What we’ve learned about Covid-19 since the pandemic

• The FDA is currently reviewing Moderna's mRNA-based flu vaccine, which would be the first of its kind to enter the commercial market. • This decision comes amid a climate of skepticism regarding mRNA technology, highlighted by questions from RFK Jr. and recent HHS funding cuts.

• Helus Pharma has appointed a new CEO to lead the company as it advances its lead candidate, HLP003, toward potential commercialization. • The company announced that enrollment is now complete for the APPROACH clinical trial, with topline data expected to be released in Q4 2026.

• A new medical review suggests that reducing protein consumption may slow biological aging and extend lifespan by improving metabolism and lowering inflammation. • Research indicates that protein restriction preserves healthy cell function and reduces cellular damage, with similar benefits previously observed in flies and rodents.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a randomized clinical trial to determine if GLP-1 drugs can reduce alcohol abuse among U.S. military veterans. • The study will specifically measure whether semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, can decrease drinking and improve overall quality of life.

• New research indicates that individuals using cannabis for self-medication face increased risks of paranoia and typically consume higher levels of THC. • The study highlights that childhood trauma further amplifies these psychological risks, creating a more dangerous interaction for vulnerable users.

• COVID-19 dominated the global landscape throughout 2020, evolving from an emerging health crisis to a pandemic that concluded the year with the arrival of vaccines. • Overwhelmed hospitals struggled with severe resource shortages, specifically lacking enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to maintain standard operations.

• The Trump Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have released the "United States Government Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research." • This new framework explicitly prohibits federally supported gain-of-function research that is deemed dangerous to public health.

• An FDA advisory panel voted on Thursday to support trial results for Replimune's drug, RP1, which targets a specific type of skin cancer. • The FDA had previously declined to approve RP1 twice, most recently in April, due to a lack of a control group and insufficient evidence of effectiveness.

• A Cyclosporiasis outbreak has been reported across 17 states, with 145 confirmed cases of the gastrointestinal disease caused by the Cyclospora parasite. • The CDC has issued an alert to health care workers to ensure rapid diagnosis and proper response, as the infection spreads via contaminated food or water.

• The U.S. is seeing a surge in vaccine policy activity, with over 400 state vaccine bills introduced and nine new laws enacted. • New federal charters have been established through July 2028, focusing on healthy lifestyle initiatives, dietary supplements, and FDA-approved off-label drug use.

• A new AI tool called MEDWACS has been developed to identify undiagnosed individuals with type 2 diabetes using over 30 years of U.S. health data. • The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, highlight the tool's ability to detect the disease before patients seek medical testing.