Industry Insights Healthcare: 27/04/25
This week’s insights post focuses on three of the most recent developments in the healthcare industry.
FDA approves new drug for muscle-invasive bladder cancer
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Imfinzi (durvalumab), AstraZeneca’s PD-L1 inhibitor, as the first and only perioperative immunotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The approval was based on the Phase III NIAGARA trial, which demonstrated that Imfinzi combined with chemotherapy reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death compared with chemotherapy alone. MIBC accounts for a significant portion of bladder cancer cases and often progresses to advanced stages quickly. ‘The NIAGARA trial showed more than 80% of patients were still alive at two years, underscoring the potential of this innovative perioperative regimen to become a new standard of care in this setting’, said Dave Fredrickson, executive vice president, Oncology Haematology Business Unit, AstraZeneca.
Link to study (New England Journal of Medicine)
Frequent antibiotic use in childhood may be linked to asthma and allergies
Frequent antibiotic use during early childhood has been linked to an increased risk of asthma, food allergies, allergic rhinitis and intellectual disabilities, according to a study by Rutgers Health published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The researchers analysed data from over 2,500 children and found that antibiotic use before the age of two was associated with a significant rise in these conditions. The findings suggest that antibiotics may disrupt the developing gut microbiome, leading to long-term effects on immune system development and cognitive function. The authors advise against the unnecessary use of antibiotics, particularly in infants.
Link to study (Journal of Infectious Diseases)
Vitamin D may help in the prevention of colorectal cancer
A recent study published in Nutrients highlighted the role of vitamin D in the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) and immune system regulation. Vitamin D is normally obtained through sunlight exposure, diet or supplements. Vitamin D interacts with immune cells to reduce inflammation, promote T-cell activation and inhibit tumour growth. Multiple epidemiological papers have shown that individuals with higher serum vitamin D levels have a lower risk of developing CRC and may experience improved outcomes if diagnosed with this disease. The study notes that vitamin D deficiency remains widespread, particularly among urban and older populations. Regular supplementation or lifestyle adjustments to increase vitamin D intake could be a cost-effective strategy for reducing cancer risk and supporting immune health.
To learn more about recent news in the healthcare industry, check out our other Industry Insights on LinkedIn or visit elion.nz/insights/.
