Health Headlines: FDA Expands MDMA Drug Probe, WHO Appeals for $135M to Curb Mpox Outbreak

This collection of health news briefs covers significant developments, including the FDA's expanded investigation into MDMA-based therapy trials, WHO's appeal for $135 million to combat mpox, Gabon's first mpox case, and a federal judge's ruling on 'abortion pill reversal' discussions in New York. Additional topics include free COVID tests in the U.S., J&J talc settlement talks, Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug rejection by NHS, and the recall of Inari's catheter devices.

The U.S. FDA is expanding its probe into clinical trials for an MDMA-based therapy, the Wall Street Journal reports. FDA investigators recently interviewed four individuals connected with studies sponsored by Lykos Therapeutics.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for $135 million to tackle a new mpox outbreak. Addressing member states, Ghebreyesus emphasized the need for immediate action to contain and stop the spread of the virus.

Gabon has reported its first case of mpox amid a growing outbreak considered a global public health emergency by the WHO. The announcement comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo deals with an outbreak that has reached neighboring countries.

A federal judge ruled that two New York crisis pregnancy centers and a national anti-abortion group can discuss 'abortion pill reversal' despite the treatment being unproven, citing First Amendment rights.

The U.S. government will distribute free COVID-19 tests by mail starting in late September as part of its autumn campaign urging vaccinations against COVID, flu, and RSV, according to health officials.

Johnson & Johnson is negotiating with lawyers to finalize a $6.48 billion settlement over talc product lawsuits, aiming to eliminate opposing plaintiffs.

Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug donanemab is anticipated to be excluded from NHS use, reported The Telegraph, citing insider information.

The WHO has announced that partners like Gavi and UNICEF can begin purchasing mpox vaccines ahead of WHO approval to expedite immunizations in Africa amidst an escalating outbreak.

The FDA has classified the recall of Inari Medical's ClotTriever catheter devices as 'most serious' due to potential severe health risks, including death.

Wall Street analysts predict Novo Nordisk's Ozempic to be on the 2027 Medicare drug price negotiation list, with limited impact expected on major pharmaceutical companies.

(With inputs from agencies.)