
New antibiotic that could save millions of lives enters final testing
Zosurabalpin will be tested against drug-resistant acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, which the CDC identifies as an "urgent threat" and has not been addressed by new antibiotics in over 50 years.
The Phase 3 trial will involve approximately 400 patients worldwide, comparing zosurabalpin to standard treatment.
Roche aims to combat antimicrobial resistance with this innovation, potentially revealing new insights into bacterial membranes for future antibiotic discovery.
The experimental drug is hoped to be approved by the end of the decade, addressing the global issue of Sepsis, which causes approximately 11 million deaths annually, and community-acquired pneumonia, which kills three to four million people each year.
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The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Economic uncertainty blamed for ‘lacklustre' retail performance last month
Analysists have blamed rising economic uncertainty for a 'lacklustre' July that saw Scottish retail sales fall in real terms compared with the same month last year. According to figures from the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and KPMG, total sales in Scotland rose 0.1% last month compared with July 2024, when they had decreased by 0.9%. However when adjusted for inflation this represents a year-on-year fall of 0.5%. Food sales in Scotland were down 1.4% compared with July 2024, when they had decreased by just 0.3%. This was despite a strong opening to the month when hot weather led to a 'boost' in spending on barbecues and summer meals. Non-food sales on the other hand rose by 1.4% compared with the same period last year, with analysists saying phones and some furniture and toy ranges performed well. Adjusted for the effects of online sales, non-food sales increased 1.6% on July 2024, when they had decreased by 1.5%. Ewan MacDonald-Russell, deputy head of the SRC, said: 'July was a lacklustre month for Scottish retailers as sales again disappointed. 'When adjusted for inflation retail sales in Scotland fell by 0.5%. That's a slight improvement on June's figures, but demonstrates shoppers continue to cut back on shopping as economic uncertainty continues to rise. 'Within the general disappointment there were some bright spots. Food sales shone in the opening half of the month as Scots took advantage of the warm weather to cook barbeque and summer meals. 'Phone sales did well, as did some toys and furniture ranges. Against that televisions continue to disappoint, with few households investing in high-end entertainment despite the summer plethora of sporting events. 'Fashion ranges performed poorly, albeit the likelihood is shoppers did their summer wardrobe shopping earlier in the year when the sunshine emerged. 'The harsh truth is Scots are holding back spending as worries about the economy grow. 'That is leaving shops in the lurch – facing higher costs as a consequence of last year's UK Government budget without the growth needed to pay those bills. 'With little sight the economic weather will brighten, many retailers, especially those on the high street, face increasingly unpalatable choices in the coming months.' Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG, described the current trading environment as 'challenging' for retailers. 'The UK's fifth warmest July on Met Office record brought a boost to home appliance and food and drink sales,' she said. 'But rising inflation was also a driver of the latter and monthly non-food sales are only growing at around 1% on average at present. 'With employment costs having risen and inflation both a business and consumer side pressure, it remains a challenging trading environment for many retailers. 'While the majority of consumers that KPMG surveys are confident in their ability to balance their monthly household budgets, big ticket purchases are more considered in the context of rising essential costs and ongoing caution about the economy and labour market. 'Holidays are the priority for many this summer but those heading away have had to account for a higher cost of travel. 'Consequently, spending in some areas of the retail sector remains subdued and competition for consumer spend will remain fierce.' The figures were published in the SRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for July.


The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Government teams up with TikTok influencers over cosmetic surgery warnings
New government plans will see social media influencers highlight the risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures, including hair transplants and dental work. Ministers hope the campaign, in partnership with TikTok, will help people make "more informed choices before they go under the knife." Medical influencers, such as Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, will create videos showing the dangers. The content will urge patients to speak to a UK doctor first and avoid package holidays that include procedures. A checklist will also be provided, advising patients to check surgeon credentials, clinic regulations, and understand aftercare before booking. This initiative forms part of a wider government drive to tackle so-called "medical tourism" and ensure the NHS is not left to foot the bill when complications arise. Health minister Karin Smyth said: 'Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards. 'Often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers – some of whom have never been to the practice in question. 'By partnering with TikTok, we're helping people make safer, more informed choices before they go under the knife – wherever that may be.' Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said: 'Our aim is to explain the risks and help British people understand the actions they can take to keep themselves safe when abroad. 'If you choose to travel abroad for medical treatment, it is vital you do your research and are fully aware of the risks involved. 'We urge anyone considering a medical procedure abroad to review our travel advice, relevant guidance from the NHS and other professional bodies, and research foreign providers thoroughly to ensure they meet the highest standard of care. 'Informed choices today can help avoid serious complications tomorrow.' The initiative comes after ministers outlined plans to cut down on 'cowboy' cosmetic procedures by introducing new restrictions. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Social Care unveiled proposals which include only allowing 'suitably qualified' and Care Quality Commission-regulated health workers to deliver high-risk procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts. Elsewhere, clinics offering Botox and fillers will need licences, and age restrictions will be introduced to prevent children from trying to follow 'dangerous beauty trends on social media'. Those who break the rules will face sanctions, including financial penalties, officials said.


The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Government turns to TikTok to highlight risks of cosmetic surgery abroad
The Government will use social media influencers to highlight the risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic procedures such as hair transplants and dental work under new plans. Ministers hope the new campaign with TikTok will help people make 'more informed choices before they go under the knife'. As part of the initiative, the Government will work with medical influencers, such as Midwife Marley and Doc Tally, to create videos showing the risks of cosmetic surgery abroad. The content will urge patients to speak to a UK doctor first and avoid package holidays that include procedures. It will also include a checklist for patients to consider before they book a procedure, which includes checking the credentials of surgeons, the clinic's regulations, and understanding the aftercare. The initiative is part of a wider Government drive to tackle so-called medical tourism and ensure the NHS is not left to foot the bill when complications arise. Health minister Karin Smyth said: 'Too many people are being left with life-altering injuries after going abroad for medical procedures, without access to proper advice or safeguards. 'Often drawn in by deals too good to be true and promoted by influencers – some of whom have never been to the practice in question. 'By partnering with TikTok, we're helping people make safer, more informed choices before they go under the knife – wherever that may be.' Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said: 'Our aim is to explain the risks and help British people understand the actions they can take to keep themselves safe when abroad. 'If you choose to travel abroad for medical treatment, it is vital you do your research and are fully aware of the risks involved. 'We urge anyone considering a medical procedure abroad to review our travel advice, relevant guidance from the NHS and other professional bodies, and research foreign providers thoroughly to ensure they meet the highest standard of care. 'Informed choices today can help avoid serious complications tomorrow.' The initiative comes after ministers outlined plans to cut down on 'cowboy' cosmetic procedures by introducing new restrictions. Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Social Care unveiled proposals which include only allowing 'suitably qualified' and Care Quality Commission-regulated health workers to deliver high-risk procedures such as Brazilian butt lifts. Elsewhere, clinics offering Botox and fillers will need licences, and age restrictions will be introduced to prevent children from trying to follow 'dangerous beauty trends on social media'. Those who break the rules will face sanctions, including financial penalties, officials said.