Latest Health News
WHO Resumes IGWG Meeting on Pandemic Agreement PABS Annex
The Intergovernmental Working Group on the WHO Pandemic Agreement resumes its fourth meeting in hybrid format from January 20-22, 2026, in Geneva to finalize the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing annex. Adopted in May 2025, the agreement aims to strengthen global pandemic prevention and response. The annex is slated for submission to the 2026 World Health Assembly.
NVIDIA and Eli Lilly Launch $1B AI Lab for Drug Discovery
NVIDIA and Eli Lilly announced a $1 billion investment over five years in a joint AI lab to accelerate drug development by integrating pharma scientists with AI engineers. The initiative uses NVIDIA's BioNeMo for protein and biology models, aiming for faster target identification and evidence-driven decisions.
This could lead to better assays and fewer trial-and-error phases in R&D.
Illumina Unveils Billion Cell Atlas for AI Biology Training
Illumina released the Billion Cell Atlas on January 13, 2026, a dataset of 1 billion cells' responses to CRISPR changes across 200+ disease-relevant lines to aid AI model training. It addresses data bottlenecks in cellular response biology for precision medicine.
The atlas supports multimodal analysis in oncology and beyond.
AstraZeneca Acquires Modella AI for Oncology Multimodal Modeling
AstraZeneca agreed to acquire Modella AI in mid-January 2026 to integrate pathology images, molecular profiles, and outcomes in oncology R&D. This enhances biomarker discovery and reduces therapy delays through governed AI tools.
It reflects growing clinician use of AI for lab and symptom interpretation.
Breast Cancer Breakthroughs from 2025 Highlight ctDNA and New Therapies
2025 saw advances like FDA fast-track for oral SERD giredestrant improving survival in hormone-positive breast cancer and promising phase 3 results for TNBC ADC Datroway. ctDNA liquid biopsies enable real-time treatment guidance, detecting ESR1 mutations as shown in the SERENA-6 trial.
2026 research will pair diagnostics with therapies for personalized medicine.
First Human Trial Begins for Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa Vaccines
Imperial College London and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital launched the EML-Vac phase I trial testing saRNA vaccines against viral haemorrhagic fevers. The study assesses safety, immune response, and tolerability in healthy volunteers aged 18-50, both individually and combined.
These rapid-response vaccines aim to transform outbreak management.
Davos Brain House Hosts Sessions on Brain Health Innovation
The 2026 Brain House at Davos (Jan 19-22) features discussions on aging populations, diagnostics, and digital tools for brain health equity. A January 20 session focuses on biomarkers, early detection, and aligning science with policy for neurodegenerative and mental health.
It emphasizes translational innovation for global impact.
New Dermatology Advances Anticipated for Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis
2026 brings oral therapies like icotrokinra (IL-23 blocker) and zasocitinib (TYK2 inhibitor) for psoriasis, plus OX40 biologics and STAT6 degraders for atopic dermatitis. Advances target pediatric growth, special sites, and real-world safety.
These build on existing therapies for broader efficacy.
€20M EU Funding for Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Research
On January 20, 2026, Global Health EDCTP3 allocated €20M for research on sex differences in cardiovascular disease, part of €147M in broader funding. The call addresses gaps in understanding gender-specific risks and treatments.
It supports equitable global health R&D.
WFP Warns of Fragile Gaza Food Situation Amid Immunization Campaigns
The World Food Programme reports reaching over 1M in Gaza monthly but calls for more humanitarian corridors to combat famine risks. WHO, UNICEF, and UNRWA launched a child immunization catch-up until January 29, targeting vaccine-preventable diseases at 130 facilities.
A final round is planned for April.
Ukraine Faces Health Crises from Attacks on Energy and Facilities
Ongoing attacks in Ukraine damaged energy infrastructure amid -20°C cold, causing outages and affecting health services for thousands. Four health facilities looted, displacing 1,300 including children; aid includes meals and psychological support despite access restrictions.
Humanitarian operations are strained.