on antimicrobial resistance, aiming to bolster surveillance, stewardship and access to effective treatments across the regionSource 5.

6

Northwestern experimental drug halts Alzheimer‑like disease in animal model before symptoms

Northwestern University researchers reported an experimental compound (NU‑9) that prevented Alzheimer‑like pathology in an animal model when given prior to symptom onset, suggesting potential for early‑intervention strategies pending further researchSource 4.

7

Rapid 15‑minute hepatitis C test could transform diagnostics

Northwestern‑linked research (reported via ScienceDaily) describes a rapid PCR‑based hepatitis C test delivering accurate results in 15 minutes, which could greatly expand point‑of‑care diagnosis and linkage to treatment if validated and scaledSource 3.

8

New gut microbiome molecules linked to obesity and diabetes regulation

Harvard‑linked research found specific gut‑bacteria‑derived molecules that travel to the liver and modulate energy use and insulin response, pointing to possible microbiome‑based therapies for obesity and metabolic diseaseSource 3Source 10.

9

Natural compound forskolin enhances chemotherapy responses in aggressive leukemia models

Preclinical studies show forskolin, a plant‑derived compound, not only inhibits growth of aggressive leukemia cells but also increases their sensitivity to chemotherapy, suggesting a potential adjunctive strategy requiring clinical evaluationSource 3.

10

Rising concern over Kyasanur Forest disease and other zoonotic threats in India and region

ProMED flagged updates on Kyasanur Forest disease in Karnataka, India, alongside multiple zoonotic alerts (hantavirus, brucellosis, tularemia) in the Americas and Africa, underscoring persistent spillover risks and need for surveillanceSource 1.

11

Advances in myasthenia gravis therapies: rozanolixizumab and nipocalimab reshape treatment options

2025 saw regulatory and clinical progress for FcRn‑targeting therapies in myasthenia gravis, including EU approval for self‑administered rozanolixizumab and FDA approval of nipocalimab for ages 12+, improving outpatient management of generalized MGSource 8.

12

WHO launches Coalition on Islamic Financing Towards Global Health to mobilize new resources

WHO and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade announced a new coalition to leverage Islamic financing mechanisms to support global health priorities, aiming to expand sustainable funding for health programs in member statesSource 5.