A Dose of Health Updates: From Cancer Treatments to Legal Battles

The FDA approves an injectable Opdivo cancer drug; Axsome seeks approval for an Alzheimer's drug amid mixed results; Hain Celestial faces a lawsuit over arsenic in baby food; Novartis's gene therapy shows promise in treating SMA; Roche CEO reassures no job cuts despite business challenges.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved an injectable version of Opdivo, a cancer drug by Bristol Myers Squibb. Opdivo, part of PD-1 inhibitors, aids the immune system in combating cancer by removing natural brakes, enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Axsome Therapeutics announced plans to pursue marketing approval for its Alzheimer's agitation drug despite mixed results in clinical trials. The announcement followed success in three of four studies but failed to achieve statistically significant results in one, causing a dip in the company's stock.

Hain Celestial faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly failing to disclose arsenic levels in some baby food products. A U.S. judge ruled that the claims about arsenic exceeding safe thresholds in Hain's Earth's Best Baby Food are plausible, raising consumer concerns over product safety and labeling.

Novartis revealed promising results from a study of its gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy, showing improved motor function in affected children. The late-stage trial offers hope in the treatment of this debilitating muscle disorder.

Roche, under the leadership of CEO Thomas Schinecker, has no plans for job cuts despite recent business challenges and a decline in stock value. The company remains optimistic about overcoming setbacks in its drug development efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)