July 24, 2025

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Early Data Points to Universal Cancer Vaccine

University of Florida researchers published July 18 in Nature Biomedical Engineering what they describe as the first steps toward a universal cancer vaccine. Led by Dr. Elias Sayour, the team demonstrated in preclinical models that injections of unmodified mRNA can “wake” the immune system, triggering broad recognition and rejection of tumors.

Key points:

Unmodified mRNA stimulates IFN-I pathways to boost antitumor immunity

Concept applies across cancer types rather than targeting specific mutations

Ongoing early human trials will assess safety and efficacy

While experts call the findings “exciting early data,” they underscore the need for rigorous clinical testing, safety evaluations and optimization before this approach could transform cancer treatment.

Intranasal Insulin Spray Targets Key Brain Regions in Alzheimer’s Study

Insulin nasal spray delivers hormone directly to memory centers in the brain, a Wake Forest study shows, offering new hope for Alzheimer’s therapy. Published July 23 in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, brain scans of 16 adults aged 68–76 revealed elevated insulin uptake in 11 critical areas—including the hippocampus, amygdala and temporal lobe.

Key findings:

Adults with mild cognitive impairment absorbed less insulin than cognitively normal peers.

Women with healthier hearts showed stronger uptake; high amyloid-β levels correlated with reduced absorption.

This proof-of-concept establishes a roadmap for future clinical trials of intranasal Alzheimer’s treatments.

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Ozempic Boom Tied to Eating Disorder Surge

Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs are fueling a new wave of eating disorders, experts warn. As prescriptions skyrocket—now used by one in eight U.S. adults—treatment centers report more patients developing restrictive-eating patterns and atypical anorexia.

Eating Recovery Centers saw referrals on GLP-1s jump from 11 in 2023 to 31 in 2024, with 14 cases already in 2025, including a 14-year-old.

At Monte Nido, GLP-1 use among new patients rose 25–33%, often hidden until admission.

Clinicians urge routine screening for eating disorder risk and better training for providers prescribing weight-loss meds.

Dr. Reddy’s to Launch Low-Cost Semaglutide Generic in 87 Countries

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories CEO Erez Israeli announced today that the company will roll out a low-cost generic version of semaglutide—the active ingredient in blockbuster weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic—in 87 markets starting in early 2025, beginning with Canada, India, Brazil and Turkey.

The generics push is projected to generate hundreds of millions in sales, offering more affordable GLP-1 therapy options amid soaring global demand. Analysts warn it could upend pricing structures and intensify competition for established players like Novo Nordisk.

Polygenic Score Predicts Childhood Obesity Years Before Onset

A new polygenic risk score (PGS) can flag obesity risk years before symptoms appear. Published July 21 in Nature Medicine, the tool analyzes genetic data from over 5 million individuals and accounts for 17% of body mass index (BMI) variation—twice the predictive power of previous methods. Early signs of elevated risk emerge before age 5, offering a critical window for tailored interventions.

Key points:

Universal Cancer Vaccine? Early mRNA Data Ignites New Hope