Latest Health News
CDC Issues Level 2 Travel Advisory for Seychelles Due to Chikungunya Outbreak
The CDC issued a Level 2 'Practice Enhanced Precautions' advisory for the Seychelles on Feb. 12, 2026, due to surging chikungunya cases in the archipelago. Similar advisories were recently added for Bolivia and Suriname, with active notices for Cuba and Sri Lanka. The mosquito-borne virus causes joint pain, with risks higher for newborns, elderly, and those with comorbidities.
CEPI Launches $2.5 Billion Plan to Combat Epidemics and Pandemics
CEPI unveiled its CEPI 3.0 strategy on Feb. 13, 2026, seeking $2.5 billion to develop vaccines for threats like Lassa, Nipah, and Rift Valley fever within 100 days. The plan emphasizes equity and aims to avert future crises like COVID-19, potentially saving millions of lives. It targets known and emerging viral families per WHO priorities.
FDA Approves First-of-Its-Kind Device for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
The FDA approved Optune Pax by Novocure for adults with locally advanced pancreatic cancer, delivering tumor treating fields (TTFields) to disrupt cancer cell division non-invasively. The portable device targets the abdomen while sparing healthy tissue. This marks a novel advancement in pancreatic cancer therapy.
Merck Presents New Data on Bladder and Kidney Cancer Treatments at ASCO GU 2026
At the 2026 ASCO GU Cancers Symposium on Feb. 12, Merck reported KEYTRUDA plus Padcev improved survival in muscle-invasive bladder cancer, while WELIREG combinations showed benefits in kidney cancer. These late-breaking results from KEYNOTE-B15, LITESPARK-022, and LITESPARK-011 highlight portfolio advances. Presentations underscore Merck's leadership in genitourinary oncology.
Pharm Exec's 2026 Pipeline Report Spotlights Radioligand and Bispecific Advances
The 2026 pipeline report details expansions in radioligand therapies like Novartis' Pluvicto for earlier prostate cancer and Roche's trontinemab for Alzheimer's entering Phase III. Bispecific T-cell engagers and other innovations target solid tumors, UC, and more. Investments focus on precision and multitumor applications.
Trump Administration Revokes Climate Change Health Endangerment Finding
On Feb. 12, 2026, the Trump administration revoked the EPA's finding that climate change endangers public health, despite studies quantifying thousands of annual deaths from heat, disease, and more. Research values global health costs at over $10 billion yearly, with cold deaths decreasing but heat rising. Experts decry the move as denial of evidence.
CDC Maintains Global Alerts for Measles, Mpox, and Dengue
Amid chikungunya advisories, CDC upholds notices for measles resurgence globally and in US states, Level 2 mpox alerts for Ghana and Liberia, and Level 1 dengue precautions in tropics. Vaccinations are urged for travelers, with weekly evaluations based on cases and capacity. These reflect ongoing infectious disease monitoring.
AMA Pushes Reforms to CMS Ambulatory Specialty Model for 2027
In Feb. 2026 comments, AMA urged CMS to fix mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model issues for heart failure and low back pain, affecting over 4,000 physicians. Concerns include flawed measures and access risks; CMS released participant lists. AMA seeks voluntary participation and refinements.
WHO Partners Advance Pooled Procurement for Emergency Countermeasures
On Feb. 12, 2026, WHO discussed improving regional pooled procurement of vaccines and diagnostics for epidemics, noting gaps covering only half of countries. Global coordination is essential for equity during pandemics. Regional entities play key roles in access.
Scientists Identify Protein to Rejuvenate Aging Brain Cells
A newly discovered protein shows promise in rejuvenating aging brain cells, per Feb. 12, 2026 research. Related advances include stem cell implants for Parkinson's movement restoration and brain network insights. These target neurodegenerative diseases.
US-WHO Research Units Face Uncertain Future After America First Policy
Top US-WHO collaborative research units risk closure or limited access post-America First shifts, threatening global security. Experts warn of jeopardized outbreak response capabilities. Facilities' international role is now in jeopardy.
BMS Advances Sotyktu for Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus, and IBD
Bristol Myers Squibb's approved psoriasis drug Sotyktu (TYK2 inhibitor) progresses in trials for psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and IBD, offering oral non-biologic options. It targets IL-23, IL-12, and interferons. Phase IIb data support expansion.