VA clinical trial on psychedelic-assisted therapy gives Missouri lawmakers hope | Local News

• Helus Pharma has completed enrollment ahead of schedule for the Phase 3 APPROACH study, which evaluates HLP003 as an adjunctive treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. • The company is continuing enrollment for EMBRACE, a second pivotal study within the Phase 3 PARADIGM Program, while rolling participants into the EXTEND study for long-term safety data.

• PolitiFact, a project of the Poynter Institute, has launched "Well Informed," a new service designed to provide reliable health information to consumers and news organizations. • The initiative utilizes research-backed stories and social videos to help the public distinguish credible medical evidence from health-related misinformation.

• Morning Rounds reports on several diverse health and legal stories, including the current status of cyclospora outbreaks and the availability of THC-infused sodas in grocery stores. • The coverage also highlights a specific criminal case involving a fugitive in Rhode Island who maintained a double life.

• Rare disease biotechnology companies are lobbying the Trump administration to prevent the implementation of Medicare price caps on their medications. • Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are reportedly bypassing state laws designed to regulate their practices and pricing structures.

• Global health news this week was dominated by climate-linked crises, conflict, and infectious disease outbreaks. • An early European heatwave caused over 10,000 estimated deaths, with a significant spike in mortality reported in the Paris region.

• The FDA has introduced a new fast-track program for the approval of biologics, which are complex drugs used to treat conditions such as cancer and sickle cell disease. • Traditionally, the agency requires a rigorous process involving an investigational new drug application followed by three distinct phases of human clinical trials.

• The U.S. is facing a record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak, with Michigan officials describing it as potentially the largest in the country's history. • The crisis follows a March 2025 decision by the Trump administration to cut $12 billion in public health funding, targeting disease monitoring and laboratory capacity.

• Researchers have discovered a strong link between gum disease and heart valve damage, suggesting that oral health significantly impacts cardiovascular wellness. • The study indicates that targeting gum disease and inflammation could open new avenues for the prevention and treatment of heart valve issues.

• House Republicans have launched "reconciliation 3.0," introducing a $95 billion draft budget resolution. • The proposed budget is not health-focused, instead prioritizing defense spending, voting integrity efforts, and aid for farmers.

• Researchers are exploring the use of ultrasound therapy as a preventative measure to heal damaged joints and stop arthritis before the disease fully develops. • A separate study on the drug DT-109 indicates it may reduce atherosclerosis and vascular calcification while restoring gut barrier function, potentially treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• The CDC reported a decline in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) for the year 2023, signaling a positive trend in patient safety. • This decrease indicates that hospitals are successfully implementing better infection control measures and safety protocols to protect patients.

• The CDC, FDA, and state public health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections occurring in July 2026. • The outbreak has been linked to the consumption of shredded lettuce and has affected individuals across five different states.