FDA approves Lipfendra, a powerful cholesterol-lowering pill from Merck

• Researchers have published a new study in Science Translational Medicine detailing how the Epstein-Barr virus triggers immune responses that cause inflammation and nervous system damage in multiple sclerosis patients. • Separately, clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of a treatment that inhibits the PCSK9 protein to significantly lower dangerous LDL cholesterol levels.

• Boehringer Ingelheim reported first-half 2026 net sales of EUR 15.8 billion for its Human Pharma division, fueled by strong U.S. demand and the performance of JARDIANCE®. • The company expanded its R&D pipeline to approximately 80 projects, advancing key assets including the cancer immunotherapy obrixtamig and the kidney disease drug apecotrep.

• Health Minister Mark Butler confirmed that key multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments, including Ocrevus, Kesimpta, and Lemtrada, will remain subsidized on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). • The decision follows a review by an expert advisory panel, ensuring that Australians living with MS maintain affordable access to these life-changing medications.

• Michigan health officials announced on Monday that lettuce or salad greens have been identified as the potential source of a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak. • The illness, caused by the Cyclospora parasite transmitted via feces-contaminated food or water, has sickened thousands of people across the United States.

• GlobalRPH has released a curated summary of top medical news topics for clinicians covering the week of July 6-12, 2026. • A primary focus of this week's reporting is the shifting geography of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the United States.

• A new study from the University of Southern California (USC) is investigating the causes of lung cancer in healthy, young non-smokers, specifically examining if certain healthy foods may carry unexpected risks. • Separate research highlights a critical link between adequate sleep and weight management, suggesting that poor sleep habits increase the risk of obesity-related conditions.

• Cyclosporiasis is classified as a nationally notifiable disease, requiring cases to be reported to the CDC to monitor public health trends. • The CDC, in coordination with state and federal regulatory officials, conducts year-round surveillance to identify outbreaks linked to common food sources in the U.S.

• Clinicians in southeast Michigan and northern Ohio are reporting a surge of gastrointestinal illnesses caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensi. • The outbreak is characterized by sudden, explosive diarrhea, though the CDC is reportedly lagging in its tracking and response efforts.

• The FDA has introduced a new fast-track program for the approval of biologics, including experimental gene therapies for conditions like sickle cell disease and cancer. • Traditionally, the agency requires a rigorous three-phase trial process involving healthy volunteers, dose-finding studies, and large-scale clinical trials to ensure safety.

• Health news reports are highlighting a current outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes severe diarrhea. • The reports also address the consequences following the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and issues involving the FDA CBER acting director.

• The free-market policy group Unleash Prosperity released a report arguing that significant reforms to the FDA could unlock trillions of dollars in economic value. • The report specifically targets the FDA's lengthy approval process, focusing on the excessive years spent proving a drug's efficacy rather than just safety testing.