Japan could become one of the first countries in the world to end the HIV epidemic, says the president of Gilead Sciences Japan, Kennet Brysting. The idea for now could seem a little too ambitious, but it is not entirely unrealistic, given that the availability of medicines that can prevent transmission of HIV. Drugs are not the cure, but control over the spread of virus to the point where the disease is no longer a major public health threat.

What Is The Role Of Preventative HIV Medicines?

Gilead's have two key drugs, Truvada and lenacapavir. These two are playing a crucial role in prevention. Truvada is taken as a daily pill, while lenacapavir requires two injections per year. It can make the virus undetectable in infected individuals and prevent transmission to those who are not infected yet. In trials, lenacapavir showed 100% efficacy in preventing HIV infections. This is why it is describe as "almost a vaccine".

In 2024, Japan also approved Truvada for HIV prevention, but the country has yet to approve lenacapavir for the same. Until now, people in Japan had been importing generic versions of Truvada or purchasing it from clinics that source it from overseas.

HIV In Japan

Up until now, Japan reported around 25,000 HIV infections, whereas 669 new cases were reported in 2023. For seven consecutive years, the number of new infections remained under 1,000. The downward trend thus shows that the virus has been controlled, however, getting to zero new infections remains the ultimate goal.

Brysting too acknowledged that simply having effective drug is not enough. What is important is to have a proper implementation, access and healthcare support to make sure that these treatments are widely available and effective.

What Are The Challenges In Implementation?

The biggest challenges is testing rates. There is a need to increase testing rates. At this very moment, around 86% people infective with Japan have been tested, but the goal is to increase it up to 95%, with an ideal goal of 100%. Without widespread testing, many infected people may not even know that they are infected and it could transmit the virus.

Another measure issue is the cost of preventative medication. While Japan's health insurance covers treatments for diseases, it does not cover preventative drugs. Those who purchase Truvada for prevention, pay around $470 per month. Some clinics in Tokyo offer generic alternatives too, which is cheaper, but they are not ideal.

Better Healthcare Support

Brysting expressed concern that individuals importing medications might not be consulting doctors regularly, which is essential for monitoring HIV status and overall health. Truvada users need to be tested for HIV initially and every three months, along with screenings for other infections and kidney function checks. Without proper medical supervision, there is a risk of misuse and inadequate protection.

Gilead is in discussions with Japanese authorities to improve access and insurance coverage for Truvada, and progress is being made. Japan has shown efficiency in approving critical medicines, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when Gilead’s remdesivir was approved in just three days.

What Is The Way Ahead?

Gilead at this moment is not only focused on HIV and hepatitis C, but also expanding into oncology with innovative treatments like CAR-T cell therapy, which strengthens a patient's immune system to fight cancer.

However, Japan’s strict approval processes can slow down drug availability. Phase 3 clinical trials often need to be conducted within the country, and Japan tends to approve medicines much later than other regions. For instance, Truvada was approved for prevention in Japan 12 years after the U.S. and nearly 20 years after its approval for treatment. inancial factors also play a role. The Japanese government adjusts drug prices annually, often reducing them, which can make long-term investment challenging for pharmaceutical companies.

Weight loss surgery may do more than help women living with obesity lose weight. A new study has found that metabolic bariatric surgery can improve menstrual cycles and several reproductive symptoms linked to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, now renamed as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

Researchers from the University of Surrey followed 84 women aged 18 to 45 who underwent bariatric surgery, including 49 gastric bypass and 35 gastric sleeve procedures, for 24 months. Another 18 women with obesity who did not undergo surgery were included for comparison. The findings were published in Obesity Surgery.

Bariatric Surgery Improved PMOS Symptoms

Women who underwent surgery lost more than 30 kg on average at both 12 and 24 months after the procedure. But researchers also observed improvements in reproductive health. Women who had previously experienced irregular periods reported more regular menstrual cycles after surgery. The number of women with polycystic ovaries also fell significantly, with the condition persisting in only 10% of those affected after 24 months.

Another common PMOS symptom, hirsutism or excessive facial and body hair, had resolved in the women reporting the condition by 12 months.

Obesity and PMOS can team up in a way that worsens metabolic and reproductive problems. Insulin resistance and hormonal changes associated with excess weight can contribute to irregular ovulation, menstrual irregularity and difficulty conceiving.

Also read: PCOD vs PCOS vs PMOS: Why The Condition’s Name Has Changed Over Time

Weight Loss Could Improve PMOS Symptoms

The researchers suggest that reducing obesity may help correct some of the hormonal and metabolic disturbances affecting reproductive health.

Dr Kathryn Hart, co-author of the study and Associate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Surrey, said: “Dysregulated hormone levels, irregular periods and conditions such as polycystic ovaries are impacted by obesity. By reducing this, what we have seen is that it can lead to improvements without the need for medication,” she added.

Despite promising results, this does not mean bariatric surgery is a treatment that every obese woman with PMOS should undergo.

The procedure is generally considered for people with obesity who meet a certain clinical criteria. Also it carries its own risks and nutritional considerations that are important.

Also read: From Insulin Resistance to Fertility: Understanding the Metabolic Side of PCOS

Fertility May Return Quickly After Surgery

The researchers also highlighted an important finding for women who may be planning pregnancy. Seventeen women in the study had healthy pregnancies following surgery.

The researchers said reproductive counselling and preconception care should be incorporated into care after bariatric surgery, particularly because fertility can improve as menstrual cycles and ovulation become more regular.

Professor Martin Whyte, co-author and Professor of Metabolic Medicine at the University of Surrey, said many people undergoing bariatric surgery are women of reproductive age who may be considering pregnancy.

“So much remains unknown about the impact of this type of surgery on women who are planning to have children,” he said, highlighting the need to understand when the ideal time to conceive may be after surgery.

Importance Of Combating PMOS-Related Obesity

The study adds to growing evidence that treating obesity can improve some reproductive symptoms of PMOS.

A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis also found that bariatric surgery was associated with reductions in menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and several reproductive hormone abnormalities.

But bariatric surgery is not a cure for PMOS. PMOS is a complex hormonal and metabolic health condition and its symptomscan vary considerably between women.

Amino acids are known for their role in brain function, energy, and overall health. But a new study has raised questions about tyrosine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in high-protein foods. It is also sold separately as a supplement as it helps in improving focus and overall mental performance.

Researchers analysing health and genetic data from more than 270,000 people found that higher tyrosine levels were linked with a shorter lifespan in men.

Additionally, genetic analysis suggested that higher tyrosine levels could cut life expectancy of men by nearly one year. No such significant association was found in women.

More About The Study

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia examined data from participants in the UK Biobank to investigate whether two amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, were associated with lifespan.

Initially, higher levels of both amino acids appeared to be linked with a greater risk of death. However, when researchers accounted for the relationship between the two, tyrosine consistently stood out.

Using Mendelian randomisation, a genetic method that can help investigate causal relationships, the researchers found that genetically higher tyrosine levels were associated with approximately 0.91 fewer years of lifespan in men.

Also read: The New Nutrition Gap: Why Knowing What To Eat Doesn't Mean We Actually Eat It

Role Of Tyrosine When It Comes To Brain Health

Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body uses to make proteins as well as important neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Dopamine plays a role in motivation, mood and thinking, which is one reason tyrosine supplements are marketed as products that may support focus and mental performance.

However, tyrosine is not something people get only from supplements. It is naturally present in foods like meat, dairy products, eggs, soy, beans, nuts and seeds. This means the study does not suggest that people should stop eating protein-rich foods.

Also read: Protein Is In Everything, But Is Every Source Actually Healthy? Experts Explain

Are Tyrosine Supplements Dangerous?

One of the most important points about the research is that scientists did not conduct a clinical trial in which people were given tyrosine supplements and followed to see how long they lived.

Instead, researchers studied circulating tyrosine levels and used genetic data to investigate whether naturally occurring differences in tyrosine might influence lifespan.

Therefore, the findings cannot establish that taking a tyrosine supplement will shorten a man's life by nearly one year.

The researchers also said more research is needed to understand why the association appeared stronger in men and what biological mechanisms may be involved.

The study raises the possibility that tyrosine may be connected with biological pathways involved in ageing and metabolism. Previous research has also linked amino-acid metabolism with conditions such as insulin resistance, but whether this explains the association with lifespan remains uncertain.

The researchers also found an apparent sex difference, with the association between tyrosine and shorter lifespan being significant in men but not women.

The findings must be best viewed as an observation rather than a reason to panic about tyrosine supplements. The study suggests that tyrosine may need closer investigation in longevity research. Further studies are needed before doctors can recommend reducing tyrosine intake or avoiding supplements.

Dengue cases are rising in Florida, with 73 locally acquired infections reported statewide, including 59 in Hillsborough County, according to the latest Florida Department of Health surveillance report covering August 23–29.

Ten counties are currently under a mosquito-borne illness advisory or alert, prompting health officials to urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

Florida Reports 208 Dengue Cases In 2026

According to the CDC Dengue Data Dashboard, Florida has recorded 208 dengue cases this year. Of these, 73 were locally acquired, while 135 were travel-associated. Hillsborough County accounts for most of the locally acquired infections, with 59 cases. Other local cases have been reported in Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Orange and Citrus counties.

The CDC has reported 1,735 dengue cases across the US and its territories in 2026 as of early September. New York, California, Washington and New Jersey have also reported cases.

Health Officials Urge Mosquito Bite Protection

Dengue is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which can breed in small amounts of standing water around homes and businesses. Even a bottle cap containing stagnant water can provide enough water for mosquitoes to breed.

State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo joined local officials in Hillsborough County to urge residents to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses.

“As families across Florida prepare to enjoy Labor Day weekend, I encourage everyone to take few simple precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquitos bites,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo.

“Use insect repellent, cover up when possible, and remove standing water around your home. Individual prevention helps protect you and your community,” he added.

Why Are Locally Acquired Dengue Cases Rising In The US?

Most dengue infections in the continental US are still associated with international travel. But when an infected traveller returns to an area where Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are present, the virus can enter the local mosquito population.

An infected mosquito can then transmit the virus to other people, creating a cycle of local transmission.

In 2024, 97.2% of dengue cases in the US were travel-associated, according to the CDC. However, states such as Florida can experience local outbreaks because dengue-carrying mosquitoes are already established in parts of the country.

Local transmission requires three factors to overlap:

• an infected person,
• competent mosquitoes
• people who can become infected.

When an Aedes mosquito bites someone carrying dengue virus, it can acquire the virus and later pass it to another person. Repeated mosquito-to-human transmission can then fuel a local outbreak.

Climate May Also Influence Dengue Spread

Temperature and other environmental conditions affect mosquito survival, reproduction and biting behavior, as well as how quickly dengue virus develops inside the mosquito.

Warmer conditions can therefore create more favorable conditions for dengue transmission and potentially expand the areas where these mosquitoes can survive.