Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Needle-free flu vaccine study, Obesity and CVD consensus released, New integrity standards for DVA providers
- 01
Victoria launches study on needle-free flu vaccine for children
The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has initiated the Southern Hemisphere Nasal Influenza Flu Vaccine Experience Study (SNIFFLES) to compare immune responses between nasal spray vaccines and standard flu shots in children. The study will involve 270 Victorian children aged two to nine years, allowing parents to choose between FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine, and a standard injectable flu shot. Associate Professor Shidan Tosif noted that the results could enhance understanding of immune responses to influenza vaccines and improve global flu monitoring. The nasal spray vaccine, now available in Australia, may increase vaccination rates, as over 70% of parents indicated a preference for a needle-free option.
- 02
National Heart Foundation releases obesity and CVD consensus statement
The National Heart Foundation has published Australia's first clinical consensus statement on obesity and cardiovascular disease, reframing obesity as a chronic disease. The 107-page guideline provides evidence-based pathways for long-term cardiovascular care, addressing the needs of high-priority populations and tackling weight stigma. It outlines practical interventions, including behavioural modifications, pharmacotherapy, and surgery, while emphasising the importance of coordinated lifelong management in primary care. The statement aims to combat treatment inertia and improve assessment and management strategies for patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease.
- 03
DVA Implements New Integrity Standards for Health Providers
The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) has introduced official integrity standards for health providers involved in veteran care. These standards require practitioners and organisations to align their billing, documentation, and referral practices with new integrity principles. The DVA emphasises ethical service delivery, independence, and compliance, with specific expectations for providers to act in the best interests of veterans. Non-compliance will result in varying consequences, including education efforts, audits, and potential criminal prosecution for deliberate fraud. This initiative aims to address concerns over inappropriate prescribing and predatory practices in the veteran care sector.
- 04
South Australia introduces omega-3 screening in early pregnancy
Starting June 1, South Australia will implement a free screening program for omega-3 fatty acids in early pregnancy, aiming to reduce preterm birth rates. Pregnant women undergoing antenatal blood tests before 20 weeks’ gestation will have their omega-3 levels tested, allowing for targeted supplementation. This initiative, led by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in collaboration with SA Pathology, follows findings from a large clinical trial suggesting that routine screening could lower preterm birth rates by approximately 14%. Currently, about 8% of babies born in Australia are preterm, which can lead to various health complications.
- 05
FDA Leadership Shakeup Amid Amgen Drug Safety Concerns
The FDA has undergone a leadership change, with Tracy Beth Høeg and Katherine Szarama leaving their positions following the resignation of Commissioner Marty Makary. Høeg confirmed her dismissal via social media, as the agency aims to appoint more traditional leaders. Concurrently, Kissei Pharmaceutical reported that 20 patients in Japan died after taking Amgen's drug Tavneos, primarily due to vanishing bile duct syndrome. The FDA has requested Amgen to withdraw Tavneos in the U.S. due to safety issues and data manipulation allegations.
via BioPharma Dive
- 06
Regeneron's melanoma trial fails to outperform Keytruda
Regeneron announced negative results from a Phase 3 melanoma trial involving its immunotherapy fianlimab combined with Libtayo, which did not significantly delay cancer progression compared to Merck's Keytruda. The combination treatment held tumors in check for a median of 11.5 months, compared to 6.4 months for Keytruda, but the difference narrowly missed statistical significance. This setback surprised analysts and resulted in a significant drop in Regeneron's market value. The company plans to present more details at a future medical meeting.
via BioPharma Dive
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.