First case of more spreadable mpox detected in UK
- A single case of mpox – formerly known as monkeypox – linked to the recent outbreak in parts of Africa, has been detected in the UK.
- It is part of the Clade 1b outbreak, which appears to spread more easily between people.
- Mpox was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization in the summer.
Genetic testing could lower the risk of adverse drug reactions for thousands of patients with cancer
- A new study led by Genomics England and Queen Mary University of London estimates that genetic testing could identify approximately 14,540 patients per year on any of 5 commonly prescribed drugs who could potentially benefit from a reduced dose or alternative drug to reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions – or harmful side effects – which can be fatal.
- The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, analysed whole genome sequencing results from 76,805 participants from the 100,000 Genomes Project.
- The researchers looked at pharmacogenetic variants – genetic changes that affect our bodies’ handling of and response to drugs – in 4 genes that are known to be linked to harmful reactions to 5 drugs commonly used in cancer treatment.
Business “ready to support” UK with £500m investment following Chancellor’s first budget
- A US firm has announced a £500 million investment into a UK research campus following the Chancellor’s first budget, supporting government plans to attract private investment and its industrial strategy.
- The investment from San Francisco-based developer Prologis will create thousands of jobs, spearhead lifesaving biomedical breakthroughs and generate millions of pounds for the British economy every year. It comes just two days after the Budget pledged to unleash private investment to kickstart economic growth.
- The Prologis investment funds a 115,000 square ft expansion to Cambridge Biomedical Campus – a world-leading biomedical cluster which currently generates £4.2 billion each year for the UK economy. The new development will house high-tech labs, supporting clinical trials and diagnostic services.
UK benefits bill: Half of claims will be for sickness by 2029 (paywall)
- The Financial Times has revealed that staggeringly half of all benefits claims will be due to ill health in just five years.
- This further underlines the need for proactive health interventions which utilise diagnostics to prevent illness and foster a healthy, productive workforce.
NHSE commercial chief steps down (paywall)
- The HSJ has revealed that NHSE’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jacqui Rock will stand down from her role later this year.
- Her replacement has not yet been announced.
NHS revamps one of its most famous campaigns
- NHS England is launching the first update to one of its most famous campaigns since 2009, as it looks to improve care for one of the UK’s leading causes of death and speed up diagnostics.
- Act FAST is the health service’s stroke campaign, which urges the public to phone 999 if they spot one of three symptoms: struggling to smile – Face; cannot raise hands – Arms; and slurring their words – Speech.
- It is estimated that 100,000 people have a stroke in the UK each year, leading to 38,000 stroke-related deaths a year – meaning it remains the fourth single leading cause of death in the country, despite more people surviving it than ever before.
