Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox.

Hello, everyone. Damian here with a rebound for biotech stocks, the potential of Wegovy, and a major change at the FDA.

The need-to-know this morning

• Abbvie said it would acquire ImmunoGen, a maker of cancer drugs, for $10.1 billion. ImmunoGen is being acquired for $31.26 per share, or a 95% premium to its Wednesday closing price. The company markets an antibody-drug conjugate called Elahere used to treat ovarian cancer.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…

Santo Domingo.- Yesterday, the United States Embassy made a significant contribution to the Dominican Republic’s efforts to combat African Swine Fever (ASF) by donating laboratory equipment and technical assistance worth US$3 million to the Central Veterinary Laboratory (Lavecen). The donation ceremony at Lavecen was led by Vice Minister Darío Vargas and Acting Minister Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Ted Bryan.

This donation is part of a larger aid package from the Agricultural Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture, which has provided US$30 million to the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture since ASF was detected in July 2021.

The funds have been utilized for various purposes, including the acquisition of laboratory equipment, PCR test equipment, reagents, and diagnostic support materials. Additionally, they have facilitated the continuous sampling of potentially infected pigs. The support also extends to providing a technical team responsible for offering training and support to local staff, along with training in data collection by American epidemiological experts.

Ted Bryan highlighted the U.S.’s continued support since July 2021, noting that over US$16 million has been compensated to Dominican pig farms that have incurred losses due to the disease. This collaboration underscores the strong partnership between the two countries in addressing agricultural health challenges.

Heading into the party season, partaking of too many holiday spirits can leave you with an unwelcome hangover — and can also wreak havoc on your gut health.

"In addition to being a significant contributor to weight gain due to high-calorie density, alcohol can also reduce our ability to fight infections and increase the risk of developing diseases, food intolerances and sensitivities — all as a result of poor gut health," said Dr. Gill Hart, biochemist and scientific director at U.K.-based YorkTest, a health and wellness company that provides lab tests for food sensitivities and allergies.

"Gut health" refers to the health of your entire gastrointestinal tract, including all the bacteria within your digestive system. 

THESE ARE THE WORST DRINKS FOR YOUR HEALTH, ACCORDING TO NUTRITIONISTS

When the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria is thrown out of whack, it can have a ripple effect on all aspects of your health. 

Hart shared with Fox News Digital seven ways that alcohol can impact gut health. She also shared tips on how to reduce those negative effects.

"Alcohol impacts our gut, causing imbalances in our healthy/unhealthy gut bacteria, exacerbating gut permeability and impacting our immune systems," Hart said.

A majority of the immune system — around 70% — is found in the gut, she said.

THE 11 BEST HIGH-FIBER FOODS TO INCORPORATE INTO YOUR DIET

"Since alcohol can compromise healthy bacteria, it’s essential to take steps to protect your gut biome when you drink to protect your immune system," she said.

Hart recommends aiming to stay within drinking guidelines, whatever that means for you.

That might mean having a minimum of three sober days per week, or only having alcohol with or after a meal to reduce absorption.

"Focusing on consuming foods rich in prebiotics, probiotics and fiber can help to restore a healthy gut biome and support your immune system," Hart said.

It’s not always just the alcohol (ethanol) that can irritate the gut. Sometimes other ingredients in alcoholic drinks can have negative effects, some of which aren’t always obvious, Hart warned.

"The grapes, wheat, barley, hops, yeast and other ingredients — such as fruits and dairy in cocktails and mixers — can all irritate your gut, causing inflammation," she said.

Those ingredients can also contribute to food intolerances and sensitivities, causing symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, low energy, low mood, headaches and even skin issues like eczema or psoriasis.

"Gassy drinks, such as mixers, often include artificial sweeteners that are not usually gut-friendly, so try to avoid these," Hart recommended.

It’s also important to consider the impact of the added sugars that are often present in alcoholic drinks, which are known to contribute to a higher risk of diabetes. 

"Those with type 2 diabetes may have a less diverse and balanced gut biome than non-diabetic individuals," Hart said.

CANCER RISK COULD INCREASE WITH CONSUMPTION OF CERTAIN FOODS AND DRINKS, STUDY FINDS

"Diabetes is the most common known cause of gastroparesis, a condition that affects how you digest your food," she said.

Symptoms of this condition include nausea, heartburn and bloating.

"To reduce diabetes risk, try to reduce or avoid consuming alcoholic drinks that are higher in sugar, such as cocktails, pre-mixed drinks, alcopops, liqueurs, cider, fortified wines and sherry," Hart suggested.

"A key takeaway is the effect of alcohol on the liver, which is also linked to gut health," Hart said. 

"Imbalances in the gut biome are linked to gastritis, which causes the stomach lining to become inflamed, and fatty liver disease, which leads to fatty tissues affecting optimal digestive function," she went on.

While only 60% of liver diseases are caused by alcohol, studies have shown that the most common cause of alcohol-related death in the U.S. is alcoholic liver disease.

An estimated one in eight total deaths among U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 years is attributed to excessive alcohol use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

EXPERIMENTAL WEIGHT LOSS DRUG COULD HELP TREAT FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN PEOPLE WITH OBESITY, STUDY FINDS

"The best way to reduce the effect of alcohol-related liver disease is to stop drinking alcohol or stick to the recommended Dietary Guidelines for Americans, limiting intake to two drinks or less a day for men and one drink or less for women," said Hart.

Excessive alcohol consumption can also inhibit the production of digestive enzymes, Hart warned, making it more difficult for your body to break down, digest and absorb food.

"This leads to an imbalance in the gut biome, with partially digested food being a cause of bloating and gas," she said.

When planning meals during a "heavy drinking season," she suggests focusing on foods that help to optimize your gut microbiome — "the 100 trillion bacteria that live in your gut that are crucial for your health."

Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut, contain probiotics that help to nourish and protect the gut, Hart added.

"The long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption really are sobering," said Hart. 

"Alcohol is a depressant — it contributes to depression, anxiety and heightened stress levels, and its negative effects on mental health are far more than most of us are ever likely to admit."

High levels of stress can inhibit the digestive system in similar ways to alcohol, she warned — "although the heightened stress levels after drinking alcohol often linger longer, making any dietary efforts to improve gut health after a drinking session less impactful."

To help calm the digestive system and support gut health and immunity, Hart said it’s important to cultivate a "relaxation response."

"Taking time to rest and recharge after a night of drinking alcohol, in whatever way that works for you, is essential to support your mental wellness and gut health," she added.

"While it’s important to keep hydrated when drinking alcohol, drinking more water or soft drinks isn’t going to offset the effect that alcohol has on your gut," Hart said.

"However, if drinking more water — or soft drinks such as kombucha tea or low- to no-alcohol beverages — means drinking less alcohol, then this is the best way to reduce the risk of negative effects that alcohol can have on your gut and overall health."

Hart suggests starting the evening with a zero- or low-alcohol drink, then alternating consuming alcoholic drinks with water to avoid dehydration (and a hangover).

Better yet, low-alcohol or no-alcohol wine and beers make it easier to drink socially without alcohol, which Hart said is a much better choice for your health.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Aside from reducing alcohol consumption as a whole, simple diet changes such as avoiding sugary and carbonated mixed drinks, replacing alcohol with low- or no-alcohol alternatives, and only drinking alcohol with or after food can reduce the negative effects of alcohol on your gut health," Hart added. 

Additionally, making an effort to consume fermented foods post-drinking is important to restore your microbiome for a healthy gut. 

Hart added, "Taking a closer look at the ingredients in alcoholic drinks and taking a food sensitivity test can also be important to identify any foods in your diet that could contribute to discomfort and poor gut health."

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

Santo Domingo.- This Wednesday, the Essential Medicines and Central Logistics Support Program (PROMESE/CAL) conducted a reading of the economic proposals for the National Public Tender reference PROMESE/CAL-CCC-LPN-2023 0011. This process will allocate 2.338 billion pesos for the purchase of medicines.

Adolfo Pérez, the director of PROMESE/CAL, stated that this procurement is a part of the institution’s annual planning. It will include not only medicines but also health supplies to ensure the National Public Health System and People’s Pharmacies’ needs are met.

Pérez emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency in its processes. He expressed confidence that these efforts would lead to the restoration of trust in the state, its institutions, and public servants.

Over the past three years, under the government led by President Luis Abinader, more than 40 billion pesos have been allocated for purchasing medicines and health supplies, including high-cost medications. Pérez also highlighted the effectiveness of adhering to Law 340-06 on Purchasing and Contracting, leading to significant savings for the state while enhancing health coverage.

The event, held at a hotel in the capital, was conducted publicly in the presence of notaries public, bidders, a compliance officer from the Public Procurement Directorate, the PROMESE/CAL purchasing committee, media representatives, and opinion leaders. This public approach underscores the commitment to transparency and integrity in the procurement process.

Santo Domingo.- The first National Health and Artificial Intelligence Forum, an initiative by Listín Diario, has successfully convened various local and international health sector stakeholders. The event, aimed at exploring the integration of human talent and artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine, fostered a rich debate about the future of this convergence.

Artificial intelligence has progressively infiltrated broader and more complex fields, revolutionizing traditional methods and enhancing efficiency in various sectors, including health. This evolution in medicine, especially in the Dominican Republic, has been marked by the integration of advanced machines and analysis systems. This progress aligns with the goals set in the National Health Strategic Plan (Plandes 2030), as stated by the Minister of Public Health, Daniel Rivera.

At the forum, Rivera highlighted that AI is rapidly transforming medical practices worldwide. He outlined seven key areas for AI implementation in the Dominican health system, starting with an evaluation of the technological needs of both public and private health systems. He emphasized that AI could significantly enhance medical research, information accessibility, service automation and personalization, and predictive analysis.

Rivera also announced a comprehensive digital health transformation program starting next year, backed by a budget of 900 million pesos. This includes the introduction of a digital health plan, Salud 2030, featuring an electronic medical record system to consolidate patient information. Additionally, the Law 42-01 on Health will be updated to include ethical regulatory frameworks for AI in healthcare.

The minister stressed the importance of transforming health sciences investment programs to incorporate AI training for health professionals. Both the Ministry of Public Health and the National Health Service are expected to undergo digital transformations. Educational programs in medical AI are also planned, alongside the procurement of new equipment and the promotion of public-private sector collaboration.

Addressing concerns about AI replacing doctors, Javier González, Associate President of Education and Director of the Pediatric Education Center in Cincinnati, assured that AI would not replace physicians but rather serve as a supportive tool, especially in medical education. He warned against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the importance of maintaining human elements in medical training.

Julio Peguero, a cardiology and ultrasound specialist at the Memorial Healthcare System Broward County in Florida and a designer of AI systems for service management, explained that AI intersects with health science in diagnosis, medical analysis, and strategy development. Besides healthcare, AI has applications in robotics, scientific research, transportation, finance, and education.

The forum showcased the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, emphasizing its role as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human medical professionals.

Here are the top medical news of the day:

Allergic responses to common foods could increase risk of heart disease, cardiovascular death

Allergic responses to common foods such as dairy and peanuts can increase the risk for heart disease and cardiovascular death as much or more than smoking, new research suggests in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. These dangerous allergic responses can strike both people with food allergies and those with no obvious allergy symptoms.

Approximately 15% of adults produce IgE antibodies in response to cow's milk, peanuts and other foods. While these antibodies cause some people to have severe food allergies, many adults who make these antibodies have no obvious food allergy.

Reference: Corinne Keet, Emily C. McGowan, David Jacobs, Wendy S. Post, Nathan E. Richards, Lisa J. Workman, Thomas A.E. Platts-Mills, Ani Manichaikul, Jeffrey M. Wilson. IgE to common food allergens is associated with cardiovascular mortality in the National Health and Examination Survey and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2023; DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.038

Childhood trauma linked to headaches in adulthood

People who have experienced traumatic events in childhood such as abuse, neglect or household dysfunction may be more likely to experience headache disorders as adults, according to a meta-analysis published in the October 25, 2023, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The meta-analysis involved 28 studies, including 154,739 participants across 19 countries. Of the total participants, 48,625 people, or 31%, reported at least one traumatic childhood event, and 24,956 people, or 16%, were diagnosed with primary headaches

Among participants with at least one traumatic childhood event, 26% were diagnosed with a primary headache disorder, compared to 12% of participants that had no traumatic childhood events

Reference: Claudia Sikorski, Anna C Mavromanoli, Karishma Manji, Danial Behzad, Catherine Kreatsoulas. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Primary Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Application of a Biological Theory. Neurology, 2023; 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207910 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207910

Study indicates possible link between chronic stress and Alzheimer's disease

Some 160,000 people have some form of dementia in Sweden, Alzheimer's disease being the most common, a figure that is rising with our life expectancy.

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have published a study in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy that addresses possible associations between chronic stress, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The study shows how people aged between 18 and 65 with a previous diagnosis of chronic stress and depression were more likely than other people to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.

The study shows that the risk of Alzheimer's disease was more than twice as high in patients with chronic stress and in patients with depression as it was in patients without either condition; in patients with both chronic stress and depression it was up to four times as high

Reference: Johanna Wallensten, Gunnar Ljunggren, Anna Nager, Caroline Wachtler, Nenad Bogdanovic, Predrag Petrovic, Axel C. Carlsson. Stress, depression, and risk of dementia – a cohort study in the total population between 18 and 65 years old in Region Stockholm. Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, 2023; 15 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01308-4

"Constant exposure to low-dose amiodarone was associated with a trend towards increased ILD risk (15%-45%) but a clinically negligible change in absolute risk (maximum of 1.8%), no increased PLC risk, and a lower risk of all-cause mortality," reported Gal Tsaban, University of the Negev Beersheva, Israel, and colleagues.

The findings published in European Heart Journal highlight the safety of intermediate- to long-term amiodarone use, without evidence of increased mortality risks.

Amiodarone-related interstitial lung disease is the most severe adverse effect of treatment with amiodarone. Most studies on amiodarone-related ILD are derived from periods when amiodarone was given at higher doses than currently used. Therefore, the research team aimed to determine the association between constant exposure to low-dose amiodarone and the risk of ILD, PLC, or all-cause mortality among contemporary AF patients. For this purpose, they conducted a nationwide population-based study among patients with incident atrial fibrillation between 1999 and 2021.

The researchers matched amiodarone-exposed patients 1:1 with controls unexposed to amiodarone based on sex, age, ethnicity, and AF diagnosis duration. The final cohort comprised only matched pairs where amiodarone therapy was consistent throughout follow-up. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) modelling and directed acyclic graphs were used. Patients with either prior primary lung cancer or ILD were excluded. The primary outcome of the study was determined as the ILD incidence. The secondary endpoints were PLC and death.

The final cohort included 6039 patients exposed to amiodarone who were matched with unexposed controls. The median age was 73.3 years, and 51.6% were women.

The study led to the following findings:

• After a mean follow-up of 4.2 years, ILD occurred in 2.0% of the patients.
• After IPTW, amiodarone exposure was not significantly associated with ILD [hazard ratio (HR): 1.45].
• There was a trivial higher relative risk of ILD among amiodarone-exposed patients between Years 2 and 8 of follow-up [maximal risk ratio (RR): 1.019].
• Primary lung cancer occurred in 97 patients.
• After IPTW, amiodarone was not associated with PLC (HR: 1.18).
• All-cause death occurred in 18.1% of patients.
• After IPTW, amiodarone was associated with reduced mortality risk (HR: 0.65). The results were consistent across a variety of sensitivity analyses.

"Our findings showed that constant exposure to low-dose amiodarone was associated with clinically negligible, raised risk of ILD, no increased PLC risk, and lower risk of all-cause mortality," the researchers wrote.

"The results were consistent across several sensitivity analyses," they concluded.

Reference:

Tsaban, G., Ostrovsky, D., Alnsasra, H., Burrack, N., Gordon, M., Babayev, A. S., Omari, Y., Kezerle, L., Shamia, D., Bereza, S., Konstantino, Y., & Haim, M. Amiodarone and pulmonary toxicity in atrial fibrillation: A nationwide Israeli study. European Heart Journal. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehad726

PARIS (AP): France will ban smoking on all beaches, in public parks, forests and some other public areas as part of a national anti-tobacco plan presented by the health minister on Tuesday. Tobacco products cause 75,000 avoidable deaths a year in...

CHILDREN WITH poor eating habits do not get the right amounts of nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Children’s food preferences and eating habits are formed early in life, and the time that they spend in their early years...