Health Updates: FDA Approvals, Drug Trials, Recalls, and Outbreaks

The U.S. FDA has approved new therapies and treatments, including Citius' therapy for blood cancer and ARS Pharmaceuticals' nasal spray for allergic reactions. Merck halted a lung cancer drug trial, and Perrigo recalled infant formula. Meanwhile, Gaza faces skin diseases due to the ongoing war, and France extends bluetongue vaccinations for ruminants.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to Citius Pharmaceuticals' blood cancer therapy for patients who have undergone at least one prior treatment. This approval, coming a year after the FDA's initial rejection, targets relapsed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which affects 2,500 to 3,000 people annually.

In other oncology news, Merck has ended a clinical trial for a combination immunotherapy for lung cancer after interim results showed it was unlikely to succeed. The combination of Merck's experimental drug, vibostolimab, with Keytruda led to higher rates of immune-related side effects.

In a breakthrough for allergy treatment, ARS Pharmaceuticals' nasal spray has been approved by the FDA as the first needle-free alternative for emergency allergic reactions, offering an option to the traditional EpiPen.

Perrigo has voluntarily recalled 16,500 cans of its infant formula due to potential issues identified in a regulatory filing. The recalled products were distributed through H-E-B Grocery Company and CVS.

In Gaza, children like Yasmine Al-Shanbari suffer from skin diseases due to poor living conditions exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The shortage of clean water, medicine, and functioning hospitals has worsened the health crisis in the region.

Following new outbreaks of bluetongue virus among ruminants in northern Europe, France has extended its vaccination campaign. Initial cases were detected near the Belgian border earlier this week.

Innovative treatments using vape-like devices face skepticism from health authorities despite their potential for easing migraines and asthma. North American companies Qnovia and MIIST Therapeutics are at the forefront, utilizing nebulizer technology for inhaled medication.

The FDA has refused to approve an MDMA-based therapy for PTSD, citing insufficient data. The drug, commonly known as ecstasy, has been under consideration for its potential mental health benefits.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reported a human case of swine flu, with the source of exposure still under investigation.

Finally, the FDA has extended its review period for Humacyte's blood vessel implant, delaying a decision initially expected on Aug. 10. This uncertainty has caused a significant dip in the company's shares.

(With inputs from agencies.)