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 COVID-19 pandemic may be over, but its health effects continue to be studied. Now, a new study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may be associated with an increased risk of developing six allergic conditions in children and adults.

The study, published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, examined the potential burden of allergic diseases following COVID-19 infection among people aged 1 to 64 years.

Which Allergic Conditions Were Linked To COVID?

Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using 1:2 propensity-score matching to assess the association between COVID-19 infection and the development of allergic conditions over 18 months.

The study found that COVID-19 infection was associated with an increased risk of six allergic conditions: atopic dermatitis,

asthma,

food allergy,

rhinoconjunctivitis,

medication allergy

urticaria (hives).

Among the active-duty subgroup, asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis were significantly associated with previous COVID-19 infection.

Among children, all the conditions except food allergy showed a significant association with infection.

The researchers also found that higher sponsor rank, evaluated as a potential indicator of socioeconomic status, was associated with a slight protective effect against developing asthma.

What Did The Researchers Say?

Researchers from the Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, said the findings highlight a potential public health burden from allergic diseases following COVID-19 infection.

They emphasized the importance of monitoring for allergic conditions after infection so they can be identified and treated promptly.

The researchers also suggested that the findings could point toward a possible link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and type 2 inflammation, an immune pathway involved in several allergic diseases.

More Evidence Linking COVID And Allergic Disease

The findings add to earlier research examining whether COVID-19 infection may be followed by an increased risk of allergic disease.

A large multinational study published in Nature Communications examined populations in South Korea, Japan and the UK. It found that people with previous COVID-19 infection had a higher subsequent risk of allergic disease, with particularly notable associations for asthma and allergic rhinitis.

More recently, a large U.S. study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology also reported an increased risk of new respiratory type 2 inflammatory diseases following COVID-19 infection, including asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis.

What's the Link Between COVID And Allergies?

The researchers explained that SARS-CoV-2 can disrupt the immune system and affect multiple organs during and after infection. This was seen early in the pandemic with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Later, long COVID emerged, with symptoms including fatigue, persistent cough, breathlessness, nasal congestion, runny nose and rash.

According to Dr. Alan Khadavi, an allergy and asthma specialist in Los Angeles, several factors could explain the association between COVID-19 and allergic disease.

1. Changes In Type 2 Inflammation

SARS-CoV-2 may alter immune regulation and promote type 2 inflammation, an immune pathway involved in several allergic conditions.

2. Mast Cell Activation

COVID-19 may activate mast cells, which release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. This can contribute to symptoms such as itching, hives, nasal congestion and wheezing.

3. Respiratory Changes

Inflammation in the nose, sinuses and lungs following COVID-19 could potentially make the respiratory system more sensitive to environmental triggers.

4. Increased Indoor Exposure

Pandemic-related lifestyle changes also increased time spent indoors, potentially increasing exposure to dust mites, pets, mold, cockroach allergens and indoor air pollutants.

Can COVID Make Existing Allergies Worse?

Respiratory viruses are known to trigger asthma flare-ups. According to Dr. Khadavi, COVID-19 could add to this risk because immune changes may persist in some people after infection.

However, the study found an association, not causation. Its retrospective design means it cannot prove that COVID-19 directly causes allergic disease or that type 2 inflammation is the underlying mechanism.

Nearly 750,000 eye-care products, including eye drops and ointments, have been recalled over sterility concerns in the US, according to the US FDA.

The recall covers nine products, including more than 500,000 Walgreens-branded lubricant eye-drop units, plus products sold under AvKare, Reliable-1, Cameron Pharmaceuticals, TRP The Relief Products and Major.

The massive recall was initiated in August 2026 by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC, based in Dupo, Illinois. In September, the FDA labeled the recall as a Class II, meaning exposure “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Also read: Nearly 40,000 Bottles Of Popular Eye Drops Recalled Due To Potential Contamination

List of Recalled Eye Care Products

As per the FDA, a total of 747,844 units of the products recalled include:

AvKare

• AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%, Lubricant Eye Drops, Sterile, 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottle - 12,864 packs
• AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%, Lubricant Eye Drops, Sterile, 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) EACH, 1.0 FL OZ (30 mL) TOTAL, 2 count Twin Pack - 107,377 packs.

Reliable -1

• Reliable -1 Laboratories, Sodium Chloride Hypertonicity Ophthalmic Solution, 5%, Sterile, 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottles - 11083 bottles
• Reliable-1 Laboratories Lubricating Tears, Sterile, 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottles - 47616 bottles

Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops

• Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%, Lubricant Eye Drops, Sterile, 0.5 OZ (15 mL) bottles - 301114 bottles
• Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops, 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) 1.0 FL OZ (30 mL) TOTAL, 2 count Twin Pack - 199600 packs.

TRP The Relief Products

• TRP The Relief Products Gentle Eyes Lubricant Eye Drops, Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%, Sterile Eye Drops, 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottles - 14538 bottles

Major LubriFresh

• Major LubriFresh P.M. Nighttime Ointment, Net wt. 0.125 oz. (3.5 g) tubes -34368 tubes

Lubricant Eye Drops-Cameron Pharmaceuticals

• Lubricant Eye Drops-Cameron Pharmaceuticals, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, Eye Lubricant, 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottles - 19284 bottles

Why Is Contamination In Eye Drops A Serious Concern?

Read More: FDA Links Lettuce To Cyclospora Outbreak That Infected Almost 13,000: Here's Why Mexico Disputes It

Eye drops are different from other medicines as they are intended to be strictly sterile at all times. The FDA notes that ophthalmic medicines pose a heightened risk because they could bypass some of the body's natural defences.

Contaminated eye drops can introduce microorganisms directly onto the eye and potentially cause infection.

Depending on the type and severity of contamination, an eye infection can cause symptoms ranging from redness and irritation to pain, discharge, vision changes and, in severe cases, serious damage to the eye. This is why sterility is a major safety requirement for ophthalmic products.

This particular recall is based on a potential contamination and lack of assurance of sterility. It does not mean that every bottle is contaminated or that everyone who used the product will develop an infection.

The FDA has not indicated that every user of the recalled product will experience adverse effects. However, consumers who have a recalled bottle should stop using it rather than taking the risk.

What Should You Do If You Have The Recalled Eye Drops?

If you have the recalled bottle of eye drops, check the lot number and expiration date on the packaging. If your bottle matches the recalled product, stop using it.

Consumers should also follow the recall instructions for returning or disposing of the product and can contact a healthcare professional.

The FDA also advises people to stop using eye drops and seek medical advice if they develop eye pain, discharge, changes in vision, or significant discomfort.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded its investigation into the country’s largest Cyclospora outbreak. It said that there is strong evidence linking the illnesses to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. But Mexico is disputing how conclusive that finding is.

The outbreak sickened 12,883 people across 21 US states, according to the FDA. The agency said its investigation found environmental evidence of Cyclospora at locations where the lettuce was grown and processed, although it could not determine exactly how the contamination occurred.

FDA's Investigation

The FDA conducted inspections and collected samples from several iceberg lettuce farms and a processing facility in Mexico.

Two environmental samples tested positive for Cyclospora. One came from a tank containing wastewater at the Taylor Farms de Mexico processing facility, while the other was collected from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce grower identified during the agency’s traceback investigation.

The FDA said these findings, together with epidemiological and traceback data, provided strong evidence connecting the outbreak to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.

However, the agency acknowledged that there was not enough evidence to conclusively establish how the lettuce became contaminated.

Mexico Dispute's FDA Claims

Also read: Biggest Cyclospora Outbreak In US Ends: After 13,000 Sick & 2 Dead, Lettuce Contamination Mystery Remains

Mexico's Health Ministry said the FDA investigation did not conclusively identify the source of contamination.

Mexico's food-safety regulator, Cofepris, said testing by its national reference laboratory found no Cyclospora in raw materials, finished products or water from the facility investigated in connection with the outbreak.

Cofepris also argued that environmental findings alone cannot prove that agricultural products were the source of the infections.

In other words, Mexico is not necessarily disputing that Cyclospora was detected in the environment. Rather, it is questioning whether those findings establish that contaminated lettuce was the source of the outbreak.

What Does The FDA Say?

Also read: Broccoli Sprouts Linked To Salmonella Outbreak In US: 22 Cases Reported, FDA Says

The FDA's says that the environmental findings should be considered alongside the other evidence. The agency said the positive samples demonstrate that Cyclospora was present in the environment where the lettuce was grown and processed.

Combined with epidemiological data and findings from traceback, this supports the link to recalled lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.

The FDA has also said it remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce connected to this outbreak has been removed from the US market.

How Did The Outbreak Begin?

Also read: Popular Potato Chips Brand Recalled, Classified Under Highest FDA Risk Level Over Salmonella Contamination

The investigation initially focused on people who had reported eating shredded iceberg lettuce, including lettuce served at Taco Bell locations.

By July, FDA traceback investigators had identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as a common supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce associated with affected locations. The company subsequently recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.

The CDC declared the outbreak over on September 11, although the FDA continued investigating how contamination occurred.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection usually acquired by consuming contaminated food or water.

It can cause prolonged diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms can persist or return if the infection is not treated.

The scale of the outbreak in the US was massive. Before 2026, the largest recorded US cyclosporiasis season occurred in 2019, with around 4,700 illnesses documented nationwide. This single outbreak alone resulted in nearly three times that number.

At its peak, more than 1,000 infections were reported in a single day before the recall. By August, infections had fallen to fewer than two per day on average, after which the CDC determined that the outbreak was over.

The FDA now says it is confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce linked with this outbreak has been removed from the market.