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.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new blood test developed by Roche in collaboration with Eli Lilly that can help identify changes in the brain due to Alzheimer’s in people facing cognitive decline.

Called Elecsys pTau217, the test is meant for adults aged 55 and older who have signs and symptoms of cognitive decline. Roche said it is the first FDA-cleared single-biomarker blood test that can both help rule in and rule out amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The Test Identifies A Key Alzheimer’s Biomarker

Elecsys pTau217 measures phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) in blood. Tau is a protein involved in the structure of nerve cells. In Alzheimer’s disease, abnormal tau changes occur alongside the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain.

Elevated pTau217 in blood is associated with the presence of Alzheimer’s-related amyloid pathology. The test categorises results as positive, intermediate or negative, indicating the likelihood of amyloid pathology. An intermediate result may require additional testing.

Could A Blood Test Replace Brain Scans?

The test could make the initial assessment of Alzheimer’s disease significantly easier as it needs just a blood sample, unlike amyloid PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid testing through a lumbar puncture.

Roche said the test is designed to help clinicians decide which patients may need further evaluation, including PET imaging or CSF testing. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone diagnosis.

Dr Jared R. Brosch, a neurologist at Indiana University Health, said traditional methods can be “costly, invasive and not readily accessible” and that blood biomarkers could expand access to Alzheimer’s evaluation.

He said, "For decades, clinicians have faced significant challenges in accurately diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. While PET imaging and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers can confirm amyloid pathology in patients with cognitive impairment, these approaches may be costly, invasive and not readily accessible for many patients."

Adding further, he said, "Advances in blood-based biomarkers have the potential to transform the diagnostic pathway by expanding access to evaluation for Alzheimer's across a variety of care settings. As these tools become available, clinicians may be able to evaluate more patients earlier in the disease course, improving diagnostic confidence and helping patients and their families make more informed decisions at a critical time."

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A Significant Milestone In Alzheimer's Testing

Roche said the new test can run on its existing laboratory infrastructure, with more than 4,500 Roche cobas instruments already installed across US clinical laboratories. Lab including Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp are expected to make the test available.

Roche Diagnostics North America President and CEO Dan Malarek said, "FDA clearance of Elecsys pTau217 marks an important milestone in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and underscores Roche's continued leadership in advancing innovative solutions that can help patients get answers sooner."

He added, "As the first and only FDA-cleared, single-biomarker blood test supporting both rule-in and rule-out assessment of amyloid pathology, Elecsys pTau217 has the potential to transform how Alzheimer's is assessed across primary and specialty care. This kind of innovation can help bring diagnostic evaluation closer to patients and give clinicians greater confidence in determining the right step in their care."

Also read: Want to Avoid Dementia? Start These 3 Habits In Your Late 40s, Study Suggests

Lilly Neuroscience President Carole Ho, MD, said a timely diagnosis is an important step for families dealing with the uncertainty of Alzheimer’s disease.

Carole said, "For millions of families navigating the uncertainty of Alzheimer's disease, a timely diagnosis is the first and most critical step toward meaningful care."

She added, "Lilly's collaboration with Roche on Elecsys pTau217 was driven by a shared commitment to bringing one blood test into both primary care, where most patients with cognitive complaints are first seen, and specialty care, helping close the gap between symptoms and answers."

Limitations Of The Test

A positive result does not simply mean that a person has dementia. The test assesses the likelihood of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Cognitive symptoms can have several causes, and doctors still need to consider a person's medical history, symptoms, cognitive testing and other investigations.

Maryland has declared a measles outbreak in three counties after 14 new cases were confirmed, marking a sharp rise in infections in the US state.

The Maryland Department of Health said the new cases were identified among residents in St. Mary’s, Carroll and Cecil counties who were unvaccinated. The latest cases bring the state's total to 31 confirmed measles cases in 2026, with 27 reported since July 15.

The development comes as children return to school and highlights how quickly measles can spread when pockets of people remain unprotected.

New Measles Cases In Maryland

Since July 15, Maryland has recorded 13 cases in St. Mary’s County, eight in Carroll County, five in Cecil County and one in Charles County. All the 27 people who were infected during this period were unvaccinated, according to state health officials.

Maryland had reported only three measles cases during all of 2025, making the increase particularly striking. Health officials said there were no public exposure sites associated with the latest cases. Several infections that have occurred are in households.

Also read: Trump Signs Order To Change Childhood Vaccine Schedule Amid Measles Outbreak, Split MMR Into Three Shots

Measles Is Highly Contagious

Measles, caused by the measles virus, spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.

According to Maryland health officials, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Around 90% of susceptible people exposed to measles can become infected.

This makes measles considerably more contagious than many other respiratory infections. The illness typically begins with high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward.

Also read: US Kindergarten Vaccination Rates Decline, Exemptions Rise as Measles Cases Hit 35-Year High

Serious Complications Due To Measles

While many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.

Complications can include pneumonia, ear infections, severe diarrhoea and dehydration. In some cases, the infection can cause encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, which can result in permanent neurological damage.

Measles can also cause a rare but fatal neurological condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) years after the original infection.

Also read: What Trump’s Childhood Vaccine Order Means: When Will It Take Effect?

Vaccination Is The Best Protection

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, remains the primary way to prevent infection. Maryland Health Secretary Dr Meena Seshamani said the overall risk remains low for people who are fully vaccinated, while urging residents to check whether they are up to date on vaccination.

“Checking your vaccination status and getting vaccinated if you are not up-to-date is the simplest and most effective way” to protect communities, Seshamani said.

The state health department is particularly urging Marylanders to help protect young children and others who are most vulnerable. Parents should be alert for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a developing rash, particularly if their child is unvaccinated or has been exposed to someone with measles.

Anyone who suspects measles should contact a healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic or hospital, since entering a waiting room while infectious could expose other patients.

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Donald Trump's Order To Split MMR Vaccine

This also comes after US President Donald Trump signed an order to split the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual shots. The move was panned by health experts and authorities from different states as well as countries. Medical experts and lawmakers said that the proposed changes are not supported by new scientific evidence.

One of the biggest hurdles in implementing this proposal is that individual measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are not currently available in the US. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and chairman of the Senate health committee, also criticised the latest move. “I’m a doctor. This executive order is wrong,” Cassidy said. “The President does not have the expertise to make these changes.”

Doctors are particularly concerned about separating the vaccines and keeping them too far apart. When children need multiple visits to receive protection against different diseases, there can be longer periods during which they remain unprotected. Public health experts warn this could become especially problematic during outbreaks of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines.

A 51-year-old Brazilian businesswoman has died after undergoing six facial cosmetic procedures during surgery lasting several hours.

Andreia Vieira Gaspar, from Goiânia, Brazil, died on August 12, the Daily Star reported.

According to Brazilian news outlet G1 Goiás, the procedures reportedly included a deep facelift, neck liposuction, eyelid surgery, jawline work and other facial procedures.

What Happened?

Andreia reportedly left the operating theatre heavily swollen and struggling to breathe. Her condition worsened overnight, with neck pain and increasing breathing difficulties. She reportedly told her sister, Djiane Vieira: “Sis, I'm dying.”

Djiane then sought help from the medical team through a group chat, saying her sister was dying and asking for immediate assistance.

The Public Ministry of Goiás has requested a police investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter.

The family alleged that Andreia's condition worsened after surgery and questioned whether the hospital was equipped to handle a serious postoperative emergency. They also alleged that it did not have an intensive care unit or an ambulance available.

G1 reported that her condition deteriorated about six hours after surgery and that she died despite resuscitation attempts.

A medical report cited by the family identified acute thrombosis and pulmonary infarction as the causes of death.

Andreia had previously run a beauty salon in Goiânia and had lived in Spain for five years. Her family said undergoing the procedures had been a long-held dream. Her sister said Andreia had spent two years saving for the surgery, which cost BRL 118,000 (£16,800).

How Can Beauty Treatments Go Wrong?

Social media trends, celebrity endorsements and demand for anti-ageing treatments have fueled interest in cosmetic procedures and injectable treatments. Experts warn that unregulated procedures can carry risks, including allergic reactions and infections, while severe complications can affect organs such as the liver and kidneys.

The cosmetic surgery market was estimated at USD 94.1 billion in 2025.

Experts stress that cosmetic procedures should involve realistic expectations, qualified medical advice and a clear understanding of the risks, recovery and costs.

Seven Questions To Ask Before A Cosmetic Procedure

Dr Chintan Gujarati, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon at Ruby Hall Clinic, told HealthandMe that cosmetic procedures require careful planning and informed decision-making.

He recommends asking:

1. Is the procedure right for me?

Discuss whether it suits your health, goals and individual needs.

2. Is my surgeon qualified?

Ensure the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or appropriately trained specialist.

3. What are the risks?

Ask about possible complications, including infection, scarring and the need for further treatment.

4. What results can I realistically expect?

Cosmetic procedures can improve appearance but cannot guarantee perfection.

5. What is the recovery process?

Ask about downtime, pain management, activity restrictions and when you can resume normal activities.

6. What will the procedure cost?

Request a breakdown of consultation, hospital, medication and follow-up costs.

7. What if I am unhappy with the results?

Discuss revision policies and corrective options before proceeding.