Health News

• 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. • These findings are critical as they challenge the perceived safety of self-treating mental health issues with cannabis without professional guidance.

• 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. • This panel's endorsement provides critical momentum for the drug's approval process after the agency demanded more comprehensive data.

• The FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee has approved the peptides epitalon and semax for compounding. • Medical experts warn that this decision may mislead the public into believing the FDA has thoroughly evaluated the safety and efficacy of these compounds. • Critics argue the move is significant because it could potentially undermine the integrity and future of the formal FDA drug approval process.

• Actor Salman Khan shared a cryptic social media post on July 25, 2026, showcasing his toned physique from the gym. • The post comes amid ongoing public concerns regarding the actor's health, prompting a wave of reactions from his fans. • This update is part of a broader real-time coverage of the $2.83 trillion global entertainment industry, including celebrity buzz and movie trends.

• Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health published a new study on July 20, 2026, regarding formulary-related insurance denials for single-source branded drugs in the U.S. • The report highlights how drug utilization management tools, such as prior authorization, step therapy, and formulary exclusions, are used to reduce overall drug spending. • This is significant because while these measures lower costs for insurers, they may create critical barriers to patient access for essential branded medications.

• Global health news was dominated by climate-linked crises, conflict, and infectious diseases, including a European heatwave linked to over 10,000 deaths. • Significant health threats emerged globally, including the first detection of H5 bird flu in New Zealand, an ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo, and cyclosporiasis in the U.S. • France is advancing toward the approval of assisted-dying legislation following years of national debate.

• 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. • This launch addresses the growing need for verified health data to combat the spread of misleading personal health claims across digital platforms.