Man first in world to join new part of brain cancer trial in Leeds
A man has become the first in the world to join the new part of a brain cancer trial in Leeds.
Ian Johnson, 50, is taking part in a study testing a new drug called AZD1390, which is being used alongside radiotherapy to treat glioblastoma—a type of brain cancer.
The drug is designed to make radiotherapy more effective by stopping cancer cells from repairing themselves after treatment.
Mr Johnson, a senior crown prosecutor and father of two, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in December 2023.
He said: "The diagnosis was a huge shock; I'd always been healthy and had no medical issues before this."
He had surgery to remove the tumour in January, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Unfortunately, a scan showed the tumour had returned.
Because his body didn't respond well to chemotherapy, Mr Johnson's doctor referred him to Leeds to explore other treatment options, which is when he learned about the trial using AZD1390.
Mr Johnson added: "The team here has been incredible—supportive, kind, and always there to answer questions."
Since starting the treatment, Mr Johnson says he's been able to continue doing the things he loves, like walking, birdwatching, and spending time with his family.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
JNJ vs. MRK: Which Healthcare Titan Offers Better Growth Prospects?
Both Johnson & Johnson JNJ and Merck MRK are leading U.S. healthcare conglomerates — blue-chip pharmaceutical companies with massive R&D budgets and blockbuster drug portfolios. Both companies have a strong presence in oncology, immunology and neuroscience areas. Other than that, J&J also has drugs for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and infectious diseases, along with a strong presence in the medical devices segment. On the other hand, Merck boasts a strong presence in vaccines, virology and hospital acute care. Both firms face looming patent expirations and headwinds from Medicare Part D redesign. But which one is a better investment option today? Let's take a closer look at their fundamentals, growth prospects and challenges to make an informed choice. J&J's biggest strength is its diversified business model, which helps it to withstand economic cycles more effectively. It operates through more than 275 subsidiaries. Its Innovative Medicine unit is showing a growth trend. The segment's sales rose 4.4% in the first quarter of 2025 on an organic basis despite the loss of exclusivity (LOE) for its multi-billion-dollar product, Stelara, and the negative impact of the Part D redesign. In 2025, J&J expects growth in the Innovative Medicine segment in the face of Stelara biosimilar entrants to be driven by its key products such as Darzalex, Tremfya, Spravato and Erleada, as well as new drugs like Carvykti, Tecvayli and Talvey, and new indications for Tremfya and Rybrevant. J&J also has an interesting R&D pipeline that can generate innovative products and further drive its growth. J&J has been on an acquisition spree lately, with the latest acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies strengthening its presence in the neurological and psychiatric drug market. Sales in J&J's MedTech business are facing continued headwinds in the Asia Pacific, specifically in China. Sales in China are being hurt by the impact of the volume-based procurement (VBP) program and the anticorruption campaign. J&J does not expect any improvement in its business in the Asia Pacific region, specifically in China, in 2025. Competitive pressure is also hurting sales growth in some MedTech businesses. The company lost U.S. patent exclusivity of its blockbuster drug, Stelara, in 2025. The launch of generics is expected to significantly erode the drug's sales, hurting J&J's sales and profits in 2025. J&J also expects a negative impact of approximately $2 billion in sales due to the Medicare Part D redesign in 2025. The Part D redesign is expected to mainly hurt sales of drugs like Stelara, Tremfya, Erleada and PAH drugs J&J faces more than 62,000 lawsuits for its talc-based products, primarily baby powders. The lawsuits allege that its talc products contain asbestos, which caused many women to develop ovarian cancer. J&J insists that its talc-based products are safe and do not cause cancer. The company permanently discontinued the sales of its talc-based Johnson's Baby Powder. In April, a bankruptcy court in Texas rejected J&J's proposed bankruptcy plan to settle its talc lawsuits after a two-week trial in Houston. J&J will go back to the traditional tort system to fight the lawsuits individually with its bankruptcy strategy to settle the lawsuits failing for the third time. J&J's cash and cash equivalents were $38.8 billion at the end of March 2025 against long-term debt of $38.4 billion, resulting in a debt-to-capital ratio of 0.33, much lower than the industry's average of 0.42. Merck boasts more than six blockbuster drugs in its portfolio, with Keytruda being the key top-line driver. Keytruda has played an instrumental role in driving Merck's steady revenue growth in the past few years. Keytruda's sales are gaining from rapid uptake across earlier-stage indications, mainly early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Continued strong momentum in metastatic indications is also boosting sales growth. The company expects continued growth from Keytruda, particularly in early lung cancer. Merck is also developing a subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda that can extend its patent life. Merck is working on different strategies to drive Keytruda's long-term growth. Merck has been making meaningful regulatory and pipeline progress across areas like oncology (mainly Keytruda), vaccines and infectious diseases while executing strategic business moves. Merck's phase III pipeline has almost tripled since 2021, supported by in-house pipeline progress as well as the addition of candidates through M&A deals. Merck's new products, Capvaxive and Winrevair, are witnessing strong launches and have the potential to generate significant revenues over the long term. Earlier this week, the FDA approved its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Enflonsia (clesrovimab). However, sales of Gardasil, which is Merck's second-largest product, are declining due to a weak performance in China, which resulted from sluggish demand trends amid an economic slowdown. Merck is also seeing weakness in the diabetes franchise and the generic erosion of some drugs. Merck is heavily reliant on Keytruda. Though Keytruda may be Merck's biggest strength and a solid reason to own the stock, it can also be argued that the company is excessively dependent on the drug and it should look for ways to diversify its product lineup. There are rising concerns about the firm's ability to grow its non-oncology business ahead of the upcoming loss of exclusivity of Keytruda in 2028. Also, competitive pressure might increase for Keytruda in the near future. Medicare Part D redesign is expected to hurt sales of diabetes drugs, Januvia/Janumet, in 2025. At the end of March 2025, its cash and cash equivalents were $9.2 billion against long-term debt of $33.5 billion, resulting in a debt-to-capital ratio of 0.41, which is slightly lower than the industry average of 0.42. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for J&J's 2025 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year increase of 2.7% and 6.2%, respectively. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has risen from $10.54 per share to $10.60 over the past 60 days, while that for 2026 has declined from $11.02 to $10.98 over the same timeframe. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MRK's 2025 sales and EPS implies a year-over-year increase of 0.9% and 16.6%, respectively. EPS estimates for both 2025 and 2026 have declined over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Year to date, J&J's stock has risen 10% compared with the industry's increase of 0.6%. Merck's stock has declined 17.5%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MRK looks more attractive than J&J from a valuation standpoint. Going by the price/earnings ratio, J&J's shares currently trade at 14.53 forward earnings, slightly lower than 15.23 for the industry and its 5-year mean of 15.77. Merck's shares currently trade at 8.76 forward earnings, significantly lower than the industry as well as the stock's 5-year mean of 12.88. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research J&J's dividend yield is 3.32%, while Merck's is slightly higher at 3.98%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Both Merck & J&J have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each, which makes choosing one stock a difficult task. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Merck has one of the world's best-selling drugs in its portfolio, generating billions of dollars in revenues. Though Keytruda will lose patent exclusivity in 2028, its sales are expected to remain strong until then. However, the company's problems are too many at present, including persistent challenges for Gardasil in China, potential competition for Keytruda and rising competitive and generic pressure on some drugs. All these factors have raised doubts about Merck's ability to navigate the Keytruda loss of exclusivity period successfully. Consistently declining estimates also reflect analysts' pessimistic outlook for the stock. On the other hand, J&J has shown steady revenue and EPS growth for years. J&J considers 2025 to be a 'catalyst year,' positioning the company for growth in the second half of the decade. J&J expects operational sales growth in both the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments to be higher in the second half of 2025 than in the first. While newly launched products should drive growth in the Innovative Medicines segment in the second half, the MedTech segment may benefit from new products and easier comps. J&J expects growth to accelerate from 2026 onward. Despite headwinds like softness in the MedTech unit, the legal battle surrounding its talc lawsuits, Stelara patent cliff and the potential impact of Part D redesign, J&J seems just one step ahead of Merck due to better prospects for sales and profit growth amid the various challenges. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
West Nile virus detected in Orleans Parish mosquitoes
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Mosquitoes on the New Orleans east bank tested positive for the West Nile virus Sunday, June 8. According to officials from the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board, mosquitos collected from the east bank of Orleans Parish tested positive for the West Nile virus. Officials said the samples indicate that the virus is circulating among mosquito and bird populations. No human cases have been reported in Orleans Parish this year. Man killed in Central City stabbing The NOMTRCB will conduct spray missions by helicopter Sunday, June 8 from 7:45 p.m. to 12 a.m. They will target Anthony, Filmore, Gentilly and the St. Bernard area bounded by Lakeshore Dr. I-610, Bayou St. John and Music Street. According to officials, most West Nile infections are asymptomatic. However, common symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. In rare cases, severe illness can occur. West Nile and other mosquito-borne viruses are more active in the summer and early Johnson teases follow-ups to the 'one big, beautiful bill' Hemi power: Ram plans return to NASCAR in 2026 with Truck Series entry. Cup Series could be next Texas Republican says LA 'tip of the iceberg,' deportations 'about to go way up' Heat Advisory & Isolated Thunderstorms continue for Sunday West Nile virus detected in Orleans Parish mosquitoes Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
More than 4,000 cyclists heading to Niagara, Hamilton for Ride to Conquer Cancer
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation will be hosting its 18th annual The Ride to Conquer Cancer this weekend. This edition of 'Canada's largest athletic fundraiser' is presented by Johnson & Johnson and also partners with regional businesses such as Peller Estates wines and McMaster University. Hamilton and Niagara are expected to host more than 4,000 cyclists over the weekend. Participants include first-time riders, 18-year veterans of the fundraiser and cancer survivors (who ride with yellow flags). Funds raised go toward cancer research, helping fight a disease that will affect two in five Canadians during their lifetimes, according to a Princess Margaret press release. The ride has a variety of options for routes, and has one- or two-day riding options. The most popular route, The Classic, begins with two starting points, and is a 200-kilometre, two-day ride that ends at Peller Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake. For The Classic, more than 400 riders will start from Peller Estates and end at McMaster in Hamilton. They will be joined by another 4,000-plus riders trekking from Toronto's Sherway Gardens. The start line for the Sherway Gardens group will be in the northeast parking lot on the corner of Queensway and Sherway Gardens Road. There will be free day parking on site. The Niagara group will begin at the main site of Peller Estates Winery at 290 John St. E. Both starting points of the race have an 8 a.m. opening ceremony before the ride begins at 8:30 a.m. Riders can begin checking in at 6:30 a.m. and must be present by 7:30 a.m. The two groups will camp overnight in McMaster's 10 Acre Field. Participants in the 17th annual Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Ride to Conquer Cancer arrive in Niagara Falls. Cyclists head out again on Sunday, departing from McMaster at 7:30 a.m. Family and friends of riders can partake in events and festivities at Peller Estates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., before being joined by the cyclists. The cycling route will close at 6 p.m. In Hamilton, McMaster's Lot H parking lot will be closed until June 10. Niagara-on-the-Lake will face a road closure on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Railroad Street and Concession 1 Road will be closed in both directions between East and West Line and Line 1 Road. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
