A new study has found that a combination of two drugs could enhance the immune system to treat one of the most common types of cancer in the world, bowel cancer. Also known as colorectal cancer, despite its widespread presence, the treatment options for this condition are limited. What the study specifically found was that this procedure could shrink the tumours caused by this condition by around 60%.

What Are The Drugs Involved

The trial involved the use of two immunotherapy drugs, botancilimab and balstilumab. It is a monoclonal antibody that works to stimulate the body's immune system to attack cancer. The study is a rather significant find, as it’s the first time that a consistent and durable response to immunotherapy has been reported in patients with solid MSS mCRC tumours.

The study was divided into several phases for more than 6 months. In the US trial, around around 101 patients with microsatile stable metastatic colorectal (MSS-mCRC) tumours showed a decrease . Around 61% of the patients experienced tumour shrinkage or stabilization after combined treatment with votancilumab and balstilumab. When it comes to downsides, diarrhea and fatigue were found to be the most common side effects or side effects of this drug.

These results are interesting and open to exploration. To date, immunotherapy has not been effective in patients with CNS-mCRC tumors. This study demonstrates the potential of the combination of botenlimab and balstilimab in the treatment of CNS mCRC, providing new hope for people diagnosed with colon cancer.

What Could This Mean For Bowel Cancer Treatment In The Future

The study is currently in the final stages of clinical trials, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hopes to quickly gain approval for its use because of the importance of this area that affects many people. The efficiency shown demonstrates the potential of botansilimab to contribute to broad antitumor immunity.

All in all, the combination of botensilimab and balstilimab represents a promising new direction in the treatment of colorectal cancer. This breakthrough could improve conditions for many patients worldwide and lights a new hope in the fight against this common disease. The results of this study show the effectiveness of immunotherapy in this field and how its potential to transform cancer treatment can only grow in the years to come.

Wegovy: The maker of the well-known weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic has lowered the prices for most of its products. Novo Nordisk announced that the monthly cost for injectable Wegovy and Ozempic will now be reduced for people who buy the medicines directly from the company, through telehealth partners or at retail pharmacies. The only dose not included in the cut is the 2 mg version of Ozempic, which will stay at 499 dollars per month.

This move is expected to reshape how much patients spend on these popular weight-loss and diabetes medicines. Here is what the change means for regular users.

Ozempic and Wegovy Prices Drop

The company’s decision comes after pressure from the Trump administration, which urged Novo Nordisk and rival Eli Lilly to reduce prices on popular weight-loss and diabetes treatments. Earlier in November, President Donald Trump announced that Medicare would begin covering Novo’s Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound for millions of older adults. Both companies also agreed to sell discounted versions of the medications through a new federal direct-to-consumer platform called TrumpRx, expected to launch in 2026.

Novo Nordisk continues to face challenges from compounding pharmacies that sell cheaper, non-approved copies of semaglutide, the active ingredient used in Wegovy and Ozempic.

“As pioneers of the GLP-1 class, we are committed to ensuring that real, FDA-approved Wegovy and Ozempic are affordable and accessible to those who need them,” said Dave Moore, executive vice president at Novo Nordisk. He added that the American healthcare system includes different types of coverage and purchasing options, and the updated savings programs aim to give faster financial relief to people without insurance or those choosing to pay on their own, as reported by USA Today.

Wegovy And Ozempic New Prices

Novo Nordisk has introduced new, lower prices for most doses of its leading weight-loss and diabetes medicines, Wegovy and Ozempic. The standard monthly rate for these medications is now set at 349 dollars for customers purchasing through the drugmaker, telehealth services or retail pharmacies. For first-time users, the .25 mg and .5 mg doses are priced at 199 dollars per month during the first two months. This introductory offer remains available until March 31, 2026, according to USA Today.

Many people have found GLP-1 medications difficult to afford because they carry steep price tags and are not widely covered by insurance. Wegovy’s current list price is $1,349.

Coverage has grown, but only gradually. A Mercer survey showed that in 2024, 44 percent of large employers offered coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight management, compared with 41 percent the year before. Insurers tend to approve these medicines more readily when they are prescribed for diabetes or health issues such as heart conditions or sleep apnea.

Wegovy And Ozempic Oral Pills To Roll Out Soon

Both companies are also working on tablet forms of their injectable weight-loss drugs. Earlier this month, Trump said that the upcoming oral versions would be offered at $149 per month once they reach the market.

According to Moore, Novo expects the FDA to clear the Wegovy pill by late 2025, with availability planned for early 2026. Lilly has applied for priority review of its own oral drug, orforglipron. Novo is also awaiting the FDA’s priority review for a higher-dose injectable form of Wegovy.

With the aim of preventing and detecting cervical cancer among women in Kerala, Health Minister Veena George shared that the health department's campaign, ‘Aarogyam Anandam Akratham Arbutham,’ has seen participation from over 20 lakh people. Out of these, around 30,000 individuals underwent further examination, and cancer was confirmed in 84 of them. Additionally, 243 individuals showed pre-cancerous signs. By identifying and treating these early warning signs, the minister emphasized that cervical cancer can often be prevented.

Cervical cancer remains one of the major cancers affecting women, she noted. While multiple factors can contribute to its development, the primary cause is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Research indicates that roughly 7.9% of women in Kerala are affected by cervical cancer. Early detection is key, as it allows treatment to proceed without serious complications. Screening facilities are available to help in early identification.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus. It is almost always linked to a long-lasting HPV infection, which can cause normal cells to change and grow uncontrollably. While the body often clears HPV naturally, persistent infection can lead to pre-cancerous cell changes. If these changes are left untreated, they may progress into invasive cancer.

Signs Of Cervical Cancer

Some common warning signs of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sexual intercourse, or post-menopause), unusual vaginal discharge (which may be watery, bloody, or foul-smelling), and pelvic pain. As the cancer advances, more severe symptoms such as swelling in the legs, ongoing fatigue, and problems with urination or bowel movements can develop, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Why Early Detection Of Cervical Cancer Is Important

Catching cervical cancer early is critical because it allows treatment to begin before the disease advances, significantly improving survival chances. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in the early stages, making regular screening vital.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. HPV spreads through sexual contact—including vaginal, anal, or oral sex—and can lead to cancer. Many people contract HPV at some point without realizing it, as their immune system may fight it off naturally. However, if the infection persists, it can trigger changes in cervical cells that may become cancerous.

How To Detect Cervical Cancer?

Early detection relies on routine screening tests such as the Pap test (Pap smear) and the HPV test, which can detect precancerous changes or high-risk HPV infections before cancer develops. If screening results are abnormal, a colposcopy with a biopsy may be conducted for a closer examination of the cervix.

Screening tests:

• HPV test: Detects the human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer.
• Pap test (Pap smear): Examines cervical cells for abnormal changes that could progress to cancer.
• Combination test: A Pap test and HPV test may be done together for a more thorough screening.

Importance Of HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine protects against genital warts and the majority of cervical cancer cases. It also shields against cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, or anus caused by HPV, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, and head and neck linked to the virus.

The vaccine works by helping the body develop immunity to certain HPV strains, making it easier to fight off infection if exposed later.

India is expanding HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer, targeting girls aged 9–14 through school-based campaigns and incorporating the indigenously developed Cervavac into the National Immunization Program. The ideal age to start vaccination is 9–12 years, before sexual activity begins, though catch-up doses are allowed up to age 26. Some guidance even permits vaccination up to age 45. The government is preparing for a nationwide rollout, but final plans and vaccine supply are still being finalized.

Scientists and clinicians are cautioning the public not to mix two widely used over-the-counter medicines, warning that pairing them can put unnecessary strain on the body. Their appeal comes shortly after Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr made headlines with remarks about Tylenol and autism, a claim that experts have repeatedly dismissed.

The current concern is different. Physicians are asking people to avoid taking Tylenol and NyQuil together, even though they are sold for separate purposes. Tylenol is meant for general pain and fever, while NyQuil is marketed to ease cold and flu symptoms at night. Both contain acetaminophen, which means the doses can add up more quickly than people realize.

Tylenol Warning: Why Doctors Are Urging Caution

Dr Brynna Connor told Parade that many adults unintentionally take far more than the recommended daily amount. She explained that four thousand milligrams is the absolute upper limit for healthy adults, but she encourages most patients to stay well below three thousand. Going beyond that threshold, even briefly, can damage the liver. According to her, people often double up on acetaminophen without recognizing how fast it can lead to liver failure.

As per Healthline, the body can process acetaminophen safely, but only within a defined range. Exceeding it places stress on the liver, especially when multiple medications contain the same ingredient.

Dr Parth Bhavsar added that combining NyQuil with Benadryl can also lead to trouble. Both products include diphenhydramine, which may cause heavy drowsiness, slower breathing, confusion, dizziness, or difficulty urinating when taken together. He noted that these combinations can increase the risk of falls or memory lapses.

Tylenol And Autism Claims by President Trump and RFK Jr

The advisories come months after Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr held a joint media briefing in which they suggested that Tylenol use during pregnancy might raise the likelihood of autism in newborns. Their statements drew widespread criticism from experts.

During the briefing, Trump struggled to pronounce “acetaminophen” and claimed the drug posed a “very increased risk of autism,” a statement that has not been supported by scientific research. A new analysis by researchers in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia reviewed nine major summaries of existing studies, including work Trump had referenced. Their conclusion was that there is no clear evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism or ADHD.

The group also pointed out that many reviews had gaps in their methods or did not fully adjust for genetic and environmental factors. When those variables were accounted for, the suggested connection between Tylenol and autism weakened or disappeared.

What Is Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen, known in many places as paracetamol and sold under names such as Tylenol and Panadol, is a common non-prescription medicine used to reduce fever and ease mild to moderate pain. It works as an analgesic and a fever reducer. It is different from drugs like ibuprofen because it does not address inflammation. As per the Food and Drug Administration.

What Major Medical Groups Say

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists responded to the findings, saying the results were consistent with what the organization has long maintained. According to a spokesperson, available research does not show a causal link between responsible acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism or other developmental conditions. In other words, the organization does not see enough evidence to support claims made by Trump or Kennedy.