Key Developments in Health: Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, Zevra's Breakthrough, and More

This summary highlights major health news, including EU's endorsement of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for heart conditions in obesity, FDA's approval of Zevra's rare disease treatment, FTC's lawsuit over insulin prices, and significant advancements in multiple sclerosis, IVF treatments, and flu vaccinations.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 22-09-2024 10:29 IST | Created: 22-09-2024 10:29 IST
Key Developments in Health: Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, Zevra's Breakthrough, and More
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A concise overview of recent health news has emerged, spotlighting pivotal updates in the sector.

The European Medicines Agency has endorsed Novo Nordisk's popular drug Wegovy to mitigate heart failure in obesity patients, marking another endorsement beyond weight loss and bolstering the drug's versatile health advantages.

In the U.S., Zevra Therapeutics' new treatment for a rare and fatal genetic disorder has received the FDA's approval, becoming the first sanctioned therapy for the condition after overcoming previous hurdles.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has launched a lawsuit against leading pharmacy benefit managers, accusing them of inflating insulin prices to secure substantial rebates from pharmaceutical companies—an act that allegedly harms diabetes patients.

Progress in tackling the mpox outbreak in Burundi is achievable within weeks, contingent on resource allocation and stigma reduction, according to a U.N. health official.

Sanofi has reported promising results from a trial of its drug candidate tolebrutinib, showing a 31% delay in the progression of multiple sclerosis.

Additionally, a Missouri healthcare worker displayed mild respiratory symptoms following contact with a bird flu patient.

The FDA has approved AstraZeneca's self-administered nasal spray flu vaccine, marking a significant advancement in flu prevention.

Early studies hint at groundbreaking advances, such as rejuvenating older eggs for IVF and preventing severe jaundice in newborns.

Finally, a U.S. appeals court has revived a lawsuit challenging the mandatory drug price negotiation with Medicare.

Sanofi has also secured FDA approval for a new treatment regimen for multiple myeloma involving Sarclisa.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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