FDA Has Approved A New Medication Treatment For Migraines In Adults

Updated Feb 6, 2025 | 05:09 PM IST

SummaryMany people use the terms ‘migraine’ and ‘headache’ interchangeably. This leads many people to believe that migraines are not as serious as people make them out to be, and that cannot be more wrong, migraines have a major effect on a person’s lifestyle and the new approved medication may prove to be a great relief!
(Credit-Canva)

(Credit-Canva)

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.

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Ebola Outbreak: Confirmed Cases Hit 2,344, Deaths Rise To 930

Updated Jul 20, 2026 | 08:00 PM IST

SummaryThe Ebola outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola virus species for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
Ebola Outbreak: Confirmed Cases Hit 2,344, Deaths Rise To 930

Credit: iStock

The Ebola outbreak continues to grow, with 2,344 confirmed cases and 930 deaths, according to the latest government update.

In its July 18 situation update, the Ministry of Health said response efforts have been strengthened across the five affected provinces: Haut-Uélé, Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, and Tshopo.

“To date, 2,344 confirmed cases have been recorded, including 724 patients in isolation or hospitalization, 466 people recovered, and 930 deaths,” the Ministry said.

The case fatality rate stands at 39.7%, while the contact tracing rate has reached 85.8%. Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak and continues to intensify response efforts.

Health teams are continuing surveillance, case management, and contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.

According to the ministry, surveillance and contact tracing systems remain fully mobilised, with 83 new confirmed cases reported nationwide. Case management has also improved, with 22 new recoveries recorded in the past 24 hours. Sud-Kivu and Tshopo remain stable, with no new affected health zones.

Canada, US Tighten Border Measures

Canada has temporarily denied entry to foreign nationals who have been in Congo within the previous 21 days as part of measures to reduce the risk of Ebola transmission.

"Limiting entry of foreign nationals who have been in (Congo) in the previous 21 days may reduce public health risks for Canadians," Canada's Public Health Agency said in a statement.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against travel or trade restrictions during Ebola outbreaks, warning that such measures can increase stigma and hamper outbreak control. The global health agency also continues to assess the risk of international spread from the Congo outbreak as low.

Last week, the United States also introduced measures requiring travellers who had been in Congo within the previous 21 days to enter the country only through designated airports. Seven American aid workers who had been working in Congo are currently quarantining in Kenya.

Attacks on Health Workers Hampering Response

Authorities have recorded at least 12 attacks on health facilities and response teams since the outbreak began in mid-May, largely driven by misinformation and public skepticism. Many healthcare workers have also gone on strike over unpaid wages, AP News reported.

At least 36 health workers have died after becoming infected with Ebola. The WHO has also warned that 80% of new Ebola cases are emerging from unknown chains of transmission, indicating that the outbreak is spreading faster than health officials can trace infections.

Ebola Bundibugyo Outbreak

Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral hemorrhagic fever first identified in 1976. Since then, more than 30 outbreaks have been recorded, primarily in Central and West Africa.

The Ebola outbreak, declared in eastern Congo on May 15, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a less common Ebola virus species for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.

The Bundibugyo virus spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person infected with, or who has died from, the disease.

It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment, as well as through infected animals, including bats and non-human primates. Historically, Bundibugyo virus outbreaks have recorded fatality rates ranging from 25% to 50%.

Symptoms To Watch For

Symptoms of Bundibugyo virus disease are similar to other forms of Ebola and include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Weakness
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising, usually in the later stages of illness.

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Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi Helps Over 75% Of Patients Remain Stable Or Improve: Real-World Study

Updated Jul 20, 2026 | 10:00 PM IST

SummaryLeqembi shows promising results in over 75% of Alzheimer's patients. In the absence of a cure, the drug is a new hope for slowing the progression of the disease.
Alzheimer's Drug Leqembi May Help Over 75% of Patients Remain Stable Or Improve: Real-World Study

Credit: AI

A study suggests that Leqembi (lecanemab), one of the first amyloid-targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease, may help people maintain their cognitive abilities for longer than previously thought.

Researchers reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 that more than 75% of patients with early Alzheimer's disease remained stable, while nearly 7% showed improvement after receiving Leqembi for an average period of 17 months.

Leqembi's Effect On Alzheimer's Patients

The findings come from the LEADER study, an ongoing observational study that evaluates the effectiveness of Leqembi outside the controlled environment of clinical trials.

The analysis included people with early Alzheimer's disease, including those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's and mild Alzheimer's dementia.

According to researchers:

  • 75.9% of patients remained clinically stable
  • 6.6% improved by one disease stage
  • Nearly 83% were either stable or improved during treatment over an average follow-up of 17 months.

The study is based on how the drug performs in routine medical practice, offering insight into its real-world effectiveness.

Also read: Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle On The Hudson’ Pilot, Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Success In Earlier Clinical Trial

The drug clears amyloid-beta plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that reducing amyloids may control the progression of the disease when treatment begins early.

Commenting on the new findings, Dr. Michael Irizarry, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Vice President at Eisai Inc., said: "These real-world data reinforce the meaningful impact that early diagnosis and treatment with LEQEMBI can have for people living with early Alzheimer's disease."

The company said the results provide encouraging evidence that the benefits observed in clinical trials are translating into everyday clinical practice.

Also read: WHO's New Dementia Guidelines Prioritize Healthy Habits, Warn Against Supplements

Careful Monitoring Still Needed

Despite the encouraging results, experts say that Leqembi is not appropriate for everyone with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment is suitable for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease with confirmed amyloid pathology.

Patients receiving Leqembi require regular monitoring because the drug can cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may involve brain swelling or bleeding.

While many cases are asymptomatic, some can be serious, making MRI monitor an important part of treatment.

Why Amyloid Clearance Matters?

For years, amyloid plaques have been at the center of Alzheimer’s research. These protein clumps build up between neurons and are believed to interfere with communication and trigger inflammation, eventually killing brain cells.

While there’s still debate over whether amyloid is a cause or symptom of Alzheimer’s, clearing these plaques remains one of the leading therapeutic targets.

The latest real-world evidence presented at AAIC 2026 strengthens confidence in Leqembi as a treatment that may help slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease.

While the therapy does not reverse the condition or cure dementia, keeping patients clinically stable for longer could translate into more time with preserved independence and daily functioning.

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Cervical Cancer Cases In India Drop 37% Over A Decade, Highlighting Impact Of Screening & HPV Vaccination

Updated Jul 20, 2026 | 05:00 PM IST

SummaryThe ICMR recently reported a significant decline in the number of cervical cancer cases in India in the last decade.
Cervical Cancer Cases In India Drop 37% Over A Decade, Highlighting Impact Of Screening & HPV Vaccination

Credit: AI

Unlike many other cancers, cervical cancer is considered highly preventable through a combination of HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment of precancerous lesions.

India has recorded a significant decline in cervical cancer burden, with new cases falling by 37% over the past decade, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).

Experts say widespread screening, awareness, and increasing uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have contributed to the milestone.

Cervical Cancer Cases Drop In India

The latest estimates show that the number of new cervical cancer cases has dropped from approximately 1.27 lakh annually to around 79,000, marking a major public health milestone in the fight against one of the most common cancers affecting Indian women.

"Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through timely screening and vaccination," Dr. Amitabh Shankar, Head of Preventive Oncology at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, was quoted as saying.

He attributed the decline to improved awareness, wider availability of screening services, and the gradual expansion of HPV vaccination.

Also read: Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy For Prostate Cancer Promises Fewer Side Effects Than Surgery Or Radiotherapy

Positive Impact Of Screening And HPV Vaccination

According to experts, early detection through routine cervical cancer screening allows precancerous changes to be identified and treated before they develop into cancer.

At the same time, HPV vaccination protects against high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus, the leading cause of cervical cancer.

The report suggests that increased access to healthcare services, government-led awareness initiatives, and preventive programs have played an important role in reducing the cases of cervical cancer.

Despite the progress, specialists caution that cervical cancer continues to be a major health concern in India, particularly in rural and underserved regions where screening coverage and HPV vaccination remain limited.

They emphasize that expanding HPV vaccination among eligible adolescents, strengthening population-based screening programs, and improving early diagnosis will be essential to prevent it.

Also read: KRAS-Targeted Vaccine Shows Promise In Fighting Pancreatic Cancer, Triggers Strong Immune Response In Early Trial

About HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus causes more than 200 known infections. While some types lead to benign skin warts, others are responsible for severe health threats, such as cervical, throat, anal, and penile cancers.

The HPV vaccine provides strong protection against the most lethal strains, avoiding long-term health complications. It helps the immune system recognize and fight off high-risk strains of the virus before they cause harm. It protects against:

  • Genital warts
  • Cervical cancer
  • Vaginal, vulvar, anal, and penile cancers
  • Mouth, throat, head, and neck cancers linked to HPV

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervix is located in the pelvic cavity, about 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal. It serves as the entrance to the uterus to the vagina. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), almost all cervial cancer are linked to human papillomaviruses (HPV) which are transmitted through sexual contact

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer has no symptoms in the early days and therefore, is hard to detect until it has spread. Early-stage cervical cancer symptoms include:

  • Vaginal bleeding after sex
  • Vaginal bleeding post-menopause
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy/long periods
  • Watery vaginal discharge with a strong odour or containing blood
  • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Advanced Cervical Cancer Symptoms (when cancer has spread beyond the cervix):

  • Persistent early-stage symptoms
  • Painful or difficult bowel movements or rectal bleeding
  • Painful or difficult urination or blood in the urine
  • Persistent dull backache
  • Swelling of the legs
  • Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen

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