Health News Synopsis: Keytruda Success, Encephalitis in Gujarat, and More

The latest health news includes Merck's successful Q2 earnings due to Keytruda's performance, BioNTech's cancer drug achieving a primary endpoint in a Phase 2 trial, and a viral encephalitis outbreak in Gujarat causing 56 deaths. Additional reports cover Novo Nordisk's Ozempic study, halted Levemir sales, and concerns over polio in Gaza.

Merck has outperformed expectations for its second quarter, fueled by strong sales of Keytruda, the leading cancer immunotherapy drug. The pharmaceutical giant has raised its full-year forecasts.

BioNTech's BNT111, an mRNA cancer drug, showed promising Phase 2 trial results for advanced melanoma by significantly improving response rates.

In Gujarat, India, a viral encephalitis outbreak has led to 56 deaths, primarily affecting children under 15 and attributed to the Chandipura virus. Authorities are enhancing disease surveillance.