Mon, Oct 55 items
0 of 5 readThe FDA approved Eli Lilly's Jaypirca as the first targeted therapy for previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia, while the 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine went to the researchers behind optogenetics. Vaxcyte's pneumococcal vaccine also hit Phase 3 endpoints, setting up a challenge to Pfizer and Merck.
FDA approves Jaypirca as first-line CLL treatment
Eli Lilly's Jaypirca won FDA approval for previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, making it the first targeted therapy cleared for first-line use in these blood cancers.
Why it mattersExpands treatment options for newly diagnosed CLL and SLL patients, shifting when a targeted drug can be used.
Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for optogenetics
Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel share the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries on light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, a tool now central to brain research.
Why it mattersOptogenetics underpins much of modern neuroscience and has already led to experimental treatments for blindness and Alzheimer's.
Vaxcyte pneumococcal vaccine hits Phase 3 endpoints
Vaxcyte said its experimental pneumococcal vaccine met primary endpoints in a Phase 3 trial, positioning the biotech to compete with Pfizer and Merck in the pneumococcal vaccine market.
Why it mattersA new entrant could reshape a lucrative vaccine market long dominated by two large manufacturers.
ACP backs hormonal therapy as first-line for hot flashes
The American College of Physicians recommends estrogen with progestogen, or estrogen alone for women without a uterus, as first-line treatment for perimenopausal and postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, in a guideline published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Why it mattersGives clinicians a clear first-line standard for hot flashes and night sweats, a common and undertreated complaint.
Making pediatric tumors visible boosts immunotherapy
Penn State researchers found that making high-risk neuroblastoma more visible to the immune system improved immunotherapy response, addressing a mechanism by which the cancer hides and causes relapse.
Why it mattersCould improve outcomes in an aggressive childhood cancer where immune escape drives resistance.