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.

A dangerous superbug that does not respond to most antibiotics is spreading rapidly across the United States, with Alabama reporting 158 cases so far this year. The data, shared by the Alabama Department of Public Health, highlights growing concern among health officials as infections continue to rise in healthcare settings.

The organism, known as Candida auris, is a type of yeast or fungus that can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fungus is especially troubling because it can survive on human skin and hard surfaces for months, even after routine cleaning and disinfection.

Why Candida auris Is Hard to Control

Unlike many other infections, Candida auris can spread easily through shared medical equipment and direct contact between people. Its ability to withstand commonly used disinfectants makes it difficult to eliminate once it enters a healthcare facility.

State health officials say cases have increased every year, pointing to a steady and worrying trend. “Each year, we have seen increases in our case counts which underscores the need for sustained vigilance,” the Alabama Department of Public Health told AL.com.

Superbug Fungus Candida Auris: Nursing Homes Among the Worst Affected

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are bearing the brunt of the outbreak. According to ADPH, these settings face a higher risk because residents often have weakened immune systems and require frequent medical care.

“At this time, the Alabama Department of Public Health’s primary concern is the potential for unrecognized transmission within and between healthcare facilities,” the department said. Officials fear that infections may spread silently before being detected.

Superbug Fungus Candida Auris: CDC Guidelines and State Response

The health department confirmed via email that it is following the CDC’s recommended containment strategy to limit further spread. Healthcare providers and laboratories in Alabama are voluntarily reporting cases, although the state’s figures are not currently listed on the CDC’s national tracking dashboard, as per USA Today.

Alabama is not alone in dealing with the superbug. Nearby states are also seeing significant numbers. CDC data shows Tennessee has reported 189 cases, Mississippi 108, and Georgia 377. Florida, like Alabama, does not yet have figures publicly listed on the CDC website.

Superbug Fungus Candida Auris: A Growing National Problem

Candida auris was first identified in 2009 and has become increasingly common since then. The CDC said the fungus was first detected in the United States in 2016, when 51 cases were reported. By 2020, that number had climbed to more than 700.

This year, the rise has been sharp. As of December 20, 7,046 cases have been reported nationwide. In 2025 alone, 28 states recorded infections, with Nevada reporting the highest number of cases.

Superbug Fungus Candida Auris: Symptoms and Health Risks

The fungus can infect different parts of the body, including the bloodstream, wounds, and ears. Symptoms vary depending on where the infection occurs and how severe it is. In some cases, people may not show symptoms at all.

The CDC noted that most patients who develop Candida auris infections are already seriously ill. This makes it difficult to determine how much the fungus contributes to death compared to other existing health conditions.

Superbug Fungus Candida Auris: Preventing Further Spread

ADPH stressed that stopping the spread will require strong coordination across healthcare systems. “Continued collaboration with healthcare partners, timely reporting, and adherence to recommended infection control practices are critical to preventing further spread and limiting outbreaks,” the department said.

Health officials say ongoing awareness, strict hygiene measures, and early detection remain the best tools to contain this growing threat.

The central government has announced a decisive regulatory move concerning nimesulide, a widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. In an effort to protect public health, the Centre has barred the manufacture, sale, and distribution of oral nimesulide formulations that contain more than 100 mg of the drug. The restriction has come into force with immediate effect and applies across the country, as per NDTV.

The decision follows mounting safety concerns linked to high-dose oral preparations of the medicine. According to the official notification issued by the government, doses exceeding 100 mg may pose a risk to human health. The order also notes that safer and well-established alternatives are already available in the market. Given this, the authorities concluded that continuing the availability of high-dose nimesulide does not serve the public interest.

What Is Nimesulide and Why Is It Prescribed?

Nimesulide belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Doctors commonly prescribe it to manage acute pain, reduce fever, and relieve inflammation associated with conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries, dental pain, or post-surgical discomfort. The drug works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain and swelling, as per Mayo Clinic.

Despite its effectiveness in symptom relief, nimesulide has remained controversial for years due to questions surrounding its safety, especially when used in higher doses or for longer durations. While it continues to be prescribed in India under regulated conditions, its use has been closely watched by health authorities and medical experts.

Legal Basis for the Ban

The prohibition has been issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This provision allows the central government to restrict or ban drugs if they are found to be unsafe, ineffective, or harmful to patients. Before finalising the decision, the government sought the opinion of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, or DTAB, which is the highest advisory body on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics in India.

After reviewing available scientific data and expert input, the board supported the move, leading to the issuance of the nationwide ban on high-dose oral formulations, as per NDTV.

Safety Concerns and Global Position

Nimesulide has faced sustained scrutiny from regulators and healthcare professionals, primarily due to concerns about liver-related side effects. Several studies and post-marketing surveillance reports have linked the drug to cases of liver toxicity, particularly when used in higher doses.

The World Health Organization has not included nimesulide in its Model List of Essential Medicines, a key reference document that guides countries on priority medicines for basic healthcare needs. This exclusion reflects ongoing global caution around the drug’s safety profile. In fact, regulatory authorities in multiple countries have either restricted its use or removed it from the market altogether after reviewing reports of hepatic injury documented in WHO pharmacovigilance data.

Indian Regulatory Reviews and Safer Alternatives

In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has reviewed the risk-benefit balance of nimesulide on several occasions. These reviews were prompted by both domestic data and international findings related to adverse effects. Medical experts in the country have consistently highlighted that alternatives such as paracetamol and ibuprofen offer a more reliable safety record when taken at recommended doses.

These commonly used pain relievers are backed by extensive clinical evidence and guidance from bodies like the Indian Council of Medical Research, which supports their use for pain and fever management under standard dosing protocols.

Whooping cough deaths are rising in the US, as the country sees a surge in the infection. So far, tens of thousands have been infected, with at least 13 people dead from the bacterial infection this year. While the infection rate is lower than last year it continues to remain above typical pre-pandemic years. The Scientific American reports that the number of deaths have also seen a rise.

What Causes Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough or what is scientifically known as the respiratory infection called pertussis is severe, and is characterized by violent cough. It could leave people, especially infants, struggling to breath. While it is rarely fatal, it can have lingering symptoms and thus have earned the name '100-day cough'. Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which emits toxins into a person's respiratory tract. This is why early treatment with antibiotics vital to managing the infection. The bacterium is easily spread between people, through direct contact and droplets from mouth or nose. This is what makes it contagious.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US and its territories recorded 27,871 confirmed cases of whooping cough as of December 20 this year. By the same point last year, cases had reached 41,922, marking a sharp rebound after four pandemic years when annual infections stayed below 10,000.

Also Read: What Is Candida Auris Infection? The Deadly Superbug Spreading In US

How Lethal Is Whooping Cough?

As of now, 13 people have died of pertussis this year. As per the report from the Pan American Health Organization, and provision CDC data from last year, 10 deaths were noted in 2024, while three increased in 2025.

Public health experts worry that persistently high whooping cough cases this year, following last year’s surge, may reflect falling vaccination rates. The DTaP vaccine protects infants and young children, while Tdap covers older children and adults. CDC guidelines recommend multiple doses starting at two months, yet only 79 percent of children born in 2021 had received four DTaP doses by age two.

Who All Can Get The Shot For Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is most dangerous, especially among infants under a year old. Public health experts also recommended that pregnant people must get the Tdap vaccine to transfer the antibodies to newborns. All adults are also advised to get the Tdap vaccine in every 10 years to ensure a continued protection.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Whooping Cough?

Early symptoms that can last for 1 to 2 weeks usually include:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
• Mild, occasional cough

CDC notes that later symptoms could be rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits. About one to two weeks after early symptoms begin, many people develop intense coughing spells, known as paroxysms. These fits typically last one to six weeks, but in some cases can continue for up to 10 weeks. As the illness progresses, the cough becomes more frequent and severe.

During these episodes, people may produce a high-pitched “whoop” when breathing in, vomit during or after coughing, feel extreme exhaustion, struggle to breathe, have trouble sleeping, or even fracture a rib. Many describe it as the worst cough they have ever experienced.