Category: Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first official position paper on immunization against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — a critical step in the fight against a disease responsible for nearly 100,000 deaths and 3.6 million hospitalizations each year among children under five. The paper, published in the Weekly Epidemiological Record, outlines evidence-based strategies to protect infants, especially those under six months old, who are the most vulnerable. 🦠 What is RSV? Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in young children. 👶 WHO Recommendations: Protecting Infants The WHO recommends two primary methods to prevent severe RSV disease in infants: 1. Maternal Vaccination 2. Monoclonal Antibody – Nirsevimab 💡 Key Insight: Infants under 6 months benefit the most, but protection may extend up to 12 months. 🧓 What About Older Adults? The WHO is actively reviewing data to determine whether RSV vaccines should also be recommended for: In some countries, such vaccines are already in use for older adults. 📌 Why This Matters 🌍 A Lifesaving Step Forward By emphasizing maternal immunization and early infant protection, WHO’s new RSV position paper could save thousands of lives annually — especially in resource-limited settings where the burden is greatest.

A team of researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has made significant progress in the search for effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. In a recent study published in the journal Drug Discovery Today, the scientists have highlighted the therapeutic potential of peptidomimetics — synthetic molecules that mimic the structure and function of natural proteins — to promote neuronal growth and survival, two key challenges in treating brain degeneration. The study emphasizes that while neurotrophins (natural proteins essential for the survival and function of neurons) have shown promise in treatment, their instability and rapid breakdown in the body have limited their clinical use. To overcome this, the IASST team has been investigating synthetic neurotrophin mimetics that can offer greater stability, enhanced bioavailability, and longer-lasting therapeutic effects. Led by Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, the researchers noted that these peptidomimetic drugs can be engineered to specifically target certain receptors in the brain, thereby minimizing side effects and improving efficacy. “Neurotrophin peptidomimetics are developed to target specific biological functions and can be valuable tools in drug discovery, especially when natural peptides have limitations like poor oral bioavailability or susceptibility to degradation,” the team stated. The research delves into: The team also envisions designing new drug prototypes based on neurotrophin-mimicking compounds that could be more effective and versatile than current treatments. As the research progresses, peptidomimetics are poised to become a revolutionary approach in treating neurodegenerative disorders, offering renewed hope for millions of patients worldwide and shaping future therapeutic developments.