Cigarettes with ultralow nicotine levels are now being called the game-changer in the fight against smoking. If you are having trouble in quitting smoking, then, it is for you, that soon the Biden White House is expected to formally propose a plan that will order cigarette nicotine levels to be reduced, reports The Washington Post. For now though, it has been a failure, as these cigarettes, also known as VLN cigarettes that stands for very low nicotine are only available in 5,100 stores in 26 states. This is a very small fraction of the overall market for cigarettes. The company that makes it, 22nd Century, is struggling not because of the low supply, but also from the advocates who have long believed slashing nicotine levels altogether.

The Advent and ideation

Nicotine is a chemical that is produced naturally from tobacco that makes the cigarette and also keeps people hooked. While it is believed that it makes people alert, and get the "hit" to keep them going, it exposes the users to harmful substances, carcinogens, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other illness.

Ultralow-nicotine cigarettes, like the VLN brand, contain about 95% less nicotine than the regular cigarettes. The idea is quite simple: without the addictive grip of nicotine, smokers will find it easier to quit. Research too has shown some promise. For instance, the studies funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse revealed that very low nicotine cigarettes reduced addiction potential significantly without having users to increase their smoking frequency. However, the problem is, why would anyone choose for a low-nicotine that does not make them feel the same way, when the high-nicotine cigarette is right next to it, making them feel the same way, with the same alertness, sold at the same price.

“It’s very hard to imagine someone actively choosing to continue to use a low-nicotine product for the same price when a high-nicotine product is right next to it,” said Eric Donny, a Wake Forest University School of Medicine nicotine researcher.

No wonder, the experiment with low nicotine product by Philip Morris' Next cigarettes in the 1980s and Vector Tobacco's Quest brand in the early 2000s, flopped.

FDA's Role in the Push

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has supported the development of such products, even allowing VLN cigarettes to be marketed as lower-risk options. However, these products remain a niche market, available in only a fraction of U.S. stores.

Recently, the Biden administration has considered a bold step—mandating a dramatic reduction in nicotine levels for all cigarettes sold in the United States. Supporters believe this move could save millions of lives, while critics, including tobacco companies, warn of potential unintended consequences.

What Could Be The Challenges?

Resistance from Big Tobacco Companies: They could argue that slashing nicotine levels could backfire. Their claim is, smokers will turn to black markets or smoke more to satisfy their cravings, which may lead to greater exposure to harmful substances.

Consumer Reluctance: History is proof to the instances of smokers being hesitant to embrace the low-nicotine products.

Political Hurdle: It may face political roadblocks, as under the Trump administration, plans to cut nicotine were shelved.

Could Low-Nicotine Cigarettes Be The Solution?

Advocates believe that ultralow-nicotine cigarettes could be a game-changer, comparing them to decaf coffee or non-alcoholic beer—products that reduce harm while offering a similar experience.

Some experts warn that a black market for traditional cigarettes could undermine these efforts. They also stress the need for safer alternatives, such as vaping products, to support smokers transitioning away from traditional cigarettes.

Andhra Pradesh is set to launch a Rare Disease Policy, aligned with the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021, to improve diagnosis, treatment, and financial support for patients living with rare diseases.

The proposed policy will provide free diagnostic tests, specialized treatment, and financial assistance to affected families, Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav announced while addressing the Rare Diseases Care and Draft Policy Consultation at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences.

What's Included in Andhra Pradesh's Rare Disease Policy?

As part of the proposed policy, the state government plans to:

• Establish referral cents for rare diseases in Kurnool, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam.
• Explore designating a government hospital as a Centre of Excellence for rare disease treatment.
• Create a state registry for diseases identified by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to better understand the disease burden.
• Introduce universal newborn (neonatal) screening to enable early detection of rare diseases.
• Mobilize donor support to help patients meet the high cost of treatment.

The minister said the government is committed to ensuring access to quality healthcare for rare disease patients regardless of their financial status. He also stressed the importance of increasing public awareness to facilitate early diagnosis and timely intervention.

Also read: How AI Is Transforming Early Diagnosis of Rare Diseases

Further, to improve access to treatment, the state will hold a meeting with pharmaceutical companies in the first week of July to discuss the production, availability, and distribution of medicines for rare diseases.

The government also plans to encourage the pharmaceutical industry to provide financial and other support to patients.

Health Secretary S. Suresh Kumar said integrating rare disease patients with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission would improve treatment tracking and continuity of care. NGOs, caregivers, patients, and medical experts participating in the consultation welcomed the government's initiative and offered recommendations for the draft policy.

What Is the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD)?

The National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021, was introduced to improve access to diagnosis, treatment, and financial assistance for patients with rare diseases.

The policy classifies rare diseases into three categories:

• Diseases that can be treated with a one-time curative intervention.
• Diseases requiring long-term or lifelong treatment.
• Diseases for which effective treatment is still under research.

Under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme, eligible patients can receive financial assistance of up to Rs 50 lakh for specified rare diseases covered under the policy.

Read More: Ebola Outbreak: The Unique Symptoms Seen In Patients Infected With Bundibugyo

What Is a Rare Disease?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a rare disease as a chronic, often debilitating or life-threatening condition affecting one or fewer people per 1,000 population.

According to the WHO's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), more than 5,500 rare diseases have been identified, while globally there are an estimated over 7,000 distinct rare diseases affecting more than 300 million people.

In India, a disease is generally considered rare if it affects fewer than one in 2,500 people. Most rare diseases are genetic and are frequently misdiagnosed because of limited awareness, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate access to specialized care.

According to estimates by the Foundation for Research on Rare Diseases and Disorders, more than 70 million Indians are living with rare diseases. Common examples include Gaucher disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and lysosomal storage disorders.

Despite affecting relatively small numbers individually, rare diseases collectively represent a significant public health challenge due to limited treatment options, delayed diagnosis, and the high financial burden on patients and their families.

Europe is enduring an unprecedented June heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 43.8°C and several countries breaking national records. The extreme weather has forced authorities to issue red alerts, restrict public activities, deploy cooling centers, limit alcohol sales and warn of worsening health risks.

France, Spain and the UK Break Temperature Records

France has been among the worst-hit countries. On June 24, it recorded its hottest day on record, with an average national temperature of 30.0°C, surpassing previous records set in July 2019 and August 2003, according to Météo-France. Temperatures peaked at 43.8°C in the western town of Pulluau, while overnight temperatures also set a new national record.

A record 58 French departments were placed under the highest-level red alert as officials warned of an elevated risk of forest fires amid worsening drought conditions. Forty people reportedly died in drowning accidents during the intense heat, UN News reported.

Spain also recorded its hottest June days on record on June 23 and 24, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several locations.

In the UK, the Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning and reported a provisional June record of 36.1°C at Gosport in southern England.

Germany issued widespread red alerts, including for Bonn, Frankfurt and Cologne, while Swiss cities such as Geneva, Basel and Zurich were also placed under red alert.

WMO Warns of More Extreme Heat

Also read: Heatwave Linked To 212 Deaths In Spain: How Does Heat Impact Health?

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the heatwave is expected to spread across Western, Central and Southern Europe over the next two weeks. The agency said temperatures are forecast to remain between 3°C and 10°C above average, with daily highs exceeding 35°C across many areas and locally crossing 40°C.

The WMO also warned of more frequent "tropical nights," when temperatures remain above 20°C overnight, preventing the body from recovering from daytime heat.

Hospitals Under Pressure, Paris Restricts Alcohol Sales

The worsening conditions have disrupted healthcare services, with media reports saying hospitals have had to postpone critical imaging scans after sensitive equipment overheated. Cities have also opened emergency cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents.

In Paris, authorities have announced temporary bans on public alcohol consumption and takeaway alcohol sales to ease pressure on hospitals. Public drinking will be prohibited from noon to 7 a.m. over the weekend, while takeaway alcohol sales will be banned between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Licensed bars and restaurants are exempt.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the country's highest health alert level had been activated to boost hospital staffing and protect vulnerable people.

"We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities," said Paris police chief Patrice Faure, while speaking to local media.

Faure has also asked organizers of the Pride march and the Solidays music festival to cancel their events because of the continuing heatwave.

Read More: UK Met Office Warns of 'Pollen Bomb': What Hay Fever Patients Need to Know

Formula 1 Declares Heat Hazard

The extreme temperatures have also reached the sporting world. Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has declared another "heat hazard" ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, triggering additional measures to protect drivers, teams and spectators.

"Europe's savage heatwave has the fingerprints of the climate crisis all over it", said United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell. He has called for "a faster shift to renewables, protecting forests and boosting climate resilience".

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to worsen, with cases rising to 1,155 and deaths climbing to 304, as per the latest government data.

The figures represent the total confirmed cases as of June 24, according to a situation report which documented 37 new cases and five new deaths in the previous 24 hours. Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu remain the most affected provinces in Congo.

Experimental treatments

Also read: Ebola Outbreak: The Unique Symptoms Seen In Patients Infected With Bundibugyo

The US is now providing doses of an experimental Ebola treatment developed by Mapp Biopharmaceutical for clinical trials in Congo.

The experimental therapy, known as MBP134, was developed by San Diego-based Mapp Biopharmaceutical. While the US had previously kept its stockpile for potential use in exposed American citizens, it is now making doses available to support clinical research in Congo. This is the first time Washington has publicly committed stockpiled supplies of the treatment for a broader international trial.

According to the World Health Organization, researchers will test MBP134 both on its own and alongside the antiviral drug remdesivir, marketed as Veklury. Remdesivir became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic and is being evaluated to see whether it can improve outcomes when combined with the antibody treatment.

Ebola: Scientists Lack Access To Virus Samples

The ongoing outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists. However, scientists racing to develop vaccines and therapies are hampered by the lack of a viable sample of the virus.

“There’s nothing like having the authentic isolate,” said Thomas Geisbert, Professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, who helped develop previous Ebola vaccines, Bloomberg reported.

“Despite so many cases, the global scientific community has not obtained a clinical sample to isolate the virus for the needed animal challenge studies,” added Jennifer Serwanga, head of immunology at the Uganda Virus Research Institute, the report said.

Ebola: WHO Warns Spread to South Sudan

Further, as per a new WHO modelling study published in The Lancet, the growing Congo Ebola outbreak, which has already spread to Uganda, has a 70 per cent chance of reaching South Sudan soon.

The study combined epidemic modelling with spillover estimation to quantify regional risks associated with the 2026 Ituri outbreak using laboratory-confirmed case data from WHO Situation Reports (33 cases as of May 18, 2026, to 598 cases as of June 8, 2026), with projections extending 12 weeks from May 18 to Aug. 10, 2026. It also integrates operational preparedness considerations relevant for neighboring countries.

The report showed that even with the intensified response within DR Congo, uncertainty remains around reported case numbers due to the low rate of contact tracing.

“Sustained control nonetheless remains the primary determinant of regional risk: importation into Uganda is already established, and South Sudan must continue to reinforce infection prevention and control, rapid response capacity, and cross-border surveillance under International Health Regulations 2005,” said researchers from the WHO Regional Office for Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

The report called for:

1. Enhanced surveillance at formal and informal points of entry to detect suspected cases early and prevent silent transmission.
2. Strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in front-line health facilities to reduce nosocomial transmission and protect health-care workers.
3. Train, equip, and pre-position rapid response teams for immediate deployment.