Belén Garijo has been named the new CEO of Sanofi, succeeding Paul Hudson. The French multinational aims to sharpen its innovation strategy under Garijo, who previously revitalized R&D at Merck and led the acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics.
The FDA is moving away from requiring two identical Phase 3 trials for efficacy, acknowledging advancements in molecular modeling and precision medicine. This shift allows for more streamlined drug development, though stricter protocols are being considered for new vaccine products, as seen with Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine.
Development of a novel Nipah virus vaccine is gaining momentum, leveraging the viral-vector platform from COVID-19 vaccines. The Serum Institute of India has proactively produced a reserve of 100,000 doses. This progress offers hope against a virus with a 75% mortality rate, underscoring the value of international collaboration and long-term investment in public health.
The recent passing of actor James Van Der Beek from bowel cancer has renewed focus on early detection diagnostics, with companies like Exact Sciences and Guardant Health leading the way in blood- and stool-based testing.