Industry Insights Healthcare: 17/10/25
This week’s round of insights highlights three of the most recent developments and findings in the healthcare industry.
Physical activity and vaccination may protect against long COVID
A new Frontiers in Public Health study using data from over 433,000 US adults has highlighted key factors associated with protection against long COVID. Around 13.6% of respondents reported symptoms lasting at least three months after infection. Long COVID was more common in females, those with chronic diseases, people who were not fully vaccinated and those who did not exercise. Those who were incompletely vaccinated were 42% more likely to experience the condition. Regions in the South and Midwest, where chronic disease rates and vaccine hesitancy are high, showed the greatest prevalence.
New WHO report alerts on antimicrobial resistance rise
The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance 2025 report revealed an alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially in resource-limited regions. Data from 127 countries showed that resistance to essential antibiotics, including carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, is increasing. The report emphasised the emergence of resistant Gram-negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Global resistance rates are highest in South-East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. The report calls for stronger surveillance, infection prevention and investment in research and digital information systems to guide antibiotic prescription.
FDA approves cemiplimab as first adjuvant immunotherapy for high-risk CSCC
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved cemiplimab (Libtayo, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) as the first and only adjuvant immunotherapy for adults with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). CSCC is a common form of skin cancer typically caused by long-term exposure to UV radiation from the sun. The approval was based on the phase 3 C-POST trial, which showed that cemiplimab reduced the risk of recurrence or death by 68% versus placebo. Common side effects associated with the drug included fatigue, rash, pruritus and diarrhoea. Cemiplimab is already approved for advanced CSCC, basal cell carcinoma and non–small cell lung cancer.
Link to press release; Link to study
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