Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Demand For Weight Loss Injections Now ‘Unsustainable’, Experts Say Most Don’t Qualify

What started as a promising medical breakthrough is fast turning into a public health dilemma. <span>Weight loss injections</span> like <span>Wegovy</span> and <span>Mounjaro</span> have exploded in popularity, hailed for their effectiveness in reducing obesity and improving metabolic health. But the current demand for these drugs has escalated to a point that pharmacists across the UK and the US are calling it unsustainable.

Far more people want the jabs than are clinically eligible to receive them. And the gap between public perception and medical reality is only growing wider.

According to a poll commissioned by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), around 21% of adults said they had tried to access weight-loss injections in the past year. Among younger adults aged 16 to 34, that number shot up to 35%. Yet the actual number of people who meet the clinical criteria for these drugs—based on BMI and comorbidities—is significantly smaller.

As pressure mounts on both private and public healthcare systems, experts are urging restraint, better education, and tighter regulations to prevent a brewing crisis: drug shortages, black-market sales, and patients using powerful medications without proper oversight.

<h2>What These Drugs Are And Who They’re Really For?</h2>

Wegovy and Mounjaro belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, they’ve since been found to trigger weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. Clinical trials show patients can lose between 15% to 20% of their body weight over time with these injections—far outperforming older diet drugs.

However, these are not designed for casual use or cosmetic weight loss. Under current UK guidelines—mirroring those in the US—these drugs are only approved for people with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. The NHS has even stricter criteria for its limited rollout: patients must have a BMI over 40 and at least four weight-related comorbidities.

Despite this, the NPA survey shows that public interest is surging. 41% of all adults said they’d opt for these jabs if they were available for free through the NHS. Among those aged 25 to 34, interest jumps to 64%—even though many in this group are unlikely to qualify.

The spike in interest isn’t just a theoretical concern. Supply chains are already under strain.

According to the NPA, 1.6 million packs of Wegovy and Mounjaro were purchased in the UK in April alone—a number believed to reflect the actual user base. Meanwhile, some pharmacies have begun limiting access due to shortages, especially for higher dosages of Mounjaro.

This isn’t just a UK problem. In the US, Wegovy shortages have been ongoing since late 2023, leading to months-long waitlists in some areas. Healthcare providers have had to triage who gets treatment, often prioritizing patients with severe obesity or life-threatening complications.

“The demand is spiralling far beyond what is clinically deliverable,” said Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association. “Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century—but they need to be reserved for those who truly need them.”

<h2>How The Black Market Is Also A BIG Problem?</h2>

The concern now is not just about meeting demand—but managing it safely. As access becomes more limited, more people are turning to unregulated online sellers, beauty clinics, or even social media to obtain the injections. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the US FDA have both issued warnings about the risks of sourcing these drugs without medical supervision.

Buying Wegovy or Mounjaro online or from non-clinical settings raises the chances of getting counterfeit or improperly stored medication, not to mention bypassing essential medical checks. These drugs are meant to be taken as part of a structured weight management plan, including dietary guidance, lifestyle support, and regular health monitoring.

Without that ecosystem, even legitimate medications can become dangerous. Despite the chaos, pharmacists see an opportunity to play a larger, more regulated role.

Currently, 85% of all weight loss drug prescriptions are issued by community pharmacies. The NPA is now pushing for pharmacies to become more formally integrated into the NHS weight management rollout and to be equipped with clearer protocols, funding, and legal support.

“Pharmacists are experts in medication, and many already have experience delivering these jabs as part of a complete care package,” Picard explained. “If we’re going to scale up access, pharmacies are in the best position to do it safely.”

But he also emphasizes the need for new national regulations—especially for the private market and online prescribing. These should include mandatory two-way consultations and access to comprehensive medical histories before prescriptions are given.

<h2>The “Worried Well” vs. Clinical Need</h2>

One of the most pressing ethical dilemmas is who gets priority when supply is short.

“There’s a big difference between someone whose life is at risk from obesity-related disease and someone who’s hoping to lose ten pounds before vacation,” said Picard.

This distinction has led to the growing use of the term “the worried well”—people who may have a normal or near-normal BMI, but want to use these drugs for aesthetic reasons or as a quick fix. While everyone has the right to pursue their health goals, many experts argue that this group should not be taking up limited medical resources, especially when there’s no clinical indication.

Health agencies and professional bodies are calling for public education campaigns to clarify the appropriate use of GLP-1 drugs, to manage expectations, and to reduce pressure on already overstretched supply chains.

The UK’s Department of Health has said that up to 220,000 people in England will be offered tirzepatide (the drug in Mounjaro) over the next three years as part of its long-term obesity strategy. In the US, insurers are still grappling with coverage decisions, but pressure is mounting to expand access—particularly for patients in medically underserved communities.

Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry is racing to increase production, and new weight loss drugs are on the horizon. But none of this solves the immediate issue: demand already outstrips supply, and most of the people seeking these drugs may not even qualify.

Weight loss injections are not a silver bullet. They’re a tool, not a miracle cure and like any tool, their effectiveness depends on proper use, oversight, and the right person wielding them.

For now, healthcare systems must walk a tightrope expanding access to those in clinical need while holding the line against misuse, misinformation, and unsafe practices. Because when it comes to powerful medicines that affect your metabolism, more isn’t always better.

Health Conditions A-Z

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weight loss injections

ozempic

wegovy

mounjaro

glp 1 drugs

obesity treatment

fda weight loss guidelines

semaglutide demand

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What started as a promising medical breakthrough is fast turning into a public health dilemma. Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro have exploded in popularity, hailed for their effectiveness in reducing obesity and improving metabolic health. But the current demand for these drugs has escalated to a point that pharmacists across the UK and the US are calling it unsustainable.Far more people want the jabs than are clinically eligible to receive them. And the gap between public perception and medical reality is only growing wider.According to a poll commissioned by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), around 21% of adults said they had tried to access weight-loss injections in the past year. Among younger adults aged 16 to 34, that number shot up to 35%. Yet the actual number of people who meet the clinical criteria for these drugs—based on BMI and comorbidities—is significantly smaller.As pressure mounts on both private and public healthcare systems, experts are urging restraint, better education, and tighter regulations to prevent a brewing crisis: drug shortages, black-market sales, and patients using powerful medications without proper oversight.What These Drugs Are And Who They’re Really For?Wegovy and Mounjaro belong to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, they’ve since been found to trigger weight loss by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. Clinical trials show patients can lose between 15% to 20% of their body weight over time with these injections—far outperforming older diet drugs.However, these are not designed for casual use or cosmetic weight loss. Under current UK guidelines—mirroring those in the US—these drugs are only approved for people with a BMI over 30, or over 27 with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. The NHS has even stricter criteria for its limited rollout: patients must have a BMI over 40 and at least four weight-related comorbidities.Despite this, the NPA survey shows that public interest is surging. 41% of all adults said they’d opt for these jabs if they were available for free through the NHS. Among those aged 25 to 34, interest jumps to 64%—even though many in this group are unlikely to qualify.The Supply Chain Is StrugglingThe spike in interest isn’t just a theoretical concern. Supply chains are already under strain.According to the NPA, 1.6 million packs of Wegovy and Mounjaro were purchased in the UK in April alone—a number believed to reflect the actual user base. Meanwhile, some pharmacies have begun limiting access due to shortages, especially for higher dosages of Mounjaro.This isn’t just a UK problem. In the US, Wegovy shortages have been ongoing since late 2023, leading to months-long waitlists in some areas. Healthcare providers have had to triage who gets treatment, often prioritizing patients with severe obesity or life-threatening complications.“The demand is spiralling far beyond what is clinically deliverable,” said Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association. “Weight loss jabs are one of the biggest drug innovations this century—but they need to be reserved for those who truly need them.”How The Black Market Is Also A BIG Problem?The concern now is not just about meeting demand—but managing it safely. As access becomes more limited, more people are turning to unregulated online sellers, beauty clinics, or even social media to obtain the injections. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the US FDA have both issued warnings about the risks of sourcing these drugs without medical supervision.Buying Wegovy or Mounjaro online or from non-clinical settings raises the chances of getting counterfeit or improperly stored medication, not to mention bypassing essential medical checks. These drugs are meant to be taken as part of a structured weight management plan, including dietary guidance, lifestyle support, and regular health monitoring.Without that ecosystem, even legitimate medications can become dangerous. Despite the chaos, pharmacists see an opportunity to play a larger, more regulated role.Currently, 85% of all weight loss drug prescriptions are issued by community pharmacies. The NPA is now pushing for pharmacies to become more formally integrated into the NHS weight management rollout and to be equipped with clearer protocols, funding, and legal support.“Pharmacists are experts in medication, and many already have experience delivering these jabs as part of a complete care package,” Picard explained. “If we’re going to scale up access, pharmacies are in the best position to do it safely.”But he also emphasizes the need for new national regulations—especially for the private market and online prescribing. These should include mandatory two-way consultations and access to comprehensive medical histories before prescriptions are given.The “Worried Well” vs. Clinical NeedOne of the most pressing ethical dilemmas is who gets priority when supply is short.“There’s a big difference between someone whose life is at risk from obesity-related disease and someone who’s hoping to lose ten pounds before vacation,” said Picard.This distinction has led to the growing use of the term “the worried well”—people who may have a normal or near-normal BMI, but want to use these drugs for aesthetic reasons or as a quick fix. While everyone has the right to pursue their health goals, many experts argue that this group should not be taking up limited medical resources, especially when there’s no clinical indication.Health agencies and professional bodies are calling for public education campaigns to clarify the appropriate use of GLP-1 drugs, to manage expectations, and to reduce pressure on already overstretched supply chains.The UK’s Department of Health has said that up to 220,000 people in England will be offered tirzepatide (the drug in Mounjaro) over the next three years as part of its long-term obesity strategy. In the US, insurers are still grappling with coverage decisions, but pressure is mounting to expand access—particularly for patients in medically underserved communities.Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry is racing to increase production, and new weight loss drugs are on the horizon. But none of this solves the immediate issue: demand already outstrips supply, and most of the people seeking these drugs may not even qualify.Weight loss injections are not a silver bullet. They’re a tool, not a miracle cure and like any tool, their effectiveness depends on proper use, oversight, and the right person wielding them.For now, healthcare systems must walk a tightrope expanding access to those in clinical need while holding the line against misuse, misinformation, and unsafe practices. Because when it comes to powerful medicines that affect your metabolism, more isn’t always better.

demand for weight loss injections now ‘unsustainable’, experts say most don’t qualify ozempic mounjaro wegovy glp-1 drugs

Wait What! Why Scientists Are Turning To Llamas To Cure Schizophrenia

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Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 5.7 million American adults, or roughly 2.6% of the adult population, according to the National Institute of <span>Mental Health</span>. And while lithium remains one of the most effective treatments, its narrow therapeutic window means monitoring will always be part of the equation. For millions of people living with bipolar disorder, lithium remains one of the most reliable medications available. It’s a cornerstone of treatment—a powerful mood stabilizer capable of managing both manic and depressive episodes. But here’s the problem: lithium has a razor-thin therapeutic window. Too little, and it’s ineffective. Too much, and it can cause serious harm—kidney failure, thyroid damage, or worse. That means patients must routinely monitor blood levels, often through invasive, time-consuming blood draws.

Now, a team of engineers and medical researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) has developed a game-changing solution: a first-of-its-kind wearable lithium sensor that measures drug levels in real-time using sweat. No needles. No lab visits. Just a patch and a smartphone.

<h2>Why Lithium Monitoring Has Always Been So Hard?</h2>

Lithium, though widely prescribed and highly effective, isn’t a one-size-fits-all drug. Dosage must be tailored for each patient, with careful consideration of body weight, diet, hydration, and other variables. And even after a dose is dialed in, regular lab tests are essential to ensure safety.

For patients, that often means monthly or more frequent blood draws—painful, inconvenient, and for some, a barrier to consistent treatment. Add to that the cost, anxiety, and time involved, and you begin to see why a more user-friendly monitoring method has been a long-standing need in psychiatry.

Being able to track these levels continuously over time will improve safety by allowing for medication dose adjustments that avoid side effects and potential medication toxicity.

<h2>How Does The Wearable Sensor Work?</h2>

Sweat-based sensing is a noninvasive approach that bypasses the needle altogether. While the idea might sound futuristic, the science is sound. Sweat carries many of the same chemical markers as blood, including lithium concentrations, and reflects them in real time.

The newly developed sensor from USC includes a skin-safe iontophoresis system—a gentle electrical current that stimulates localized sweating without requiring the wearer to exercise. In just a few minutes, the patch collects sweat, analyzes it, and sends the lithium level data to a companion smartphone app.

<em>Think of it like a glucose monitor, but for mood stabilization.</em>

At the heart of the wearable device is a breakthrough in electronics: organic electrochemical transistors, or OECTs. These are tiny, low-power sensors that respond to the presence of ions—like lithium—in a liquid medium. But what sets this new device apart is the fact that it’s fully printed, meaning it can be manufactured affordably at scale.

The USC team customized the OECT materials to respond specifically to lithium ions, something traditional sensors weren’t optimized for. This is what allows the device to deliver reliable readings without the need for expensive or bulky lab equipment.

According to Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, lead author of the study and a PhD candidate in the USC Khan Lab, “Our goal was to make lithium tracking as easy and comfortable for patients as checking a daily fitness tracker.”

This isn’t just lab theory. The USC researchers collaborated with psychiatrists and actual patients during early trials. They conducted a pilot study with patients actively taking lithium, comparing the wearable’s readings with those of traditional commercial lithium sensors. The match was successful.

Patients reported that the wearable felt like a huge relief—no more frequent lab visits, no more stress about waiting days for results. One participant even noted how seeing consistent readings around 0.4 millimolar (mM) helped them better understand their own treatment.

“This kind of personalized insight is one of the key benefits of wearable technologies,” said Yasser Khan, lead investigator and director of the USC Khan Lab.

<h2>How It Can Transform Bipolar Treatment?</h2>

For a mental health condition as complex and lifelong as bipolar disorder, personal agency matters. The new lithium sensor gives patients the power to understand and manage their treatment from anywhere—at home, at work, while traveling. It reduces reliance on clinical infrastructure and gives both patients and doctors more data to guide decision-making.

But the team isn’t stopping there. They’re already working on next-gen versions powered by artificial intelligence. These advanced systems could one day automatically adjust lithium dosage in response to real-time levels, completely closing the loop between monitoring and medication.

“This is a market-ready technology,” Khan noted. “What we need now is broader clinical validation—studies involving hundreds of patients—and partnerships to bring the device into commercial production.”

This new wearable could change that equation completely—making lithium tracking less invasive, more frequent, and far more accessible. That’s not just a tech upgrade. That’s a leap forward in how we care for people with serious mental health conditions.

Just as glucose monitors transformed diabetes care, sweat-based lithium sensors could do the same for bipolar disorder. It’s a shift from episodic to continuous care, from reactive to proactive management—and it’s coming not from a big pharma company, but from an interdisciplinary lab bringing engineers, doctors, and patients together.

As this innovation moves from pilot phase to potential FDA approval and commercial availability, it represents something more than just a sensor. It’s a symbol of how technology and empathy can work together to improve lives.

mental health

bipolar disorder treatment

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Bipolar disorder affects an estimated 5.7 million American adults, or roughly 2.6% of the adult population, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. And while lithium remains one of the most effective treatments, its narrow therapeutic window means monitoring will always be part of the equation. For millions of people living with bipolar disorder, lithium remains one of the most reliable medications available. It’s a cornerstone of treatment—a powerful mood stabilizer capable of managing both manic and depressive episodes. But here’s the problem: lithium has a razor-thin therapeutic window. Too little, and it’s ineffective. Too much, and it can cause serious harm—kidney failure, thyroid damage, or worse. That means patients must routinely monitor blood levels, often through invasive, time-consuming blood draws.Now, a team of engineers and medical researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) has developed a game-changing solution: a first-of-its-kind wearable lithium sensor that measures drug levels in real-time using sweat. No needles. No lab visits. Just a patch and a smartphone.Why Lithium Monitoring Has Always Been So Hard?Lithium, though widely prescribed and highly effective, isn’t a one-size-fits-all drug. Dosage must be tailored for each patient, with careful consideration of body weight, diet, hydration, and other variables. And even after a dose is dialed in, regular lab tests are essential to ensure safety.For patients, that often means monthly or more frequent blood draws—painful, inconvenient, and for some, a barrier to consistent treatment. Add to that the cost, anxiety, and time involved, and you begin to see why a more user-friendly monitoring method has been a long-standing need in psychiatry.Being able to track these levels continuously over time will improve safety by allowing for medication dose adjustments that avoid side effects and potential medication toxicity.How Does The Wearable Sensor Work?Sweat-based sensing is a noninvasive approach that bypasses the needle altogether. While the idea might sound futuristic, the science is sound. Sweat carries many of the same chemical markers as blood, including lithium concentrations, and reflects them in real time.The newly developed sensor from USC includes a skin-safe iontophoresis system—a gentle electrical current that stimulates localized sweating without requiring the wearer to exercise. In just a few minutes, the patch collects sweat, analyzes it, and sends the lithium level data to a companion smartphone app.Think of it like a glucose monitor, but for mood stabilization.At the heart of the wearable device is a breakthrough in electronics: organic electrochemical transistors, or OECTs. These are tiny, low-power sensors that respond to the presence of ions—like lithium—in a liquid medium. But what sets this new device apart is the fact that it’s fully printed, meaning it can be manufactured affordably at scale.The USC team customized the OECT materials to respond specifically to lithium ions, something traditional sensors weren’t optimized for. This is what allows the device to deliver reliable readings without the need for expensive or bulky lab equipment.According to Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, lead author of the study and a PhD candidate in the USC Khan Lab, “Our goal was to make lithium tracking as easy and comfortable for patients as checking a daily fitness tracker.”This isn’t just lab theory. The USC researchers collaborated with psychiatrists and actual patients during early trials. They conducted a pilot study with patients actively taking lithium, comparing the wearable’s readings with those of traditional commercial lithium sensors. The match was successful.Patients reported that the wearable felt like a huge relief—no more frequent lab visits, no more stress about waiting days for results. One participant even noted how seeing consistent readings around 0.4 millimolar (mM) helped them better understand their own treatment.“This kind of personalized insight is one of the key benefits of wearable technologies,” said Yasser Khan, lead investigator and director of the USC Khan Lab.How It Can Transform Bipolar Treatment?For a mental health condition as complex and lifelong as bipolar disorder, personal agency matters. The new lithium sensor gives patients the power to understand and manage their treatment from anywhere—at home, at work, while traveling. It reduces reliance on clinical infrastructure and gives both patients and doctors more data to guide decision-making.But the team isn’t stopping there. They’re already working on next-gen versions powered by artificial intelligence. These advanced systems could one day automatically adjust lithium dosage in response to real-time levels, completely closing the loop between monitoring and medication.“This is a market-ready technology,” Khan noted. “What we need now is broader clinical validation—studies involving hundreds of patients—and partnerships to bring the device into commercial production.”This new wearable could change that equation completely—making lithium tracking less invasive, more frequent, and far more accessible. That’s not just a tech upgrade. That’s a leap forward in how we care for people with serious mental health conditions.Just as glucose monitors transformed diabetes care, sweat-based lithium sensors could do the same for bipolar disorder. It’s a shift from episodic to continuous care, from reactive to proactive management—and it’s coming not from a big pharma company, but from an interdisciplinary lab bringing engineers, doctors, and patients together.As this innovation moves from pilot phase to potential FDA approval and commercial availability, it represents something more than just a sensor. It’s a symbol of how technology and empathy can work together to improve lives.

new sweat-sensing wearable could help monitor and improve bipolar disorder treatment

Wait What! Way Scientists Are Turning To Llamas To Cure Schizophrenia?

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<span>Schizophrenia</span>, a mental illness involving some 1% of the world's population has long resisted treatments that effectively tackle its cognitive impairments. But a new hero is in the offing, and it's one that few would have predicted: the llama. Scientists at France's Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique have designed short fragments of llama antibody 'nanobodies' that penetrate the blood-brain barrier and restore brain function in mice with schizophrenia-like impairments.

This study, published in Nature on July 23, shows that a single injection into mice can correct memory and behavioral impairments for nearly a week, offering a possible path to therapies that go beyond symptom management.

Existing antipsychotic drugs target hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking—but do little for cognitive symptoms: memory lapses, attention deficits, planning difficulties, and more. These impairments, which often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, profoundly impact daily life and social integration.

Nanobodies, on the other hand, target the mGlu2 glutamate receptor directly, a neural pathway that is linked to cognitive control. The nanobody derived from llama—herein described as DN13–DN1—is highly specific and will not cause off-target activity, yet it can activate this essential receptor to restore brain signaling equilibrium in NMDA receptor hypofunction models.

One of the hardest problems in brain drug development is the blood–brain barrier—a physiological gatekeeper that blocks most therapies from reaching the brain. Traditional antibodies, although powerful, are too large to pass through.

Nanobodies, which are about one-tenth the size of conventional antibodies, proved to be small enough to permeate this barrier. In this study, they successfully reached brain regions responsible for cognition and maintained therapeutic levels for up to seven days after just one dose.

<h2>What Happened in Preclinical Tests?</h2>

The researchers tested DN13–DN1 in two mouse models with schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits:

Behavioral improvements: Mice treated with a single injection showed restored memory and decision-making in object recognition and spatial tests.

Sensory gating corrected: Sensorimotor gating—a process that filters out unnecessary stimuli—returned to normal, a function often impaired in schizophrenia.

Long-lasting effect: Benefits persisted for at least a week, far longer than typical drug effects in similar models.

Safety profile: No noticeable impact on basic motor function or brain receptor expression, suggesting a targeted and low-risk mechanism.

<h2>What This Means for Schizophrenia Patients?</h2>

“For humans obviously we don't know yet—but in mice, it’s sufficient to treat most deficits of schizophrenia,” said molecular biologist Jean-Philippe Pin, one of the study’s senior authors at the Institute of Functional Genomics in Montpellier, France.

If human trials follow the success seen in mice, nanobody-based therapies could extend beyond schizophrenia to other brain disorders that hinge on glutamate signaling—such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. The researchers themselves emphasize that this is only a proof of concept. Next steps include:

<ul><li>Humanization of nanobodies to prevent immune rejection</li><li>Long-term safety and toxicity testing</li><li>Large-scale production to meet clinical demand</li><li>Funding and industrial partnerships to support early-phase trials</li></ul>

If all goes well, this research could mark a critical shift in <span>mental health</span> care—delivering medication that directly targets cognitive impairment, not just psychotic symptoms.

What makes this approach so revolutionary is its combination of precision, biodegradability, and ease of administration. Nanobodies are produced more efficiently than traditional antibodies, exert fewer off-target effects, and can be administered via standard injections instead of invasive delivery systems.

Moreover, their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier opens up possibilities for treatments of other neurological disorders—transforming a once-impenetrable challenge into a rapidly evolving frontier.

It’s hard to overstate how unexpected this discovery is: an animal known for its wool, not its neurology, yielding molecules with the potential to heal minds. But that’s exactly where science is advancing today.

As mental health specialists and patients await rigorous human testing, the implications are clear: nanobodies could finally deliver a therapy that addresses schizophrenia’s most stubborn challenges—cognition and quality of life. If the promise of llama-based treatments holds in human trials, we may be on the cusp of a new paradigm in psychiatric medicine—bridging immunology and neuroscience, one nanobody injection at a time.

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schizophrenia cure hope

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Schizophrenia, a mental illness involving some 1% of the world's population has long resisted treatments that effectively tackle its cognitive impairments. But a new hero is in the offing, and it's one that few would have predicted: the llama. Scientists at France's Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique have designed short fragments of llama antibody 'nanobodies' that penetrate the blood-brain barrier and restore brain function in mice with schizophrenia-like impairments.This study, published in Nature on July 23, shows that a single injection into mice can correct memory and behavioral impairments for nearly a week, offering a possible path to therapies that go beyond symptom management.Existing antipsychotic drugs target hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking—but do little for cognitive symptoms: memory lapses, attention deficits, planning difficulties, and more. These impairments, which often begin in late adolescence or early adulthood, profoundly impact daily life and social integration.Nanobodies, on the other hand, target the mGlu2 glutamate receptor directly, a neural pathway that is linked to cognitive control. The nanobody derived from llama—herein described as DN13–DN1—is highly specific and will not cause off-target activity, yet it can activate this essential receptor to restore brain signaling equilibrium in NMDA receptor hypofunction models.One of the hardest problems in brain drug development is the blood–brain barrier—a physiological gatekeeper that blocks most therapies from reaching the brain. Traditional antibodies, although powerful, are too large to pass through.Nanobodies, which are about one-tenth the size of conventional antibodies, proved to be small enough to permeate this barrier. In this study, they successfully reached brain regions responsible for cognition and maintained therapeutic levels for up to seven days after just one dose.What Happened in Preclinical Tests?The researchers tested DN13–DN1 in two mouse models with schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits:Behavioral improvements: Mice treated with a single injection showed restored memory and decision-making in object recognition and spatial tests.Sensory gating corrected: Sensorimotor gating—a process that filters out unnecessary stimuli—returned to normal, a function often impaired in schizophrenia.Long-lasting effect: Benefits persisted for at least a week, far longer than typical drug effects in similar models.Safety profile: No noticeable impact on basic motor function or brain receptor expression, suggesting a targeted and low-risk mechanism.What This Means for Schizophrenia Patients?“For humans obviously we don't know yet—but in mice, it’s sufficient to treat most deficits of schizophrenia,” said molecular biologist Jean-Philippe Pin, one of the study’s senior authors at the Institute of Functional Genomics in Montpellier, France.If human trials follow the success seen in mice, nanobody-based therapies could extend beyond schizophrenia to other brain disorders that hinge on glutamate signaling—such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. The researchers themselves emphasize that this is only a proof of concept. Next steps include:Humanization of nanobodies to prevent immune rejectionLong-term safety and toxicity testingLarge-scale production to meet clinical demandFunding and industrial partnerships to support early-phase trialsIf all goes well, this research could mark a critical shift in mental health care—delivering medication that directly targets cognitive impairment, not just psychotic symptoms.What makes this approach so revolutionary is its combination of precision, biodegradability, and ease of administration. Nanobodies are produced more efficiently than traditional antibodies, exert fewer off-target effects, and can be administered via standard injections instead of invasive delivery systems.Moreover, their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier opens up possibilities for treatments of other neurological disorders—transforming a once-impenetrable challenge into a rapidly evolving frontier.It’s hard to overstate how unexpected this discovery is: an animal known for its wool, not its neurology, yielding molecules with the potential to heal minds. But that’s exactly where science is advancing today.As mental health specialists and patients await rigorous human testing, the implications are clear: nanobodies could finally deliver a therapy that addresses schizophrenia’s most stubborn challenges—cognition and quality of life. If the promise of llama-based treatments holds in human trials, we may be on the cusp of a new paradigm in psychiatric medicine—bridging immunology and neuroscience, one nanobody injection at a time.

EU Approves 'Twice Yearly' Injectable HIV Drug To Fight The Virus And Stop Transmission

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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has taken a bold step forward in the fight against HIV. On Friday, it recommended the authorization of lenacapavir — an injectable drug shown to be almost 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission. Marketed as Yeytuo in Europe by California-based Gilead Sciences, this drug stands out for its convenience and duration: just two injections per year could prevent infection.

This recommendation is more than just another drug approval. It represents a powerful new tool in a decades-long battle against HIV, one that could fundamentally change how we think about prevention — if access can keep up with innovation.

Once the European Commission rubber-stamps the EMA’s guidance, Yeytuo will be authorized across all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. The decision marks a milestone in public health strategy, particularly for populations that face social and logistical barriers to current HIV prevention options.

Unlike existing daily pills or bimonthly injections like cabotegravir, lenacapavir requires just two injections a year. That’s a huge leap in terms of convenience and adherence — and a potential game-changer for people who can’t or won’t take a daily pill due to stigma, forgetfulness, or limited access to healthcare.

The data behind it is strong. In a landmark trial involving nearly 5,000 young women and girls in South Africa and Uganda, not a single participant who received the injection contracted HIV. In contrast, about 2% of those who took daily pills still became infected. The study’s results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at an AIDS conference in Munich, were so convincing that researchers ended it early to offer lenacapavir to all participants.

“This level of protection is stunning,” said Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, a renowned AIDS researcher based in Durban, South Africa, who was not involved in the study.

The drug is already approved in the U.S., Canada, and Europe as a treatment for HIV. Now, its preventive potential is gaining traction, fast.

More than 40 million people live with HIV globally, and around 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023 alone, according to UNAIDS. The burden is heaviest in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean — regions that urgently need new prevention tools.

Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended that countries adopt lenacapavir as an additional HIV prevention option, not a replacement. It would complement existing methods like condoms, PrEP pills, and cabotegravir injections.

Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, has called lenacapavir “a drug that could change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic,” stressing that equitable access will be key to its success and therein lies the problem.

While Gilead has pledged to allow generic production in 120 low-income countries, it has excluded nearly all of Latin America, where HIV rates remain relatively low but are steadily rising. Critics argue that leaving these regions behind could create new blind spots in the global prevention map — and miss a crucial chance to curb the virus early.

Gilead has defended its access strategy, noting that it's focused on countries with the highest burden. But public health experts warn that rising infections in lower-prevalence regions should not be ignored.

“Ending HIV isn’t just about treating the hardest-hit places. It’s about staying ahead of new outbreaks,” said one international HIV policy advisor who requested anonymity.

Even in countries where the drug may be approved, cost, supply, and health system capacity could hinder rollout — especially in rural or underserved areas. Stigma also remains a significant barrier, deterring many at-risk individuals from seeking preventive care.

Now that the EMA has endorsed lenacapavir for prevention, the European Commission is expected to follow suit, likely within weeks. Approval there would greenlight its use in countries representing nearly half a billion people.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lenacapavir for prevention earlier this year, and the WHO’s recommendation is expected to guide policies globally but the question remains: will this groundbreaking injectable be made available to the people who need it most — when they need it most?

UNAIDS and other public health advocates are urging a broader global licensing strategy to ensure equitable access. Some have called on leaders — including former President Donald Trump during his term — to broker deals that would fast-track generic production and distribution worldwide.

Lenacapavir’s development is undeniably a breakthrough — scientifically, medically, and logistically. Its six-month dosing schedule reduces clinic visits, lowers the burden of adherence, and offers privacy for people facing stigma. For many, it could be the most realistic prevention option yet but if it remains limited to wealthy countries or a select list of high-burden nations, it won’t fulfill its potential to shift the course of the epidemic. It could become another case study in medical innovation outpacing policy.

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The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has taken a bold step forward in the fight against HIV. On Friday, it recommended the authorization of lenacapavir — an injectable drug shown to be almost 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission. Marketed as Yeytuo in Europe by California-based Gilead Sciences, this drug stands out for its convenience and duration: just two injections per year could prevent infection.This recommendation is more than just another drug approval. It represents a powerful new tool in a decades-long battle against HIV, one that could fundamentally change how we think about prevention — if access can keep up with innovation.Once the European Commission rubber-stamps the EMA’s guidance, Yeytuo will be authorized across all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. The decision marks a milestone in public health strategy, particularly for populations that face social and logistical barriers to current HIV prevention options.Unlike existing daily pills or bimonthly injections like cabotegravir, lenacapavir requires just two injections a year. That’s a huge leap in terms of convenience and adherence — and a potential game-changer for people who can’t or won’t take a daily pill due to stigma, forgetfulness, or limited access to healthcare.The data behind it is strong. In a landmark trial involving nearly 5,000 young women and girls in South Africa and Uganda, not a single participant who received the injection contracted HIV. In contrast, about 2% of those who took daily pills still became infected. The study’s results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at an AIDS conference in Munich, were so convincing that researchers ended it early to offer lenacapavir to all participants.“This level of protection is stunning,” said Dr. Salim Abdool Karim, a renowned AIDS researcher based in Durban, South Africa, who was not involved in the study.The drug is already approved in the U.S., Canada, and Europe as a treatment for HIV. Now, its preventive potential is gaining traction, fast.More than 40 million people live with HIV globally, and around 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023 alone, according to UNAIDS. The burden is heaviest in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean — regions that urgently need new prevention tools.Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended that countries adopt lenacapavir as an additional HIV prevention option, not a replacement. It would complement existing methods like condoms, PrEP pills, and cabotegravir injections.Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, has called lenacapavir “a drug that could change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic,” stressing that equitable access will be key to its success and therein lies the problem.While Gilead has pledged to allow generic production in 120 low-income countries, it has excluded nearly all of Latin America, where HIV rates remain relatively low but are steadily rising. Critics argue that leaving these regions behind could create new blind spots in the global prevention map — and miss a crucial chance to curb the virus early.Gilead has defended its access strategy, noting that it's focused on countries with the highest burden. But public health experts warn that rising infections in lower-prevalence regions should not be ignored.“Ending HIV isn’t just about treating the hardest-hit places. It’s about staying ahead of new outbreaks,” said one international HIV policy advisor who requested anonymity.Even in countries where the drug may be approved, cost, supply, and health system capacity could hinder rollout — especially in rural or underserved areas. Stigma also remains a significant barrier, deterring many at-risk individuals from seeking preventive care.Now that the EMA has endorsed lenacapavir for prevention, the European Commission is expected to follow suit, likely within weeks. Approval there would greenlight its use in countries representing nearly half a billion people.Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lenacapavir for prevention earlier this year, and the WHO’s recommendation is expected to guide policies globally but the question remains: will this groundbreaking injectable be made available to the people who need it most — when they need it most?UNAIDS and other public health advocates are urging a broader global licensing strategy to ensure equitable access. Some have called on leaders — including former President Donald Trump during his term — to broker deals that would fast-track generic production and distribution worldwide.Lenacapavir’s development is undeniably a breakthrough — scientifically, medically, and logistically. Its six-month dosing schedule reduces clinic visits, lowers the burden of adherence, and offers privacy for people facing stigma. For many, it could be the most realistic prevention option yet but if it remains limited to wealthy countries or a select list of high-burden nations, it won’t fulfill its potential to shift the course of the epidemic. It could become another case study in medical innovation outpacing policy.

eu approves 'twice yearly' injectable hiv drug to fight the virus and stop transmission

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