In this week’s InnovationRx, we explore the uncertainty surrounding vaccines, sex differences in GLP-1 drug side effects, challenges in using AI to predict epidemics, and more. Subscribe here to receive it in your inbox.
One of the main concerns raised during Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s confirmation hearings as Secretary of Health and Human Services was his anti-vaccine activism. Since taking on the role, there has been conflicting messaging from HHS and the White House. The nomination of vaccine skeptic Dave Weldon to run the CDC was withdrawn due to concerns over his views, while the CDC has been directed to study the link between vaccines and autism. Despite this, the NIH has initiated a clinical trial for a Lassa Fever vaccine.
Policy uncertainty in the vaccine market, valued at $77 billion globally, has led to decreased vaccine uptake. This poses challenges for both vaccine manufacturers and individuals relying on vaccines for health.
A recent study found that women experience more side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, from GLP-1 drugs compared to men. The study, conducted by Olio Labs and University of Washington researchers, revealed that female rodents have higher GLP-1 receptor expression in areas linked to nausea, possibly explaining the gender differences in side effects.
AstraZeneca has agreed to acquire Belgian biotech company EsoBiotec for $425 million upfront with additional milestone payments, focusing on cell therapies for cancer. AI healthcare company Hologen AI, founded by Eric Schmidt, has partnered with MeiraGTx to commercialize a Parkinson’s disease drug candidate.
Predicting epidemics remains a challenge due to the complexity of data and variables, surpassing current capabilities in machine learning and AI. A recent paper published in Nature suggests that AI can be utilized for making predictions in various fields. Although data systems are currently fragmented, AI models have improved in extracting data from semi-structured/unstructured sources. However, the cost of building AI systems for this purpose remains high, and it is not always clear if they offer better results than existing methods. The paper recommends establishing clear benchmarks for AI model performance to determine where AI can have the most impact.
In other news, LabCorp has agreed to acquire the cancer business of BioReference for $192 million. This deal follows LabCorp’s previous acquisition of Opko’s reproductive women’s health and other testing assets. The cancer testing business generates around $100 million in revenue annually.
Additionally, there are reports of people leaving states with abortion bans for states where abortion is allowed, making it challenging for employers to recruit talent. A Wall Street Journal investigation sheds light on the negative effects of Xanax, with some patients experiencing extreme anxiety, memory loss, and physical pain when trying to quit benzodiazepines.
Moreover, Purdue Pharma has submitted a new bankruptcy plan to compensate victims of the opioid crisis, and the Trump Administration has canceled funding for a landmark diabetes study. Texas’s rural hospitals are struggling to handle a measles outbreak, while AI drug discovery company Insilico Medicine has raised $110 million to develop its drug portfolio.
Furthermore, a federal judge has ordered the restoration of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s functionality and reinstatement of over 3,200 probationary employees at HHS. HIV continues to pose a threat, infecting 1,400 infants daily, with a significant number of organizations relying on U.S. funding for HIV services closing by February.
For more updates, check out the latest articles on Forbes covering a range of topics from business acquisitions to personal achievements. Please rewrite this sentence.
