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Highlights Archive

Majority of pharmacists asked for unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions daily HighlightsHighlights Archive

Majority of pharmacists asked for unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions daily

Pharmacists are regularly confronted with inappropriate requests for antibiotics, with some individuals even stockpiling them for use during holidays despite the growing danger of antimicrobial resistance, according to a recent report. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA), which represents 6,000 independent community pharmacies across England, revealed that pharmacy staff are often asked to supply antibiotics for minor conditions like colds and…
Ben Kemp
May 6, 2025
Some bacteria already resistant to newest NHS antibiotic HighlightsHighlights Archive

Some bacteria already resistant to newest NHS antibiotic

A new study published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that some bacteria have already become resistant to one of the newest antibiotics introduced to the NHS. Thankfully the levels of resistance are still low, but the data is an important reminder to ensure that antibiotics are used appropriately to slow down the development of resistance. Ceftazidime/avibactam is an antibiotic used…
Ben Kemp
May 6, 2025
‘Groundbreaking’ dementia blood test trial underway HighlightsHighlights Archive

‘Groundbreaking’ dementia blood test trial underway

A major new clinical study aimed at improving dementia diagnosis through blood testing has launched in Surrey, according to a leading charity. The initiative, spearheaded by researchers at Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), is supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, which says the trial seeks to close diagnostic gaps and improve the early identification of dementia. Known as the Blood Biomarker Challenge,…
Ben Kemp
May 6, 2025
AMR Review author Lord O’Neill part of AMC to explore value of rapid affordable diagnostics HighlightsHighlights Archive

AMR Review author Lord O’Neill part of AMC to explore value of rapid affordable diagnostics

Lord O'Neill, author of the groundbreaking government-commissioned AMR report in 2016, is part of a new AMC (advance market commitment) set to explore the impact of affordable rapid diagnostics on some of the world's most prevalent health challenges. The peer's AMC takes inspiration from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s successful AMC model to promote vaccines across the developing world. One of…
Ben Kemp
April 30, 2025
Media Monitoring: 23rd – 30th April HighlightsHighlights Archive

Media Monitoring: 23rd – 30th April

'Groundbreaking' dementia trial starts in Surrey A "groundbreaking" trial exploring the potential of blood tests to diagnose dementia is under way in Surrey, a charity says. Alzheimer's Society said the initiative, led by a research team at Dementias Platform UK (DPUK), hoped to address gaps in diagnosis and enhance early detection of dementia. The trial is part of the Blood…
Ben Kemp
April 29, 2025
Government announces trial of new cancer-detecting AI-powered blood test HighlightsHighlights Archive

Government announces trial of new cancer-detecting AI-powered blood test

The government has announced a trial of a new AI-powered blood test which detects cancer and its location in the body. The miONCO-Dx test, which is to be trialled on 8,000 patients, has so far shown to be over 99% accurate at identifying 12 of the deadliest, most common cancers at an early stage. It works by measuring the microRNA…
Ben Kemp
April 29, 2025
WHO concludes draft pandemic agreement after three years of negotiations HighlightsHighlights Archive

WHO concludes draft pandemic agreement after three years of negotiations

Following over three years of discussions, Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have made a major advancement toward global pandemic safety by compiling a draft agreement, set to be reviewed at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May. The proposed agreement is designed to enhance international cooperation in addressing pandemic threats through improved prevention, preparedness, and response mechanisms.…
Ben Kemp
April 22, 2025
DNA-scanning algorithm set to revolutionise cancer detection HighlightsHighlights Archive

DNA-scanning algorithm set to revolutionise cancer detection

A new algorithm called PRRDetect could transform cancer treatment by identifying tumours with faulty DNA repair systems, making them more responsive to therapies like immunotherapy. It was developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge and the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre with funding from NIHR and Cancer Research UK. Using data from Genomics England’s 100,000 Genomes Project, the team…
Ben Kemp
April 22, 2025