New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts

• Recent health reports highlight the phenomenon of male marathoners "hitting the wall," exploring the physiological and psychological limits of endurance running. • New research and initiatives are focusing on the state of global mental health projections leading into 2026.

• A new, shorter treatment regimen for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) has proven to be as effective as standard care. • Developed through research at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, the protocol is notably applicable to children and pregnant women.

• The FDA experienced a slight slowdown in regulatory productivity during the first half of 2024 due to significant leadership instability and ongoing workforce attrition. • Under acting commissioner Kyle Diamantas, the agency has shifted toward a more open stance, particularly regarding rare disease therapies and accelerated approval applications.

• The FDA approved six novel drugs for pediatric patients under 18 in 2026, including Copper histidinate (Zycubo) by Sentynl Therapeutics Inc. • Approved on January 12, 2026, Zycubo is indicated for the management of Menkes disease in children via subcutaneous formulation.

• A comprehensive review published in The Lancet concludes that mRNA vaccines are safe and highly effective in combating infectious diseases. • Led by researchers from the University of British Columbia and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the study analyzed data from billions of administered doses and clinical trials.

• National TV drug advertising spending rose 16% year-over-year in 2025, with the most significant growth occurring in the cancer, mental health, and weight loss categories. • Despite increased FDA enforcement regarding pharmaceutical advertising, industry experts believe sweeping rule changes are unlikely to occur in the near future.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the first-ever clinical trial to test treatments against the Ebola Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). • The study will evaluate the efficacy of an antiviral drug and an antibody cocktail, with the first patient already enrolled in a trial that could include up to 1,200 participants.

• A recent AJMC podcast highlighted the critical underutilization of the FIB4 liver screening tool, which Dr. Chika Anekwe describes as a noninvasive, guideline-supported method for detection. • Dr. Naim Alkhouri noted that FDA approvals for resmetirom and semaglutide to treat aggressive metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) have increased the urgency for early screening.

• Between June 27 and July 4, 2026, the FDA issued two major approvals: expanding Casgevy gene therapy for sickle cell disease patients aged 2 and older, and approving Tregzi, the first Treg cell immunotherapy for chronic graft-versus-host disease. • The roundup also tracks critical healthcare developments across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU, including NHS funding updates, EMA regulatory decisions, and various biotech deals.

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating reports of neurological complications in patients of Venezuelan ancestry following the administration of anesthesia. • The probe focuses on identifying a potential link between specific anesthetic agents and adverse neurological reactions unique to this demographic.

• A comprehensive review published in The Lancet reaffirms that approved mRNA vaccines are safe and highly effective across diverse populations, including children and immunocompromised patients. • Led by researchers from the University of British Columbia and Imperial College London, the study analyzed data from billions of doses, combining clinical trials with real-world surveillance.