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.

Two Indian nationals have been held in the US over an alleged international scheme of smuggling and selling counterfeit Ozempic.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorised sources in China and sold it to US distributors at deeply discounted prices between July 2023 and April 2024. Roy was extradited from Italy and has pleaded not guilty, while Ramancha remains at large.

This has raised fresh concerns about the risks of counterfeit GLP-1 medicines. The counterfeit products allegedly included fake packaging, package inserts, pen labels and needles, designed to make them appear like genuine Ozempic.

The alleged scheme continued even after the FDA seized some counterfeit products and issued a public warning in December 2023.

Risks Of Fake GLP-1 Drugs

Counterfeit medicines may not contain the primary drug they claim to contain. The FDA warns that fake drugs can contain the wrong ingredients, too much or too little of the active ingredient, no active ingredient at all, or harmful substances.

With injectable medicines like Ozempic, contaminated or counterfeit needles can also create an infection risk.

This is particularly concerning with GLP-1 drugs because medicines like semaglutide and tirzepatide are increasingly being used for diabetes and weight management. A person buying a fake injection may therefore have no reliable way of knowing what they are actually putting into their body.

Also read: 21% In 80 Weeks: Lancet Study Finds Lilly’s Retatrutide Delivers One Of The Biggest Weight Losses Ever

FDA Issued A Warning

Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said, "Infiltrating the American drug supply with counterfeit products isn’t just a crime — it’s also a direct threat to public health and patient safety."

He added, "The FDA will continue to trace illicit networks wherever they lead, across borders and through complex supply chains, to ensure that anyone who seeks to profit off counterfeit medicines face accountability — all in our mission to keep Americans safe."

The Justice Department has stressed that the charges are allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the US Justice Department said, “These defendants allegedly exploited people’s health to pay themselves. We will keep pursuing anyone who seeks to deceive American consumers with counterfeit drugs.”

Also read: From 365 Shots To 52: How Could Lilly’s Newly-Approved Weekly Insulin Injection Change Diabetes Care

How Can You Spot A Counterfeit GLP-1 Drug?

The FDA advises consumers to look for several warning signs.

1. Check The Packaging

Does the packaging look different from what you normally receive? Changes in fonts, spelling, labels, colours, printing quality or packaging can be warning signs of a counterfeit medicine.

2. Be Careful While Purchasing Online

The FDA specifically warns consumers to be cautious when buying GLP-1 medicines online. Unapproved or illegally marketed versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide may be counterfeit or contain harmful ingredients.

The agency recommends purchasing medicines only from state-licensed pharmacies.

3. Look At The Price

A dramatically lower price can be a red flag, particularly when an expensive prescription medicine is being offered through an unauthorised seller. In the alleged US scheme, counterfeit Ozempic was sold to distributors at deeply discounted prices.

4. Watch For Unexpected Side Effects

A new or unusual reaction after taking a medicine can also be a warning sign. The FDA lists unexpected side effects among possible indicators of counterfeit medicines.

What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have Bought A Fake Injection?

Contact your doctor or pharmacist and verify the product before taking a dose if you suspect your medicine is fake. Patients should also avoid buying GLP-1 medicines through social-media sellers, unverified websites or other unauthorised sources.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania health officials reported its fifth measles-related death of 2026, as the state’s outbreak continues to expand in what can be described as the country’s most serious measles resurgence in decades.

The latest death involved Lancaster County resident who had tested positive for measles, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The state now has 943 confirmed measles cases across 39 counties, with 40 new infections reported since September 28. At least 176 people have been hospitalised.

The latest death is the third reported in Lancaster County, which has remained one of the hardest-hit areas in Pennsylvania. This has raised the measles death toll in the state to 5, all of whom were unvaccinated.

Health Officials Are Concerned

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with the virus capable of remaining in the air for up to two hours after the person has left an area.

The outbreak is particularly concerning because measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, dehydration, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death.

Pennsylvania’s news also comes as measles cases continue to increase across the country. The US has recorded 3,659 confirmed measles cases this year, according to CDC data cited by Reuters, making 2026 the country's worst measles outbreak in decades.

Also read: Pennsylvania Measles Cases Cross 900 As US Total Climbs To 3,659

People Who Died Were Unvaccinated

According to the Pennsylvania health officials, all the five people who died due to measles were unvaccinated. Of the state's 943 confirmed cases, only four people were vaccinated.

Three of the deaths were among unvaccinated adults. The other two deaths were among infants who were too young to have received the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The numbers highlight the role of vaccination in preventing severe disease and controlling transmission. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is highly effective. Two doses provide about 97% protection against measles.

According to Pennsylvania’s health department, less than 1% of measles cases occurred in people who were fully vaccinated against the virus. A total of 176 people have been hospitalized, while about 31% of cases occurred in people under 18.

In response to the outbreak, Pennsylvania administered more than 53,000 MMR doses in September, more than double the number typically given in a month.

Also read: Rabies Day Exclusive: ‘We Need To Target The Source’ For A Rabies-Free India By 2030, Says Veterinary Epidemiologist

Officials Are Disagreeing Over The Death Toll

There is also a dispute over how measles-related deaths should be counted. Pennsylvania has reported five “measles-associated” deaths, using a state definition that includes people with confirmed measles who die within 30 days of developing symptoms, unless another unrelated event caused the death.

The CDC, on the other hand, has confirmed two measles-related deaths nationally after changing its approach to rely on mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics rather than state health department reports.

The disagreement has triggered a public dispute between Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. The CDC has said it is working with state epidemiologists to establish a more consistent definition for measles-related deaths.

Measles is preventable, but protection depends on maintaining high vaccination coverage across communities. When vaccination rates fall, the virus can spread rapidly, particularly among people who are too young to be vaccinated, have medical reasons or have not completed their recommended doses.

From H. pylori and parasitic infections to metabolic and lifestyle-related conditions, the global burden of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases is changing, said experts at the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG) 2026 in New Delhi today.

Being held in India for the first time, the four-day Congress brings together around 3,000 delegates from 61 countries to discuss the changing burden of gastrointestinal and liver diseases, early diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

Speaking at a media roundtable, Dr Govind Makharia, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit, AIIMS New Delhi, stated that "the GI disease burden is changing in both its scale and clinical profile. Alongside infections such as H. pylori and parasitic diseases, metabolic and lifestyle-related conditions are becoming increasingly important".

He stressed the need for making timely diagnosis critical, whether for liver disease, colorectal cancer, celiac disease or IBD.

H. pylori And Cancer Risk

Notably, infections like H. pylori have become a major driver of cancer. A recent Lancet study found that five infections, including H. pylori and HPV, contribute to about 1 in 8 cancers worldwide.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Garg said H. pylori is a very important bacterial infection that resides in the stomach.

“It is very common in India; about 40-60% of people might be affected by this. It has been shown that H. pylori infection can cause swelling in the stomach, can cause ulcers in the stomach, and in some cases may also cause gastric or stomach cancer. It has been classified as a carcinogen,” he said.

However, he stressed that H. pylori infection does not mean a person will develop cancer.

“So, it is not that anybody who is infected with this will develop cancer. This is very, very important for people to understand otherwise, there will be a lot of scare,” he cautioned.

On whether everyone with H. pylori should be treated, Garg said the answer depends on the context.

“In some countries, they are testing and treating; in others we are not advocating routine testing and treating because the other factors which lead to cancer are not fully known in that case.”

Also read: Fatty Liver, Chronic Gut Diseases And Worm Infections: India’s Changing Disease Burden

MASLD And Liver Disease

The experts also discussed colorectal cancers, MASLD and liver disease and stressed the need to strengthen screening, risk stratification, newer pharmacological approaches and identifying patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

“Gastrointestinal diseases may present differently across populations, but many of the challenges are shared. Earlier diagnosis, access to evidence-based treatment and stronger prevention strategies remain important priorities,” said Professor Carolina Olano, Professor and Director, Department of Gastroenterology, Universidad de la República, Uruguay, and President, World Gastroenterology Organisation.

Alongside these clinical priorities, WCOG 2026 is also highlighting simple measures for better digestive and liver health, including safe food and clean water, a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding alcohol.

How Can You Boost Your Digestive and Liver Health

Beyond diagnosis and treatment, the experts also highlighted simple measures that can support digestive and liver health.

1. Wash it. Cook it. Keep it safe.

2. Eat a balanced diet.

3. Eat smart, not large.

4. Eat slowly.

5. Make yoghurt your daily gut friend.

6. Drink water and eat whole fruits, not just fruit juice.

7. Think twice before eating processed, fatty or sugary foods.

8. Your liver is better without alcohol.

9. Exercise daily for better health and long-term wellness.

10. Sharing is caring — but not all the time.

The four-day Congress is jointly organized by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology and the World Gastroenterology Organization under the theme “Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature.”