Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

FDA Approves First-Ever Migraine Prevention Drug For Kids And Teens

For millions of children and teenagers, migraine isn’t just “a bad headache.” It’s a debilitating neurological condition that can disrupt school performance, social life, and emotional well-being. Now, for the first time, there’s a preventive treatment specifically approved for younger patients — and it comes in the form of a single-dose injection called Ajovy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) for use in the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in youth and adolescents between 6 and 17 years old, with a weight of at least 45 kg (99 lbs). This approval adds to Ajovy's current use in adults and makes it the first and sole calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist approved for pediatric prevention of migraine.

As 1 in 10 U.S. children and teens suffer from migraine, the approval helps fill an urgent need. Pediatric migraine too often is underrecognized and undertreated, but its consequences can be severe — resulting in absenteeism from school, poor performance in school, and social isolation.

Challenges of pediatric migraines are different. Children cannot always describe their symptoms or attribute them to precipitating factors like adults can. Parents usually endure a long, frustrating process of trial and error before developing an effective treatment for their child. Up until now, no FDA-approved medications targeting CGRP for <span>migraine prevention</span> were available to children.

Dr. Jennifer McVige, a neurologist with the DENT Neurologic Institute in Buffalo, New York, describes the approval as "an important step forward" to assist clinicians with this "often-overlooked condition" using a specific approach that can decrease frequency in younger patients.

<h2>How Ajovy Works for Migraine Prevention?</h2>

Migraines are partially fueled by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) — a neuropeptide that is involved in pain transmission and inflammation in the nervous system. Ajovy is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CGRP so that it cannot bind to receptors on the body's cells. This stops the chain reaction that results in migraine pain.

By blocking CGRP activity, Ajovy is able to decrease migraine days by 1.5 to 2 days on average per month in responsive patients. Some may see improvement in the first week, and most will respond within the first month.

Ajovy's configuration makes it extremely suitable for active families. It comes in two forms: a prefilled injection device or a single-dose syringe. It may be administered monthly or every three months (quarterly).

The shots are subcutaneous, administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients, parents, or guardians can learn to give the shot at home — less often to the clinic and making it simpler for kids to stay on therapy.

<h2>Will This Medicine Help to Treat The Invisible Disability in Children?</h2>

Though it strikes millions, pediatric migraine is invisible to too many. Symptoms extend beyond pain:

<ul><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Sensitivity to light and noise</li><li>Fatigue and concentration problems</li></ul>

These symptoms have the potential to derail a child's schooling and social life. Chris Fox, Head of Global Marketing for Teva Pharmaceuticals, said this approval "fills an unmet gap in care" and offers families new options to manage the challenges of the condition.

Ajovy's approval arrives on the heels of new research investigating other migraine prevention possibilities for adolescents. At the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting, scientists revealed initial results on zonisamide — a seizure drug — that indicated it might decrease migraine days in children and adolescents. Though promising, the findings are preliminary and don't yet show cause-and-effect.

This highlights the significance of having a well-studied, FDA-approved option such as Ajovy, which has been intensively tested for safety and efficacy in pediatric patients.

<h2>What Parents Need to Know About Pediatric Migraine?</h2>

For a child missing school days by the month with migraine, each attack prevented is an opportunity to remain in class, play with classmates, or participate in after-school activities free from fear of pain. For parents, controlling pediatric migraine is about more than pills. Lifestyle changes, including:

<ul><li>Establishing regular sleep routines</li><li>Drinking plenty of fluids</li><li>Cutting back on evening screen time</li><li>Learning stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or mindfulness</li></ul>

These measures can be supplemented by Ajovy's preventive action. With a long-acting treatment, families will have less need to be in emergency mode all the time and can concentrate on these supportive measures instead.

Ajovy's home dosing regimen also decreases the medical disruption of a child's routine, facilitating improved adherence and minimizing the treatment burden. This may result in fewer migraines, but also a smoother course through school and social milestones.

Health Conditions A-Z

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kids health

migraine headache

migraine prevention

ajovy migraine prevention

fda approval migraine drug

pediatric migraine treatment

migraine prevention for teens

ajovy for children

first pediatric migraine drug

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For millions of children and teenagers, migraine isn’t just “a bad headache.” It’s a debilitating neurological condition that can disrupt school performance, social life, and emotional well-being. Now, for the first time, there’s a preventive treatment specifically approved for younger patients — and it comes in the form of a single-dose injection called Ajovy.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) for use in the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in youth and adolescents between 6 and 17 years old, with a weight of at least 45 kg (99 lbs). This approval adds to Ajovy's current use in adults and makes it the first and sole calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist approved for pediatric prevention of migraine.As 1 in 10 U.S. children and teens suffer from migraine, the approval helps fill an urgent need. Pediatric migraine too often is underrecognized and undertreated, but its consequences can be severe — resulting in absenteeism from school, poor performance in school, and social isolation.Challenges of pediatric migraines are different. Children cannot always describe their symptoms or attribute them to precipitating factors like adults can. Parents usually endure a long, frustrating process of trial and error before developing an effective treatment for their child. Up until now, no FDA-approved medications targeting CGRP for migraine prevention were available to children.Dr. Jennifer McVige, a neurologist with the DENT Neurologic Institute in Buffalo, New York, describes the approval as "an important step forward" to assist clinicians with this "often-overlooked condition" using a specific approach that can decrease frequency in younger patients.How Ajovy Works for Migraine Prevention?Migraines are partially fueled by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) — a neuropeptide that is involved in pain transmission and inflammation in the nervous system. Ajovy is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CGRP so that it cannot bind to receptors on the body's cells. This stops the chain reaction that results in migraine pain.By blocking CGRP activity, Ajovy is able to decrease migraine days by 1.5 to 2 days on average per month in responsive patients. Some may see improvement in the first week, and most will respond within the first month.Ajovy's configuration makes it extremely suitable for active families. It comes in two forms: a prefilled injection device or a single-dose syringe. It may be administered monthly or every three months (quarterly).The shots are subcutaneous, administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients, parents, or guardians can learn to give the shot at home — less often to the clinic and making it simpler for kids to stay on therapy.Will This Medicine Help to Treat The Invisible Disability in Children?Though it strikes millions, pediatric migraine is invisible to too many. Symptoms extend beyond pain:Nausea and vomitingSensitivity to light and noiseFatigue and concentration problemsThese symptoms have the potential to derail a child's schooling and social life. Chris Fox, Head of Global Marketing for Teva Pharmaceuticals, said this approval "fills an unmet gap in care" and offers families new options to manage the challenges of the condition.Ajovy's approval arrives on the heels of new research investigating other migraine prevention possibilities for adolescents. At the American Academy of Neurology's 77th Annual Meeting, scientists revealed initial results on zonisamide — a seizure drug — that indicated it might decrease migraine days in children and adolescents. Though promising, the findings are preliminary and don't yet show cause-and-effect.This highlights the significance of having a well-studied, FDA-approved option such as Ajovy, which has been intensively tested for safety and efficacy in pediatric patients.What Parents Need to Know About Pediatric Migraine?For a child missing school days by the month with migraine, each attack prevented is an opportunity to remain in class, play with classmates, or participate in after-school activities free from fear of pain. For parents, controlling pediatric migraine is about more than pills. Lifestyle changes, including:Establishing regular sleep routinesDrinking plenty of fluidsCutting back on evening screen timeLearning stress-reducing activities, such as yoga or mindfulnessThese measures can be supplemented by Ajovy's preventive action. With a long-acting treatment, families will have less need to be in emergency mode all the time and can concentrate on these supportive measures instead.Ajovy's home dosing regimen also decreases the medical disruption of a child's routine, facilitating improved adherence and minimizing the treatment burden. This may result in fewer migraines, but also a smoother course through school and social milestones.

fda approves first-ever migraine prevention drug for kids and teens

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Tennis great <span>Monica Seles</span>, in an interview with Associated News, recently shared that she was diagnosed with <span>myasthenia gravis</span> (MG) three years ago. This is the first time she's spoken publicly about the disease, which is a rare condition that causes muscles to become weak. 

Seles, who won nine major tennis titles, first noticed something was wrong while hitting tennis balls. She said she started seeing two balls instead of one and felt a sudden weakness in her arms and legs. She also mentioned that simple things like blowing out her hair became very difficult. 

Seles said it was hard for her to accept the diagnosis at first. She decided to speak out to help others, hoping her story will bring more attention to myasthenia gravis. Before she got her diagnosis, she had never heard of the condition. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Is Myasthenia Gravis</span>? </h2>

Medscape explains that myasthenia gravis is a <span>chronic neuromuscular disease</span>. This means it's a long-term illness that affects the way your nerves and muscles work together. It causes weakness in the muscles that you can control, such as those in your arms, legs, and face. While it can affect people of any age, it is most common in: 

<ul><li>Young women under 40</li><li>Older men over 60</li></ul>

<ul><li>Visual problems which includes drooping eyelids and seeing double.</li><li>Your muscles might feel weak and tired very quickly, and this can change from day to day or even hour to hour.</li><li>Your facial muscles can become weak, which may make a smile look more like a snarl.</li><li>Difficulty speaking or swallowing, you might also have trouble pronouncing words or swallowing food.</li><li>Weakness in the neck or limbs like your arms, legs, or neck may feel weak</li></ul>

The symptoms of MG can sometimes look like other conditions, so it's always important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. People with MG may experience periods when their symptoms get worse (flare-ups) and periods when they get better (remission), but the condition is rarely cured completely. 

<h2>How is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed? </h2>

To figure out if you have MG, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. One key way they test for it is by giving you a specific medicine. If your muscle weakness quickly gets a lot better after taking the medicine, it's a strong sign that you have MG. 

Doctors might also use other tests. They can do blood tests to look for certain antibodies that are common in people with MG. They might also use nerve and muscle tests to see how your nerves are sending signals to your muscles and to measure your muscle's electrical activity. 

<h2>Treatment and Management of Myasthenia Gravis </h2>

While there's no cure for MG, the symptoms can be controlled. The main goal of treatment is to make your muscles stronger and prevent problems with breathing and swallowing. Most people with MG can live normal or close-to-normal lives with the right care. 

Treatment often includes medicine, such as drugs that control the immune system or help your muscles work better. Sometimes, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove the thymus gland, which can help reduce symptoms for many people. Other treatments, like plasmapheresis, can be used to remove the bad antibodies from your blood. 

<h2>Can You Prevent Myasthenia Gravis? </h2>

To help prevent a myasthenia crisis, you should always take your medicines exactly as prescribed. It can also help to take your medicine 30 to 45 minutes before meals to prevent food from getting into your lungs. 

Try to avoid getting sick by staying away from people with colds or the flu, and make sure you get proper nutrition, rest, and manage your stress. It is also very important to always tell your doctors about your MG diagnosis and the medicines you are taking before they prescribe you anything new. Some medicines can interfere with your condition or your treatment. 

The most serious complication of MG is a myasthenia crisis. This is when you have extreme muscle weakness, especially in the muscles you need to breathe. This is a medical emergency and may require help from a breathing machine. 

Seles, who is 51, said she has learned to live with a "new normal." She sees this challenge as just another "reset" in her life, similar to when she moved to the U.S. as a young teenager or when she was recovering from a stabbing. Her message is one of strength and a reminder to always adjust, just like a tennis player on the court. 

Monica Seles

Tennis Player Monica Seles

Myasthenia Gravis

chronic neuromuscular disease

What is Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis Symptoms

Tennis great Monica Seles, in an interview with Associated News, recently shared that she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) three years ago. This is the first time she's spoken publicly about the disease, which is a rare condition that causes muscles to become weak. Seles, who won nine major tennis titles, first noticed something was wrong while hitting tennis balls. She said she started seeing two balls instead of one and felt a sudden weakness in her arms and legs. She also mentioned that simple things like blowing out her hair became very difficult. Seles said it was hard for her to accept the diagnosis at first. She decided to speak out to help others, hoping her story will bring more attention to myasthenia gravis. Before she got her diagnosis, she had never heard of the condition. What Is Myasthenia Gravis? Medscape explains that myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease. This means it's a long-term illness that affects the way your nerves and muscles work together. It causes weakness in the muscles that you can control, such as those in your arms, legs, and face. While it can affect people of any age, it is most common in: Young women under 40Older men over 60Symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis The most common symptoms of MG are: Visual problems which includes drooping eyelids and seeing double.Your muscles might feel weak and tired very quickly, and this can change from day to day or even hour to hour.Your facial muscles can become weak, which may make a smile look more like a snarl.Difficulty speaking or swallowing, you might also have trouble pronouncing words or swallowing food.Weakness in the neck or limbs like your arms, legs, or neck may feel weakThe symptoms of MG can sometimes look like other conditions, so it's always important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. People with MG may experience periods when their symptoms get worse (flare-ups) and periods when they get better (remission), but the condition is rarely cured completely. How is Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosed? To figure out if you have MG, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. One key way they test for it is by giving you a specific medicine. If your muscle weakness quickly gets a lot better after taking the medicine, it's a strong sign that you have MG. Doctors might also use other tests. They can do blood tests to look for certain antibodies that are common in people with MG. They might also use nerve and muscle tests to see how your nerves are sending signals to your muscles and to measure your muscle's electrical activity. Treatment and Management of Myasthenia Gravis While there's no cure for MG, the symptoms can be controlled. The main goal of treatment is to make your muscles stronger and prevent problems with breathing and swallowing. Most people with MG can live normal or close-to-normal lives with the right care. Treatment often includes medicine, such as drugs that control the immune system or help your muscles work better. Sometimes, a doctor may suggest surgery to remove the thymus gland, which can help reduce symptoms for many people. Other treatments, like plasmapheresis, can be used to remove the bad antibodies from your blood. Can You Prevent Myasthenia Gravis? To help prevent a myasthenia crisis, you should always take your medicines exactly as prescribed. It can also help to take your medicine 30 to 45 minutes before meals to prevent food from getting into your lungs. Try to avoid getting sick by staying away from people with colds or the flu, and make sure you get proper nutrition, rest, and manage your stress. It is also very important to always tell your doctors about your MG diagnosis and the medicines you are taking before they prescribe you anything new. Some medicines can interfere with your condition or your treatment. The most serious complication of MG is a myasthenia crisis. This is when you have extreme muscle weakness, especially in the muscles you need to breathe. This is a medical emergency and may require help from a breathing machine. Seles, who is 51, said she has learned to live with a "new normal." She sees this challenge as just another "reset" in her life, similar to when she moved to the U.S. as a young teenager or when she was recovering from a stabbing. Her message is one of strength and a reminder to always adjust, just like a tennis player on the court. 

Tennis Player Monica Seles Opens Up About Her Myasthenia Gravis Diagnosis

tennis player monica seles opens up about her myasthenia gravis diagnosis

If You Are Scared Of Needles, Scientists May Have A 'Painless' Dental Solution For Your Next Vaccine

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For decades, getting vaccinated has meant rolling up your sleeve, bracing for a quick jab, and hoping the soreness fades within a day. But a team of researchers may have just discovered a way to sidestep the needle entirely — by delivering vaccines through something as ordinary as dental floss.

The idea sounds almost too simple: coat floss or a floss pick with a vaccine, thread it between your teeth, and let your gums do the rest. But the science behind it is far from gimmicky. This novel approach targets a unique spot in the mouth called the <span>junctional epithelium</span>, an unusually permeable layer of tissue where the gums meet the teeth. And according to early research, this entry point could unlock stronger protection against respiratory infections — and for some people, make getting vaccinated a far less stressful experience.

Most viruses that wreak havoc on the body, including influenza and <span>COVID-19</span>, first invade through the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, nose, or lungs. Traditional injectable vaccines do an excellent job of generating antibodies in the bloodstream, but they’re less effective at producing antibodies along these mucosal barriers — the body’s first defense line.

Dr. Harvinder Singh Gill, a professor in nanomedicine at North Carolina State University and senior author of the study, explains the advantage: “When a vaccine is given via a mucosal surface, antibodies are stimulated not only in the bloodstream but also on mucosal surfaces. This improves the body’s ability to prevent infection, because there’s an additional line of defense before a pathogen even enters the body.”

That’s where the junctional epithelium comes in. Unlike most epithelial layers that are tightly sealed to keep invaders out, the JE is intentionally “leaky” so immune cells can patrol and defend against the constant barrage of oral bacteria. This leakiness is exactly what makes it an appealing vaccine delivery route.

To test the concept, researchers applied a peptide-based flu vaccine to unwaxed dental floss, then used it to floss the teeth of lab mice. The results were striking. The floss-based delivery triggered far higher antibody responses on mucosal surfaces than the current gold-standard oral method — placing a vaccine under the tongue.

In fact, the immune protection was comparable to delivering the same vaccine through the nasal cavity, which is widely considered the most effective mucosal route. The big difference? Nasal vaccination comes with safety concerns, including the rare but serious possibility that the vaccine could migrate to the brain. The floss technique avoids that risk entirely.

Lead author Rohan Ingrole, who conducted the research during his doctoral studies at Texas Tech University, adds that the method also worked across multiple vaccine types — including protein-based vaccines, inactivated viruses, and mRNA formulations. In each case, the floss delivery triggered robust immune responses both in the bloodstream and across mucosal surfaces.

<h2>What Is the Junctional Epithelium?</h2>

The JE sits deep in the gum pocket, where it forms a protective seal between the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Its structure lacks many of the tight junctions found in other mucosal linings, making it easier for molecules — including vaccine antigens — to cross. And because it’s already brimming with immune cells, any antigen that slips through is quickly flagged, sparking an immune reaction.

Delivering a vaccine here isn’t straightforward. The tissue is tucked away and can’t be reached with a simple swab or spray. Dental floss, however, is designed to slip into exactly that space — which is why it’s the perfect vehicle for the job.

<h2>Flossing Vaccine Shows Success In Early Human Trials</h2>

While full-scale human vaccine trials are still a way off, the researchers ran a smaller test to confirm whether people could successfully target the junctional epithelium using floss picks. They coated floss with fluorescent food dye and asked 27 volunteers to try to deposit the dye into their gum pockets. The results were encouraging: about 60% of the dye ended up exactly where it needed to be.

This success suggests that with the right design, floss picks could be a practical, self-administered vaccine delivery tool — potentially mailed to people’s homes in the future.

Needle-free vaccination is more than just a comfort perk. Globally, needle phobia is a significant barrier to vaccine uptake, even among adults. There’s also the risk of unsafe injection practices, which can transmit blood-borne diseases in settings without strict medical oversight.

A floss-based vaccine could address several of these challenges. It’s simple to administer, doesn’t require a healthcare professional, and could be distributed more easily in hard-to-reach areas. Storage and transport could also be simplified compared to injectable vaccines that require strict cold-chain logistics.

Dr. Gill notes another advantage: eating and drinking immediately after floss-based vaccination doesn’t appear to interfere with the immune response — at least in animal models. That flexibility could make it easier for people to incorporate vaccination into daily routines without major disruptions.

<h2>Are There Any Limitations to Such Vaccines?</h2>

Despite the promise, this approach isn’t without drawbacks. It wouldn’t work for infants or toddlers without teeth, and it may be less effective for people with gum disease or severe oral infections. Researchers also need to study how different oral health conditions could influence vaccine uptake and immune response.

For now, the team’s next step is to refine the delivery system and begin clinical safety trials. If successful, floss-based vaccines could become an alternative option for seasonal flu shots, pandemic preparedness, and even certain routine immunizations.

The floss vaccine fits into a growing push to move beyond injections. Researchers have explored dissolvable microneedle patches, inhalable vaccines, and even edible vaccine capsules. Each approach aims to make vaccination less invasive, easier to distribute, and more acceptable to populations hesitant about traditional methods.

In this case, the innovation comes from using a tool that people already know and can use on their own. The fact that it could also boost <span>mucosal immunity</span> something standard injections struggle to do — makes it even more compelling.

We’re still years away from picking up a vaccine-coated floss pick at the pharmacy, but the groundwork is being laid. If clinical trials confirm its safety and effectiveness, floss-based vaccination could offer a new, accessible, and needle-free way to protect against some of the world’s most common and dangerous infections.

COVID-19

floss based vaccine

needle free vaccination

junctional epithelium

mucosal immunity

dental floss vaccine

gum pocket vaccine

vaccine innovation

For decades, getting vaccinated has meant rolling up your sleeve, bracing for a quick jab, and hoping the soreness fades within a day. But a team of researchers may have just discovered a way to sidestep the needle entirely — by delivering vaccines through something as ordinary as dental floss.The idea sounds almost too simple: coat floss or a floss pick with a vaccine, thread it between your teeth, and let your gums do the rest. But the science behind it is far from gimmicky. This novel approach targets a unique spot in the mouth called the junctional epithelium, an unusually permeable layer of tissue where the gums meet the teeth. And according to early research, this entry point could unlock stronger protection against respiratory infections — and for some people, make getting vaccinated a far less stressful experience.Most viruses that wreak havoc on the body, including influenza and COVID-19, first invade through the mucosal surfaces of the mouth, nose, or lungs. Traditional injectable vaccines do an excellent job of generating antibodies in the bloodstream, but they’re less effective at producing antibodies along these mucosal barriers — the body’s first defense line.Dr. Harvinder Singh Gill, a professor in nanomedicine at North Carolina State University and senior author of the study, explains the advantage: “When a vaccine is given via a mucosal surface, antibodies are stimulated not only in the bloodstream but also on mucosal surfaces. This improves the body’s ability to prevent infection, because there’s an additional line of defense before a pathogen even enters the body.”That’s where the junctional epithelium comes in. Unlike most epithelial layers that are tightly sealed to keep invaders out, the JE is intentionally “leaky” so immune cells can patrol and defend against the constant barrage of oral bacteria. This leakiness is exactly what makes it an appealing vaccine delivery route.To test the concept, researchers applied a peptide-based flu vaccine to unwaxed dental floss, then used it to floss the teeth of lab mice. The results were striking. The floss-based delivery triggered far higher antibody responses on mucosal surfaces than the current gold-standard oral method — placing a vaccine under the tongue.In fact, the immune protection was comparable to delivering the same vaccine through the nasal cavity, which is widely considered the most effective mucosal route. The big difference? Nasal vaccination comes with safety concerns, including the rare but serious possibility that the vaccine could migrate to the brain. The floss technique avoids that risk entirely.Lead author Rohan Ingrole, who conducted the research during his doctoral studies at Texas Tech University, adds that the method also worked across multiple vaccine types — including protein-based vaccines, inactivated viruses, and mRNA formulations. In each case, the floss delivery triggered robust immune responses both in the bloodstream and across mucosal surfaces.What Is the Junctional Epithelium?The JE sits deep in the gum pocket, where it forms a protective seal between the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Its structure lacks many of the tight junctions found in other mucosal linings, making it easier for molecules — including vaccine antigens — to cross. And because it’s already brimming with immune cells, any antigen that slips through is quickly flagged, sparking an immune reaction.Delivering a vaccine here isn’t straightforward. The tissue is tucked away and can’t be reached with a simple swab or spray. Dental floss, however, is designed to slip into exactly that space — which is why it’s the perfect vehicle for the job.Flossing Vaccine Shows Success In Early Human TrialsWhile full-scale human vaccine trials are still a way off, the researchers ran a smaller test to confirm whether people could successfully target the junctional epithelium using floss picks. They coated floss with fluorescent food dye and asked 27 volunteers to try to deposit the dye into their gum pockets. The results were encouraging: about 60% of the dye ended up exactly where it needed to be.This success suggests that with the right design, floss picks could be a practical, self-administered vaccine delivery tool — potentially mailed to people’s homes in the future.Needle-free vaccination is more than just a comfort perk. Globally, needle phobia is a significant barrier to vaccine uptake, even among adults. There’s also the risk of unsafe injection practices, which can transmit blood-borne diseases in settings without strict medical oversight.A floss-based vaccine could address several of these challenges. It’s simple to administer, doesn’t require a healthcare professional, and could be distributed more easily in hard-to-reach areas. Storage and transport could also be simplified compared to injectable vaccines that require strict cold-chain logistics.Dr. Gill notes another advantage: eating and drinking immediately after floss-based vaccination doesn’t appear to interfere with the immune response — at least in animal models. That flexibility could make it easier for people to incorporate vaccination into daily routines without major disruptions.Are There Any Limitations to Such Vaccines?Despite the promise, this approach isn’t without drawbacks. It wouldn’t work for infants or toddlers without teeth, and it may be less effective for people with gum disease or severe oral infections. Researchers also need to study how different oral health conditions could influence vaccine uptake and immune response.For now, the team’s next step is to refine the delivery system and begin clinical safety trials. If successful, floss-based vaccines could become an alternative option for seasonal flu shots, pandemic preparedness, and even certain routine immunizations.The floss vaccine fits into a growing push to move beyond injections. Researchers have explored dissolvable microneedle patches, inhalable vaccines, and even edible vaccine capsules. Each approach aims to make vaccination less invasive, easier to distribute, and more acceptable to populations hesitant about traditional methods.In this case, the innovation comes from using a tool that people already know and can use on their own. The fact that it could also boost mucosal immunity something standard injections struggle to do — makes it even more compelling.We’re still years away from picking up a vaccine-coated floss pick at the pharmacy, but the groundwork is being laid. If clinical trials confirm its safety and effectiveness, floss-based vaccination could offer a new, accessible, and needle-free way to protect against some of the world’s most common and dangerous infections.

if you are scared of needles, scientists may have a 'painless' dental solution for your next vaccine

Ishita Roy

FDA Vaccination Chief Vinay Prasad Returns To Job Within Days After Quitting Under Pressure, Who Is He?

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Dr. <span>Vinay Prasad</span>, who resigned just two weeks ago as head of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccines and gene therapy division, is returning to the agency in a rare reversal. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed his reinstatement on Saturday, with spokesperson Andrew Nixon saying Prasad will resume leadership of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the FDA’s request.

Prasad’s ouster in late July followed sustained pressure from biotech executives, patient advocacy groups, conservative figures, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer. Loomer, who has previously demonstrated influence over Trump administration personnel decisions, accused Prasad of being a “progressive leftist saboteur” and, more recently, a “Marxist,” pointing to his past praise for Senator Bernie Sanders.

<h4>Resignation Amid Political and Public Backlash</h4>

The decision to push him out came after weeks of mounting criticism, fueled in part by a series of editorials faulting him for denying drug approvals and ordering a pause on a medication linked to several patient deaths. Loomer and other critics also drew attention to comments Prasad had made about Donald Trump before joining the administration.

Before his resignation on July 29, both Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary defended Prasad, calling him a scientist of exceptional rigor. Makary publicly described him as “impeccable,” while Kennedy privately noted his preference for Prasad’s cautious approach to vaccine approvals.

<h4>A Record of Tough Regulatory Calls</h4>

Since joining the FDA, Prasad has drawn attention for decisions that prioritized safety and efficacy over speed. He declined to approve multiple high-profile drugs, including treatments for advanced skin cancer and heart conditions in patients with a rare muscle disorder, arguing that the agency should resist approving high-cost drugs with uncertain benefits.

In May, he played a key role in limiting the use of COVID-19 vaccines to those over 65 and people with health conditions that put them at greater risk of severe illness. Under his leadership, the FDA restricted approvals for new shots from Novavax and Moderna and set stricter testing requirements for future vaccines.

His most controversial move came when he ordered the halt of Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy shipments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy after two teenage boys and a 51-year-old man died in cases deemed related to the medication. The decision met fierce resistance from families of patients and advocates for expanded access to experimental treatments, as well as criticism from political figures and editorial boards. The FDA later reversed the suspension, allowing shipments for younger patients to resume.

<h4>A History of Outspoken Criticism</h4>

Before his government role, Prasad was an oncologist and epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, where he gained a large following through Substack, YouTube, and other platforms. Known for sharp and sometimes expletive-laced critiques of public health policy, he frequently challenged the FDA’s pandemic-era decisions and called for greater scrutiny of medical products.

His reinstatement underscores the influence Kennedy and Makary still hold within the Trump administration and signals that, despite political headwinds, Prasad’s hardline approach to drug and vaccine oversight will continue to shape U.S. healthcare policy.

FDA Vaccine Chief

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Vinay Prasad

who is vinay prasad

Dr. Vinay Prasad, who resigned just two weeks ago as head of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccines and gene therapy division, is returning to the agency in a rare reversal. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed his reinstatement on Saturday, with spokesperson Andrew Nixon saying Prasad will resume leadership of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the FDA’s request.Prasad’s ouster in late July followed sustained pressure from biotech executives, patient advocacy groups, conservative figures, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer. Loomer, who has previously demonstrated influence over Trump administration personnel decisions, accused Prasad of being a “progressive leftist saboteur” and, more recently, a “Marxist,” pointing to his past praise for Senator Bernie Sanders.Resignation Amid Political and Public BacklashThe decision to push him out came after weeks of mounting criticism, fueled in part by a series of editorials faulting him for denying drug approvals and ordering a pause on a medication linked to several patient deaths. Loomer and other critics also drew attention to comments Prasad had made about Donald Trump before joining the administration.Before his resignation on July 29, both Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary defended Prasad, calling him a scientist of exceptional rigor. Makary publicly described him as “impeccable,” while Kennedy privately noted his preference for Prasad’s cautious approach to vaccine approvals.A Record of Tough Regulatory CallsSince joining the FDA, Prasad has drawn attention for decisions that prioritized safety and efficacy over speed. He declined to approve multiple high-profile drugs, including treatments for advanced skin cancer and heart conditions in patients with a rare muscle disorder, arguing that the agency should resist approving high-cost drugs with uncertain benefits.In May, he played a key role in limiting the use of COVID-19 vaccines to those over 65 and people with health conditions that put them at greater risk of severe illness. Under his leadership, the FDA restricted approvals for new shots from Novavax and Moderna and set stricter testing requirements for future vaccines.His most controversial move came when he ordered the halt of Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy shipments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy after two teenage boys and a 51-year-old man died in cases deemed related to the medication. The decision met fierce resistance from families of patients and advocates for expanded access to experimental treatments, as well as criticism from political figures and editorial boards. The FDA later reversed the suspension, allowing shipments for younger patients to resume.A History of Outspoken CriticismBefore his government role, Prasad was an oncologist and epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, where he gained a large following through Substack, YouTube, and other platforms. Known for sharp and sometimes expletive-laced critiques of public health policy, he frequently challenged the FDA’s pandemic-era decisions and called for greater scrutiny of medical products.His reinstatement underscores the influence Kennedy and Makary still hold within the Trump administration and signals that, despite political headwinds, Prasad’s hardline approach to drug and vaccine oversight will continue to shape U.S. healthcare policy.

fda vaccination chief vinay prasad returns to job within days after quitting under pressure, who is he?

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