Activating B Cells Key to TIL Cancer Therapy Effectiveness
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that tapping into the body’s own immune system and activating a type of immune cell known as B cells could be the key to boosting the effectiveness of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, or TIL therapy.
Draft Budget Proposal Would Cut HHS Federal Health Programs by One-Third
A draft budget proposal circulating among federal officials suggests a cut in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ discretionary spending by as much as one-third, or tens of billions of dollars.
HHS and NIH Invest in Universal Vaccine Platform for Pandemic-Prone Viruses
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have announced the development of the next-generation, universal vaccine platform, Generation Gold Standard, using a beta-propiolactone (BPL)-inactivated, whole-virus platform.
Moderna’s Flu Vaccine Shows Positive Late-Stage Trial Results
Moderna’s experimental mRNA-based influenze (flu) vaccine produced a stronger immune response than a currently available vaccine in a late-stage trial, clearing a path forward for the product and the company’s separate combination flu and COVID vaccine.
FDA Approves Gammagard Liquid ERC to Treat PI, Plans to Discontinue Gammagard SD in December 2027
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GAMMAGARD LIQUID ERC [immune globulin infusion (human)] with less than or equal to 2 µg/mL IgA in a 10% solution, the only ready-to-use liquid immunoglobulin (IG) therapy with low immunoglobulin A (IgA) content, as replacement therapy for individuals 2 years of age and older with primary immunodeficiency (PI).
Vaccine Advisers Recommend New RSV Vaccine for Infants
A group of outside advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted 5-2 to recommend the use of Merck’s new antibody vaccine, Enflonsia (clesrovimab), that can protect babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
New Influenza Vaccine Provides Long-Lasting Protection and Higher Efficacy
A new clinical trial shows a single shot of a long-lasting influenza (flu) drug may protect people for an entire season, and it might do so more effectively than vaccines.
Flebogamma (IVIG) Effective in Treating Post-Polio Syndrome
Grifols announced positive results from its Phase II/III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of Flebogamma 5% DIF (intravenous immune globulin [IVIG]) to treat patients with post-polio syndrome, which demonstrated a significant improvement in distance walked compared to placebo.
COVID-19-Influenza Combination and Standalone Influenza Vaccines Generated a Strong Immune Response
In a late-stage trial, Novavax’s experimental COVID-19-influenza combination (CIC) and standalone trivalent hemagglutinin nanoparticle seasonal influenza (tNIV) vaccines generated a strong immune response in adults aged 65 and older, similar to already approved vaccines against the viruses.
FDA Approves Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor for Head and Neck Cancer
Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (combined positive score [CPS] ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test.
