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.

Children who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed foods may already be showing subtle changes in the way their bodies regulate insulin, potentially increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes in the future.

According to a new study published in the journal Nutrients, children who have higher amounts of in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had reduced insulin sensitivity and higher insulin secretion, even though they did not have diabetes.

The findings note that the metabolic changes linked to diabetes may begin much earlier in life than previously thought.

How Was The Study Conducted?

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The study analyzed data from 508 non-diabetic Mexican American children aged 6 to 17 years participating in the San Antonio Family Assessment of Metabolic Risk Indicators in Youth (SAFARI) study.

Researchers examined the participants' diets using food frequency questionnaires and estimated the proportion of calories coming from ultra-processed foods, like sugary beverages, packaged snacks, processed meats, instant meals, and breakfast cereals.

On average, more than 53% of the children's daily calorie intake came from ultra-processed foods.

Using fasting blood samples and oral glucose tolerance tests, the team evaluated 19 measures of insulin function, including insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, and pancreatic beta-cell activity.

They found that children with higher ultra-processed food intake had lower insulin sensitivity, meaning their bodies responded less effectively to insulin. At the same time, their pancreases appeared to compensate by producing more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

"The association between ultra-processed food intake and decreased insulin sensitivity, along with increased insulin secretion, suggests that these dietary patterns may contribute to early metabolic dysfunction before overt diabetes develops," the researchers wrote in the study.

The researchers adjusted their analyses for several factors that could influence metabolism, including age, sex, physical activity, puberty, body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and family relationships. The associations remained almost the same even after these adjustments.

Poor Insulin Response From A Young Age

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Although blood glucose levels remained largely normal among participants, the findings indicate that the pancreas may already be working harder to compensate for declining insulin sensitivity.

"These findings underscore the importance of limiting ultra-processed food consumption during childhood to help preserve healthy insulin function and potentially reduce future cardiometabolic disease risk," the authors noted.

The researchers said several mechanisms could explain the link. Ultra-processed foods are often rich in refined carbohydrates, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and food additives while being low in fiber.

These characteristics may promote inflammation, alter the gut microbiome, and impair the body's ability to regulate insulin over time.

Not Definite Cause And Effect

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However, the authors cautioned that the study does not prove cause and effect. Because it was a cross-sectional study, it can only identify associations.

They also noted that dietary intake was self-reported, and the findings may not be generalizable beyond the Mexican American children included in the study.

The researchers said more studies following children over time are needed to determine whether reducing ultra-processed food intake can help prevent insulin resistance and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in their future.

Added Risk Of Hypertension In Children

Due to poor diet, hypertension or high blood pressure has become an increasingly common problem among children and adolescents

Doctors think obesity, poor diet, excessive salt intake, poor sleep, low exercise, and watching too much screen time are all factors that are driving up hypertension rates in kids and teens. Other kidney disease, heart disease, hormone imbalances, or family history can also contribute in some children.

Regular blood pressure checks on children's routine visits are very significant because many children with hypertension may be asymptomatic, experts say. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications with the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes in the long term.

Legionnaires' disease has claimed a fifth life in New York City, health officials said, as the ongoing outbreak on the city's Upper East Side continues to grow.

The New York City Health Department said at least 82 cases have been identified. Of these, eight people remain hospitalized, while 56 have been discharged. Officials said the source of the Legionella bacteria, traced to contaminated cooling towers, has likely been eliminated.

Cooling Towers Identified As Source

The Health Department tested 183 cooling towers across 160 buildings for Legionella bacteria.

The findings showed:

• 77 cooling towers at 75 buildings tested PCR-positive for Legionella in initial testing.
• 34 cooling towers at 33 buildings tested culture-positive, confirming the presence of live Legionella bacteria.
• All contaminated cooling towers have since been cleaned and disinfected.

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Officials Say Tap Water Is Safe

Health officials stressed that the outbreak is not linked to building plumbing systems. Residents in ZIP codes 10028, 10075 and 10128, including the neighborhoods of Carnegie Hill and Yorkville, can continue to drink tap water, bathe and shower, cook as well as use home air conditioners.

However, anyone who has spent time in the affected ZIP codes should seek medical care if they develop flu-like symptoms. According to the Health Department, Legionnaires' disease symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.

What Is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People become infected after inhaling tiny water droplets or mist contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after exposure and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing

Who Is Most At Risk?

The disease is more likely to cause serious illness in:

• Adults aged 50 years and older
• Smokers
• People with chronic lung disease
• Individuals with weakened immune systems

Health experts say early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective, making prompt medical attention essential for those at higher risk.

How Does Legionnaires' Disease Spread?

Legionnaires' disease spreads by breathing in mist or water vapor containing Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water and are commonly found in:

• Cooling towers
• Hot tubs
• Humidifiers
• Large air-conditioning systems

The disease does not spread from person to person.

To reduce the risk of Legionella growth, building owners should maintain proper water management programs. The CDC also advises using genuine windshield washer fluid instead of plain water in vehicle washer reservoirs, as Legionella can grow in stagnant water.

Treatment

Legionnaires' disease is treated with specific antibiotics, and most people recover with early treatment, although hospitalization is often required.

Complications can include respiratory failure and death. According to the CDC:

• About 1 in 10 people with Legionnaires' disease die from complications.
• The risk rises to about 1 in 4 for people who acquire the infection while receiving care in a healthcare facility.

The makers of blockbuster weight-loss drugs Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are locked in a legal battle after Novo accused its rival of misleading advertising by claiming its obesity and diabetes medicines outperform Novo's treatments.

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has filed a lawsuit against Eli Lilly in the US District Court in New Jersey, alleging the company violated federal and state false advertising and unfair competition laws, including the Lanham Act, through nationwide advertising campaigns for its obesity drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro, media reports said.

Novo Alleges Ads Used Outdated Comparisons

Novo claims Lilly's advertisements:

• Compared the highest approved doses of Zepbound and Mounjaro with lower doses of Novo's Wegovy and Ozempic.
• Omitted data on the newer 7.2 mg dose of Wegovy, which, as per Novo, delivers greater weight loss.
• Relied on older clinical trial data that no longer reflects current approved dosing.

"The ads are maliciously and deceptively false because Lilly knowingly cites outdated clinical trials that compare the highest doses of the Lilly medicines to lower doses of Novo Nordisk's medicines," Novo said in its complaint.

Also read: Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 Drug Wegovy Approved for Fatty Liver Disease in India

What Did Eli Lilly Say

Eli Lilly rejected the allegations, saying its advertisements accurately reflect findings from its SURMOUNT-5 clinical trial.

According to the company:

• The study, completed in 2024, compared 10 mg and 15 mg doses of Zepbound with 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg doses of Wegovy.
• Novo's 7.2 mg Wegovy received US FDA approval only in March 2026, after the trial had concluded.

"Rather than compete on the merits of its products, Novo is asking a court to stop Lilly from communicating the results of that trial," an Eli Lilly spokesperson said. "We will continue to focus on the science and defend against this lawsuit vigorously."

Battle For Expanding Obesity Market

The lawsuit comes as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly compete for dominance in the rapidly expanding US obesity drug market, which analysts expect to exceed $100 billion by 2030.

Both companies dominate the GLP-1 medicine market:

• Novo Nordisk's medicines contain semaglutide.
• Eli Lilly's medicines contain tirzepatide.

These medicines:

• Mimic the GLP-1 hormone.
• Slow digestion.
• Help regulate blood sugar.
• Suppress appetite.

Beyond weight loss, studies have shown that GLP-1 medicines can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, and may also lower the risk of several cancers.

WHO Guidance on GLP-1 Therapies

In December 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for obesity, describing the condition as a chronic, relapsing disease affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. It recommends:

• GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults, excluding pregnant women.
• Treatment should be combined with structured lifestyle interventions, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral support to improve outcomes.

Will Patients Be Affected?

For now, patients are unlikely to be affected. The lawsuit does not challenge the safety, effectiveness, or FDA approval of the medicines. Instead, it focuses solely on how Eli Lilly marketed its products.

Patients prescribed the medicines Wegovy and Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) or Zepbound and Mounjaro (Eli Lilly) can continue taking them as directed.

Any outcome of the case is more likely to influence how pharmaceutical companies advertise and compare their medicines than the availability of these treatments.