Functional Cure Within Reach: GSK’s Bepirovirsen Meets Primary Endpoints in Pivotal Phase III Chronic Hepatitis B Trials

Functional Cure Within Reach: GSK’s Bepirovirsen Meets Primary Endpoints in Pivotal Phase III Chronic Hepatitis B Trials

GSK has announced positive Phase III results for Bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide that achieves functional cure in chronic hepatitis B patients. By targeting viral RNA and HBsAg, the drug offers a finite treatment path, potentially transforming global hepatology standards and replacing lifelong therapy.
The Rising Burden of Sarcoidosis in England: New Evidence of Increasing Incidence and Significant Mortality Gaps

The Rising Burden of Sarcoidosis in England: New Evidence of Increasing Incidence and Significant Mortality Gaps

A landmark study of over 18,000 patients reveals that sarcoidosis incidence and prevalence in England are rising, particularly among older adults. With a 36% higher mortality risk compared to the general population, these findings demand a shift in how the healthcare system prioritizes this complex multisystem disease.
Beyond Child Survival: The Evolving Global Burden of Lower Respiratory Infections and Emerging Pathogens (1990-2023)

Beyond Child Survival: The Evolving Global Burden of Lower Respiratory Infections and Emerging Pathogens (1990-2023)

The GBD 2023 study highlights a 33.4% reduction in pediatric LRI mortality since 2010, yet 2.5 million annual deaths persist. While Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the primary pathogen, newly modeled aetiologies like non-tuberculous mycobacteria now account for 22% of the total LRI mortality burden.
Rethinking First-Line Anticoagulation in Older Adults: Real-World Evidence Challenges Conventional AFib Management

Rethinking First-Line Anticoagulation in Older Adults: Real-World Evidence Challenges Conventional AFib Management

A large-scale study of 144,969 Medicare beneficiaries reveals that initial anticoagulant prescriptions for atrial fibrillation may not reduce ischemic stroke risk in patients over 66, while significantly increasing major bleeding hazards, suggesting a need for more nuanced, individualized clinical decision-making.
Precision Hypertension Management: Haptoglobin Phenotype Predicts Cardiovascular Benefit from Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Type 2 Diabetes

Precision Hypertension Management: Haptoglobin Phenotype Predicts Cardiovascular Benefit from Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Type 2 Diabetes

A post-hoc analysis of the ACCORD trial reveals that intensive blood pressure control significantly reduces cardiovascular and stroke risk in haptoglobin 1 allele carriers, but not in those with the Hp2-2 phenotype, suggesting a genotype-driven approach to hypertension management in diabetes.
Reversing Prediabetes Halves 30-Year Risk of Cardiovascular Death and Heart Failure: New Insights from DPPOS and DaQing

Reversing Prediabetes Halves 30-Year Risk of Cardiovascular Death and Heart Failure: New Insights from DPPOS and DaQing

A landmark post-hoc analysis of the DPPOS and DaQing studies reveals that achieving prediabetes remission reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization by approximately 50% over three decades, highlighting a profound legacy effect of early glycemic normalization.
RNAi Targeting of ANGPTL3 with Zodasiran Delivers Substantial LDL-C Lowering in Patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

RNAi Targeting of ANGPTL3 with Zodasiran Delivers Substantial LDL-C Lowering in Patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

The Phase 2 GATEWAY trial demonstrates that zodasiran, an RNAi therapeutic targeting ANGPTL3, significantly reduces LDL cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) by approximately 36-40%. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed sustained efficacy, offering a promising LDLR-independent therapeutic avenue for this high-risk population.
Perioperative Dexmedetomidine Fails to Reduce Major Complications After Cardiac Surgery: Results from the DOCS Trial

Perioperative Dexmedetomidine Fails to Reduce Major Complications After Cardiac Surgery: Results from the DOCS Trial

The DOCS trial, a multi-center randomized controlled study, found that perioperative dexmedetomidine infusion did not significantly reduce in-hospital mortality or major complications in adults undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, challenging the hypothesis of its broad organ-protective benefits.
The Hidden Burden of Heart and Brain Health: ASCVD Linked to Significantly Elevated Suicide Risk

The Hidden Burden of Heart and Brain Health: ASCVD Linked to Significantly Elevated Suicide Risk

A large-scale nationwide study reveals that individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including myocardial infarction and stroke, face a 43% higher risk of suicide. The risk nearly doubles for those suffering from both conditions, highlighting an urgent need for mental health integration in cardiovascular care.