India Approves Qartemi: A “Living Drug” for Blood Cancer Treatment
India has approved Qartemi, a groundbreaking "living drug" developed by Bengaluru-based Immuneel Therapeutics, for treating advanced or relapsed blood cancer, specifically B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). Qartemi is a CAR-T cell therapy that uses genetically modified T cells from a patient’s own body to target and destroy cancer cells. This approval marks the second CAR-T therapy in India, following NexCAR19. Priced between Rs 35 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, Qartemi offers a more affordable alternative to global therapies, providing hope for patients whose cancer has not responded to conventional treatments. The therapy has shown an 83.3% overall response rate in clinical trials, setting a new standard for blood cancer treatment in the country.
Tap Water Contaminated with ‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Cancer: How to Protect Yourself
A recent study has linked PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in tap water to a significant increase in cancer rates in the U.S. These chemicals, found in everyday products like food packaging and non-stick cookware, persist in the body and environment, potentially leading to various health issues, including cancer. The study found that areas with higher PFAS contamination saw a 2% to 33% rise in cancers such as digestive, respiratory, and oral cancers. While the research highlights a possible connection, it doesn't establish causality, and experts call for further investigation and policy changes to address the widespread contamination. To reduce exposure, individuals can check local water reports, install filters, and limit use of PFAS-containing products.
Study Reveals: How Staying Up Past Midnight Can Impact Your Mental Health
A new study from Imperial College London reveals that going to bed later than 1 a.m. may increase the risk of developing mental health issues, regardless of whether you're a "morning person" or a "night owl." The research, published in Psychiatry Research, found that individuals who go to bed before 1 a.m. generally experience better mental health, with fewer instances of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Surprisingly, even evening people who naturally prefer staying up late showed poorer mental health when they went to sleep after 1 a.m. The study highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent and early sleep schedule for mental well-being.
WHO Urges U.S. to Reconsider Its Decision to Exit the Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the United States to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the organization, following President Donald Trump's criticism of the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of maintaining the U.S.-WHO partnership, which has played a vital role in global health initiatives, including the eradication of smallpox and progress against polio. The WHO expressed regret over the U.S. departure, highlighting the significant contributions of American institutions to global health and urging continued collaboration to address health challenges worldwide.
HMPV cases in northern China Declines, says country’s health official
China has reported a decline in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, easing global concerns over a recent surge in cases. Health officials clarified that HMPV is not a new virus, having been present in human populations for decades. The rise in recent cases is linked to improved detection methods. While the number of patients in emergency clinics has increased, medical resources remain sufficient, with cases in northern provinces, particularly among children, now on the decline. The World Health Organization has not reported any unusual outbreaks.
