A phase 3 trial found that deramiocel, a heart-derived cellular therapy, slowed muscle weakening and preserved heart function in boys and young men with advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The therapy also showed promise in reducing scarring in the heart.
A study published in The Lancet found that blood pressure and cholesterol levels among adults with obesity have converged with those with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) over the past three decades, particularly in high-income countries. This trend is attributed to the greater use of cholesterol-lowering medication and blood pressure me...
A growing DRC Ebola outbreak has confirmed transmission in Uganda, and experts estimate a 70% chance of it spreading to South Sudan. The virus is potentially on course to reach South Sudan due to busy border crossings.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no strong evidence that most IVF add-ons improve fertility. However, weak evidence suggests benefits from EmbryoGlue, endometrial scratching, and physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection. The study aimed to provide evidence-based information for patients making decisions about IVF add-ons.
A study published in The Lancet found that Chile's comprehensive food policies, including labelling and advertising bans, have a real-world impact on reducing child obesity. After implementing the Food Labelling and Advertising Law in 2016, children who had been at school for 18 months showed a lower risk of overweight or obesity compa...
A blood test can identify signs of Alzheimer's Disease decades before symptoms appear, suggesting early detection and potential treatment. A new brain imaging test also detects Alzheimer's Disease biomarkers earlier than the current standard, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found no clear link between common antidepressant use in pregnancy and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD in children. However, the study suggests that genetic predisposition and other factors may contribute to an increased risk.
A small trial found that once-weekly semaglutide injections reduced heavy drinking days by an average of 12 days in patients with alcohol use disorder and obesity. The study showed a 50% higher reduction than the placebo group, suggesting potential benefits for GLP-1s in treating alcohol use disorder.
Globally, meningitis resulted in over 259,000 deaths and 2.5 million infections in 2023, according to a comprehensive study. The disease disproportionately affects low-income countries, particularly in Africa, where air pollution, premature birth, and low birthweight are major risk factors for death.
A new study models the impact of climate change on physical activity globally, predicting millions will be driven into inactivity by 2050. The study suggests this could lead to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Global breast cancer cases are projected to rise by a third globally from 2.3 million in 2023 to over 3.5 million in 2050. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent over a quarter of healthy years lost due to breast cancer worldwide.
Researchers have successfully tested in-utero stem cell therapy for fetal spina bifida repair, showing promising results with no adverse effects. The therapy, combining standard surgery with stem cells, may lead to better health outcomes for babies compared to traditional methods.
A phase 3 trial found that orforglipron, a novel GLP-1 receptor agonist pill, leads to greater blood sugar control and weight loss than current oral GLP-1 RA semaglutide in people with type 2 diabetes. Participants taking orforglipron had significantly greater reductions in body weight and blood sugar levels.
A new daily oral tablet combining bictegravir and lenacapavir (BIC/LEN) was found to be highly effective in maintaining HIV suppression, with nearly 96% of participants who switched to this simplified regimen maintaining viral suppression. The treatment showed similar results compared to complex, multi-pill treatments.
The study found a 12% reduction in interval cancers diagnosed after screening, as well as fewer aggressive sub-type cancers detected. AI-supported mammography also increased cancer detection without an increase in false positives.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies confirms paracetamol during pregnancy is not linked to increased risks of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. The findings suggest alternative maternal factors may be responsible for previously reported associations.
Moderate-intensity physical activity for an extra five minutes a day can reduce all deaths by 10% in most adults, while reducing sedentary time by 30 minutes per day can lead to a 7% reduction in deaths.
A study of over 1.1 million people in England found that most COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is addressable and can be reduced over time. Among those who initially expressed hesitation, 65% went on to get vaccinated at least once, highlighting the potential for targeted messaging and information to improve vaccine uptake.
A new single-dose oral medication called zoliflodacin shows promise as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, with over 90% of infections cured at genital sites. The medication is well-tolerated and has the potential to improve global efforts to control drug-resistant gonorrhea infections.
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 76 randomised controlled trials found that slow tapering of antidepressants combined with psychological support prevented relapse over the following year to a similar extent as remaining on an antidepressant. This approach could change how coming off antidepressants is managed globally.
A new phase 3b clinical trial found that nearly 90% of severe asthma patients were able to reduce their steroid dose to a low dose after one year of treatment with the biologic medication Tezepelumab. The treatment also significantly improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and overall quality of life, while minimizing steroid use.
A new Lancet Series exposes the tactics used by UPF companies and outlines a roadmap for change. The series calls for government regulation, community mobilisation, and accessible healthier diets to address the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods.
The prevalence of high blood pressure among children and adolescents increased from 3.2% to 6.2% between 2000 and 2020, with obesity identified as a substantial driver. Early detection and prevention efforts are crucial to control high blood pressure in children and reduce the risks of future health complications.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals record-breaking health threats from climate change, including heat-related mortality and wildfire smoke. The report warns that fossil fuel addiction and adaptation delays are responsible for devastating health harms, while clean energy and sustainable diets can reduce pollution and save lives.
A new analysis of the SELECT trial confirms semaglutide lowers the risk of major heart problems, regardless of weight loss or baseline body weight. Shrinking waist size was linked to better heart outcomes, accounting for about one-third of semaglutide's overall benefit.
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet found that antidepressants differ significantly in their physical side effects, including weight change and heart rate variations. The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment to individual needs and preferences.
Recent estimates suggest tens of thousands of children in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition, with over 12,800 severely so. The study tracks wasting among children during the war and highlights unprecedented increases in child malnutrition following periods of blockades and severe aid restrictions.
The new EAT-Lancet report highlights the urgent need for a sustainable, equitable food system, with nearly 3.7 billion people lacking access to a healthy diet. Adhering to the Planetary Health Diet can reduce chronic disease risk and prevent approximately 15 million premature deaths per year.
A new study analyzing over 460,000 children and adolescents found a more than double risk of developing long COVID after a second COVID-19 infection. The study highlights the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to reduce this risk.
Global cancer cases and deaths are projected to increase substantially from 2024 to 2050, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for urgent action and targeted funding to address the growing burden of cancer.
New antibody treatments for Alzheimer's disease show promise in slowing progression, but high costs, complex testing, and suboptimal care hinder their potential. Experts call for coordinated global action to reform healthcare systems, public policy, and societal attitudes.
Two large-scale clinical trials found that a higher dose of semaglutide significantly improves weight loss and related health outcomes in adults with obesity. The study revealed an average weight loss of nearly 19% in those receiving the higher dose, compared to 10% with the standard dose or placebo.
Death rates from chronic diseases have fallen globally, with 80% of countries experiencing a decline in mortality since 2001. However, progress has slowed, particularly in high-income countries, where nearly all experienced a decrease in the rate of decline for mortality between 2010-2019.
A meta-analysis of parent-focused programs found no significant impact on childhood obesity prevention in toddlers. The study, involving 28,825 participants from 31 trials across 10 countries, suggests that broader societal changes are needed to address childhood obesity.
A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that routine AI assistance during colonoscopies can lead to a decrease in the ability of endoscopists to detect precancerous growths without AI aid. This reduction in skills may impact patient-related outcomes and highlight the need for further research on the long-ter...
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive functional therapy (CFT) can effectively reduce disability due to chronic low back pain for more than a year. The current trial is the first to show that these effects are sustained up to three years. CFT was shown to improve physical activity participation in patients with low back pain.
A new project aims to track the health impacts of plastics and monitor progress in reducing their effects on human health. The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics will identify and document indicators that highlight the risks associated with plastic production, use, and disposal.
Three in five liver cancer cases can be prevented by reducing viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The Lancet Commission estimates that if countries can reduce liver cancer incidence by 2-5% annually by 2050, it could prevent 9-17 million new cases and save 8-15 million lives.
A comprehensive study analyzing over 160,000 adults found that walking 7,000 steps per day is associated with reduced risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression, and falls. Even modest step counts, such as 4,000 steps per day, offer health benefits compared to low activity levels.
Despite decades of progress, global immunization targets are unlikely to be met due to stagnant childhood vaccination rates and inequality. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue, with widespread vaccine misinformation and hesitancy contributing to faltering immunization progress.
Early-phase clinical trials of a new weight management medication amycretin have confirmed its safety and tolerability. The medication targets two specific receptors to help control blood sugar and appetite, showing promise in treating overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health suggests that parental intuition may outperform traditional early warning systems in identifying children at risk of deterioration. Caregiver concern for a worsening condition was strongly associated with critical illness, even after accounting for abnormal vital signs.
A randomized controlled trial found that additional imaging techniques such as fast MRI and contrast mammography can detect early-stage cancers in women with dense breasts that were missed by mammograms. The study showed a cancer detection rate of 1.7% for fast MRI and 1.9% for contrast mammography, compared to 0.4% for ultrasound.
The Lancet Commission warns that over 1 billion adolescents worldwide face preventable health problems, with inadequate progress in addressing issues like anaemia, mental health, and obesity. The commission emphasizes the need for increased investment in adolescent health and wellbeing initiatives to safeguard the future.
Monoclonal antibody nirsevimab provides strong real-world protection against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants. The analysis found that nirsevimab reduces hospitalization rates by 83% and intensive care admissions by 81% in children aged 12 months and younger.
Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new modelling study warns that proposed cuts to international funding for HIV prevention and treatment programmes could result in significant increases in new HIV infections and deaths. The research estimates 4.4-10.8 million additional new infections and 770,000-2.9 million HIV-related deaths by 2030 if funding cuts are not mitigated.
A major new analysis predicts that over half the world's adult population (3.8 billion) and a third of all children and adolescents (746 million) will be living with overweight or obesity by 2050. The study forecasts a substantial rise in obesity among young people globally, with an additional 186 million cases predicted by 2050.
The global Commission recommends diagnosing obesity based on excess body fat measures and objective signs of illness, shifting from BMI-based definition. This approach aims to provide personalized care for individuals with clinical and pre-clinical obesity, facilitating fair allocation of healthcare resources.
Life expectancy in the USA varies by more than 20 years depending on an individual's race and ethnicity and where they live. Researchers found that marginalized groups already had lower life expectancy, and the pandemic further increased the gap.