Breakthroughs and Setbacks: Latest Health News Highlights

Recent health news includes FDA's approval of BridgeBio's drug for a rare heart condition, and Merck's promising lung disease treatment. Agilent faces disappointing forecasts, while Biohaven's treatment did not meet study goals. Also, Neuralink plans trials, and Cassava ends Alzheimer's drug tests after study failure.

The U.S. FDA has approved BridgeBio's new oral drug, Attruby, for treating transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, marking a significant milestone in addressing this rare heart condition. This approval introduces stiff competition in a market previously dominated by Pfizer's Vyndaqel.

Agilent, a prominent medical equipment manufacturer, has projected lower-than-expected annual profits, casting a shadow over its recent fourth-quarter success. The company attributes this to the cautious investment patterns of early-stage biotech firms, despite interest rate cuts meant to buoy the sector's funding landscape.

Merck's drug Winrevair has emerged as a potential game-changer for patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension, demonstrating a significant reduction in mortality risk during clinical trials. This news comes as a boost following its U.S. approval earlier this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)