New NACCHO Research Describes Strengths, Challenges in Local Health Department Preparedness and Response Capacity

• NanoViricides has received regulatory approval to launch a Phase II clinical trial for NV-387 oral gummies, designed as a treatment for the Ebola virus. • The trial will take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo to combat the largest and most rapidly expanding Ebola outbreak on record.

• NanoViricides, Inc. (NASDAQ:NNVC) has received regulatory approval to initiate a Phase II Clinical Trial for NV-387 oral gummies designed to treat the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. • The trial addresses an urgent need for effective antiviral drugs amid a current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

• A new study indicates that higher protein intake during the first trimester of pregnancy is linked to a lower risk of small birth size. • Separately, researchers analyzed data from 296,372 adults in the UK Biobank to determine if long-term exposure to residential night-time light (NTL) accelerates biological aging.

• The FDA has approved the first mRNA-based influenza vaccine, reversing a previous decision earlier this year to decline the application's review. • The approval covers adults aged 50 to 64, while those aged 65 and older have received accelerated approval.

• The CDC, FDA, and state public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections reported in August 2026. • Epidemiological data has linked the current outbreak to the consumption of jalapenos.

• The FDA has authorized Moderna’s mFlusiva, marking the first mRNA-based flu vaccine approved for use in older adults. • Separately, U.S. health officials are reviewing the nation's measles elimination status following 38 new outbreaks in 2026.

• The FDA has approved a new engineered viral immunotherapy designed specifically for patients suffering from treatment-resistant advanced melanoma. • This approval provides a critical new therapeutic option for cancer patients who have failed to respond to existing standard-of-care treatments.

• The FDA has approved the first-of-its-kind mRNA-based flu vaccine specifically for adults aged 50 and older. • This approval follows a severe 2024-25 flu season, which the CDC estimates resulted in approximately 45,000 deaths.

• The CDC has expanded the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, adding Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and North Carolina to the list. • Health officials have traced the illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

• Manipal Health Enterprises' $960.4 million IPO was oversubscribed, driven largely by institutional investors, while Glenmark Pharma reported a 53.6% increase in quarterly profits. • An FDA advisory panel voted on Thursday to support trial results for Replimune's skin cancer drug, RP1, following two previous FDA rejections.

• On Thursday, August 6, 2026, the FDA granted accelerated approval to vusolimogene oderparepvec (Tudriqev), also known as RP1, for use in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo). • This genetically modified oncolytic viral therapy is specifically indicated for adults with unresectable advanced cutaneous melanoma who have seen disease progression after anti-PD-1-based therapy.

• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun implementing President Trump’s Executive Order focused on reducing prescription drug pricing. • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate for two hearings this week as part of the confirmation process to become the next HHS Secretary.