Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX) today announced results of the initial cohort of its COVID-19-Influenza Combination (CIC) and stand-alone trivalent hemagglutinin nanoparticle seasonal influenza (tNIV) Phase 3 trial that showed both the CIC and flu vaccine candidates induced immune responses similar to licensed comparators Nuvaxovid® and Fluzone HD, respectively. This cohort was designed to provide descriptive data on three flu strains (H1N1, H3N2, B) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) to inform a future registrational Phase 3 program. Both stand-alone flu and CIC vaccine candidates induced robust immune responses to the vaccine strains (2.4-5.7-fold over baseline). Both vaccine candidates were well tolerated and saw reactogenicity comparable to authorized comparators. Nearly all (>98%) solicited adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. This descriptive trial was designed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the CIC and stand-alone flu vaccine candidates compared to Nuvaxovid and… 

IntroductionIn May 2025, a viral video triggered a global controversy, showing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a train journey to Kyiv. The video, viewed millions of times on platforms like X and Telegram, led to speculation about alleged cocaine use by the politicians. Pro-Russian actors, including Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, claimed Merz and Macron had consumed cocaine, citing a white object (allegedly a cocaine bag) and an elongated object (allegedly a snorting spoon). This observational study systematically analyzes the allegations, examines the visual evidence, assesses clinical plausibility, and contextualizes the disinformation campaign within social scientific and medical methodologies. The aim is to demonstrate the baselessness of the claims and illuminate the mechanisms of targeted propaganda. MethodologyThis retrospective observational study is based on a multimodal analysis integrating primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include… 

Ghent, June 11, 2025 – A research team from the VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology has discovered a class of small antibodies that offer strong protection against a broad spectrum of SARS coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1 and various SARS-CoV-2 variants. The findings, published in Nature Communications, show that these antibodies block a highly conserved region on the virus's spike protein, thereby preventing infections. The discovery promises new approaches for broadly effective antiviral therapies that could also withstand future virus variants. The antibodies, known as nanobodies, were derived from llamas and target the S2 subunit of the spike protein, which is crucial for cell infection and stable across coronaviruses. Unlike conventional therapies that often target the mutation-prone receptor-binding domain, these nanobodies lock onto the spike protein like a molecular clamp, preventing the conformational change necessary for infection. Lab tests showed that the antibodies, even at low doses… 

Berlin, June 11, 2025 – A quarter of people in Germany over the age of 65 suffer from a deficiency of vitamin B12, a vital nutrient for blood formation and nerve function. Such a deficiency can have serious consequences, including cognitive impairment, lack of motivation, or depression, warns the pharmacy magazine Senioren Ratgeber. The deficiency often arises from impaired absorption of the vitamin in the gut, which is common in older people. Furthermore, certain medications such as omeprazole, metformin, or antibiotics increase the risk of deficiency. Vegans and vegetarians are particularly at risk, as vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Treatments include dietary supplements and higher-dose medications. The latter are reimbursed by health insurance companies upon medical prescription and proven medical necessity, while dietary supplements must be paid for out-of-pocket. For prevention, a balanced diet with foods such as quark, yogurt, liver…  is recommended.