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.

Johnson Baby Talcum Powder: A major lawsuit has been filed in the UK against the popular pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J). The company is accused of knowingly selling baby powder that contains asbestos, a substance linked to deadly cancers.

The legal claim is being led by KP law, and involved around 3,000 people. The company is alleged to be aware for decades that its talc-based baby powder contained cancer-causing fibers.

Decades of Warnings Ignored

BBC reports that as per the court papers, J&K knew about this in as early as in the 1960s. The company was aware that the talc contained fibrous forms of tremolite and actinolite, both of which are classified as asbestos when in fibrous form. However, the company failed to warn its consumers and promoted the product as 'safe' and 'pure'.

The documents accessed by the BBC from 1973 notes that the company acknowledged, "our baby powder contains talc fragments classifiable as fibre. Occasionally sub-trace quantities of tremolite or actinolite are identifiable".

However, no public memo was issued, instead the company's executives discussed it to keep the findings confidential. One memo also reported, "We may wish to keep the whole thing confidential rather than allow it to be published in patent form and thus let the whole world know.”

However, J&J currently is denying all such claims and said that the baby powder "was compliant with all regulatory standards, did not contain asbestos, and does not cause cancer.” The company’s UK sales of talc-based powder ended in 2023.

Who Is Safe, Who Is Not?

The lawsuit against J&J alleges that instead of warning the customers, the company continued to maintain the product's wholesome image of 'purity'. During the 1970s and 80s advertisements, the powder was shown as gentle and safe for newborns. By 1990s and early 2000s, the company shifted its marketing focus toward African American women.

In an email from 2008, one employee wrote: "The reality that talc is unsafe for use on/around babies is disturbing. I don’t think we can continue to call it baby powder and keep it in the baby aisle.”

Kenvue, J&J’s consumer health spinoff, said the email was taken out of context, claiming it referred to the known risk of asphyxiation, not cancer, reported the BBC.

Pressure On Regulators

Several documents cited in the legal claim that the company also worked to influence the US regulators. From the early 1970s, the company pushed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to accept testing standards that were less sensitive. This meant that smaller amounts of asbestos could go undetected.

The company proposed tolerance levels of asbestos up to 1%, in talc, and said that sensitive tests were unnecessary. This allowed the company to continue with their claim that the product is 'asbestos-free'. All these claims have been dismissed by Kenvue, saying that the document in reference is a 'hypothetical calculation' requested by the FDA.

What Is The Human Cost?

Many of the claimants have either developed or lost loved ones to ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related illnesses.

One such claimant, Siobhan Ryan, a 63-year-old from Somerset, recalls using J&J baby powder on her children, just as her mother had used it on her. “It smelt nice and was soft and lovely. I thought I was doing my best for them,” she told the BBC.

Years later, she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. After rounds of chemotherapy, major surgery, and a near-fatal case of sepsis, Siobhan is still undergoing treatment. “They knew it was contaminated and still they sold it to new mums and their babies,” she said.

The consequences are beyond the UK. The same is on going in the United States, where multiple lawsuits against the company have already been filed. Earlier this month, a Connecticut court ordered J&J and its successors to pay $25 million to a man diagnosed with terminal peritoneal mesothelioma after lifelong use of the baby powder. The jury found J&J negligent, noting that safer alternatives like cornstarch were available but ignored.

During that trial, a former J&J toxicology director admitted he had made public safety assurances without reviewing any test data and failed to report results that showed asbestos in the product.

What Is The Company's Take?

While the company said that it "sympathizes deeply with people living with cancer", it maintained its stance that the powder is safe to use and that it "did not contain asbestos and does not cause cancer."

However, lawyers in the UK say damages could reach hundreds of millions of pounds, making this potentially the largest product liability case in British history.

M&S Chocolate Honeycomb Recall: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a “do not eat” warning after a popular Marks & Spencer chocolate product was found to contain a known allergen not listed on the packaging. The item has been pulled from shelves due to potential health risks, as the allergy information is inaccurate. In such situations, the FSA releases an Allergy Alert. The chocolate may contain peanuts, which are not mentioned on the label, posing a health risk to anyone with peanut allergies or sensitivities.

Chocolate Honeycomb Recall: Which Product Has Been Pulled?

Marks & Spencer is recalling the M&S Milk Chocolate Honeycomb because it may contain undeclared peanuts. This presents a possible health danger for anyone with a peanut allergy or intolerance. Product details are as follows: M&S Milk Chocolate Honeycomb, 120g pack, Lot Number 5242, Best Before May 12, 2026. The FSA advises anyone with a peanut allergy not to consume the product and to return it to the nearest M&S store for a full refund.

M&S stated, “Customer safety is our highest priority, and we treat all food production issues with utmost seriousness. In a precautionary step, we are recalling Milk Chocolate Honeycomb due to the potential presence of undeclared peanuts in a small number of packs.” To identify affected packs, consumers should check for the best-before date May 12, 2026, and lot number 5242.

What Is An Allergy Alert?

Sometimes a food product has an issue that makes it unsafe for sale. It may be “withdrawn” (taken off shelves) or “recalled” (consumers are asked to return it). Recalls often happen if allergy information is missing or incorrect, or if another health risk is present. When such a risk exists, the FSA issues an Allergy Alert. Past incidents of serious allergic reactions have highlighted how dangerous accidental exposure can be.

In a similar recent case, Aldi recalled certain tubs of Gianni’s Cheeky Monkey Ice Cream because they contained undeclared wheat (gluten), not mentioned on the label. This posed a health risk for people with coeliac disease or a wheat allergy or intolerance, according to the FSA.

How To Check Your Pantry

Consumers are advised to carefully check their cupboards and pantries for any packs of M&S Milk Chocolate Honeycomb with the lot number 5242 and best-before date May 12, 2026. Even a single pack should not be consumed. If you are unsure, it is safer to dispose of the product or return it to the store.

What To Do If You’ve Consumed The Product

For people who have accidentally eaten the chocolate and experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, nausea, or vomiting, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Those with known severe allergies should follow their emergency action plan and carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed.

The FSA encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions to food products, which helps authorities monitor risks and ensure timely recalls. Staying informed through FSA alerts or the brand’s official channels is essential for safety.

FDA ground cinnamon recall: Certain varieties of one of America’s most common spices, cinnamon, may now pose a risk to your health. Over the past week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has flagged four more producers of ground cinnamon found to have unusually high lead content. With these additions, a total of 16 brands are now on the agency’s watchlist for elevated lead levels.

According to the FDA, “prolonged consumption of these products may be unsafe and could raise lead levels in the blood.”

The agency also noted that it has requested all the companies involved to carry out voluntary recalls of the affected products.

Cinnamon Recall FDA: Popular Spice Brands Found With High Lead LevelsThe FDA reported that these 16 brands contain elevated lead levels ranging from 2.03 parts per million (ppm) to 7.68 ppm, posing potential health risks.

• Roshni (2.268 ppm)
• HAETAE (4.60 ppm)
• Durra (2.44 ppm)
• Wise Wife (2.49 ppm)
• Jiva Organics (2.29 ppm)
• Super Brand (7.68 and 6.60 ppm)
• Asli (2.32 ppm)
• El Chilar (3.75 and 7.01 ppm)
• Marcum (2.22 and 2.14 ppm)
• SWAD (2.89 ppm)
• Supreme Tradition (2.37 ppm)
• Compania Indillor Orientale (2.23 ppm)
• ALB Flavor (3.93 ppm
• Shahzada (2.03 ppm)
• Spice Class (2.04 ppm)
• La Frontera (2.66 ppm)

How Lead Consumption Can Harm Your Health

The FDA states that there is no safe level of lead exposure. Prolonged contact especially over months can lead to serious health issues, particularly in young children.

According to the agency, high lead exposure during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood can result in neurological damage, including learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and reduced IQ.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also warns that lead can cause long-term problems in adults, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney damage.

Symptoms of Lead Exposure

The symptoms of lead exposure often resemble other conditions, making them easy to overlook. The FDA notes that most people show no immediate signs of lead toxicity.

The severity of health effects depends on the amount, frequency, and duration of exposure, along with a person’s age and existing lead contact from other sources.

Children with low-level exposure may not display obvious symptoms but could experience learning difficulties, lower IQ, and behavior changes over time. At higher levels, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following possible symptoms:

• Metallic taste
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue, irritability, or weakness
• Headache and dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Memory problems
• Tingling or pain in hands or feet

What Should Consumers Do With Recalled Cinnamon?

The FDA urges consumers who purchased Wise Wife Ground Cinnamon to return it to the store for a full refund. Those seeking more information can contact SLR Food Distribution at 516-437-3782.