Headaches are a common symptom of a stressful lifestyle, your body not feeling well and other issues. While headaches can be dealt with easily, migraines are not so easy to handle. Migraines are a type of headache that feels like severe throbbing and pulsing sensation, almost like you are hearing your own heartbeat in your brain, usually on one side of the brain. Many people believe that migraines are not that big of a deal because you just have to deal with the pain, but that is not all migraine is, some people find it very difficult to do their daily tasks as they experience dizzying spells, nausea and extreme sensitivity to light and sound! These attacks can last hours and make it difficult for people to go about their daily lives as well. While there are medications available for migraine patients, these medications need time to take effect, so you may be in a lot of pain, but there are not many quick reliefs you can have in place other than learning the symptoms of a migraine attack and taking medication before it happens. But a new approval by the FDA may change this!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Symbravo, a new medicine to treat acute migraine attacks in adults. This means adults can now use Symbravo to get relief from their migraine symptoms. The FDA's decision was based on the results of three big studies, called Phase 3 trials. These trials involved over 21,000 migraine attacks, so the FDA has a lot of information about how well Symbravo works and how safe it is. The FDA only approves medicines that have been shown to be both safe and effective through a thorough testing process.

Importance of New Treatment Option

"Migraine attacks can happen suddenly and really mess up people's lives. It's estimated that over 39 million people in the U.S. alone get migraines," said Herriot Tabuteau, M.D., CEO of Axsome Therapeutics told US News. This shows how common migraines are and how important it is to have good treatments. "Symbravo gives patients and doctors a new option that can quickly stop a migraine attack, keep it away, and let people get back to their normal activities, all with just one dose." Having a medicine that can give fast and long-lasting relief from migraine pain is a big deal for millions of people. This new treatment is a real step forward in how we treat migraines.

Symbravo Trial Results, How Was It Approved

The trials took place in 3 steps, the Momentum trial study focused on people whose migraines had moderate to severe pain. The results showed that a lot more people taking Symbravo felt pain-free two hours after taking the medicine compared to those who took a placebo which is a dummy pill. Even better, many people felt relief for up to 24 and even 48 hours after just one dose. This long-lasting relief is really important for people with migraines because it means they can get back to their normal lives without worrying about the pain coming back. The study also looked at how many people were free from their worst symptom, like sensitivity to light or sound, or nausea. Symbravo worked better than the placebo in this area too.

While the intercept trial looked at people who took Symbravo when their migraine pain was still mild. Even when the pain was just starting, Symbravo was effective. The results were similar to the MOMENTUM trial, with many people getting pain relief and relief from their worst symptoms. Treating migraines early is often better because it can stop the pain from getting really bad.

And lastly the Movement trial which was to see how safe the medication is when people take it regularly. This study followed 706 people who had at least two migraines a month. The most common side effects people experienced were sleepiness and dizziness. While these side effects are important to know about, the study showed that Symbravo is generally safe for people to use on a regular basis.

Tampons contain trace amounts of arsenic, lead and other metals, but they are not released at levels that pose a health risk, according to a new study by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Toxicological Sciences, the study found that while 19 metals—including arsenic, cadmium and lead—were detected in tampons, “the amount released during use is too small to cause harm”.

The FDA said the findings are consistent with an earlier independent systematic literature review it commissioned.

What Did The FDA Study Find?

The FDA evaluated 11 tampon products legally marketed in the United States to determine whether trace metals present in the products could be released during use and whether they posed any toxicological risk.

Researchers measured metal levels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess the maximum possible release, tampons were tested under exaggerated laboratory conditions by placing them in acidified water at 50°C (122°F) for 24 hours, simulating a worst-case exposure scenario.

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The study detected 19 metals, including:

• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Lead
• Titanium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Lithium
• Zinc

"Based on the in-depth toxicological risk assessment, all detected metals had margins of safety indicating that there is negligible toxicological concern from the presence of metals in tampon materials," the researchers wrote.

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How Are Metals Present In Tampons?

According to the FDA, trace metals may enter tampon materials naturally because plants such as cotton absorb minerals and metals from the soil. Some metals may also be introduced unintentionally during manufacturing.

Researchers noted that titanium dioxide, which is sometimes used to whiten tampons, may explain the presence of titanium in certain products.

In October 2025, the FDA issued a draft guidance titled, Menstrual Products — Performance Testing and Labeling Recommendations.

This draft guidance provides recommendations to industry to support the safety and effectiveness of menstrual products, including recommendations for evaluating these products for contaminants and promoting transparency in menstrual product ingredients.

What Is a Tampon Made Of?

Tampons are typically made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. While rayon-based tampons generally contained higher levels of lithium and zinc, cotton-rich tampons had higher concentrations of calcium and iron.

Despite these differences, the FDA concluded that exposure from all products tested remained well below levels of health concern.

Single-use vs Reusable Tampons

The FDA emphasized that only single-use tampons are authorized for sale in the United States. The agency discourages the use of reusable tampons because they may carry a higher risk of infections, including:

• Yeast infections
• Fungal infections
• Bacterial infections

The FDA regulates menstrual products as medical devices but has limited authority over their composition. While tampons undergo a premarket review process, the agency doesn't approve individual materials used in these products.

The FDA's primary focus regarding menstrual products has been on addressing the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). They have implemented labeling requirements and educational campaigns to minimize this risk. However, the recent findings of heavy metals in tampons highlight a potential gap in regulatory oversight.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached another concerning milestone. With a surging number of deaths and confirmed infections, the healthcare workers in the affected regions have threatened to declare a strike due to nonpayment of dues, making it challenging to contain a deadly and aggressive outbreak.

DRC Ebola Death Toll Reaches 600 With 1759 Confirmed Cases

According to Reuters, the total confirmed number of deaths due to Bundibugyo Ebola has reached 600, with 1,759 confirmed infections as of July 9.

This comes amid protests demonstrated by healthcare workers in the affected regions, who have threatened to walk off the job due to months of unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions.

The outbreak initially affected Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, but authorities are now investigating suspected cases in Tshopo province, including Kisangani, sparking concerns that new areas may be affected.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo species of the Ebola virus, has been spreading rapidly since it was declared on May 15.

Unlike the Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola virus, making containment and treatment efforts particularly challenging. Currently, experimental therapies are being examined through ongoing clinical trials.

Also read: Uganda Says Ebola Is Contained After Nearly Two Months Of Outbreak; Seeks To Get Travel Restrictions Removed

Healthcare Workers Protests

The worsening outbreak could be even more challenging to contain as the frontline healthcare workers, including treatment staff, laboratory personnel, and burial teams, have been protesting nonpayment of salaries, insufficient protective equipment, and difficult working conditions.

According to several reports, many workers say they have not been paid since the outbreak began nearly two months ago. While some have already stopped working, others have warned that a mass walkout could further weaken the country’s Ebola response.

The administrative disruption significantly threatens critical epidemic operations like patient care, lab testing, contact tracing, and safe burial procedures, all of which are essential for slowing transmission and effectively containing the outbreak.

WHO Says Ebola Outbreak Is Still In Expansion Phase

The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned that the outbreak remains in an “expansion phase” due to several reasons, including overwhelmed treatment facilities, population movement, and delays in identifying and isolating infected individuals.

WHO also said that the treatment centers in some of the hardest-hit regions are operating near 90% capacity. Infection cases among healthcare workers are another concern that highlights the risks faced by frontline responders.

Misinformation about the disease has been rife in several Congolese communities. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, there have been reports that some local communities believe that the disease is a hoax or was brought into the country by Western aid workers who wanted to make a profit.

While Ebola is not a new disease, the current outbreak poses a significant threat because it is caused by a rare strain of the virus, Bundibugyo. The rarity of the strain has created scientific and emergency public health challenges, as there is currently no licensed vaccine to protect against the Bundibugyo Ebola virus.

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli (insulin icodec) in India, introducing the world's first once-weekly basal insulin for adults with diabetes.

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes require daily insulin to manage their blood glucose when diet, exercise, and oral medications are no longer sufficient.

The daily basal insulin injections are typically taken once every 24 hours. But Awiqli is designed to provide background insulin support throughout the week, reducing the ‌number ⁠of injections from 365 per year to 52, Novo said.

More than 101 million people in India are living with diabetes, ⁠while another 136 million have prediabetes, Novo said in a statement.

Insulin initiation in India is delayed by an average of 7-9 years, partly due to fear of injections, anticipated pain, and cost concerns, it said.

"We believe Awiqli will reduce the psychological and physical barriers to insulin initiation," Novo Nordisk India Managing Director Vikrant Shrotriya said.

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What is Awiqli?

Awiqli (insulin icodec) is a long-acting basal insulin designed to help adults with diabetes maintain stable blood sugar levels with just one injection every week. It is administered using the Awiqli FlexTouch pen on the same day each week.

The treatment is intended to simplify insulin therapy, potentially improving treatment adherence among people who struggle with daily injections.

Global Approval

Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae) 700 units/mL as the first and only once-weekly basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. The therapy is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.

The approval offers a new treatment option for patients seeking an alternative to daily basal insulin, allowing diabetes care to be tailored to different lifestyles and treatment preferences.

"Awiqli may address challenges associated with the frequency of daily basal injections by reducing them from seven to one per week. It is an important advancement for adults with type 2 diabetes who may benefit from an alternative treatment option," said Anna Windle, Group Vice President, Clinical Development, Medical & Regulatory Affairs at Novo Nordisk Inc.

Where Is It Available?

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The therapy has now been launched in India. Awiqli has also received regulatory approval in the US, the European Union, and 13 other countries, with indications varying according to local regulatory approvals.

Clinical Evidence

The approval is supported by Novo Nordisk's ONWARDS Phase 3a clinical program, which enrolled nearly 2,680 adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes across four randomized, active-controlled trials.

The studies compared once-weekly Awiqli with daily basal insulin and demonstrated effective reductions in HbA1c, a key measure of long-term blood sugar control. The overall safety profile was found to be consistent with existing daily basal insulin therapies.

Who Can Use It?

Awiqli is prescribed for adults with diabetes and should be used exactly as directed by a healthcare professional.

Patients should inject the medicine once every week on the same day. The dosage should not be adjusted without medical advice, the company said.

Are There Any Side Effects

Like other insulin therapies, Awiqli may cause side effects, including:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Injection-site reactions
• Weight gain
• Skin thickening or pitting at injection sites (lipodystrophy)
• Allergic reactions
• Swelling of the hands or feet

Patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar regularly and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of severe allergic reactions or persistent hypoglycemia.

Who should not take Awiqli?

Do not take Awiqli if you:

• are having an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• have an allergy to Awiqli or any of the ingredients in Awiqli.