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.

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).

Also read: ‘American Covid’ Strain Drives 50% Surge in UK Hospital Admissions: XFG Symptoms to Know

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's the Link Between COVID And Allergies?

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

Further, the researchers explained that SARS-CoV-2 was found to 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.

Read More: CSIR-CCMB Scientists Find Flu & COVID Viruses May Affect A Protein Linked To Parkinson’s Disease

In a blogpost, Dr. Alan Khadavi, an allergy and asthma specialist in Los Angeles, described that several factors could explain the association between COVID-19 and allergic disease. These include

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.