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  • Rick Davies brought a peculiar funk to Supertramp, a band that existed on its own unfashionable terms | Music

    Rick Davies brought a peculiar funk to Supertramp, a band that existed on its own unfashionable terms | Music

    It must be odd to have been a band’s co-founder and joint frontman and to know that when thousands of people came to see you, they did so on condition that not only did you play songs you neither wrote nor sung, but had also initially agreed not to perform. That was what happened to Rick Davies, who formed Supertramp with Roger Hodgson in 1970. Hodgson left the band in 1983 – on the agreement that he took his songs, and Davies took the name. But touring as Supertramp is impossible without The Logical Song or Dreamer or Breakfast in America, and so, to Hodgson’s irritation, Davies played the songs.

    It was fitting though, because the tension between Davies and Hodgson was very much the driving force of Supertramp. Davies loved jazz and blues, whereas Hodgson was in love with pop. And it was in the combination of their two impulses that Supertramp found their greatest success. If you were to define a “Supertramp sound” it would be Hodgson’s keen tenor backed by Davies’ burbling keys: Hodgson may have written the band’s biggest hits, but Davies supplied their shape. And he had plenty of his own songs to sing.

    And, notably, there was an issue of class. Hodgson was a newly minted private schoolboy, whereas Davies was the son of a hairdresser and a merchant seaman, and grew up in Swindon: his own schooldays were a struggle, bar music classes. His musical epiphany had come not with the Wurlitzer he became associated with, or with any keyboard: at the age of eight, in 1952, he heard Drummin’ Man by Gene Krupa and “it hit me like a thunderbolt”. By the end of the 50s, he was in a local rock’n’roll band; by 1962 he’d formed his own and switched to keyboards. After the usual struggle of the jobbing musician, he placed an ad in Melody Maker in August 1969 and met Hodgson. After a few fruitless months as the unfortunately named Daddy, they became Supertramp at the start of the new decade.

    Supertramp were one of a number of British groups of the 70s who seemed to exist entirely on their own terms, never quite one thing or another, a little like 10cc: were they an arty pop band or a poppy art band? And like 10cc, whose roots were in the 60s beat boom, they had to find their way to this sound. Their first two albums were underformed and underwhelming prog; they only found their way in 1974’s Crime of the Century.

    Supertramp didn’t seem remotely like a rock band. They weren’t pictured on their album covers. Their TV appearances were undramatic and interviews unremarkable: “Since their first success this group have rarely presented a strikingly interesting public image,” wrote NME’s Tony Stewart in 1977. That kind of unremarkable grown-upness became very unfashionable in the peacocking 80s.

    Hodgson’s solo career didn’t thrive any more than Supertramp did after he left in 1983. He wanted to head for poppier pastures; Davies wanted the music to become thornier. For both, commercial success would be a thing of the past. It was Davies’ reclaiming of the old songs that caused public disagreement between the two, and after the reformed Supertramp played London’s O2 Arena in 2010, the absent Hodgson complained about it being advertised using his songs. That behaviour precluded any full reunion of the group, he said, though he added that he remained in touch with Davies and they often talked about working together again.

    Beneath the glossy surface of Supertramp – the slickly syncopated pop that you could later hear in Scissor Sisters – was a strange and quirky group. Davies’ own songs could be funky and peculiar – Bloody Well Right, from Crime of the Century starts with a minute of bluesy vamping before Davies begins his sardonic narration in his gruff voice over crashing power chords, before a chorus that is halfway between the Supertramp sound and a disgruntled shopkeeper confronting an awful Monday morning.

    Their strange snarkiness was very apparent on 1975’s Crisis? What Crisis?, an album that inadvertently helped changed the course of British politics, when its title was co-opted by a Sun subeditor to headline a piece about prime minister James Callaghan’s response to the mounting winter of discontent in 1978/79 on returning from a holiday.

    Davies’s standout song on that album was Ain’t Nobody But Me, which personified much of his musical character within Supertramp – over a jaunty blues piano riff, resolving into a 50s ballad pastiche chorus, he sang of an appalling man being tied to someone even more appalling, so “ain’t nobody but me gonna lie for you”; Another Man’s Woman was equally misanthropic. Supertramp was not just a band of nerds making clever-clever rhymes.

    The inability to settle, the unwillingness to be straightforward, meant Supertramp were left behind as times changed – it’s easy to forget now that they were one of the biggest bands in the world at the end of the 1970s. Without a convenient genre to bracket them in, they couldn’t be the pioneers or godfathers of anything.

    With no legends of unruly behaviour to keep people talking, they became another footnote in pop history. Except, that is, to those who still loved them. Those who embraced the quirks and the perverse cross between squareness and esoterica. They were the people still filling arenas to see Rick Davies and Supertramp for the best part of 30 years after Hodgson left the band.

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  • Novartis to buy U.S. biotech in latest deal targeting firms in $1 billion to $3 billion range

    Novartis to buy U.S. biotech in latest deal targeting firms in $1 billion to $3 billion range

    By Steve Goldstein

    Novartis said it was buying a U.S.-listed biotech.

    Novartis on Tuesday said it was buying a U.S. biotech working on a cardiovascular drug, continuing what’s been a flurry of acquisitions at a similar price point.

    Novartis said it was purchasing Tourmaline Bio for $48 per share, which had closed Monday at $30.18, valuing the New York company at $1.4 billion.

    Tourmaline shares (TRML) rocketed 56% to $47.10. Tourmaline has a drug in Phase 2 development to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which Novartis calls a “critical unmet need.”

    Novartis shares (CH:NOVN) (NVS) slipped in Zurich trade.

    According to FactSet, Novartis has bought several companies in the $1 billion to $3 billion range, including Regulus Therapeutics, Anthos Therapeutics, Kate Therapeutics, Mariana Oncology, MorphoSys, DTx Pharma and Chinook Therapeutics.

    Last month, the Financial Times reported Novartis was considering bidding for Avidity (RNA), a biotech developing treatments for rare muscle disorders.

    -Steve Goldstein

    This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. 

    
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    Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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  • In pictures: stargazers around the world gather to see ‘blood moon’ – South China Morning Post

    1. In pictures: stargazers around the world gather to see ‘blood moon’  South China Morning Post
    2. Blood Moon captivates sky-watchers during lunar eclipse  BBC
    3. See the blood moon rise in 1st pictures of September 2025 total lunar eclipse  Space
    4. ‘Blood moon’ visible over Pakistan, expected to conclude at 1:55am  Dawn
    5. ‘Blood moon’ rises during total lunar eclipse  Al Jazeera

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  • Harnessing community-based one health interventions implementation beyond Mpox outbreak management in Africa: insights and benefits | Infectious Diseases of Poverty

    Harnessing community-based one health interventions implementation beyond Mpox outbreak management in Africa: insights and benefits | Infectious Diseases of Poverty

    Implementing a multi-sectorial Mpox strategies for strengthening public health response and recovery interventions and actions requires a multifaceted Mpox outbreak approach involving surveillance, contact tracing, community engagement, outbreak containment, and vaccination efforts. Implementing community-based OH approaches entails nurturing robust and sustainable interdisciplinary collaboration and multisectorial coordination that promote and contribute to local ownership and participatory engagement. A better understanding of the human-animal-environment (ecosystem) health interface/dependence and governance, and quality data collection in enabling evidence-based OH outbreak decisions making and practice.

    Building One Health community of practice (OH-CoP) stewardship and priorities setting is essential in fostering effective domestic and external resource mobilization strategies and sustainable financing mechanisms. Catalyzing OH-CoP impacts initiatives implementation requires efficient and transparent management, trusted and reliable risk communication channels and co-participation. Moreover, developing and implementing OH-CoP training, capacity building and educational outreach programs enabling competencies and skills acquisition and deployment students and youths, professionals, community health workers and vulnerable communities.

    Investing in community-led strategic partnerships and innovative financial sourcing (e,g.: internal, external) and efficient management of OH-CoP champions and voices initiatives and increasing productivity. Optimizing OH-CoP policy and governance frameworks and structure integration into existing legislation and regulations in ensuring grassroots and community-driven human, livestock, agriculture and ecosystem long-lasting sustainability and equity.

    Strengthening integrated community-based OH early warning systems can improve anticipatory and effective public health emergencies preparedness and response interventions. Also, supporting timely promotion and advocacy of outbreak emergencies humanitarian policies formulation and operationization, early risk detection and rapid reporting and coordinated strategic planning to mitigation and resilience solutions. Community-led initiatives serve to catalyze the much needed partnership for resource mobilization and community engagement inclusiveness and trust building, transparency and responsiveness, social and behavioral adaptations, maintaining best practices and resilient contingency plans management in accelerating whole-community development and empowerment during and post-outbreak emergency crisis (Fig. 1).

    Fig. 1

    Community-based One Health programs and interventions implementation against outbreak crisis

    Leveraging on lessons learned and experiences from West Africa Ebola outbreak (2014–2015), COVID-19 (2020–2022) in tackling the growing threats and burden of emerging climate change and extreme weather sensitive infectious diseases outbreaks [2, 4, 5, 8, 9]. Such integrated and multi-sectorial strategies is necessary for strengthening emergency public health response and recovery through context-specific comprehensive and holistic public health, socioeconomic and financial response packages against Mpox outbreak to yield significant outcomes and impacts in Africa[1, 9]. There is a need to strengthen existing public health responses and lessons learned from community-based OH response against Mpox outbreak and future public health emergencies crises [7, 10].

    i. Harnessing OH approach preparedness and readiness is capital through strengthening health systems to facilitate early detection, accurate diagnosis and sustained and equitable access and uptake of essential services and new programs including Mpox vaccination of high risk groups. Tapping from valuable experiences gained from responding to health crises to improve communities and high risk groups preparedness and readiness for future public health emergencies. It is important to analyze past preventive, cautionary and response actions and outcomes to b able identify successes, best practices, implementation gaps and address areas for improvement. This enables prioritizing early interventions, proactive approach that allows for rapid mobilization of resources and effective strategies tailored cultural and contextual emerging infectious diseases threats ou burden. Enhanced OH readiness leads to more efficient emergency responses, and minimizing public health losses [10]. Leveraging on emerging cutting-edge technologies and tools at primary healthcare and communities levels including expanding remotely digitalization and artificial intelligence-powered technologies access and deployment which offer new and continuous participation and learning, to foster a population trust and culture of resilience, essential for navigating complex public health challenges of Mpox threat and other public health emergencies today and in the future.

    ii. Strengthening community-based and primary healthcare surveillance, contact tracing and monitoring capacities require training healthcare workers to identify Mpox cases, improve laboratory capacity for accurate diagnostics, and establish efficient reporting mechanisms.Surveillance and Medical laboratories optimization, active ports of entry or exit screening and testing travelers, sex workers and truck drivers, strengthening national disease monitoring systems and medical laboratories have been shown to substantially contribute to the increased impediment to Mpox eradication in African countries, particularly the western and central regions [11]. The disease surveillance infrastructure established by African nations during the COVID-19 pandemic is sufficient to eradicate Mpox using safe and effective vaccines, but also strengthening supply chain of medical medicines and diagnostic reagents needed to diagnose Mpox virus reservoirs and suspected cases in most African countries.

    Integrated OH contact tracing and monitoring systems is another critical element of the response and recovery, particularly considering the human–human or animal-human transmission using dual syndromic surveillance (e.g. Thermal surveillance) and laboratory-based sequencing and real time genotyping testing confirmation [9]. For example, in Rwanda and Cameroon community health workers and health authorities were trained to effectively and efficiently performed these tasks and allowing rapid and prompt early detection and notification, tracing and quarantine advice to suspected individuals who have met confirmed cases to halt potential chains of transmission and documented Mpox clade Ib case severity management [3, 12]. Ongoing Mpox outbreak has resulted in numerous suspected and asymptomatic cases in African countries, including the DRC, Burundi, Cameroon, Rwanda and Nigeria. Although the number of reported cases in Africa was lower than in European countries and the United States, there were undoubtedly many more suspected cases and asymptomatic undiagnosed in Africa during the latest outbreak [5].

    Enhancing data-driven and evidence-based policies based on building clinical and laboratory quality data, monitoring and evaluation data in promoting a robust veterinary and environmental waste biosafety and biosecurity measures and strengthening medical products supply chain reliance and impacts. These integrated public health, veterinary, environment and community based insights provide avenue for comprehensive and quality outbreak emergency preparedness packages and response impact. However, addressing challenges and gaps in financial resource mobilization, conflict related displacement and encroachment, growing demography, limited access to preventive vaccines and essential medicines, wildlife worsening the persisting vicious cycle of poverty linked inequities in the global south. For example, two countries accounts for 92% of all cases on the African continent, the DRC with approximately 80%, and highlighting the need for improved community-based OH surveillance and readiness. The DRC recorded 90% mortality of 65 cases of Mpox and only 10 laboratory-confirmed cases registered in the present outbreak [5, 13]. Furthermore, highlighting the challenges of Mpox and others emerging zoonotic diseases surveillance, preparedness and response in resource-constrained settings in most affected communities in the global south mainly in Africa.

    iii. Building Outbreak Quality Database Repository Hubs and/or Platforms Implementation for Knowledge Translation and Deployment is vital in expanding and building a robust data-driven evidence policies reforms and targeted response, enhanced monitoring and evaluation systems, that is crucial for generating valuable Mpox insights and lessons learned that inform timely evidence health policies frameworks and emergency response strategies. Passive and active surveillance of Mpox outbreak continuous data collection enables identification of nature and trend, risk factors, and multifolds intervention effectiveness, and community benefits. Such data-driven approach allows public health experts to make informed decisions and adapt strategies as new information emerges. Leveraging advanced analytical tools enhances understanding of population behaviors and healthcare accessibility and medical products including Mpox vaccines availability, and optimal vaccination coverage.

    Fostering collaborative and participatory investment and targeted response and recovery actions leads to a more proactive and agile public health infrastructure and ensure equitable access to most effective therapies,vaccination and prevention strategies capable of swiftly addressing and quelling the current and future Mpox outbreak burden across Africa (Fig. 2).

    Fig. 2
    figure 2

    Mapping Mpox distribution of confirmed cases reported from 13 affected African countries

    iv. Increased Vulnerable Communities Awareness, Educational Outreach and Trust Building Strategies is needed in combating stigma and misinformation through effective public health messaging and media campaigns is vital for raising awareness about infectious diseases like Mpox outbreak. Ensuring reliable sources, transparent communication and scientifically accurate information can support vulnerable groups and public empowerment and capacities to adopt healthier behavior lifestyle adaptations, promoting care seeking culture and practices [4].

    Scaling up integrated OH Mpox community awareness and health education outreach activities is crucial for at high risk groups and communities to gain a better understanding of transmission dynamics and prevention strategies. Intensifying collaboration, inclusiveness and community programs ownership by local community leaders and health district ensures the entire communities participation and set expected outcomes including cultural adapted health messages resonate and proactive response and recovery actions plans and activities across diverse populations. Promoting peer-peer educational campaigns and outreach activities have proven effective to dispel myths, social media disinformation and illed-perception surrounding Mpox, often rooted in misinformation and stigma, which can lead to societal reluctance in seeking medical care or adhere to public health measures. Ultimately, increasing community awareness and equity in Mpox vaccination safety and impact information sharing facilitates greater participation in vaccination campaigns, uptake and preventive initiatives, enhancing community resilience against Mpox outbreak and emerging infectious disease threats.

    Fostering community involvement and participation in co-design and co-implementation of community-based outreach activities are vital for addressing stigma and misinformation, building mutual trust, and encouraging adherence to public health measures. Health communication strategies must be culturally sensitive and inclusive to ensure that marginalized populations receive adequate support and access to healthcare services.

    v. Scaling up Community Engagement and Risk Communication strategies plays a vital role in this response; public health messages must be communicated in culturally sensitive manners to build trust and ensure compliance with health directives. These community-led initiatives can empower locals to take ownership of the Mpox response, promote the early reporting of symptoms, and foster productive collaboration between health authorities and communities [12]. In conjunction with vulnerable communities supportive therapies and isolation measures, quarantine protocols for confirmed and suspected cases or asymptomatic reservoir constitute a fundamental layer of response [4]. Additionally, establishing dedicated Mpox treatment centers can ensure that infected individuals receive appropriate medical care including stigma and mental health services and psychosocial support, while minimizing the risk of outbreaks in healthcare and communities settings. Investing in One Health approach Mpox outbreak containment and recovery strategies are critical, particularly in densely populated urban and remote rural poor areas including porous cross borders enhanced integrated surveillance and quarantine of human and animal suspected signs, where the risk of rapid transmission is heightened [4, 7, 14].

    vi. Intensified Vaccination Campaign and Coverage Effectiveness Efforts particularly to health professionals, vulnerable frontline and at high risk groups (e.g.: immuno-deficient patient, Sex worker, bushmeat consumers and sellers, with the use of the JYNNEOS vaccine or a similar modified vaccine virus strain, can be instrumental in controlling the spread of Mpox [13]. Contextual and cultural adapted vaccination campaigns and educational outreach should prioritize high-risk populations, including healthcare workers, sex workers and individuals with increased exposure risk and vulnerability, as well as the surrounding communities [14]. However, understanding of cultural beliefs and practices that may impact vaccination reluctance and resistance, vaccine hesitancy and uptake, low/weak availability of vaccine and access inequity, supply chain and storage logistics challenges, including vaccine supply, distribution, and storage, must be effectively managed to ensure equitable access across diverse geographic regions [1]. Fostering global solidarity and international collaboration amongst all stakeholders, research institutions and academia exchange of knowledge and technical know-how is an asset and plays a pivotal role in promoting behaviour change for successful vaccination access and uptake, in quelling and timely lifting the Mpox outbreak PHEIC in Africa.

    Effective and continuous Mpox vaccination campaigns and social media disinformation strategies coupled with robust community-based surveillance, and contact tracing are essential to significantly reduce infection or lethality rates during ongoing outbreaks in Africa and elsewhere. The implementation of these strategies limits Mpox transmission, protects vulnerable populations and timely case management using new drug Tecovirimat treatment coupled with palliative care management. It has be documented that vaccination not only provides individual immunity but also promotes herd immunity, which is crucial for community health. By closely Mpox asymptomatic surveillance and monitoring case trends and quickly isolating confirmed cases, the spread of infections can be curtailed efficiently. This comprehensive approach enhances public health outcomes and safeguards community well-being [10, 13].

    v. Leveraging Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration with global stakeholders and organizations offers a strong and dynamic platforms for Mpox outbreak response leadership, coordination and governance, including WHO-AFRO and Africa CDC technical assistance. These are crucial for resource mobilization, technical assistance, and information sharing [5]. Strengthening international collaboration to scale local manufacturing and pharmaceutical vaccines and medical products regulatory framework, maximizing production and supply chain management to boost accessibility and update for impact in the fight against infectious diseases within Africa. In line with Africa Vision 2063”The Africa we want”, enhanced knowledge exchange and resource sharing is paramount to health, socioeconomic growth and development. A unified global outbreak preparedness and emergency response agenda and co-benefits both non-affected and affected regions is play a major role in the overall global health security sustainability [4, 6, 14].

    By fostering pharmaceutical partnerships among countries, organizations, and institutions, collective expertise and resources can be leveraged with technologies advancements and innovations to address global public health challenges more effectively. Increased collaboration facilitates coordinated local and regional preparedness and response actions, ultimately leading to stamp out Mpox and better health outcomes. Hence, community based One Health interconnected approach is essential for effectively navigating and managing emerging infectious diseases/health threats that transcend national boundaries. As such, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), can facilitate a cohesive preparedness and emergency response technical support and assistance in ensuring that uniform guidelines and strategies are implemented across countries [5, 15].

    The Mpox outbreak PHEIC declaration has had a significant impact on Africa and has highlighted the necessity for a coordinated response to quell similar outbreaks and preserve lives. Significant efforts have been made to ensure tight coordination with communities and governments, with country teams working on the frontlines to bolster preparedness and resilience measures to quell Mpox outbreaks. With the increasing spread of the virus, further scaling up through coordinated international efforts is essential to support African countries outbreaks/pandemics preparedness and response programs and interventions according to International Health Regulations, 2005 and global health security agenda of health equity for all [4, 7]. Fostering Africa CDC preparedness and technical capacities initiatives are crucial for Emergency Use Listing and Response for Mpox vaccinations, which potentially speed up vaccine and vaccination access and uptake for impact coverage in most remote and hard to reach communities in Africa. Emergency Use Listing also allows partners like GAVI and UNICEF partnership and support to obtain last mile access to and uptake of vaccines and vaccination impact against preventable diseases including Mpox. WHO and partners including established pharmaceutical and biotechnologies firms is collaborating with African governments on local production of vaccines and medicines by local, while strengthening manufacturing regulations and reliance harmonization for potential safe and efficacious medical products, as well as the interim Medical Countermeasures Network [7].

    Furthermore, tailored community outreach activities to educate on disease prevention precautionary and control measures are dependent on correct knowledge and evidence-based findings of disease clade, transmission dynamics and severity. Laboratory and molecular assays capabilities useful in accurately awareness and educational outreach on distinct transmission routes, clinical manifestations, and afflicted groups in comparison with the 2022 pandemic [4, 16]. Public health activities must be tailored to specific local situations in order to counter mistrust, cultural differences, and disinformation. The involvement of community- and faith-based leaders, at-risk populations, and survivors is critical. As vaccine programs begin, community engagement and building trust is critical for securing the uptake and adherence to booster dosses, while limiting the spread of Mpox at high risk groups including sex workers, and immuno-compromized groups. Prioritizing One Health operationalization can increase collaboration and optimal response outcomes, while minimizing stigma, and ultimately enhance health outcomes, and satisfactory co-benefits [7]. Likewise, the recent outbreak of Mpox PHEIC by the Africa CDC and WHO owing to the possibility of international transmission and the necessity for a coordinated response actions globally. The recent detection of travel-associated clade I cases first reports outside Africa in Thailand and Sweden is indicative of the potential for clade I Mpox to spread from Africa to the rest of the world. This is, similar to the 2022 global clade II outbreak, revealing the time for global solidarity and partnership is now. Despite these ongoing country and Africa CDC efforts, the response and recovery to Mpox PHEIC in Africa remains challenging coupled with lingering community healthcare disparities, climate change and conflict political instability, and shortage of resource to persisting technical capacities gaps and consequences [4, 8, 17, 18].

    vii. Driving Public Health Response Funding Mpox outbreak highlighted the poor response of African Union (AU) member states. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the AU and its members have a track record of under-delivery in global health security. This lack of help is aggravated by the serious economic depression that is currently afflicting many African countries, which are already under strain due to the unequal burden of debt payments [19, 20]. Owing to these limitations, the PHEIC declaration struggles to translate into effective action on the ground without significant financial commitments or political will from member states [4]. This lesson highlights the need for financing support from multiple organizations to help drive public health responses. As a result, the WHO forecasts an initial budget requirement of $15 million to support surveillance, preparedness, and response efforts in Africa [8, 16, 21]. However, to allow for an urgent scale-up, the WHO has approved $1.45 million from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, with a greater need to combat the outbreak.

    Strengthening local and country emergency One Health preparedness and response, as recommended by Africa CDC and WHO should be prioritize as funding Mpox response and recovery programs. African CDC and WHO have enabled scaling up of the response capacities to the outbreak, which has so far been underwhelming because of inadequate budget commitments of $1 million from WHO and $10.4 million and might require larger funds to contain the ongoing outbreak in African Union members countries [4, 6, 21, 22]. Investing on One Health community of practice is necessary in deepening the vulnerable people knowledge, bridging multidisciplinary interactions and fostering multisectorial collaboration and data-driven decisions making,and inspired new contextual ideas and approaches in accelerating social transformation.

    viii. Improved OH Community Resilience and Equity is crucial in strengthening the health infrastructure access and update of health commodities through comprehensive geographical access and training, enhanced diagnostic capabilities, and systemic resource mobilization to significantly bolster the community healthcare resilience and participatory initiatives. More resilient community systems and activities including local engagement in decision making, shared resources, inclusiveness and equitable allocation of resource are needed to address outbreak related health inequities. Also, addressing the social and behavioural determinants (e.g.: stigma, trust, knowledge, adherence) of health is essential in enhancing resilience and survival champions against Mpox outbreaks, which often are disproportionately marginalized within affected communities [4, 19, 24, 23]. Furthermore, stigma and discrimination associated with Mpox infection can be conquered through psychosocial support programs targeting the most vulnerable groups is critical; as the historical context of the disease has led to misconceptions that can deter individuals from seeking care or reporting their conditions. Hence, OH community-based and primary healthcare approaches that merge human and animal clinical, environment and sociocultural insights are necessary for effective intervention [2, 4, 16, 23]. In conclusion, the public health response to Mpox in Africa must be comprehensive and adaptive, incorporating surveillance, contact tracing, community engagement, outbreak containment, and vaccination as the key components. Despite facing formidable challenges, concerted efforts to mobilize health authorities, communities, and international partners have the potential to mitigate the impact of Mpox outbreaks effectively [24,25,26].

    The lessons learned from previous Ebola outbreaks and COVID-19 pandemic are invaluable assets in shaping future community and public health emergency responses to infectious disease threats, and underscoring the importance of OH approach community preparedness and resilience for health equity for all and upholding global health security across Africa [3, 6, 27, 28]. Sustained government and multi-stakeholders commitment and financial investment remain crucial to strengthening community and primary healthcare infrastructures, precautionary and preventive packages in addressing socio-cultural and behavioural determinants of health during crises. Scaling community-based OH approach is core to improve primary healthcare preparedness and readiness strategies to effectively detect, prevent, respond and manage future outbreaks and crises [18, 29]. It also requires establishing robust and sustained early warning health system to ensure early warning alerts and readiness to respond rapidly to local and global health emergencies such West Africa Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemics [26]. Investment in integrated OH resilience measures will ultimately safeguard the health and well-being of African vulnerable communities and building a stronger foundation of health systems to better withstand the unprecedented challenges posed by re-emerging and reemerging infectious diseases threats and burden [4, 24, 28, 30, 31]. Scaling up equitable access to primary healthcare and ample resource allocation for targeted Mpox vaccination efforts are essential to ensure that marginalized and high-risk communities receiving equitable access to healthcare services[22], improves community health outcomes and livelihoods in tackling health disparities those often exacerbate the impact of Mpox outbreaks [4, 22, 29, 32, 33].

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  • BBC Verify Live: Investigating reported strike on Gaza-bound flotilla and new Ukrainian missile

    BBC Verify Live: Investigating reported strike on Gaza-bound flotilla and new Ukrainian missile

    Was a Gaza-bound flotilla struck by a drone?

    Joshua Cheetham
    BBC Verify journalist

    EPA

    Two boats from the flotilla were pictured off Tunisia on Monday – Family is on the left of the picture

    This morning we’re investigating reports that a Gaza-bound vessel has been hit in an apparent drone attack off the coast of Tunisia.

    The Portuguese-flagged boat, called Family, is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) which says it wants to deliver aid to Gaza.

    Among the activists onboard is the Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg. GSF said the ship was struck by a drone while anchored outside the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia.

    All six passengers and crew are safe, it added.

    Tunisia’s National Guard spokesman told local radio that reports of a drone attack on the flotilla “have no basis in truth”, Reuters reported.

    He added that an initial inspection indicated the explosion originated inside the vessel. But we’ve seen several videos which appear to show a projectile landing on the deck of the Family.

    We’re analysing them further to see whether the footage is authentic and will also speak to experts to understand what this projectile might be.

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  • ‘A little bit of joy’: can tiny rafts save saltmarsh sparrows from rising seas? | Birds

    ‘A little bit of joy’: can tiny rafts save saltmarsh sparrows from rising seas? | Birds

    Knee-deep in water, the young man lifts his arms. His wrists are grabbed, next his ankles, then he feels himself flying through the air, nearly horizontal, before plunging into New England’s pungent tidal waters.

    Grinning and still dripping, he receives a homemade certificate documenting his induction into the Needle in a Haystack Society.

    “That was fun,” sighs Deirdre Robinson, a 75-year-old naturalist, after helping to toss the intern, Cooper White, into the water. The idea was hers: a fake club with joke rituals.

    It is “a little bit of joy”, she says later, for the people who care enough to master an extremely difficult skill: finding hidden eggs laid by a tiny ground-nesting bird before the sea can swallow them.

    It took a month of training before White identified his first saltmarsh sparrow nest. It was tiny, perched an inch above the dark mud, with a canopy of spartina grass intricately threaded over it. Standing waist-high in the emerald marsh grass that hugs Rhode Island’s coastline, White remembers the “adrenaline rush” he felt at finding it.

    Between Moon Tides: hacking nature to save the saltmarsh sparrow

    These are some of the best-hidden nests in the avian world, woven by one of North America’s most rapidly disappearing birds. And, despite White’s joyful baptism, there is little talk of salvation.

    “It’s very likely by mid-century, the saltmarsh sparrow will be extinct,” Robinson says.

    A new Guardian documentary, Between Moon Tides, follows Robinson and her dedicated interns over two summers at Jacob’s Point Preserve, a 15-hectare (37-acre) tidal salt marsh about 60 miles from Boston.

    A fledgling saltmarsh sparrow. The ground-nesting birds are at threat from rising tides

    A ragtag crew of citizen scientists and researchers, they tinker with low-cost, homegrown solutions to save saltmarsh sparrow chicks from drowning during extreme high tides. They try, fail and tweak in their efforts to raise nests beyond the water’s reach.

    A plastic coffee filter that costs $6 (£4.50) glued to foam pads proves to be a buoyant life raft for nests that would otherwise flood. There is elation when some of the contraptions, dubbed “arks”, begin to work, raising the grassy homes like a tiny elevator, going up and down with the tides.

    The small team works under restrictive wildlife permits on a shoestring budget, raising 53 nests and tracking 97 untouched control nests. Not every nest that needs a lift along this shore will get one.

    Painful timelapse videos show waters rising on hatchlings in nests that Robinson’s team have found but, ultimately, could not save from drowning.

    Extreme tides, driven by rising sea levels, are flooding marshes across the east coast to new heights. Soaring populations of white-tailed deer are an additional threat. The deer are omnivorous and have been captured on trail cams snacking on saltmarsh sparrow eggs.

    Loop – between moon tides

    Saltmarsh sparrow numbers have fallen by 87% since 1998, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The population is shrinking so fast – by about 9% a year – that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species classified them as endangered in 2017.

    Most experts doubt the species can survive beyond the mid-century. One team of scientists predicts that extinction could happen within 10 years.

    But climate breakdown and deer did not start the sparrows’ problems. They simply fanned the flame.

    No sugarcoating

    Saltmarsh sparrows are a specialist species: they cannot nest anywhere but salt marshes.

    Centuries ago – before European colonists dried, ditched and destroyed much of the United States’ salt marshes – the speckled birds with their signature orange caps built nests in the highest reaches of the marsh.

    Proximity to water helped them avoid some predators, and their unique canopied nests allowed eggs, especially during the king tides – the very highest ones of the year – to float for a few hours while still being contained.

    Historically, these nurseries only flooded twice a month: during new and full moons when tides are at their fullest.

    A saltmarsh sparrow’s nest full of eggs. A tight budget means the team can only save about 50 nests

    In the early 1800s, as human settlements expanded, began filling in the high marsh began to be filled in, slowly pushing the sparrows to more low-lying areas or out of the marsh entirely. Two centuries of development destroyed half of Rhode Island’s original salt marshes and what is left is being pummelled by the effects of rising seas: increased salinity, more frequent flooding and longer-lasting storm surges. Eggs float away; fledglings slip beneath the water.

    The arks are a last-ditch intervention to address a human-made problem, but are not without controversy.

    By making sparrows more visible to predators, “lifting nests could cause harm”, says Prof Chris Elphick, a conservation biologist at the University of Connecticut. Female sparrows are also known to abandon nests if they perceive threats.

    The ‘arks’ are fashioned out of plastic coffee filters glued to foam pads to create a floating platform

    Elphick says you have to “balance the risks and benefits” of this kind of extreme intervention. But he sees a future, sometime after a population crash – which his lab predicts will happen in the next decade or so – where nest-raising may be beneficial in salvaging the species’ last individuals.

    Robinson acknowledges that lifting nests is a “tough sell”. But unpublished findings from the group’s two-year experiment found that the arks worked: only 8% of artificially raised nests flooded during extreme tides compared with 18% of untouched nests. None of the raised nests were abandoned, and the contraptions did not appear to affect chicks being eaten by deer and other predators.

    White, who is now a research assistant, is aware that the arks are not a long-term solution. Their preliminary success at Jacob’s Point has not changed his view that this species will probably become extinct in his lifetime.

    “You have to be as realistic as possible because, if you sugarcoat it, people aren’t going to take [the bird’s extinction] as seriously as it actually is,” says White.

    Waiting for protection

    Despite the fact that they are classified as endangered internationally, saltmarsh sparrows are not yet listed as such under US law. Federal officials have been reviewing the species’ case for years. If listed, it would be a boon for the birds, but experts are not holding their breath.

    Elphick says: “We expected a decision back in 2019. We’re still waiting.”

    Searching for saltmarsh sparrow nests in Rhode Island

    In the US, endangered species are afforded the highest level of protection. For saltmarsh sparrows, it would mean encroaching coastal developments or plans to build docks could be scuttled.

    In South Carolina, for example, work on an 18,000-home development next to a pristine salt marsh has been frozen since 2023, after scientists found endangered bats were living in a nearby national forest.

    Being listed as endangered unlocks funding, too – sometimes millions of dollars – to support habitat restoration or improve scientific monitoring. In 2020, the US government spent $871,000 on conservation efforts for the endangered Cape Sable seaside sparrow, endemic to Florida, while more than $7m went on helping the red-cockaded woodpecker.

    The US Fish and Wildlife Service was due to make a decision on the endangered status of the saltmarsh sparrow by the end of 2024, according to its website. An agency spokesperson refused to provide a revised timeline. “While we do set targets for when we think listing determinations will be made, we also re-evaluate and adjust the targets,” the US Fish and Wildlife Service said via email.

    A saltmarsh sparrow’s nest is placed into an ark to protect it from rising water levels

    Experts believe it is likely that the saltmarsh sparrows will be listed as endangered only after it is too late for them to recover. One study found that, between 2000 and 2009, the average wait for declining species to be classified as endangered was about nine years.

    From 2010 to 2020, decision-making sped up, with species waiting an average of three years. Under the Trump administration, experts expect another slowdown.

    Like patients bleeding to death in a hospital waiting room, hundreds of species such as the saltmarsh sparrow sit in the classification queue, leaving researchers resorting to cheap remedies such as the $6 nest-lifting devices.

    Robinson, who has been researching the sparrows at Jacob’s Point for nearly a decade, describes her role as like providing hospice care. “I see myself playing the role of bearing witness,” she says.

    There are only about 20,000 saltmarsh sparrows left

    While the ark experiment may give the impression that Robinson believes she can turn the tide for saltmarsh sparrows, she has in fact made peace with their probable extinction. For her, the team’s experiments brought “fun” and “smiles” and, for dozens of nests, temporary relief from the harms of the climate crisis.

    “​​Don’t ever underestimate what a small, thoughtful, dedicated group of citizens can do to change the world. In fact, that’s the only thing that ever has,” says Robinson, loosely quoting the anthropologist Margaret Meade.

    Perhaps all that sparrow tracking and ark-building was not ultimately for the birds alone. Reflecting on the 10-year project, Robinson says: “I find myself comparing the importance of sharing our [scientific] findings … with the value of fledging young scientists-to-be. It is hard to assign a value to these efforts, but at least we showed up for all of it.”

    There are still about 20,000 salt marsh sparrows left globally, according to Elphick. And, last month, his research group published some good news: the species’ annual rate of decline has slowed – for now.

    White, now 21 and in his final year studying wildlife biology at the University of New Hampshire, says: “Even if the sparrow does go extinct eventually, this work sets the baseline for things that can be done about it.

    “And things can change for other birds.”

    Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage

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  • Two men die unloading glass near Hitchin Town’s football ground

    Two men die unloading glass near Hitchin Town’s football ground

    Andrew WoodgerBBC News, Hertfordshire

    Google The wooden-boarded entrance features a green and yellow sign saying "HITCHING TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB" above the narrow turnstile doors. There is a pavement, litter bin and lamp-post in front of the entrance, which has trees behind the fencing on either side of the entrance.Google

    The glass panels were being unloaded by Hitchin Town’s Top Field ground

    Two men have been killed while glass was being unloaded near a non-league football ground.

    Hertfordshire Police was called to Hitchin Town Football Club after reports that two men had been seriously injured while unloading glass panels from a lorry in the overflow car park at about 14:00 BST on Saturday.

    The force said two men died near the sports ground and a third had minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

    In a statement the club said the “tragic accident” took place on land they owned that is adjacent to the football ground and offered sincere condolences to the men’s families.

    “At this stage we know very little about the actual details of the accident and the police have taken control of the incident and their inquiries are ongoing,” the club said.

    The team, which plays in the Southern League Division One Central, did not have a home match at the weekend.

    Police said the deaths were currently under investigation.

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  • Taiho Oncology and Cullinan Therapeutics Present Data on Zipalertinib at the IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer

    Taiho Oncology and Cullinan Therapeutics Present Data on Zipalertinib at the IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer

    • Updated efficacy and safety data to be presented from the REZILIENT1 trial of zipalertinib from the cohort of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations (ex20ins) who were previously treated with amivantamab
    • Preliminary clinical efficacy and safety data to be presented from the cohort of patients with uncommon non-ex20ins EGFR mutations in the REZILIENT2 trial of zipalertinib

    PRINCETON, N.J. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiho Oncology, Inc., and Cullinan Therapeutics, Inc., today announced new data from the REZILIENT1 and REZILIENT2 trials of zipalertinib, an oral EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These data will be presented at the IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer hosted by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer as mini oral presentations on September 9 during the “MA08 – Common and Uncommon EGFR Mutations, New Treatments in the Horizon” session, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. CEST.




    Cullinan Therapeutics






    Cullinan Therapeutics

    A mini oral presentation will highlight updated data from the pivotal Phase 2b REZILIENT1 trial of zipalertinib, focused on patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR ex20ins mutations, who have been previously treated with amivantamab.1

    A second mini oral presentation will highlight Phase 2b preliminary efficacy and safety results from the ongoing, uncommon non-ex20ins EGFR mutations cohort of the REZILIENT2 trial of zipalertinib in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring ex20ins and uncommon non-ex20ins EGFR mutations.2

    “We’re pleased to share longer-term follow-up data from the REZILIENT1 study of zipalertinib for patients with NSCLC harboring EGFR ex20ins mutations who have been previously treated with amivantamab,” said Zofia Piotrowska, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School and lung cancer clinical oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center. “Despite recent treatment advancements, a significant medical need exists for this patient population, underscoring the importance of these data.”

    “Uncommon non-exon 20 insertion EGFR mutations represent a significant clinical challenge, as they exhibit variable and often suboptimal responses to currently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors,” said Hibiki Udagawa, MD, PhD, thoracic medical oncologist, National Cancer Hospital East, Japan.  “We are pleased to present the interim data from the uncommon non-ex20ins EGFR mutations cohort from the REZILIENT2 trial, potentially demonstrating the need for novel, targeted therapeutic approaches for this patient population.”

    Authors reported results from the REZILIENT1 study of zipalertinib from the cohort of NSCLC patients with EGFR ex20ins mutations who received prior amivantamab therapy1

    Summary of Efficacy – by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR):
    As of the June 2025 data cutoff, 84 post-amivantamab patients were enrolled in REZILIENT1 and received at least one dose of 100 mg zipalertinib. Patients had received a median of 3 prior lines of therapy, and 54.8% of patients had a history of brain metastases.

    With follow-up of more than 9 months, zipalertinib demonstrated:

    • In all patients (n=84), confirmed objective response rate (ORR) was 27.4% with median duration of response (mDOR) of 8.5 months, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 84.5%.
    • In patients with prior amivantamab only (n=54), ORR was 31.5% with mDOR of 9.5 months, and the DCR was 87.0%.
    • In patients with prior amivantamab and other ex20ins-targeted therapy (n=30), ORR was 20.0% with mDOR of 8.3 months, and the DCR was 80.0%.
    • In patients with brain metastases who received prior amivantamab only (n=31), the systemic ORR was 29%.

    Summary of Safety and Tolerability 
    The safety analysis population included all post-amivantamab patients in REZILIENT1 who received at least one dose of 100 mg zipalertinib (n=84). The results showed that zipalertinib 100 mg twice daily demonstrated a manageable safety profile in patients who progressed on prior chemotherapy and amivantamab with no new safety signals.

    The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs, all-grade) were paronychia (41.7%), anemia (38.1%), rash (34.5%), nausea (28.6%), diarrhea (22.6%), dry skin (21.4%), dermatitis acneiform (21.4%) and dyspnea (20.2%).

    The most common grade ≥3 TEAEs were anemia (15.5%), pneumonia (10.7%), dyspnea (6.0%), rash (3.6%), diarrhea (2.4%) and stomatitis (2.4%).

    Authors reported results from the REZILIENT2 study of zipalertinib from the cohort of patients with NSCLC harboring uncommon non-exon 20 insertion EGFR mutations2 

    Summary of Preliminary Efficacy –by Investigator
    As of the March 2025 data cutoff, 40 patients were enrolled in the REZILIENT2 Cohort D and received zipalertinib 100 mg orally twice daily. Previously treated patients had received a median of 2 prior lines of therapy, and 30% of all patients enrolled, including treatment-naïve, had a history of brain metastases.

    As of the data cut-off, zipalertinib demonstrated:

    • In the overall efficacy population (n=40), confirmed ORR was 30% with a mDOR of 7.75 months, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 70%.
    • In the treatment-naïve population (n=8), ORR was significantly higher (62.5%) compared to the previously treated patient population (n=32, ORR 21.9%).

    Summary of Preliminary Safety and Tolerability 
    The safety analysis population included all REZILIENT2 patients in Cohort D who received at least one dose of 100 mg zipalertinib (n=40). The results showed that zipalertinib 100 mg twice daily demonstrated a manageable safety and tolerability profile with no new safety signals.

    The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs, all-grade) were paronychia (47.5%), dermatitis acneiform (37.5%), stomatitis (32.5%), anemia (30.0%), diarrhea (22.5%), rash (20.0%), and dry skin (15.0%). The majority of TRAEs were grade 1 or 2.

    The most common grade ≥3 TRAEs were paronychia (5.0%), pneumonitis and anemia (5.0%).

    About REZILIENT1
    REZILIENT1 (Researching Zipalertinib In EGFR Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tumors) is a Phase 1/2 clinical trial (NCT04036682) to evaluate efficacy and safety of zipalertinib in adult patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC harboring EGFR ex20ins mutations who have received prior therapy. Patients were treated with oral zipalertinib 100 mg twice daily. The primary endpoints were ORR and DOR as assessed by blinded independent central review (ICR) per RECIST v1.1. Adverse events were characterized and graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0).

    About REZILIENT2
    REZILIENT2 is a Phase 2b clinical trial (NCT05967689), evaluating zipalertinib in patients with locally advanced/metastatic NSCLC harboring ex20ins and uncommon single or compound EGFR mutations. Patients were treated with oral zipalertinib 100 mg twice daily. The primary endpoint was ORR and confirmed per investigator-assessed Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) v1.1 and the secondary endpoints included DOR, DCR and safety.

    About Zipalertinib
    Zipalertinib (development code: CLN-081/TAS6417) is an orally available small molecule designed to target activating mutations in EGFR. The molecule was selected because of its ability to inhibit EGFR variants with ex20ins mutations, while sparing wild-type EGFR. Zipalertinib is designed as a next generation, irreversible EGFR inhibitor for the treatment of a genetically defined subset of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Zipalertinib has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA. Zipalertinib is investigational and has not been approved by any health authority.

    Zipalertinib is being developed by Taiho Oncology, Inc., its parent company, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and in collaboration with Cullinan Therapeutics, Inc. in the U.S.

    About Taiho Oncology, Inc.
    The mission of Taiho Oncology, Inc. is to improve the lives of patients with cancer, their families and their caregivers. The company specializes in the development and commercialization of orally administered anti-cancer agents for various tumor types. Taiho Oncology has a robust pipeline of small-molecule clinical candidates targeting solid-tumor and hematological malignancies, with additional candidates in pre-clinical development. Taiho Oncology is a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. which is part of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. Taiho Oncology is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey and oversees its parent company’s European and Canadian operations, which are located in Baar, Switzerland and Oakville, Ontario, Canada.

    For more information, visit https://www.taihooncology.com/, and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

    Taiho Oncology and the Taiho Oncology logo are registered trademarks of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    About Cullinan Therapeutics
    Cullinan Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CGEM) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating new standards of care for patients. Cullinan has strategically built a diversified portfolio of clinical-stage assets that inhibit key drivers of disease or harness the immune system to eliminate diseased cells in both autoimmune diseases and cancer. Cullinan’s portfolio encompasses a wide range of modalities, each with the potential to be best and/or first in class. Anchored in a deep understanding of oncology, immunology, and translational medicine, we create differentiated ideas, identify the most appropriate targets, and select the optimal modality to develop transformative therapeutics across a wide variety of autoimmune and cancer indications. We push conventional boundaries from candidate selection to differentiated therapeutic, applying rigorous go/no go criteria at each stage of development to fast-track only the most promising molecules to the clinic and, ultimately, commercialization. With deep scientific expertise, our teams exercise creativity and urgency to deliver on our promise to bring new therapeutic solutions to patients. Learn more about Cullinan at https://cullinantherapeutics.com/, and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, express or implied statements regarding the company’s beliefs and expectations regarding our plans regarding future data presentations, the clinical development and regulatory filing plan and timeline of zipalertinib, the safety and efficacy profile of zipalertinib and its potential to address unmet medical need, and other statements that are not historical facts. The words “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “pursue,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

    Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs of future events and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following: uncertainty regarding the timing and results of regulatory submissions; the risk that any NDA or other regulatory submissions we may file with the United States Food and Drug Administration or other global regulatory agencies are not cleared on our expected timelines, or at all; the success of our clinical trials and preclinical studies; the risks related to our ability to protect and maintain our intellectual property position; the risks related to manufacturing, supply, and distribution of our product candidates; the risk that any one or more of our product candidates, including those that are co-developed, will not be successfully developed and commercialized; the risk that the results of preclinical studies or clinical studies will not be predictive of future results in connection with future studies; and the success of any collaboration, partnership, license or similar agreements. These and other important risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the caption “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change, except to the extent required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Moreover, except as required by law, neither the company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements included in this press release. Any forward-looking statement included in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it was made.

    Contacts

    Taiho Oncology

    Leigh Labrie
    (609) 664-9878
    [email protected]

    Cullinan Therapeutics

    Investors 
    Nick Smith
    +1 401.241.3516
    [email protected]

    Media 
    Rose Weldon   
    +1 215.801.7644   
    [email protected]

    References:

    1. Z. Piotrowska et al. Zipalertinib in NSCLC patients (pts) with EGFR exon 20 insertion (ex20ins) mutations who received prior amivantamab

    2. Hibiki Udagawa et al. Phase 2 Interim Results of Zipalertinib in Patients With NSCLC Harboring Uncommon Non-Exon 20 Insertion EGFR Mutations

    SOURCE Taiho Oncology


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  • How to manage PCOS-related fatigue, brain fog, and energy dips during the workday

    How to manage PCOS-related fatigue, brain fog, and energy dips during the workday

    If you live with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you already know the problem isn’t just “period issues.” It’s that 3 p.m. crash when emails start to run together, the meeting where the right word just doesn’t emerge, the all-encompassing fatigue that copious amounts of coffee can’t fix. Clinically, PCOS is a complex endocrine condition, a combination of metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory factors; this combination can disrupt a typical workday with fatigue, foggy brain, headaches, mood swings, and sleep problems. Global experts are now beginning to recognize that PCOS is an important public health issue and not simply a fertility problem, and highlight the need for overall better management of PCOS as a part of daily life.

    Also Read: PCOS could lead to decreased alertness and longer reaction times: study  

    Insulin resistance

    Why does work feel harder with PCOS? One reason is insulin resistance, common in PCOS, which can cause a roller-coaster of energy and foggy thinking after high-carb meals. Chronic low-grade inflammation and androgen excess add to the drag in cognition and mood. Emerging brain-imaging and cognitive studies suggest measurable differences in attention, memory, and network connectivity in some women with PCOS, translating into the very real “I can’t focus” days at your desk. None of this means you can’t perform at a high level; it means your brain and metabolism are working against friction that most colleagues don’t feel.

    Sleep is another hidden culprit. There is a significantly higher likelihood that women with PCOS suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which causes sleep to be impaired and daytime energy to suffer. Meta-analyses estimate that about a third of women with PCOS have OSA, without even having any classic risk factors. Untreated OSA worsens insulin resistance, blood pressure, and fatigue, and it is no surprise that mornings feel like waking up in wet sand. If your partner complains that you snore loudly or have pauses in breathing while asleep, or you wake up tired and also have headaches in the morning it is important to go for a sleep study; OSA treatment can improve daytime function.

    Mental health

    Depression and anxiety rates are higher in PCOS, and fatigue is often the loudest symptom of a low mood. That is not a character flaw; it’s biology and lived experience: acne, hair changes, weight cycling, fertility worries, and years spent seeking a diagnosis can all contribute to mental health issues.

    Compassionate care and evidence-based therapy help; so does acknowledging that bad energy days aren’t laziness, they’re part of the condition.

    Also Read:PCOS: hidden toll of academic pressure on health among young girls 

    Staying functional

    So, how do you stay functional at work when your body’s signals are unpredictable?

    First, think: fuel like a marathoner. A lower-glycaemic pattern, with fibre-rich vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, and slow carbs—flattens the post-lunch slump for many people with PCOS. You don’t need perfection; you need steadiness: a breakfast with protein, a lunch that isn’t a sugar spike, and a 4 p.m. snack that isn’t a candy bar. Current evidence and guidelines don’t crown a single “PCOS diet,” but they consistently emphasise calorie quality, weight neutrality or gradual loss where appropriate, and glycaemic control to improve symptoms and metabolic risk.

    Second, build micro-movement into your schedule. Insulin resistance improves with muscles contracting regularly, not just at the gym. Two-minute “movement snacks” each hour—walk to fill your bottle, calf raises at the printer, stairs instead of the elevator—can be the difference between fog and focus by late afternoon. It’s physiology, not discipline moving glucose into muscle without demanding more insulin that smooths energy curves through the day.

    Third, consider your sleep like the audit of any project. Set bed and wake times, dimmer in the evenings, cooler rooms, and caffeine cutoffs become important when your hormones are already nudging your circadian rhythm. If you’re still getting out of bed fatigued, ask about screening for OSA. Sleep treatment such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is effective for nights and can rescue workdays. ,

    Fourth, consider targeted supplements and medications with your doctor. Myo-inositol continues to grow in traction for metabolic improvement and hyperandrogenism in PCOS, and some people benefit from metformin (along with drugs like combined hormonal contraception), or other targeted therapy. None are quick fixes, but over weeks, they can lift the baseline, so your good days outnumber the bad.

    Fifth, plan your “energy economy.” Schedule cognitively heavy tasks earlier in the day when you’re sharper. Batch admin during predictable dips. Have a water bottle at your elbow; mild dehydration increases fatigue and headaches. And if heavy periods are normal for you, request iron studies, as iron deficiency is an under-recognised factor causing fatigue in menstruators and is treatable when diagnosed.

    The workplace’s role

    Workplaces have a part to play too. Research has shown that those with PCOS may have lower work ability and increased sickness absence; normalising this allows for practical supports—flexible start times following poor-sleep nights, remote work on flare days, times to attend medical appointments—without stigma. Small accommodations can reduce presenteeism and protect productivity much better than powering through and burning out.

    Finally, remember this: PCOS management isn’t a single heroic act; it’s stacking small, boring wins, consistent meals, micro movements, skilful sleep, the right treatment plan, and a humane work setup. When these habits compound, the afternoon fog lifts more often, your energy lasts longer, and your best work stops feeling like a fight.

    (Dr. Sandhya Rani is senior consultant, obstetrics & gynaecology, Aster Women & Children Hospital, Bengaluru. sanju.doc@gmail.com)

    Published – September 09, 2025 03:00 pm IST

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  • What diet pattern worsens inflammatory bowel disease?

    What diet pattern worsens inflammatory bowel disease?

    A new study links everyday eating habits with inflammatory bowel disease outcomes, showing that choosing anti-inflammatory foods may help patients keep flare-ups at bay.

    Study: Association Between Pro-Inflammatory Potential of Diet and Inflammatory Parameters in a Group of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Image Credit: Farknot Architect / Shutterstock.com

    In a recent study published in Nutrients, researchers compared the different effects of pro-inflammatory dietary patterns on the severity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

    Diet, inflammation, and the growing burden of IBD

    IBD, which can be further classified as Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease arising from genetic and/or environmental factors. Typically, IBD symptoms will develop following an exaggerated immune response to a normal stimulus like food or the intestinal flora.

    During UC, mucosal inflammation originates in the rectum and eventually progresses to the proximal colon, causing edema, ulcers, bleeding, and electrolyte loss. Although CD can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, it primarily affects the colon and ileum.

    The incidence of IBD continues to rise throughout the world, with 20 UC and seven CD cases reported for every 100,000 people in Western Europe and North America. Due to the significant morbidity associated with IBD, it is crucial to determine how modifiable risk factors like diet may impact the inflammatory processes that contribute to this debilitating disease.

    Dietary components exacerbating inflammation and dysbiosis include refined sugars, saturated and trans fats, red and processed meats, and food additives. However, it remains unclear how the consumption of multiple food combinations and different eating patterns may impact this risk.

    When determining the effect of nutrition on inflammatory processes, it is necessary to calculate the overall intake of all dietary components that may play a role in the inflammation process.

    Study design

    The present study was conducted at the Medical University of Lodz in Poland to address the urgent global need to quantify the direct association between diet-induced inflammation and IBD severity. Ninety IBD patients were included in the study, 46 and 44 of whom were diagnosed with CD and UC, respectively.

    Food intake was recorded through three separate 24-hour dietary interviews, with this data subsequently used to calculate each study participant’s personal dietary inflammatory index (DII).

    DII is a novel yet validated scoring system that synthesizes data on 26 dietary components/parameters, including fats, vitamins, micronutrients, and selected flavonoids, to calculate a pro-inflammatory score. Negative DII scores reflected highly anti-inflammatory diet quality, while highly pro-inflammatory diets provided positive scores.

    Whereas CD severity was determined by the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI), UC severity was based on the Partial Mayo Score (PMS). The European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO) guidelines were also used to classify patients with CDAI scores exceeding 150 into remission. Comparatively, CDAI scores 150-220, 220-450, and over 450 reflected mild, moderate, and severe exacerbation, respectively.

    Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of key inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, and the anti-inflammatory IL-10, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

    Pro-inflammatory diets increase IBD severity

    No significant difference in DII scores was observed between CD and UC patients; however, scores varied significantly when stratified by disease severity. For example, patients in remission or with mild disease reported significantly higher anti-inflammatory diet scores than those experiencing active disease, with mean DII scores of -0.45 and -.23, respectively.

    Logistic regression models were adjusted for confounding sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), biological treatment, disease duration, and smoking status. This analysis suggests that patients who consumed highly inflammatory diets were three times more likely to have moderate-to-severe IBD than those in the lowest tertile.

    Interestingly, DII scores did not correlate with circulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 levels. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for these observations remain unclear, the authors note that this may reflect patients actively modifying their diets. Furthermore, because only three cytokines were measured and blood samples were collected at a single time, this may not fully capture the long-term effects of diet on systemic inflammation.

    Conclusions

    The current study indicates a significant association between a pro-inflammatory diet and severe disease activity in patients with IBD. Thus, rather than targeting a specific dietary component, following a comprehensive anti-inflammatory dietary pattern may help reduce disease severity, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.

    Study limitations include its cross-sectional design and small sample size. Nevertheless, the study findings emphasize the need for clinicians to formulate personalized and anti-inflammatory diets for IBD patients to reduce disease severity and improve their overall quality of life.

    Download your PDF copy now!

    Journal reference:

    • Godala, M., Gaszyńska, E., & Malecka-Wojciesko, E. (2025). Association Between Pro-Inflammatory Potential of Diet and Inflammatory Parameters in a Group of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients 17(17); 2858. doi:10.3390/nu17172858.

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