An experimental drug designed with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to target an aggressive and often fatal lung disease has entered phase 2 clinical trials in China and the United States. Watch in for more details!

World's first AI-developed drug for deadly lung disease enters trials in US, China

In January, the FDA changed regulations to allow retail pharmacies to sell the drug mifepristone.

CVS and Walgreens to start selling abortion pills this month

The Thai government will urgently move a bill to ban the recreational use of cannabis, the health minister said on Tuesday, after the kingdom decriminalised the drug in 2022.

No more marijuana in Thailand? New laws to clamp down on marijuana

The ban comes 18 months after historic decriminalisation. The relaxed law saw a boom in the cannabis industry. PM Srettha Thavisin had pledged to ban cannabis. The new law will ban advertising, and marketing of cannabis products. Watch to know more!

Thailand to ban recreational Cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation

Bolivia announced a record cocaine seizure from the country's western Oruro department, officials said on Friday, giving the drugs a local street value of $224 million but nearly double that in Europe where the illicit cargo was likely headed.

Bolivia announces biggest-ever cocaine bust at nearly 9 tons

Britain has the worst cocaine habit in Europe, with rates of consumption much higher than Mexico and Colombia, international data show...

Britain has worst cocaine habit in Europe, figures show

<p>Switzerland's capital city, Bern, is contemplating a pilot programme that would test the legal sale of drugs&nbsp;for recreational use. This unprecedented initiative is aimed at addressing the country's widespread drug use by providing a regulated and safer alternative.</p>

<p>The proposal has gained support from Bern's parliament, although it requires a change in federal law for implementation.</p>

<p>Advocates are reportedly arguing that the traditional "war on drugs" has failed, and innovative approaches such as legalisation could offer better control over the market and promote safer usage.</p>

<p>"The war on drugs has failed, and we have to look at new ideas," said Eva Chen, a Bern council member from the Alternative Left Party. "Control and legalisation can do better than mere repression."</p>

<p>This move is aligned with a global shift in drug policies, with an increasing number of countries and US states adopting measures such as decriminalisation and the legal recreational use of marijuana.</p>

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<p>Several European countries, including Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have already moved away from issuing prison sentences for drug possession charges.</p>

<p>Wastewater studies analysing illicit drug presence reportedly revealed that wealthy Swiss cities, including Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, rank among the top European cities for drug use.</p>

<p>The prevalence of drug use in these cities, as well as in Bern, has surged in recent years due to a dramatic drop in prices.</p>

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<p>Despite the support for the proposal, critics are reportedly arguing against legalising a drug with known health risks. Drugs can be highly addictive and pose severe health complications, including heart damage, strokes, depression, and anxiety.</p>

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<p>However, proponents of the pilot programme are saying that there is a&nbsp;need to acknowledge the reality of widespread drug use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We can't change that, so we should try to ensure people use it in the safest, least damaging way," stated Thilo Beck from the Arud Zentrum for Addiction Medicine.</p>

<p>The pilot programme is still in the early stages, with crucial details such as the source and distribution of the drug under development. The education, social affairs, and sports directorate are currently preparing a report on the potential pilot project.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Switzerland's capital city, Bern, is contemplating a pilot programme that would test the legal sale of drugs for recreational use. This unprecedented initiative is aimed at addressing the country's widespread drug use by providing a regulated and safer alternative.

Switzerland's capital city, Bern, is contemplating a pilot programme that would test the legal sale of drugs for recreational use. This unprecedented initiative is aimed at addressing the country's widespread drug use by providing a regulated and safer alternative. The proposal has gained support from Bern's parliament, although it requires a change in federal law for implementation. Advocates are reportedly arguing that the traditional "war on drugs" has failed, and innovative approaches such as legalisation could offer better control over the market and promote safer usage. "The war on drugs has failed, and we have to look at new ideas," said Eva Chen, a Bern council member from the Alternative Left Party. "Control and legalisation can do better than mere repression." This move is aligned with a global shift in drug policies, with an increasing number of countries and US states adopting measures such as decriminalisation and the legal recreational use of marijuana. Also Read | Toyota initiates global recall of 1.12 million vehicles over airbag concerns Several European countries, including Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have already moved away from issuing prison sentences for drug possession charges. Wastewater studies analysing illicit drug presence reportedly revealed that wealthy Swiss cities, including Zurich, Basel, and Geneva, rank among the top European cities for drug use. The prevalence of drug use in these cities, as well as in Bern, has surged in recent years due to a dramatic drop in prices. Also Read | Mid-air heist: Man charged with stealing $23,000 from three fellow passengers Despite the support for the proposal, critics are reportedly arguing against legalising a drug with known health risks. Drugs can be highly addictive and pose severe health complications, including heart damage, strokes, depression, and anxiety. Watch | Lincoln Memorial vandalized with red paint and 'Free Gaza', ‘Free Palestine' messages × However, proponents of the pilot programme are saying that there is a need to acknowledge the reality of widespread drug use. "We can't change that, so we should try to ensure people use it in the safest, least damaging way," stated Thilo Beck from the Arud Zentrum for Addiction Medicine. The pilot programme is still in the early stages, with crucial details such as the source and distribution of the drug under development. The education, social affairs, and sports directorate are currently preparing a report on the potential pilot project. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland city considers legalising drugs for recreation, pilot scheme in pipeline

The price of some medicines has risen almost tenfold in nigeria in the past few months, forcing patients to cut doses or turn to traditional alternatives.

Drug prices soar in Nigeria

<p>A drug manufactured by a Chinese firm has been found to be especialy effective against an uncommon and stubborn type of lung cancer, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The drug has been found to be effective against lung cancer that, among other things, does not respond to platinum-based chemotherapy. SCMP reported that the drug has been designated breakthrough therapy by China’s National Medical Products Administration and the US Food and Drug Administration.</p>

<p>The drug, called sunvozertinib, achieved 61 per cent anti-tumour response in a phase 2 clinical trial in which 104 advanced patients were enrolled and of these 97 cases were analysed, says SCMP.</p>

<p>Initial results obtained in this trial were peer-reviewed and published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal on December 12.</p>

<p>“It’s an impressive outcome because previously other potential candidates could only achieve a response rate below 50 per cent for this lung cancer subgroup,” said a scientist identified by SCMP just as Tang.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Pet care industry's growth surge; grooming sector surge reflects pet hygiene priorities</strong></p>

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<p>Dizal, a company in the Jiangsu province in eastern China, has made Sunvozertinib. The developmental efforts of the drug were focused on making it capable of combating lung cancer in which the tumour has a mutation called “EGFR exon 20 insertions”</p>

<p>The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) reportedly has links with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation.</p>

<p>“Patients and healthcare providers have long sought hope in the form of effective treatments that offer respite from relentless disease progression,” said oncologist Hidetoshi Hayashi, of the Kindai University Faculty of Medicine in Japan, as quoted by SCMP.</p>

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&nbsp;<br />
The news outlet said that the phase 2 trial of sunvozertinib was carried out&nbsp;in 37 medical centres in China. The patients enrolled for the study between July 2021 and May 2022.</p>

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<p>The study yielded that 59 patients showed the desired response. They reached an "objective response rate (ORR) of 61 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A drug manufactured by a Chinese firm has been found to be especialy effective against an uncommon and stubborn type of lung cancer, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).

A drug manufactured by a Chinese firm has been found to be especialy effective against an uncommon and stubborn type of lung cancer, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). The drug has been found to be effective against lung cancer that, among other things, does not respond to platinum-based chemotherapy. SCMP reported that the drug has been designated breakthrough therapy by China’s National Medical Products Administration and the US Food and Drug Administration. The drug, called sunvozertinib, achieved 61 per cent anti-tumour response in a phase 2 clinical trial in which 104 advanced patients were enrolled and of these 97 cases were analysed, says SCMP. Initial results obtained in this trial were peer-reviewed and published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal on December 12. “It’s an impressive outcome because previously other potential candidates could only achieve a response rate below 50 per cent for this lung cancer subgroup,” said a scientist identified by SCMP just as Tang. Watch | Pet care industry's growth surge; grooming sector surge reflects pet hygiene priorities × Dizal, a company in the Jiangsu province in eastern China, has made Sunvozertinib. The developmental efforts of the drug were focused on making it capable of combating lung cancer in which the tumour has a mutation called “EGFR exon 20 insertions” The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) reportedly has links with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation. “Patients and healthcare providers have long sought hope in the form of effective treatments that offer respite from relentless disease progression,” said oncologist Hidetoshi Hayashi, of the Kindai University Faculty of Medicine in Japan, as quoted by SCMP. Also Read | Nearly 50% of those who contracted COVID-19 in Africa are suffering from long Covid: Study The news outlet said that the phase 2 trial of sunvozertinib was carried out in 37 medical centres in China. The patients enrolled for the study between July 2021 and May 2022. Also Read | 'Completely blockbuster drug': UK clears the way for drug that treats hot flushes in menopausal women The study yielded that 59 patients showed the desired response. They reached an "objective response rate (ORR) of 61 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese drug hailed as ‘breakthrough therapy’ shows promising results against lung cancer: Report

Celebrity talk show host Oprah Winfrey recently revealed that she takes weight-loss medication to help manage her weight. Winfrey, who turns 70 next month, explained how she battled body-shaming and body-image issues in all the decades she has been in the public eye.

Gravitas | Oprah admits to using weight-loss drug

<p>The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to two new gene therapies for sickle cell disease.&nbsp;One of them, called Casgevy, is a treatment that uses the CRISPR gene editing technology, which won the Nobel Prize. The other approved therapy is Lyfgenia, developed by bluebird bio. Both treatments are meant for individuals aged 12 and above.</p>

<p>Casgevy is developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics and comes with a price tag of $2.2 million, while bluebird's Lyfgenia is priced at $3.1 million. These are considered one-time treatments and are expected to be available in early 2024, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that causes pain and complications due to the production of flawed, sickle-shaped hemoglobin. This impairs the proper transport of oxygen by red blood cells to the body's tissues. It affects around 100,000 people in the United States, primarily among the Black population.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The approval is a crucial advancement for the sickle cell disease community, which according to Robert Brodsky, President of the American Society of Hematology, has historically faced neglect and underfunding.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In clinical trials, both gene therapies demonstrated effectiveness in reducing painful episodes in patients with sickle cell disease. Casgevy, based on CRISPR technology, uses molecular "scissors" to correct faulty genes. On the other hand, Lyfgenia works by introducing modified genes into the body through disabled viruses.</p>

<h2><strong>Cancer risks?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The FDA has issued a warning on Lyfgenia's label regarding the risk of blood cancer after two patients in bluebird's trial developed acute myeloid leukemia. The FDA will closely monitor potential side effects.</p>

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<p>While both therapies show promise, data on their long-term effects is limited. The companies plan to assess potential long-term safety risks through a 15-year follow-up study after approval. Patients will be monitored throughout their lives for cancer malignancies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to two new gene therapies for sickle cell disease. One of them, called Casgevy, is a treatment that uses the CRISPR gene editing technology, which won the Nobel Prize.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light to two new gene therapies for sickle cell disease. One of them, called Casgevy, is a treatment that uses the CRISPR gene editing technology, which won the Nobel Prize. The other approved therapy is Lyfgenia, developed by bluebird bio. Both treatments are meant for individuals aged 12 and above. Casgevy is developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics and comes with a price tag of $2.2 million, while bluebird's Lyfgenia is priced at $3.1 million. These are considered one-time treatments and are expected to be available in early 2024, media reports said. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that causes pain and complications due to the production of flawed, sickle-shaped hemoglobin. This impairs the proper transport of oxygen by red blood cells to the body's tissues. It affects around 100,000 people in the United States, primarily among the Black population. Also Read | Researchers develop VR goggles for mice to create immersive scenarios for brain research The approval is a crucial advancement for the sickle cell disease community, which according to Robert Brodsky, President of the American Society of Hematology, has historically faced neglect and underfunding. Also Read | Penguins sleep for few seconds at a time over 24 hours to protect eggs: Study In clinical trials, both gene therapies demonstrated effectiveness in reducing painful episodes in patients with sickle cell disease. Casgevy, based on CRISPR technology, uses molecular "scissors" to correct faulty genes. On the other hand, Lyfgenia works by introducing modified genes into the body through disabled viruses. Cancer risks? The FDA has issued a warning on Lyfgenia's label regarding the risk of blood cancer after two patients in bluebird's trial developed acute myeloid leukemia. The FDA will closely monitor potential side effects. Watch | COP28: Indigenous activists dance to deliver message in Dubai × While both therapies show promise, data on their long-term effects is limited. The companies plan to assess potential long-term safety risks through a 15-year follow-up study after approval. Patients will be monitored throughout their lives for cancer malignancies. (With inputs from agencies)

New hope for Sickle Cell Anaemia patients as FDA gives nod to Casgevy, Lyfgenia gene therapies

<p>A top private Tokyo university is disbanding its storied 83-year-old American football team after a cannabis scandal that forced the resignation of the college's president and vice-president, Japanese media reported. Cannabis use is illegal in Japan, including for medical treatment, and widely frowned upon in the socially conservative country, although use among young people is rising.</p>

<p>Three players from Nihon University's Phoenix team, who have won the national college championship 21 times, have been arrested this year for alleged possession of marijuana. Public broadcaster NHK and other media reported that Nihon University has decided to scrap the team, with president Takeo Sakai and vice-president Yasuhiro Sawada both to step down.</p>

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<p>The university had already suspended the team's activities in September after an arrest was made following a police raid of the club's dormitory. American football is a minor sport in Japan but it has a long history at university level.</p>

<p>The Phoenix team was formed in 1940 and the Koshien Bowl national college championship has been played since 1946. Nihon University was also involved in a 2018 on-field scandal when a Phoenix player hit an opposing quarterback with a late tackle. The player said he had been ordered to make the dangerous hit by a coach, who later resigned.</p>


A top private Tokyo university is disbanding its storied 83-year-old American football team after a cannabis scandal that forced the resignation of the college's president and vice-president, Japanese media reported.

A top private Tokyo university is disbanding its storied 83-year-old American football team after a cannabis scandal that forced the resignation of the college's president and vice-president, Japanese media reported. Cannabis use is illegal in Japan, including for medical treatment, and widely frowned upon in the socially conservative country, although use among young people is rising. Three players from Nihon University's Phoenix team, who have won the national college championship 21 times, have been arrested this year for alleged possession of marijuana. Public broadcaster NHK and other media reported that Nihon University has decided to scrap the team, with president Takeo Sakai and vice-president Yasuhiro Sawada both to step down. Also Read: Premier League: Liverpool's Alisson and Diogo Jota face spell on sidelines after Manchester City clash The university had already suspended the team's activities in September after an arrest was made following a police raid of the club's dormitory. American football is a minor sport in Japan but it has a long history at university level. The Phoenix team was formed in 1940 and the Koshien Bowl national college championship has been played since 1946. Nihon University was also involved in a 2018 on-field scandal when a Phoenix player hit an opposing quarterback with a late tackle. The player said he had been ordered to make the dangerous hit by a coach, who later resigned.

Japanese University scraps team for alleged possession of drug

A morning sickness pill in which thalidomide was an active ingredient in the sedative was distributed among mothers in Australia and worldwide in the 1960s. The pill was later found to cause malformation of limbs, facial features and internal organs in unborn children.

Australia apologises for 'Thalidomide tragedy', a pill that killed thousands | WION

<p>Leading global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk on Saturday (Nov 12) said that the cardiovascular benefits of its immensely popular obesity treatment, Wegovy, were not solely attributable to the process of its weight loss process.</p>

<p>The study was presented at the American Heart Association annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia which saw the presence of many experts from the medical field.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the findings revealed that Wegovy, recognised chemically as semaglutide, has additional positive cardiovascular effects that emerged before the patients even began to shed weight.</p>

<p>Novo said that this implied that the heart benefits were not just associated with weight loss.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Can Wegovy be a primary treatment for heart diseases?</strong></h2>

<p>Dr. Chad Weldy, a cardiologist at Stanford University, said that the trial focused on how semaglutide might prevent heart disease from worsening and not how it can be prevented.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Considering the extensive 17,604-patient trial, the study should make doctors contemplate about who can be prescribed Wegovy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Anyone who has had a heart attack or obstructive coronary disease and has a body mass index of more than 27 fits in with this study, which is a very large patient population,” he said.</p>

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<p>During the medical&nbsp;conference, Dr. Bruno Halpern, head of the obesity centre at Hospital 9 de Julho in Sao Paulo, Brazil, also argued that Wegovy should now be considered a frontline treatment for heart disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-was-more-charming-for-aliens-when-dinosaurs-existed-657525">Earth was more charming for aliens when dinosaurs existed</a></p>

<p>August's trial conducted by the Danish pharmaceutical company indicated that Wegovy not only facilitated an average weight loss of 15 percent but also demonstrated a 20 percent reduction in the incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease.</p>

<p>Examining overweight and obese patients with preexisting heart disease but without diabetes, the study revealed that Wegovy led to a 28 per cent reduction in non-fatal heart attacks, a 7 per cent decrease in non-fatal strokes, and a 15 percent drop in heart-related deaths compared to the placebo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are however several risk factors associated with the obesity treatment which include inflammation, blood sugar control, and blood pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Leading global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk on Saturday (Nov 12) said that the cardiovascular benefits of its immensely popular obesity treatment, Wegovy, were not solely attributable to the process of its weight loss process.

Leading global healthcare firm Novo Nordisk on Saturday (Nov 12) said that the cardiovascular benefits of its immensely popular obesity treatment, Wegovy, were not solely attributable to the process of its weight loss process. The study was presented at the American Heart Association annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia which saw the presence of many experts from the medical field. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the findings revealed that Wegovy, recognised chemically as semaglutide, has additional positive cardiovascular effects that emerged before the patients even began to shed weight. Novo said that this implied that the heart benefits were not just associated with weight loss. Also Read | Melting sea ice causing heavier snowfall in Antarctica, staving off high sea levels Can Wegovy be a primary treatment for heart diseases? Dr. Chad Weldy, a cardiologist at Stanford University, said that the trial focused on how semaglutide might prevent heart disease from worsening and not how it can be prevented. Considering the extensive 17,604-patient trial, the study should make doctors contemplate about who can be prescribed Wegovy. “Anyone who has had a heart attack or obstructive coronary disease and has a body mass index of more than 27 fits in with this study, which is a very large patient population,” he said. Watch | Dyson Zone headphones: Worth your money? × During the medical conference, Dr. Bruno Halpern, head of the obesity centre at Hospital 9 de Julho in Sao Paulo, Brazil, also argued that Wegovy should now be considered a frontline treatment for heart disease. Also Read | Earth was more charming for aliens when dinosaurs existed August's trial conducted by the Danish pharmaceutical company indicated that Wegovy not only facilitated an average weight loss of 15 percent but also demonstrated a 20 percent reduction in the incidence of heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease. Examining overweight and obese patients with preexisting heart disease but without diabetes, the study revealed that Wegovy led to a 28 per cent reduction in non-fatal heart attacks, a 7 per cent decrease in non-fatal strokes, and a 15 percent drop in heart-related deaths compared to the placebo. There are however several risk factors associated with the obesity treatment which include inflammation, blood sugar control, and blood pressure. (With inputs from agencies)

Heart benefits not solely due to weight loss: Drug maker Novo on its popular Wegovy obesity treatment

K-pop star G-Dragon -- of the wildly successful but problem-plagued band BIGBANG -- is under investigation for alleged drug use, police said Thursday, becoming the latest in a string of South Korean entertainers to face such a probe.

K-pop star G-Dragon under police probe for alleged drug use

<p>Scientists in Brazil have developed a new treatment for crack, and cocaine: a vaccine. The drug will work in an innovative way, by depriving users of the "high".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is called "Calixcoca," and here's everything you need to know about this vaccine for cocaine.</p>

<h2><strong>How Calixcoca works</strong></h2>

<p>The vaccine, as per an AFP report, triggers an immune response, which blocks the high from cocaine and its derivatives and stops it from reaching the brain.</p>

<p>As per the report, the immune response trigger will make a patient's body produce antibodies that bind cocaine molecules to the bloodstream. The enlarged molecules will be rendered too large to pass into the brain's "reward centre" or the mesolimbic system that is stimulated by cocaine to produce dopamine&nbsp;— the pleasure-inducing reward chemical.</p>

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<p>Once vaccinated, the drug will potentially help people break the cycle of addiction. Basically, despite consuming the drug, they won't get the high they're seeking.</p>

<p>Last week the project won 500,000 euros ($530,000) — the top prize at the Euro Health Innovation Awards for Latin American medicine.</p>

<h2><strong>Does it actually work?</strong></h2>

<p>Scientists have tested the drug on animals, and it has shown promising results, producing significant levels of antibodies against cocaine. Side effects were few and furthermore, the vaccine was found to help protect rat foetuses against cocaine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This, as per the scientists behind the innovative drug, can help protect the unborn babies of pregnant addicts.</p>

<p>After promising results in animals, the vaccine is now set to enter the next stage of trials on humans.</p>

<h2><strong>Why did no one think of a vaccine for cocaine earlier?</strong></h2>

<p>They did. In the United States, which, as per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, happens to be the world's top consumer, similar studies were carried out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, when clinical trials didn't show sufficient results, these studies were stalled, said psychiatrist Frederico Garcia, coordinator of the team that developed the treatment at the Federal University of Minas Gerais.</p>

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<p>As per Garcia, "There's no specific registered treatment for cocaine and crack addiction. We currently use a combination of psychological counselling, social assistance and rehabilitation, when necessary."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further warned that the drug would be a supplementary treatment in addition to rehab and wouldn't be a "panacea" that could be administered to anyone. It is meant for recovering addicts "who are off (cocaine) and want to stay that way," he told AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Scientists in Brazil have developed a new treatment for crack, and cocaine: a vaccine. The drug will work in an innovative way, by depriving users of the "high".

Scientists in Brazil have developed a new treatment for crack, and cocaine: a vaccine. The drug will work in an innovative way, by depriving users of the "high". It is called "Calixcoca," and here's everything you need to know about this vaccine for cocaine. How Calixcoca works The vaccine, as per an AFP report, triggers an immune response, which blocks the high from cocaine and its derivatives and stops it from reaching the brain. As per the report, the immune response trigger will make a patient's body produce antibodies that bind cocaine molecules to the bloodstream. The enlarged molecules will be rendered too large to pass into the brain's "reward centre" or the mesolimbic system that is stimulated by cocaine to produce dopamine — the pleasure-inducing reward chemical. Also read | Will Wikipedia become 'Di**ipedia'? Elon Musk offers $1 billion for NSFW name change Once vaccinated, the drug will potentially help people break the cycle of addiction. Basically, despite consuming the drug, they won't get the high they're seeking. Last week the project won 500,000 euros ($530,000) — the top prize at the Euro Health Innovation Awards for Latin American medicine. Does it actually work? Scientists have tested the drug on animals, and it has shown promising results, producing significant levels of antibodies against cocaine. Side effects were few and furthermore, the vaccine was found to help protect rat foetuses against cocaine. This, as per the scientists behind the innovative drug, can help protect the unborn babies of pregnant addicts. After promising results in animals, the vaccine is now set to enter the next stage of trials on humans. Why did no one think of a vaccine for cocaine earlier? They did. In the United States, which, as per the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, happens to be the world's top consumer, similar studies were carried out. However, when clinical trials didn't show sufficient results, these studies were stalled, said psychiatrist Frederico Garcia, coordinator of the team that developed the treatment at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Also read | NASA readies to launch Roman telescope for humanity's farthest-ever peek into Milky Way galaxy As per Garcia, "There's no specific registered treatment for cocaine and crack addiction. We currently use a combination of psychological counselling, social assistance and rehabilitation, when necessary." He further warned that the drug would be a supplementary treatment in addition to rehab and wouldn't be a "panacea" that could be administered to anyone. It is meant for recovering addicts "who are off (cocaine) and want to stay that way," he told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists develop a vaccine for cocaine. Here's how it works

<p>Hong Kong International Airport became the stage for a startling drug discovery when customs officials unearthed approximately 11 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine hidden within the cushions of an electric wheelchair. Valued at around $1.5 million, the illegal&nbsp;stash was found&nbsp;during customs clearance.</p>

<p>The suspect had brought the electric wheelchair into the country as part of his checked baggage, along with another piece of luggage. Customs officials became suspicious during their examination, prompting a closer inspection of the wheelchair. Upon inspection, they discovered evidence that suggested the seat cushion and backrest had been re-stitched.</p>

<p>The 51-year-old, who is not a resident of Hong Kong and has mobility issues, informed officials that he was the director of a car rental company. He claimed that the wheelchair had been loaned to him by a friend. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-evergrande-resumes-hong-kong-trading-641994">Also read |&nbsp;China's Evergrande resumes Hong Kong trading</a></p>

<p>In response to this discovery, customs officials have said they would&nbsp;intensify checks on visitors arriving from "high-risk regions" to combat transnational drug trafficking activities, reported the BBC.</p>

<p>In 2022, customs checks detected 931 cases related to dangerous drugs, up from&nbsp;the previous year's 906 cases. Furthermore, 178 individuals were arrested for offences related to these drug cases in the previous year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India's drug regulators crackdown on $42 billion drug industry</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Not the first incident involving a wheelchair</strong></h2>

<p>This incident is not an isolated case of drugs being hidden in a wheelchair at an airport.</p>

<p>In November, officials at a New York airport seized $450,000 worth of cocaine hidden&nbsp;within the wheels of a woman's wheelchair.</p>

<p>Similarly, in September 2022, nearly $1.6 million worth of cocaine was found concealed within the upholstery of a motorised wheelchair in the Italian city of Milan.</p>

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Hong Kong International Airport became the stage for a startling drug discovery when customs officials unearthed approximately 11 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine hidden within the cushions of an electric wheelchair.

Hong Kong International Airport became the stage for a startling drug discovery when customs officials unearthed approximately 11 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine hidden within the cushions of an electric wheelchair. Valued at around $1.5 million, the illegal stash was found during customs clearance. The suspect had brought the electric wheelchair into the country as part of his checked baggage, along with another piece of luggage. Customs officials became suspicious during their examination, prompting a closer inspection of the wheelchair. Upon inspection, they discovered evidence that suggested the seat cushion and backrest had been re-stitched. The 51-year-old, who is not a resident of Hong Kong and has mobility issues, informed officials that he was the director of a car rental company. He claimed that the wheelchair had been loaned to him by a friend. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. Also read | China's Evergrande resumes Hong Kong trading In response to this discovery, customs officials have said they would intensify checks on visitors arriving from "high-risk regions" to combat transnational drug trafficking activities, reported the BBC. In 2022, customs checks detected 931 cases related to dangerous drugs, up from the previous year's 906 cases. Furthermore, 178 individuals were arrested for offences related to these drug cases in the previous year. Watch | India's drug regulators crackdown on $42 billion drug industry Not the first incident involving a wheelchair This incident is not an isolated case of drugs being hidden in a wheelchair at an airport. In November, officials at a New York airport seized $450,000 worth of cocaine hidden within the wheels of a woman's wheelchair. Similarly, in September 2022, nearly $1.6 million worth of cocaine was found concealed within the upholstery of a motorised wheelchair in the Italian city of Milan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 11kg suspected cocaine found in motorised wheelchair at Hong Kong airport

Can you regrow your teeth after losing them? A Japanese pharma start-up is working on a drug that can help people regrow their teeth.

Gravitas: Losing teeth? This drug can re-grow them

<p>After the heartbreaking death of a one-year-old child from fentanyl overdose at a nursery in New York City, the husband of the Bronx daycare owner, charged with murder,&nbsp;has been apprehended in Mexico after about 10 days on the run, media reports suggested.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fentanyl was reportedly found hidden under a nap mat in the nursery.&nbsp;Surveillance footage showed Felix Herrera sneaking out of the Kingsbridge childcare centre just moments before 1-year-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici was found dying from the drug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Marshal Service, in collaboration with Mexican authorities and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, tracked Herrera to Texas before he was captured on a bus headed to Sinaloa, the New York Post reported. Now, Herrera is expected to be extradited to the US and face charges in the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/falling-water-levels-of-canyon-lake-reveal-hidden-cave-underwater-640043">Falling water levels of Canyon Lake reveal hidden cave underwater</a></p>

<h2><strong>Wife and cousin facing charges&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, his wife, Grei Mendez De Ventura, and his cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, have been charged with murder, assault, child endangerment, and federal drug charges.&nbsp;The investigation revealed that the daycare centre was used as a narcotics mill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police in New York City were hunting for the daycare owner's husband after little Nicholas Dominici died from an overdose. Three other children were hospitalised due to the effects of a kilogramme of fentanyl which was found under a nap mat at the daycare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/34-year-old-indian-worker-dies-at-singapore-construction-site-640036">34-year-old Indian worker dies at Singapore construction site</a></p>

<p>Last Friday, after finding out that the three children in her daycare were not waking up from their nap, Mendez made three calls, including two to her husband, before she called the police, prosecutors said.</p>

<p>Minutes after the call was made, Mendez's husband was seen entering the apartment, and then whisking at least two full shopping bags out of the building through a back alley.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia Black Sea Commander Viktor Sokolov 'alive', appears in a video | WION | World DNA</strong></p>

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<p>Grei Mendez and Carlisto Acevedo Brito were hit with new federal narcotics conspiracy charges. The two were previously charged in state court with murder of “depraved indifference” in the death of Dominici.&nbsp;Mendez, 36, has been accused of taking steps to cover up her involvement in a drug operation.&nbsp;</p>

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After the heartbreaking death of a one-year-old child from fentanyl overdose at a nursery in New York City, the husband of the Bronx daycare owner, charged with murder, has been apprehended in Mexico after about 10 days on the run, media reports suggested.

After the heartbreaking death of a one-year-old child from fentanyl overdose at a nursery in New York City, the husband of the Bronx daycare owner, charged with murder, has been apprehended in Mexico after about 10 days on the run, media reports suggested. Fentanyl was reportedly found hidden under a nap mat in the nursery. Surveillance footage showed Felix Herrera sneaking out of the Kingsbridge childcare centre just moments before 1-year-old Nicholas Feliz Dominici was found dying from the drug. The US Marshal Service, in collaboration with Mexican authorities and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, tracked Herrera to Texas before he was captured on a bus headed to Sinaloa, the New York Post reported. Now, Herrera is expected to be extradited to the US and face charges in the case. Also Read | Falling water levels of Canyon Lake reveal hidden cave underwater Wife and cousin facing charges Meanwhile, his wife, Grei Mendez De Ventura, and his cousin, Carlisto Acevedo Brito, have been charged with murder, assault, child endangerment, and federal drug charges. The investigation revealed that the daycare centre was used as a narcotics mill. Police in New York City were hunting for the daycare owner's husband after little Nicholas Dominici died from an overdose. Three other children were hospitalised due to the effects of a kilogramme of fentanyl which was found under a nap mat at the daycare. Also Read | 34-year-old Indian worker dies at Singapore construction site Last Friday, after finding out that the three children in her daycare were not waking up from their nap, Mendez made three calls, including two to her husband, before she called the police, prosecutors said. Minutes after the call was made, Mendez's husband was seen entering the apartment, and then whisking at least two full shopping bags out of the building through a back alley. Watch | Russia Black Sea Commander Viktor Sokolov 'alive', appears in a video | WION | World DNA × Grei Mendez and Carlisto Acevedo Brito were hit with new federal narcotics conspiracy charges. The two were previously charged in state court with murder of “depraved indifference” in the death of Dominici. Mendez, 36, has been accused of taking steps to cover up her involvement in a drug operation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

NY nursery owner's husband nabbed in Mexico after one-year-old dies of fentanyl overdose

Ovidio Guzman, a son of imprisoned Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was extradited to the United States on Friday to face fentanyl trafficking charges, in a boost for the Biden administration's push to curb the spread of the deadly opioid.

Mexico drug lord son Ovidio Guzman to face drug smuggling charges

In an effort to make these expensive therapies more accessible to senior citizens in the United States, Medicare is planning to haggle pricing for 10 different drugs with manufacturers. Analysts predict that, at least in the short term, the medication pricing negotiations will have little financial impact on manufacturers.

Medicare vs Drug makers: The fight for lower prices

Adults would be able to possess up to 25 grams (0.88 oz) of the drug, grow a maximum of three plants, and purchase marijuana as members of non-profit cannabis clubs under German law, which still needs to be approved by the parliament.

Germany: Government legalises cannabis, law will allow adults to keep 25 grams of the drug

One after the other. Nations are legalising Marijuana. Germany is next in line, as nation passes bill to bring it in recreational use.

Will Germany legalise recreational Marijuana use? What will be the new rules?

Hailed as a 'turning point' for the disease, the drug 'Donanemab' slows Alzheimer's by 60 per cent for mildly-impaired patients.

Drug Donanemab found to slow Alzheimer's

Alzheimer’s disease is often thought of as a condition that only affects the elderly. But around 3.9 million people worldwide aged 30-64 live with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease – a form of dementia in which symptoms appear before the age of 65.

Alzheimer's at age 30: The B-side of a disease that also affects young people

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday fully approved the Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, amid concerns about its safety, cost, and accessibility.

New Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi granted full FDA approval

As countries like India struggle with the growing menace of drugs, crypto has emerged as a culprit as two separate reports by Blockchain research firms have revealed that Chinese chemicals companies, suspected of supplying the base substances to produce fentanyl to overseas drug cartels, have earned tens of millions of dollars in cryptocurrencies.

Chinese firms fuel Fentanyl drug abuse epidemic, earn millions in crypto : Report

<p>In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret.</p>

<p>The fast-growing, homely plant, Trema micrantha blume, is native to the Americas, where it is widespread and often considered a weed.</p>

<p>But Moura Neto recently discovered its fruits and flowers contain one of the active ingredients in marijuana: cannabidiol, or CBD, which has shown promise as a treatment for conditions including epilepsy, autism, anxiety and chronic pain.</p>

<p>Crucially, he also found it does not contain the other main ingredient in pot, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — the psychoactive substance that makes people high.</p>

<p>That opens the possibility of an abundant new source of CBD, without the complications of cannabis, which remains illegal in many places.</p>

<p>The discovery has made something of an overnight academic star of Dr Moura Neto, an affable, silver-haired 66-year-old who now has a packed schedule of meetings with patent experts and companies keen to tap the multi-billion-dollar CBD market.</p>

<p>"It was wonderful to find a plant (with CBD but) without THC, because you avoid all the mess around psychotropic substances," says Moura Neto, who has spent the better part of five decades researching in this small lab at Rio de Janeiro Federal University.</p>

<p>"That means the potential is enormous," he tells AFP.</p>

<p>His 10-member team recently won a 500,000-real ($104,000) public grant to expand his project, which will now identify the best methods to extract CBD from "Trema," and then study its effectiveness as a substitute for medical marijuana.</p>

<h2>Man in demand</h2>

<p>Many of CBD's touted medical uses are still under research.</p>

<p>The compound is controversial, including in Brazil, where patients have gone to court to win the right to use it. They often have to import it at eye-watering prices, given that cultivating medical marijuana remains illegal — though there is legislation before Congress to change that.</p>

<p>Debates aside, demand for CBD is booming.</p>

<p>The global market for CBD last year was estimated at nearly $5 billion. Analytics firm Vantage Market Research projects it will grow to more than $47 billion by 2028, driven mainly by health and wellness use.</p>

<p>Interest in Moura Neto's research has been "huge," says Rosane Silva, the director of his laboratory, which sits off a hallway bustling with students and researchers in white lab coats.</p>

<p>"Lots of companies have been calling, looking to collaborate" on an eventual non-cannabis-based CBD medication, Silva says, standing beside what she calls the "magical plant."</p>

<p>A member of the Cannabaceae family — like cannabis — "Trema" can grow into a tree up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall.</p>

<p>Moura Neto says he and the university may explore patenting any innovations they find for extracting CBD from its tiny fruits and flowers.</p>

<p>But he is quick to add he won't patent "Trema" itself. He wants scientists everywhere to be able to research it.</p>

<p>"If I dreamed of being a billionaire, I wouldn't have become a professor," he says.</p>

<h2>From policing to producing?</h2>

<p>Moura Neto started studying CBD for a completely different reason: trained as a forensic geneticist, he would analyze the DNA of marijuana seized by police to help investigators trace its source.</p>

<p>When he came across a study that identified CBD in a related plant in Thailand — another member of the Cannabaceae family — he got the idea to test for it in "Trema."</p>

<p>He says turning his still-unpublished findings into a drug ready for market will take five to 10 years of research and clinical trials — if it is possible at all.</p>

<p>Cannabis, first domesticated in China more than 10,000 years ago, has been cultivated for millennia to hone its mind-altering and medicinal effects.</p>

<p>CBD from "Trema" might not work as well, or at all, Moura Neto says.</p>

<p>In the meantime, it's no use smoking the plant for a high.</p>

<p>"That definitely won't do anything for you," he laughs.</p>

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In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret.

In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret. The fast-growing, homely plant, Trema micrantha blume, is native to the Americas, where it is widespread and often considered a weed. But Moura Neto recently discovered its fruits and flowers contain one of the active ingredients in marijuana: cannabidiol, or CBD, which has shown promise as a treatment for conditions including epilepsy, autism, anxiety and chronic pain. Crucially, he also found it does not contain the other main ingredient in pot, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — the psychoactive substance that makes people high. That opens the possibility of an abundant new source of CBD, without the complications of cannabis, which remains illegal in many places. The discovery has made something of an overnight academic star of Dr Moura Neto, an affable, silver-haired 66-year-old who now has a packed schedule of meetings with patent experts and companies keen to tap the multi-billion-dollar CBD market. "It was wonderful to find a plant (with CBD but) without THC, because you avoid all the mess around psychotropic substances," says Moura Neto, who has spent the better part of five decades researching in this small lab at Rio de Janeiro Federal University. "That means the potential is enormous," he tells AFP. His 10-member team recently won a 500,000-real ($104,000) public grant to expand his project, which will now identify the best methods to extract CBD from "Trema," and then study its effectiveness as a substitute for medical marijuana. Man in demand Many of CBD's touted medical uses are still under research. The compound is controversial, including in Brazil, where patients have gone to court to win the right to use it. They often have to import it at eye-watering prices, given that cultivating medical marijuana remains illegal — though there is legislation before Congress to change that. Debates aside, demand for CBD is booming. The global market for CBD last year was estimated at nearly $5 billion. Analytics firm Vantage Market Research projects it will grow to more than $47 billion by 2028, driven mainly by health and wellness use. Interest in Moura Neto's research has been "huge," says Rosane Silva, the director of his laboratory, which sits off a hallway bustling with students and researchers in white lab coats. "Lots of companies have been calling, looking to collaborate" on an eventual non-cannabis-based CBD medication, Silva says, standing beside what she calls the "magical plant." A member of the Cannabaceae family — like cannabis — "Trema" can grow into a tree up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall. Moura Neto says he and the university may explore patenting any innovations they find for extracting CBD from its tiny fruits and flowers. But he is quick to add he won't patent "Trema" itself. He wants scientists everywhere to be able to research it. "If I dreamed of being a billionaire, I wouldn't have become a professor," he says. From policing to producing? Moura Neto started studying CBD for a completely different reason: trained as a forensic geneticist, he would analyze the DNA of marijuana seized by police to help investigators trace its source. When he came across a study that identified CBD in a related plant in Thailand — another member of the Cannabaceae family — he got the idea to test for it in "Trema." He says turning his still-unpublished findings into a drug ready for market will take five to 10 years of research and clinical trials — if it is possible at all. Cannabis, first domesticated in China more than 10,000 years ago, has been cultivated for millennia to hone its mind-altering and medicinal effects. CBD from "Trema" might not work as well, or at all, Moura Neto says. In the meantime, it's no use smoking the plant for a high. "That definitely won't do anything for you," he laughs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

This 'magic plant' has medical component CBD similar to marijuana in leaves and fruit, but no high

According to a recent report, Britney Spears is struggling with significant drug addiction. However, the singer disputes these claims, resorting to social media to express her opinion. In response to the drug charges made against her, Britney stated that she does not use crystal meth and that the rumours are entirely untrue. She also criticised the media outlets who had published the claims.

Britney Spears finds herself entangled in 'toxic' drama

At least 10 people were killed in a shootout in Northern Mexico near the U.S. border on 20th of May. The attack by heavily armed gunmen happened at a race between amateur rally drivers in the city of Ensenada. Alonso Arambula Pina, an alleged drug trafficker, is believed to be the intended target of the armed attack. The state of Baja California in Mexico, which has been hit hard by drug violence, announced the formation of a "special investigation group" to identify the killers and determine the motive behind the killings. Mohammed Saleh explores tang violence in Baja California.

World at War: Alleged drug trafficker targeted at a racing event in Mexico

Drug use among Nigerian youths has become a growing concern in recent years. The statistics are alarming, with over 11% of young Nigerians engaging in the abuse of hard drugs such as syrup, tramadol, diazepam, cocaine, and shisha mix. Why is this proving to be a menace for authorities in the West African country? Our correspondent Louisa Olaniyi sent us this report.

Growing drug menace in Nigeria

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