UK cardiovascular charity funding research and shaping policy
New mid- and late-stage trial results have reshaped expectations for several high-profile therapies. Insilico Medicine has reported that rentosertib reduced biological aging markers in a mid-stage study. AstraZeneca’s tozorakimab has shown roughly 30% reductions in COPD flare-ups and is under FDA priority review. Novartis has halted pelacarsen trials after the drug failed to cut major cardiovascular events.
Scott McTominay has undergone a pulsed field ablation for a mild, benign arrhythmia. Napoli says the operation is a complete success and he will rest for two weeks before resuming training, meaning he will miss Napoli and Scotland fixtures through the international break. He is not at risk and is expected to be back in action after the break.
AI analysis of 1,722 Scottish heart-trial scans has found that higher density in torso muscles correlates with an 85% lower death risk and a 58% lower risk of heart attack over 10 years. Researchers say muscle quality, not just size, matters; routine scans could guide prevention.
A Lancet study across seven wealthy countries shows that in adults over 40 with obesity, blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol have declined to levels similar to those of normal-weight peers, largely due to statins and other heart drugs. The benefit is strongest among those aged 60 and above; younger obese adults still face higher risk. The research underlines the role of statins in narrowing risk gaps while cautioning that obesity remains a broader health concern.
A series of AML diagnoses linked to pregnancy and birth complications reveal how rare conditions can strike unexpectedly. Independent reports highlight Kaitlyn Hurlstone’s AML after tonsillitis and a string of pregnancy-related AML cases, underscoring urgent attention to maternal health monitoring and access to treatment.
A wave of studies finds that AI analysis of mammograms can identify cardiovascular risks in women, including hypertension, coronary heart disease and stroke, alongside breast cancer screening. Researchers say mammograms could become a dual-purpose tool for early cardiovascular risk detection, prompting earlier intervention.
A wave of new mattresses and bedding products is hitting the market as heatwaves extend into shoulder seasons. Simba launches HeatRelease cooling technology on its Hybrid Ultra in the UK, while Nectar, Panda, Horizon Adventurer, M&S and others are reviewed for price, comfort and temperature control.
The FDA has approved daraxonrasib (Rasonque), a once-daily pill from Revolution Medicines, for adults with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have received prior therapy or cannot take combination chemotherapy. A 500‑patient trial has shown median survival of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months for chemotherapy; a 30‑day supply will cost about $39,800 and expanded access has already treated thousands.
A Berlin-led study presented at the ESC Congress finds higher blood levels of xylitol are associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events. The association is dose-dependent and persists across age and risk factors, prompting calls for further research.
GLP-1 medications are being increasingly prescribed off-label to children aged 8–11 in the US, despite no FDA approval for under-12s. A NYU Langone study shows a dramatic rise in June 2026, while experts warn about long-term effects and the broader obesity crisis.
A seven-year study of about 41,000 adults in South Korea finds that modest weekend catch-up sleep—about 1 hour 27 minutes—reduces the risk of high blood pressure by up to 9%, with larger benefits for physically inactive individuals. Excessive weekend sleep (>4 hours) may offset gains. Findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Munich.