Thursday, 23 July 2026
AI healthcare sovereignty call, NT to introduce VAD legislation, $130M raised for gout drug trials
- 01
Australia urged to develop sovereign healthcare AI capabilities
The Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare warns that reliance on overseas-controlled AI systems could jeopardise the nation's healthcare future. In its third National Policy Roadmap for AI in Healthcare, the Alliance calls for a well-funded national strategy to ensure Australia retains control over critical health technology. Professor Enrico Coiera emphasises the need for domestic capability to implement AI tailored to Australia's diverse population. The roadmap highlights the risks of embedding foreign AI models in healthcare, which could disrupt access to services amid geopolitical tensions.
- 02
Northern Territory to Introduce Voluntary Assisted Dying Legislation
The Northern Territory is set to introduce its Right of the Terminally Ill Bill 2026, marking a significant policy shift as it becomes the last Australian jurisdiction to implement voluntary assisted dying (VAD). The bill's first reading will occur tomorrow, with the chief minister describing it as a pivotal moment for terminally ill residents. Following extensive consultations, the government plans to develop clinical guidelines and implementation strategies, aiming to make VAD services available within 18 months. This legislation follows the federal government's 2022 decision to restore the territories' rights to legislate on VAD, which had been revoked for 25 years.
- 03
Crystalys secures $130M for late-stage gout drug trials
Crystalys Therapeutics has raised $130 million in a Series B funding round to support late-stage trials for its gout treatment, dotinurad. This drug, which has already received approval in several Asian countries, aims to provide a better option for patients who do not respond well to existing treatments like allopurinol. The company is conducting two global trials comparing dotinurad to allopurinol, with results expected next year. Crystalys CEO James Mackay expressed confidence that dotinurad could be a significant advancement in gout management.
via BioPharma Dive
- 04
Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York claims four lives
New York City's health department reported a fourth death linked to a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, with 74 confirmed infections in the Upper East Side. As of 20 July, seven individuals remain hospitalised while 53 have been discharged. The outbreak saw a peak of eight new cases daily from 2 to 8 July, but new cases have since declined. Although the health agency stated that the source of the outbreak is likely eliminated due to remediation efforts, some experts caution that this assessment may be premature.
via BMJ
- 05
Swimming shown to improve low back pain in new study
A recent study found that swimming can significantly alleviate persistent low back pain in adults aged 26 to 74. The trial involved 76 participants who engaged in an eight-week swimming program, which included telehealth support from physiotherapists. Results indicated that those in the swimming group experienced over 50% reduction in disability and reported greater improvements in function and confidence compared to a control group receiving education only. While the benefits diminished over time, many participants continued to swim or engage in other forms of exercise after the program.
- 06
AMA Election Campaigns Intensify Ahead of Upcoming Vote
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) election season has commenced, with nominations for the presidency now closed. Candidates include GPs Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis, Dr Michael Bonning, and Dr Anchita Karmakar, each paired with a vice-presidential nominee. Dr Karmakar faces scrutiny over her past legal issues related to the Professional Services Review process, prompting criticism from fellow GP Dr April Armstrong. The election will take place at the AMA conference in Melbourne next month, determining the next president and vice president for a two-year term.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.