Latest Health News Updates: From FDA Approvals to Global Health Concerns

The summary of current health news includes the FDA approval of Citius' rare blood cancer therapy, Merck discontinuing a lung cancer drug trial, Gilead's successful quarterly earnings, skin disease crises in Gaza, Sinopharm's unit denying unethical practices, Insulet's revenue forecast issues, FDA approving Novartis' kidney disease drug, Novavax shrinking its European market, German panel recommending RSV vaccines for the elderly, and Africa CDC's upcoming public health emergency declaration for mpox.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Citius Pharmaceuticals' new therapy for a rare form of blood cancer, a year after it was initially rejected. The therapy, Lymphir, will benefit patients with relapsed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Merck has halted its trial of a combination immunotherapy drug for lung cancer due to unsatisfactory interim results. The combination of vibostolimab and Keytruda showed higher immune-related side effects than expected.

Gilead Sciences reported a significant second-quarter profit, driven by lower operating expenses and increased product sales. The company's earnings per share and revenue both saw substantial growth compared to the previous year.

In Gaza, children suffer from skin diseases exacerbated by ongoing conflict and a lack of medical resources. The war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a dire public health situation, with scarce clean water and widespread sewage issues.

Sinopharm's China National Medicines has denied involvement in the illegal purchase of cadavers linked to Shanxi Osteorad Biomaterial Co. The allegations involve the illegal acquisition and sale of human remains.

Insulet Corporation's shares fell by 3.5% despite raising its annual revenue forecast, due to inventory pressures. The company reported a significant charge related to unutilized inventory, affecting its gross margin.

The FDA has approved Novartis' new drug, Fabhalta, to treat a type of kidney disease characterized by excess protein in urine. The drug is already used to treat another rare blood disorder.

Novavax has further reduced its revenue forecast for 2024 and plans to scale back its operations in Europe. This decision comes as the company struggles to compete with other COVID-19 vaccine producers.

Germany's STIKO advisory panel has recommended new RSV vaccines from Pfizer and GSK for those aged 75 and older. The vaccines should ideally be administered before the cold season to prevent respiratory infections.

Africa's public health agency is preparing to declare a public health emergency for mpox, citing the alarming spread of a new variant in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The disease spreads through close contact and can be deadly.

(With inputs from agencies.)