Latest news with #LMICs
News18
4 hours ago
- Health
- News18
Best Cancer Screening Tests For Women In 2025
Breast cancer screening holds the power to transform outcomes dramatically. While international guidelines provide a strong foundation, local adaptation is essential. Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in India, surpassing cervical cancer over the past decade. Global guidelines now emphasize risk-based screening over one- size-fits-all approaches. This includes taking family history, genetics, menstrual and reproductive history, lifestyle, and breast density into account. With increasing awareness, evolving technologies, and more robust global and Indian data, 2025 marks a pivotal year in how we think about breast cancer screening. Dr Karishma Kirti, Consultant Breast Specialist and Oncoplastic Surgeon shares all you need to know: International bodies such as the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommend: 1. Mammography beginning at age 40 for average-risk women 2. Annual or biennial mammograms depending on individual risk and access 3. 3D digital mammography (tomosynthesis) for improved detection where available 4. Earlier screening from age 30–35 for high-risk individuals (e.g. BRCA1/2 mutation carriers) India's breast cancer landscape is distinct as a significant proportion of cases are seen in women under 50, late-stage presentation is more common, especially in public hospitals and mammography access remains uneven, particularly outside major cities. One of the most important contributions to global breast cancer screening evidence actually comes from India itself. The Mumbai cluster randomized controlled trial, followed nearly 150,000 women over 20 years. It demonstrated that biennial clinical breast examination (CBE) by trained female health workers led to a significant stage shift to earlier detection. Among women aged 50 and above, there was a 15% reduction in breast cancer mortality. CBE was found to be low-cost, acceptable, and scalable. (Mittra I, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2021;22(3):402–15.) This study offers conclusive, real-world evidence that CBE, when done systematically with proper follow- up, saves lives especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. What about breast self-examination? While breast self-exams are no longer formally recommended for screening in the West, breast awareness knowing what's normal for you is still vital in India. Encouraging monthly self-checks and timely reporting of lumps or changes can lead to earlier diagnosis. Many women first discover their cancer themselves, not through screening, but by noticing a lump or change. In the absence of national guidelines, these are some of the recommendations I use in my clinic to guide my patients through screening for breast cancer. This tiered, risk-based approach is based on both the evidence and the ground realities of healthcare access in India. Breast cancer screening holds the power to transform outcomes dramatically. While international guidelines provide a strong foundation, local adaptation is essential. For Indian women, the best approach combines: Early vigilance, Accessible technology, and Open conversations around breast health. The earlier we detect, the more lives we save. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 22, 2025, 19:23 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Best Cancer Screening Tests For Women In 2025 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
ArkBio's Ziresovir Included into Pediatric RSV Drug Priority List by WHO
SHANGHAI, July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the newly released "Paediatric drug optimization for respiratory syncytial virus (PADO-RSV) meeting report" by Global Accelerator for Paediatric formulations (GAP-f), the World Health Organization (WHO) host network, ziresovir (10mg) has been included in the PADO-RSV priority list. Ziresovir, developed by Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("ArkBio"), is the first and only RSV antiviral drug to be included in the list. This is the first time WHO has included an anti-RSV drug developed from China in the paediatric drug optimization priority list. Filling a Global Gap: Ziresovir Leads RSV Antiviral Development RSV is the leading pathogen of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in infants and young children globally, causing approximately 33 million cases of LRTIs, 3.6 million hospitalizations, and 101,400 deaths annually, with 97% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the severe threat, current specific treatment options for RSV are extremely limited, and there is a clinical urgent need for safe, effective, and child-appropriate innovative drugs. The "Paediatric drug optimization for respiratory syncytial virus (PADO-RSV)" project initiated by WHO/GAP-f aims to systematically review the global R&D pipeline, clarify R&D priorities, and promote the development and accessibility of RSV prevention and treatment tools more suitable for the paediatric population. With its clear clinical value, child-friendly design, and good safety profile, ziresovir becomes the only product in the antiviral drug category selected for the PADO-RSV priority list, demonstrating its huge potential in the paediatric RSV treatment globally. WHO pointed out in the report that ziresovir's research results are of great significance to the global RSV treatment field and recommended conducting diverse clinical studies in broader populations to further verify its applicability and effectiveness. ArkBio will actively respond to WHO's advice with a plan to expand ziresovir's clinical development in other countries and regions. By collaborating with international scientific institutions and public health organizations, ArkBio aims to rapidly advance the drug's global registration and accessibility. Simultaneously, ArkBio is deeply aware of the importance of global public health, particularly concerned about the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries. The company will formulate drug accessibility plans specifically for these countries to ensure ziresovir can be supplied at reasonable prices globally wherever it is needed, contributing to the prevention and treatment of RSV infection. "ArkBio has a mission to 'help patients inspire and thrive'", Dr. Jim Wu, CEO of ArkBio, stated. "The inclusion of ziresovir in the WHO PADO-RSV priority list is not only an affirmation of the years of effort by ArkBio scientists, but also an inspiration for our corporate mission. The recognition of ziresovir would allow us to expedite its global development and realize the potential on the global stage. We will ensure the innovation can not only benefit patients in China but the very needed patients worldwide. This is not just our goal but our social responsibility. ArkBio will strive to contribute more to address global public health issues." About GAP-f GAP-f stands for the Global Accelerator for Paediatric Formulations Network. Hosted by WHO, it operates throughout the drug development lifecycle to accelerate the research, development, and dissemination of optimized pediatric formulations. Identifying priorities is the first step toward a targeted R&D approach. Establishing a priority list of the most urgently needed pediatric formulations is crucial, as it helps focus the efforts and resources of researchers and suppliers on specific dosage forms and formulations that address children's most critical needs. About PADO PADO stands for Paediatric Drug Optimization. It is a WHO's legally binding international priority (based on WHA69.20 resolution) that accelerates the development of high-demand pediatric drugs by building consensus among regulators, funders, and manufacturers. It aims to identify priority products for R&D and define their ideal characteristics. It has been successfully implemented in areas including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C, tuberculosis, COVID-19, antibiotics, neglected tropical diseases, and childhood cancers. These initiatives demonstrate that, against the backdrop of a fragmented and small pediatric drug market, such efforts hold potential and deliver tangible impacts in accelerating access to optimized formulations. About Ziresovir Ziresovir is a novel small-molecule RSV fusion (F) protein inhibitor. It binds to the pre-F protein conformation of the virus and prevents viral entry into human cells. Ziresovir can also suppress RSV viral transmission by blocking cell-to-cell fusion through the formation of "syncytia", a characteristic event of RSV infection of host cells. It is the first oral anti-RSV drug that has completed a phase 3 pivotal clinical study with positive results. The phase 3 results have been published in The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. Ziresovir has received Breakthrough Therapy designation by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China. About ArkBio ArkBio is a global biotech company focused on developing innovative therapeutics for respiratory, infectious, and pediatric diseases. Founded in 2014, it has built core technology platforms and a differentiated R&D pipeline through in-house R&D efforts and external collaboration. Key drug assets include ziresovir (AK0529), the first direct-acting RSV antiviral with positive pivotal phase III results, and Azstarys (AK0901), an FDA-approved ADHD therapeutic drug. ArkBio has established strategic partnerships with several multinational pharmaceutical companies and academic institutes, including Roche, Genentech, the Scripps Research Institute, the Institute of Microbiology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, domestic and international biotechnology companies, as well as venture capital institutions. For more information, please visit: Inquiries: IR@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Arkbio Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Star
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
A chance to stop HIV with 'game changing' drug
As one of the countries eligible for HIV funding from the Global Fund, Malaysia can expect to gain access to lenacapavir through the health financing group. — AP Filepic Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will gain access to a 'game-changing' HIV prevention drug with a new deal signed between with US pharmaceutical giant Gilead and the Global Fund, the latter said on July 9 (2025). The health financing group set up to battle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, described the deal to procure lenacapavir for LMICs (including Malaysia) as 'a significant milestone for global health equity'. 'This marks the first time in history that an HIV prevention product will be introduced in LMICs at the same time as in high-income countries,' the Global Fund said in a statement. The group said it hoped the agreement with Gilead would make it possible to reach two million people with the revolutionary drug, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June (2025). Drugs to prevent HIV transmission, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), have existed for more than a decade. But because they typically require taking a daily pill, they have yet to make a significant dent in global infections. In contrast, lenacapavir requires only two injections per year and has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9% in adults and adolescents – making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. ALSO READ: This drug offers 100% HIV protection in women 'This is not just a scientific breakthrough – it's a turning point for HIV/AIDS,' Global Fund chief Peter Sands said. 'For the first time, we have a tool that can fundamentally change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic, but only if we get it to the people who need it most.' Under the agreement, countries supported by the Global Fund can access lenacapavir for PrEP, the organisation said, adding that it aimed for the first shipment and delivery to reach at least one African country by the end of this year. This, it said, would mark the start of 'a transformational shift in how HIV prevention is delivered to communities with the highest burden of new infections'. There is particular urgency in countries like South Africa, where adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV. 'This is a game changer for South Africa,' the country's Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in the statement. 'Lenacapavir offers young women, and everyone at risk, a discreet, long-acting option to stay HIV-free.' – AFP
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
'Game changer' for HIV prevention in SA as lower-income countries granted access to breakthrough drug
The Lenacapavir antiviral drug molecule is shown in this illustration. The new drug is said to be a game-changer. Image: Science Photo Library via AFP Lower-income countries will gain access to a "game-changing" HIV prevention drug with a new deal signed between with US pharmaceutical giant Gilead and the Global Fund, the health financing group said Wednesday. The group set up to battle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, described the deal to procure lenacapavir for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as "a significant milestone for global health equity". "This marks the first time in history that an HIV prevention product will be introduced in LMICs at the same time as in high-income countries," the Global Fund said in a statement. There was particular urgency in countries like South Africa, where adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV. "This is a game changer for South Africa," South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in the statement. "Lenacapavir offers young women, and everyone at risk, a discreet, long-acting option to stay HIV-free." The Global Fund said it hoped the agreement with Gilead would make it possible to reach two million people with the revolutionary drug, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration last month. Drugs to prevent HIV transmission, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, have existed for more than a decade. But because they typically require taking a daily pill, they have yet to make a significant dent in global infections. By contrast, lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, requires only two injections per year and has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents - making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. "This is not just a scientific breakthrough - it's a turning point for HIV/AIDS," Global Fund chief Peter Sands said. "For the first time, we have a tool that can fundamentally change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic - but only if we get it to the people who need it most." Under the agreement, countries supported by the Global Fund can access lenacapavir for PrEP, the organisation said, adding that it aimed for the first shipment and delivery to reach at least one African country by the end of this year. This, it said, would mark the start of "a transformational shift in how HIV prevention is delivered to communities with the highest burden of new infections". AFP
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Poorer countries granted access to HIV prevention drug
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The agreement with Gilead would make it possible to reach two million people with the new drug. GENEVA - Lower-income countries will gain access to a 'game-changing' HIV prevention drug with a new deal signed between with US pharmaceutical giant Gilead and the Global Fund, the health financing group said on July 9. The group set up to battle Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, described the deal to procure lenacapavir for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as 'a significant milestone for global health equity'. 'This marks the first time in history that an HIV prevention product will be introduced in LMICs at the same time as in high-income countries,' the Global Fund said in a statement. The group said it hoped the agreement with Gilead would make it possible to reach two million people with the revolutionary drug, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in June. Drugs to prevent HIV transmission, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis or Prep, have existed for more than a decade. But because they typically require taking a daily pill, they have yet to make a significant dent in global infections. By contrast, lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, requires only two injections per year and has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 per cent in adults and adolescents – making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. 'This is not just a scientific breakthrough – it's a turning point for HIV/Aids ,' Global Fund chief Peter Sands said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore to hire more than 1,000 new educators annually in the next few years, up from 700 Singapore COE prices rise for all categories Singapore Tough questions lie ahead as Singapore accelerates push for driverless vehicles Singapore Man who killed cats by throwing them off HDB blocks has jail term doubled to 27 months Singapore $43k fine for undischarged bankrupt doctor who failed to disclose assets worth over $4m Singapore Female primary school teacher charged over alleged sex acts with underage male student Singapore Goodbye fraudsters? Dating app Coffee Meets Bagel rolls out identity verification Asia Malaysia confirms existence of document central to ex-PM Najib's house arrest bid, say reports 'For the first time, we have a tool that can fundamentally change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic – but only if we get it to the people who need it most.' Under the agreement, countries supported by the Global Fund can access lenacapavir for Prep, the organisation said, adding that it aimed for the first shipment and delivery to reach at least one African country by the end of 2025. This, it said, would mark the start of 'a transformational shift in how HIV prevention is delivered to communities with the highest burden of new infections'. There was particular urgency in countries like South Africa, where adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV. 'This is a game changer for South Africa,' South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in the statement. 'Lenacapavir offers young women, and everyone at risk, a discreet, long-acting option to stay HIV-free.' AFP
