HEALTH

• A public health emergency occurred in May 2026 across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda due to an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease. • The disease, caused by *Orthoebolavirus bundibugyoense*, is characterized by high mortality rates and a lack of understood reservoir ecology. • Current medical responses are hindered by limited diagnostic implementation and a total absence of licensed vaccines or therapeutics specifically approved for this species.

• 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. • This initiative matters because reducing bureaucratic delays in drug approval could accelerate patient access to life-saving treatments and stimulate pharmaceutical innovation.

• Scientists have launched the EBO-PEP clinical trial to test an experimental antiviral pill designed to prevent the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola after exposure. • The study is being led by the DRC's National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB), France's ANRS Emerging Infectious Diseases, and the medical organization ALIMA. • This research is critical because there are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments specifically for the Bundibugyo strain, leaving a gap in outbreak control.

• Leading researchers are warning that a recent FDA policy shift may lead to the approval of ineffective medicines. • In February, the FDA announced that drug sponsors could seek approval based on a single clinical trial and confirmatory evidence, departing from a 1960s-era requirement for two clinical studies. • This change is concerning to experts because it may allow drugs with conflicting trial data to enter the market, potentially compromising patient safety and efficacy.

• Congress has returned from recess to prioritize bipartisan healthcare legislation, specifically targeting prior authorization reform and the expansion of remote patient monitoring. • Key legislative goals include extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits to maintain insurance affordability for millions of Americans. • Regulatory updates from CMS and the FDA introduce critical changes to 340B drug pricing policies and hospital outpatient payment systems.

• A multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been identified across the United States, though the specific source of the contamination remains unknown. • Health officials are urging individuals to report all suspected cases of the parasitic infection to their local health departments to assist in tracking. • The situation is critical as identifying the source is necessary to prevent further infections and provide guidance on patient management.

• The CDC confirmed 843 cases of Cyclospora across 31 states as of July 9, 2026, while a separate, larger outbreak in Michigan has surpassed 1,562 reports. • Health officials have not yet identified a specific food source responsible for the infections, though the outbreak persists through the summer season. • This situation is critical as it requires urgent medical attention for severe dehydration and specific antibiotic treatment, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

• The CDC, FDA, and local health departments are investigating multistate outbreaks of domestically acquired cyclosporiasis across the U.S. in 2026. • Officials are working to identify the specific food or water sources causing the infections, noting that the actual number of cases is likely higher due to underreporting. • This health advisory provides critical guidance to clinicians and laboratorians to improve the recognition, diagnosis, and reporting of the parasite.

• A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases tracking 724 US participants reveals that flu symptoms can linger for up to a month, challenging the perception of influenza as a short-lived illness. • While severe symptoms typically fade within days, the research highlights a significant period of recovery where nagging effects persist for several weeks. • These findings are critical for understanding post-viral recovery and may provide parallels for treating the 1% to 5% of adults worldwide suffering from long COVID.

• NanoViricides has received approval from the National Ethics Committee in the Democratic Republic of Congo to conduct a Phase II trial of NV-387. • The trial will test the efficacy of NV-387 oral gummies specifically designed to treat the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. • The company is now preparing the necessary regulatory filings for ACOREP to move the clinical study forward.

• Researchers from the University of Adelaide found that intermittent fasting is as effective for weight loss as traditional calorie restriction. • An 18-month clinical trial involving over 200 adults with obesity demonstrated that fasting requires significantly less mental effort than constant calorie counting. • Published in Clinical Nutrition, the study suggests fasting provides a more practical and sustainable alternative for individuals struggling with restrictive dieting.

• Oxford University has launched Phase 1 human trials for a new Ebola vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain, supported by CEPI. • The Serum Institute is producing over 620,000 doses, with the trial beginning just 57 days after the WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. • This rapid development marks one of the fastest responses to an emerging infectious disease, aiming to curb the spread of the rare strain.

• The Oxford Vaccine Group has launched the world's first Phase I clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo ebolavirus. • The initiative is being supported by India's Serum Institute to develop a viable immunization strategy against this specific strain. • This trial is critical for expanding global preparedness against Ebola outbreaks and developing targeted vaccines for diverse virus variants.

• Sanofi's stock price has remained steady as of July 13, 2026, reflecting the company's stable market position within the global pharmaceutical industry. • The company's long-term growth is supported by a diversified portfolio that includes prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer health products. • This stability is driven by consistent global demand for healthcare services, providing a reliable foundation for long-term investors.

• New clinical trials have been launched in the Democratic Republic of Congo to evaluate the efficacy of two drugs, MBP-134 and remdesivir, against the Bundibugyo Ebola virus. • These trials are critical because the Bundibugyo species currently lacks any approved vaccines or therapies to mitigate its spread. • The outbreak has already resulted in over 1,561 confirmed cases and more than 500 deaths, according to the CDC.

• Researchers have identified new threats of flesh-eating bacteria in summer waters, coinciding with a broader decline in public health oversight. • Dr. Jha warns that the Trump administration is dismantling critical policies and incentives intended to combat the nationwide chronic disease epidemic. • The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the dismantling of USAID have weakened global health coordination, specifically impacting the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Researchers are investigating whether the four-component meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) can prevent infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, as no licensed vaccines currently exist for the disease. • The study, supported by GSK and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (grant GNT1182443), relies on observational data to determine if the vaccine provides cross-protection. • This research is critical because gonorrhea is a widespread sexually transmitted infection with increasing antibiotic resistance, making a preventative vaccine a global health priority.

• Island Pharmaceuticals plans to deploy the antiviral drug galidesivir to Uganda to treat patients during the current Ebola outbreak. • The company acquired galidesivir last year and is seeking FDA approval for Marburg virus disease via the "animal rule," which allows sign-off based on animal data for life-threatening conditions. • This deployment is critical as it provides a rare opportunity to gather real-world clinical evidence from Ebola-infected individuals to support broader global regulatory approvals.