Air quality monitors recorded PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 900 micrograms per cubic meter in parts of Pai, roughly 60 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended 24-hour exposure limit, according to monitoring data cited this week. Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted major cities during the period.

Residents reported acute health effects linked to prolonged exposure. Pon Doikam, a 36-year-old vendor working outdoors in Chiang Mai, said she experienced nasal bleeding and persistent respiratory irritation after spending hours in polluted conditions. “It feels like you’re trapped in the smoke constantly,” she said.

The pollution surge is part of an annual haze season affecting much of Southeast Asia, driven by crop burning and forest fires. However, locals described current conditions as unusually severe. Geographic factors have compounded the situation, with mountainous terrain trapping smoke and hindering firefighting access to remote forest areas.

Field observations confirmed multiple active fires along routes between Chiang Mai and Pai. Volunteer firefighter Maitree Nuanja said local response capacity remains limited, relying heavily on donated supplies. He noted that teams are operating with constrained fuel and equipment support while facing prolonged exposure to hazardous air.

Authorities confirmed the death of a volunteer firefighter earlier this week, citing suspected exhaustion combined with heat exposure and pre-existing health conditions.Public health risks are particularly acute for vulnerable groups. In Chiang Mai, authorities have set up “dust-free rooms” equipped with air filtration systems to protect residents, including elderly populations.

Watwilai Chaiwan, an 82-year-old resident of a care facility, said the pollution has worsened symptoms such as dizziness and migraines and discouraged outdoor activity.Medical professionals warned of broader health implications.

Thanakrit Im-iam, a doctor in Chiang Mai, said fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the body, carrying toxins and heavy metals. He reported common symptoms including eye irritation, respiratory inflammation and mucus buildup, adding that long-term exposure could have severe consequences.

The haze has also weighed on tourism, a key economic driver in northern Thailand. Local transport operator Chakkrawat Wichitchaisilp reported a noticeable decline in visitors during what is typically a peak travel season. Visibility across Chiang Mai has been significantly reduced, with skyline views obscured by dense smog.

Government officials held discussions this week to address the crisis, while some districts in Chiang Mai declared disaster zones to expedite financial assistance. However, environmental groups said policy responses remain insufficient.

Kanongnij Sribuaiam of the Thailand Clean Air Network urged faster progress on stalled clean air legislation, warning that delays could force the process to restart if deadlines are missed.

The recurring haze crisis underscores ongoing challenges in managing cross-border pollution, agricultural practices and forest fire control across the region.

The U.S. drugmaker announced the approval on its official WeChat account, saying the injectable medicine belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists used to manage weight and metabolic conditions. These medicines are already sold in China by pharmaceutical companies including Novo Nordisk.expanding presence in china’s metabolic marketXianweiying, also known as ecnoglutide, is designed for long-term weight management in adults classified as overweight or obese. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, making them widely used in treatments for obesity and diabetes.Demand for these therapies has risen globally as governments and healthcare systems increasingly focus on managing obesity and related chronic illnesses.

China, with a large patient population and growing demand for advanced treatments, has emerged as a key market for pharmaceutical companies seeking to expand metabolic disease portfolios.Pfizer’s approval positions the company alongside other drugmakers already offering GLP-1-based therapies in the country.licensing deal with chinese biotechEarlier this year, Pfizer licensed the mainland China commercialisation rights for Xianweiying from Sciwind Biosciences, a biotechnology company based in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.

Sciwind said at the time that the agreement marked “an important first step to advance Pfizer’s global strategy in the metabolic field in China,” according to a previous company statement.The partnership allows Pfizer to commercialise the treatment in mainland China while leveraging Sciwind’s development work on the drug.existing approval for diabetes treatmentEcnoglutide has already been approved in China as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, providing the drug with an established regulatory pathway before its latest approval for weight management.The additional indication expands the medicine’s potential patient base as health authorities increasingly address obesity as a major public health issue.The growing use of GLP-1-based treatments has intensified competition among global pharmaceutical companies, particularly in large healthcare markets such as China where demand for obesity and diabetes therapies continues to rise.

Your body is your lifelong home—nourish it, move it, respect it.

Obesity is often spoken of in the language of personal failure—poor discipline, unhealthy choices, or sedentary habits. This narrative, repeated in popular discourse and media commentary, places the burden squarely on individuals while ignoring the larger forces at play. Such framing is not only incomplete but deeply misleading. It simplifies a complex health condition into a matter of willpower, obscuring the structural realities that make healthy living increasingly difficult for large sections of society.

Obesity is not merely an individual concern; it is a silent epidemic shaped by modern lifestyles, economic systems, cultural shifts, and policy neglect. The environments in which people live today are engineered for convenience rather than well-being—characterised by ultra-processed foods, relentless marketing, sedentary work patterns, and shrinking spaces for physical activity. When unhealthy choices become the easiest, cheapest, and most accessible options, personal responsibility alone cannot carry the weight of prevention.

Treating obesity as a moral shortcoming has had serious consequences. It has fostered stigma, discouraged individuals from seeking medical or psychological support, and diverted attention from the need for systemic reform. Worse, it has allowed governments, industries, and institutions to evade accountability while the health burden continues to grow. By reducing obesity to a question of individual failure, societies have overlooked its profound implications for public health, healthcare systems, and economic productivity.

To address obesity meaningfully, it must be recognised not as a personal flaw but as a collective challenge—one that reflects how modern societies organise food, work, education, and urban life. Only by shifting the conversation from blame to understanding, and from judgement to shared responsibility, can obesity be confronted as the public health crisis it truly is.

A Growing Burden of Non-Communicable Disease

At its core, obesity is a chronic medical condition characterised by the accumulation of excessive body fat to a degree that impairs health and reduces quality of life. It is not merely a cosmetic concern or a matter of appearance; it fundamentally alters metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory processes within the body. This disruption significantly increases the risk of non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, musculoskeletal degeneration, respiratory complications, and certain forms of cancer.

The consequences of obesity extend beyond physical illness. Individuals living with obesity are more likely to experience reduced mobility, chronic pain, fatigue, and psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. Over time, these health challenges can limit productivity, strain healthcare systems, and diminish overall life expectancy. What makes obesity particularly dangerous is its gradual progression—often developing silently over years before manifesting as serious disease.

The World Health Organization has long recognised obesity as a major global health risk and a key driver of the worldwide rise in non-communicable diseases. Alarmingly, its prevalence has increased sharply across both developed and developing nations, cutting across age groups and socioeconomic boundaries. Once associated primarily with affluence, obesity now coexists with undernutrition in many countries, creating a dual burden that complicates public health responses.

This global rise reflects profound changes in diet, physical activity, and living conditions rather than sudden shifts in individual behaviour. As obesity becomes increasingly widespread, it poses not only a medical challenge but a societal one—demanding coordinated action in healthcare, education, urban planning, and policy. Recognising obesity as a serious, multifaceted health condition is the first step toward addressing its long-term consequences effectively and ethically.

How Modern Lifestyles Fuel Obesity

Contemporary life has fundamentally altered how people eat, move, and rest, creating conditions that make obesity increasingly common. The food environment today is dominated by highly processed, calorie-dense options that are not only cheap and widely available but also aggressively marketed, particularly to children and young adults. Sugary drinks, snack foods, fast-food chains, and ready-to-eat meals are positioned as convenient, desirable, and even aspirational, while fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often remain relatively expensive, less accessible, or inconvenient for those with demanding schedules.

At the same time, physical activity has been systematically reduced in daily life. Urban design prioritises cars over pedestrians, schools and workplaces emphasise desk-bound tasks over movement, and recreational options are increasingly digital rather than active. Mechanised transport, elevators, escalators, and household conveniences reduce opportunities for natural physical exertion, while screen-based entertainment—television, computers, and smartphones—occupies ever more leisure time. Even recreational sports and outdoor play have declined due to shrinking green spaces and parental concerns about safety.

The combination of high-calorie intake and minimal energy expenditure creates an environment in which obesity is not merely a matter of personal choice but a predictable outcome. People live within systems that encourage overconsumption and inactivity, often without realising the cumulative impact on health. Modern lifestyles, designed for efficiency and convenience, have unintentionally engineered obesity into everyday life, making it a systemic rather than individual problem.

Cultural Shifts and the Normalisation of Obesity

Beyond structural and lifestyle factors, cultural perceptions of body weight have evolved in ways that complicate the obesity crisis. On one hand, individuals living with obesity are often subjected to stigma and social judgement, labelled as lazy, undisciplined, or lacking self-control. This moralising narrative not only causes psychological stress but also discourages people from seeking medical guidance, nutrition counselling, or physical activity support. The shame associated with obesity can exacerbate unhealthy behaviours, creating a vicious cycle that public health messaging alone struggles to break.

On the other hand, there is a growing tendency in some societies to normalise obesity, framing it as an acceptable variation of body type without adequately addressing its serious health implications. While body-positivity movements have rightly challenged unrealistic beauty standards and promoted self-acceptance, the message can sometimes blur the line between embracing diversity and ignoring the medical risks associated with excessive weight.

This duality—stigmatisation on one side, normalisation on the other—creates a confusing social landscape. Individuals are left to navigate contradictory messages: they are shamed for being overweight, yet encouraged to accept it without intervention. Effective solutions must strike a balance—promoting empathy and dignity while clearly communicating the health consequences associated with obesity.

Ultimately, addressing obesity is not only about personal choice or discipline; it is about reshaping cultural norms, promoting informed awareness, and creating environments where healthy eating, regular movement, and preventive care are supported, respected, and accessible.

Beyond Personal Responsibility: Systemic Solutions for Obesity

Obesity is not just a personal or cultural issue; it carries significant economic and systemic consequences. Rising rates of obesity contribute to an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers. This translates into escalating healthcare costs, long-term medical treatments, and reduced workforce productivity, affecting societies at both micro- and macroeconomic levels.

Yet, despite its scale, obesity often receives fragmented or inadequate policy attention. Governments have historically focused more on undernutrition, infectious diseases, or acute healthcare needs, leaving obesity prevention and management under-resourced. Preventive healthcare systems, nutrition education, regulation of food marketing—especially to children—and urban planning that encourages physical activity remain patchy or unevenly implemented.

The food industry plays a major role in shaping dietary behaviour. Highly processed, energy-dense foods are aggressively marketed and widely accessible, while healthier options remain less profitable, more expensive, or harder to distribute. Without regulatory oversight, profit incentives often outweigh public health considerations. Subsidies for sugar-rich crops, minimal labelling requirements, and the omnipresence of fast-food chains create a structural environment in which obesity becomes an almost predictable outcome.

Ultimately, obesity is not a problem that can be solved solely at the level of personal responsibility. It is a public health and economic challenge that demands systemic solutions, spanning regulation, education, urban planning, and healthcare policy. Only by addressing these structural and economic dimensions can societies hope to reverse the silent epidemic of obesity.

Confronting the Silent Epidemic

Obesity is not merely a matter of individual choice or willpower; it is the product of modern lifestyles, cultural shifts, and systemic gaps in policy and infrastructure. It thrives in environments where high-calorie, processed foods are cheap and accessible, physical activity is minimised, and social narratives vacillate between stigmatisation and normalisation. When left unaddressed, obesity burdens not only individual health but also societies through rising medical costs, reduced productivity, and escalating rates of chronic disease.

Addressing this silent epidemic requires a holistic approach. Urban planning must promote active living; schools must instil nutrition literacy and physical fitness; governments must regulate food marketing and ensure healthier options are affordable; and media campaigns must empower rather than shame. Only by tackling obesity at these structural, cultural, and economic levels can societies hope to reverse its steady rise.

Ultimately, the fight against obesity is not just a health intervention—it is a test of societal priorities. By creating environments that support healthy choices and treating obesity as a collective challenge rather than a personal failing, we can move toward a future in which well-being is accessible to all.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

Civilisations do not fall only because of wars or invasions. Sometimes, they fall because families stop eating together.

There are revolutions that arrive with slogans, protests, and noise. And then there are revolutions so quiet that we fail to notice them, until the damage is irreversible. One such revolution is happening inside our homes.

It is called the Silent Kitchen.

This article was inspired by a deeply reflective WhatsApp message shared by Lieutenant General Ajai Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM (Retd), former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command of the Indian Army.

His observation, simple yet profound, about the disappearance of shared meals and the erosion of family bonds struck a chord. What follows is an attempt to expand that thought into a wider civilizational reflection.

When the kitchen falls silent, families do not collapse overnight. They erode….slowly, quietly, almost invisibly. What begins as convenience ends as cultural loss. What looks like progress eventually reveals itself as fragmentation.

This experiment has already been conducted once, in the United States. And if we do not pause, reflect, and course-correct, the same fate may await India.

When Kitchens Were Alive: America in the 1970s

In the 1970s, the American household looked very different from today. Grandparents, parents, and children often lived under one roof. Even when they did not, evenings were sacred. Families gathered at the dining table. Meals were cooked at home, shared together, and lingered over.

Food was not just fuel. It was communication. It was connection. It was culture.

Children absorbed values while eating. Elders transmitted wisdom without lectures. Conflicts softened over shared meals. The kitchen was not merely a physical space, it was the emotional core of the household.

The Cultural Shift After the 1980s

Then came the great cultural shift. Fast-food chains expanded. Takeaways became fashionable. Restaurants replaced dining tables. Convenience was marketed as liberation. Parents grew busier. Careers demanded longer hours. Children were left to fend for themselves, often with processed food, screens, and silence.

Pizza replaced chapatis. Burgers replaced home-cooked meals. Microwave dinners replaced conversations.

Gradually, the voices of grandparents faded. The authority of shared wisdom weakened. Families did not break apart immediately, but they stopped functioning as families.

They became groups of individuals sharing the same address.

Warnings That Went Unheard

Social thinkers and cultural observers had warned decades ago: “If you hand over your kitchens to corporations and the care of your families to governments, families will inevitably collapse.”

But warnings are easy to ignore when convenience feels good.

The result?

In 1971, nearly 71% of American households were traditional families, parents and children living together. Today, that number has dropped to around 20%. This is not a statistical fluctuation. It is a civilisational shift.

The Cost of a Silent Kitchen

What does this collapse look like on the ground?

Elderly parents living alone or in old-age homes. Young adults isolated in rented apartments. Fragile marriages and rising separations. Children growing up emotionally detached. Divorce rates soaring, touching 74% in certain demographics

This is not coincidence. This is consequence. As has been aptly observed, this is the price paid for the Silent Kitchen.

Food Is Never Just Food

A home-cooked meal carries far more than calories. It carries a mother’s love, a grandfather’s experience, a grandmother’s stories, the discipline of routine and the warmth of togetherness.

Today, food arrives in cardboard boxes via delivery apps. The transaction is efficient, but the experience is hollow.

When the kitchen goes silent, the house does not remain a home. It becomes merely a structure of walls and rooms.

The Health Fallout

The silence of kitchens has also produced a health catastrophe. Fast-food dependency has led to Obesity, Diabetes, Heart disease and Lifestyle disorders once rare in young people.

Ironically, an entire healthcare industry now thrives on treating illnesses that were largely preventable, had food remained sacred and shared.

Cultures That Chose Differently

Not every society took this path.

Japan still values family meals, and enjoys the world’s longest life expectancy. Mediterranean cultures treat food as sacred, and relationships remain resilient

These societies understood something modern life is forgetting: How you eat is inseparable from how you live.

A Warning Bell for India

India now stands at a crossroads. Rising dependence on outside food, disappearing family meals, increasing loneliness even within households and rapid growth of lifestyle diseases.

If we follow the same path blindly, the outcome will not be different, only delayed.

What Can Be Done, Starting Today

The solution is neither radical nor expensive. Light the fire in your kitchen again. Cook at least one meal at home. Call your family to the dining table. Eat together, without screens, without hurry. Because this simple truth still holds: Bedrooms build houses, but kitchens build families.

Make Your Kitchen Live, Not Silent

Civilisations do not fall only because of wars or invasions. Sometimes, they fall because families stop eating together. The revival of the family does not begin in parliaments or policies. It begins at the dining table.

So make your kitchen live, before its silence costs us more than we can afford.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

In a bold bid to expand its cutting-edge drug pipeline, Johnson & Johnson is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics, signaling renewed momentum in J&J’s biotech growth strategy and investor confidence in innovative peptide-based therapies.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ.N) is reportedly in talks to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics (PTGX.O), according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter. The potential deal, still under negotiation, marks a significant strategic step for the healthcare giant as it looks to strengthen its biopharmaceutical portfolio and drive innovation in advanced peptide-based treatments.

Following the news, Protagonist Therapeutics’ shares surged by nearly 9.4% in morning trade, reflecting strong investor optimism about the acquisition and its potential to reshape both companies’ future growth trajectories. The move underscores Johnson & Johnson’s deepening commitment to expanding its research-driven therapeutics pipeline, particularly in areas of oncology, hematology, and rare diseases — sectors where Protagonist has demonstrated cutting-edge innovation.

A Strategic Move to Bolster J&J’s Biotech Ambitions

Johnson & Johnson’s interest in acquiring Protagonist Therapeutics aligns with its broader strategy to accelerate growth in high-potential, research-intensive areas. The U.S. healthcare conglomerate, which recently restructured its business to focus on pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, has been actively pursuing collaborations and acquisitions that could enhance its innovation engine.

Protagonist Therapeutics, based in California, is known for its novel peptide-based drug discovery platform, which enables the design of potent and selective therapeutic compounds. The company’s leading drug candidates have shown strong promise in blood disorders and inflammatory diseases, including potential treatments for polycythemia vera, a rare type of blood cancer, and ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Industry analysts view this potential acquisition as a strategic masterstroke for Johnson & Johnson. By integrating Protagonist’s proprietary technology and development pipeline, J&J could gain access to advanced biotherapeutic assets that complement its existing drug research programs.

Market Response and Investor Confidence

The news of the talks immediately lifted Protagonist Therapeutics’ stock, which climbed nearly 10% in morning trading. The company’s market capitalization now stands at an estimated $2.8 billion, with analysts predicting that a full acquisition could value it significantly higher if negotiations proceed.

For Johnson & Johnson, which has recently been refocusing its R&D investments post the Kenvue spin-off, the potential acquisition signals renewed investor confidence in its innovation-first strategy. The company’s stock also saw mild gains, reflecting market enthusiasm about its continued expansion into next-generation biotech platforms.

“Johnson & Johnson’s potential acquisition of Protagonist underscores a clear strategic direction — a move towards high-science, high-impact therapeutics that will define the next era of biopharma innovation,” said one Wall Street healthcare analyst.

Why Protagonist Stands Out

Protagonist Therapeutics has carved a niche in the biotechnology industry through its expertise in peptide-based drug discovery, which bridges the gap between traditional small-molecule drugs and complex biologics. Its platform allows for the design of therapies with enhanced stability, specificity, and targeted delivery, making them highly effective in treating chronic and rare diseases.

Among its key assets is Rusfertide (PTG-300), a late-stage investigational drug for treating polycythemia vera. The therapy has already garnered significant attention in the medical community for its potential to offer a safer and more convenient alternative to current treatment options. Protagonist also has ongoing collaborations with Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, on peptide-based therapeutics — making the acquisition a natural progression of their existing partnership.

A Win-Win for Innovation

If finalized, the deal could significantly enhance J&J’s R&D capabilities, giving it access to Protagonist’s advanced research infrastructure, experienced scientific teams, and a growing intellectual property portfolio. For Protagonist, becoming part of J&J’s global ecosystem would provide the scale, resources, and distribution network needed to accelerate commercialization and bring its promising therapies to global markets faster.

Healthcare experts believe the acquisition could also set a precedent for a new wave of biotech consolidation, as larger pharmaceutical companies look to acquire smaller, innovation-driven firms to maintain a competitive edge amid rapid scientific advancements.

While the terms of the potential deal remain undisclosed, sources close to the matter indicate that discussions are progressing positively. The acquisition, if completed, would mark one of J&J’s most significant biotech transactions of 2025, reinforcing its role as a global leader in healthcare innovation.

As the world’s largest healthcare conglomerate, Johnson & Johnson’s move to acquire Protagonist Therapeutics highlights not just its financial strength but also its vision for the future of medicine — one defined by precision, innovation, and patient-centric breakthroughs.

If successful, the acquisition could signal a new chapter for both companies, creating a synergy that accelerates the delivery of transformative therapies to millions of patients worldwide.

In a landmark deal marking a new era under CEO Mike Doustdar, Novo Nordisk acquires Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion — signaling renewed confidence, strategic growth, and an ambitious push into next-generation metabolic and liver disease treatments.

Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical giant renowned for its diabetes and obesity drugs, has made a decisive move to strengthen its innovation pipeline by announcing the acquisition of U.S.-based Akero Therapeutics for up to $5.2 billion.

The deal, unveiled on Thursday, underscores the company’s renewed commitment to growth under its new CEO, Mike Doustdar, and represents one of its most significant transactions in recent years.

This strategic buyout, financed through debt and expected to close by the end of 2025, gives Novo access to Akero’s promising late-stage drug candidate efruxifermin, aimed at treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) — a chronic liver disease linked to obesity and diabetes.

The acquisition highlights Novo’s expanding focus on cardiometabolic health, a field that blends obesity, diabetes, and liver disease treatment.

For Doustdar, who assumed leadership in July, the move is a clear statement of intent: to reinforce Novo’s dominance in metabolic therapies while steering the company toward new horizons of innovation.

Analysts see the deal as a pivotal moment for the company. Evan Seigerman of BMO Capital remarked that this acquisition, coupled with recent internal restructuring, signals Doustdar’s determination to “bring the ship back on course” after a challenging period marked by market share erosion and job cuts.

Earlier this year, Novo announced a reduction of 9,000 jobs, a move seen as part of Doustdar’s strategy to streamline operations and refocus on high-impact therapies. This latest acquisition, however, reflects a bold and confident turnaround.

Efruxifermin, Akero’s star drug, has shown encouraging results in reversing liver scarring in MASH patients during earlier studies. Experts suggest it could become a game-changer in addressing a disease that affects nearly 5% of U.S. adults, representing a vast, unmet medical need.

Doustdar described efruxifermin as “an important building block for future growth,” noting that the therapy could complement Novo’s existing suite of metabolic treatments. The acquisition is particularly timely as Novo braces for the loss of exclusivity on semaglutide, the active ingredient in its blockbuster drug Wegovy, beginning next year in key markets like India and China.

Industry observers believe the move demonstrates Doustdar’s long-term vision — not just maintaining Novo’s stronghold in obesity and diabetes but expanding into adjacent therapeutic areas with high growth potential.

Lukas Leu, portfolio manager at ATG Healthcare, one of Novo’s major shareholders, described the acquisition as a “positive signal” of confidence. He praised the company’s decision to invest heavily in a high-growth area, especially as competitors such as Roche and GSK have also made strategic moves in the metabolic space.

In August, Wegovy became the first GLP-1 drug to receive accelerated approval for MASH in the United States, opening the door for Novo to build on that momentum with Akero’s complementary technology.

The company had previously discontinued its own MASH candidate, zalfermin, after clinical setbacks. With Akero’s efruxifermin now in late-stage development, Novo is effectively replacing that loss with a more advanced and promising asset.

The size of this deal also marks a significant leap for Novo Nordisk’s acquisition strategy. Historically, its biotech purchases in the metabolic disease space ranged between $1 billion and $2 billion, making this $5.2 billion buyout a bold escalation in both ambition and scale.

Akero’s shareholders will receive an upfront cash payment of $54 per share, representing a 16.2% premium over its last closing price, along with an additional $6 per share if efruxifermin secures full U.S. approval by June 2031.

Following the announcement, Akero’s stock surged by more than 16%, reflecting investor optimism, while Novo’s shares dipped slightly by 1%, likely due to short-term financing concerns.

Despite the minor stock decline, analysts remain bullish on Novo’s long-term prospects. They view this acquisition as a strong message that Doustdar is unafraid to take calculated risks to rejuvenate the company’s innovation engine.

Since his appointment, Novo’s shares have climbed 11%, although they remain down nearly 40% for the year. Analysts attribute the earlier decline to slowing Wegovy prescription trends in the U.S., but many now expect a rebound as the Akero acquisition repositions Novo for growth.

The deal also aligns with Novo’s broader mission to tackle chronic and interlinked diseases — from obesity to liver and cardiovascular conditions — through an integrated research approach.

As Doustdar continues to reshape Novo Nordisk’s global strategy, the acquisition of Akero Therapeutics stands out as a bold first chapter in his leadership journey.

By doubling down on metabolic innovation and strengthening its drug pipeline, Novo Nordisk is not only reaffirming its role as a leader in healthcare innovation but also setting the stage for a revival that could redefine the next decade of biopharmaceutical advancement.

A new cannabis-based drug outperforms opioids, offering safer and faster relief for back pain.

A revolutionary cannabis-derived treatment offers effective, safer pain relief, marking a major advancement in managing chronic back pain without the risks associated with opioids.

A new cannabis-based drug outperforms opioids, offering safer and faster relief for back pain.

A new medical breakthrough is bringing hope to millions suffering from chronic back pain. Recent clinical trials reveal that a cannabis-based drug provides significant relief, outperforming traditional opioid treatments in both efficacy and safety.

This development could transform pain management practices worldwide, offering an alternative that addresses pain without the risks of addiction or severe side effects associated with opioids.

Back pain remains one of the most common causes of disability globally, affecting quality of life, work productivity, and overall well-being.

Historically, opioids have been the primary treatment for severe chronic pain, but their long-term use is linked to dependence, tolerance, and potentially dangerous side effects. In this context, the emergence of a cannabis-based therapy represents a critical advancement in patient care.

The clinical trials, conducted over several months and involving hundreds of participants, demonstrated that patients taking the cannabis-derived drug reported faster and more sustained pain relief compared to those on opioid regimens.

Importantly, the drug showed minimal adverse effects, reducing the risk of nausea, drowsiness, constipation, and dependency often associated with opioids. Patients also noted improved mobility, better sleep, and enhanced daily functioning, highlighting its holistic benefits beyond simple pain reduction.

Medical experts emphasize that this breakthrough could significantly alter the way chronic back pain is treated. Dr. Elena Martinez, lead researcher on the study, stated, “Our findings indicate that cannabis-based therapeutics can be as effective—or even more effective—than opioids for managing chronic back pain, while offering a safer profile.

This opens the door to innovative approaches in pain management that prioritize patient safety and long-term health.”

Beyond its clinical benefits, the cannabis-based drug represents a growing trend in medicine toward plant-derived therapies and natural compounds. Researchers are exploring how cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate pain, inflammation, and muscle spasticity, offering a scientifically grounded approach that combines efficacy with safety.

This breakthrough also comes at a time when the world is seeking alternatives to the opioid crisis, which has impacted millions across North America, Europe, and other regions. By providing a potent, non-addictive option, cannabis-derived therapies could reduce reliance on opioids, curb the risk of addiction, and improve outcomes for patients managing long-term pain conditions.

Patient testimonials from the trials have been overwhelmingly positive. Many participants reported feeling “liberated” from constant pain, able to return to daily activities, work, and exercise routines with greater comfort. Healthcare providers are optimistic that such treatments could become standard practice, especially for patients who have struggled with limited options or intolerable side effects from conventional medications.

Looking ahead, pharmaceutical companies are investing in further research and development of cannabis-based drugs, expanding their potential to treat other chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, neuropathic pain, and post-surgical recovery. With regulatory support growing in multiple countries, this medical breakthrough has the potential to transform global pain management strategies.

In conclusion, the emergence of a cannabis-based drug that outperforms opioids in clinical trials is a milestone for modern medicine. It offers a safer, effective, and patient-friendly alternative for chronic back pain, promising to reduce dependence on opioids while enhancing quality of life. As this treatment becomes more widely available, it could redefine pain management, marking a turning point in both medical science and patient care.

Orforglipron is part of a new class of GLP-1 drugs that suppress appetite and follow the same pathway targeted by Eli Lilly’s blockbuster tirzepatide, sold globally as the blockbuster Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss.

The drug has not been launched anywhere globally but Lilly plans to file,for approval of orforglipron with regulators in the United States, Britain, European Union, Japan and China.

It was not immediately clear if the drugmaker has started approval procedure for orforglipron in India.

Latest trial data showed Eli Lilly’s experimental pill orforglipron lowered blood sugar and weight more effectively than Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO), older GLP-1 drug Rybelsus in adults with type-2 diabetes.

“There is promise for products like that in India, if it gets approved,” Winselow Tucker, Lilly India’s president, said, speaking at an industry conference panel in Mumbai. He did not give a launch timeline.

People in India would take their tablets rather than inject, Novo Nordisk India head Vikrant Shrotriya said.

Tucker added that stigma and logistical hurdles also weigh on injectables.

Still, both companies remain upbeat on the market. Novo’s Wegovy and Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched earlier this year, have seen demand surge, with sales doubling within months.

“We are seeing growing acceptance of obesity injectables in India,” Shrotriya said.

“At this stage, details are limited, and a range of potential outcomes remain under discussion,” said Philips in a statement, highlighting the company’s proactive engagement with U.S. authorities.

Dutch healthcare technology giant Philips (PHG.AS) is actively collaborating with policymakers in Washington regarding ongoing U.S. investigations into the import of medical technology products, showcasing the company’s commitment to transparency and constructive dialogue.

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently launched Section 232 national security reviews covering a wide range of medical and industrial goods, including personal protective equipment, robotics, syringes, and infusion pumps. While these inquiries aim to assess import regulations, Philips emphasizes that it does not anticipate immediate operational impacts, underscoring the company’s stability and preparedness in navigating regulatory landscapes.

“The proactive discussions with U.S. authorities demonstrate Philips’ dedication to ensuring compliance while supporting continued innovation in healthcare technology,” said a company spokesperson.

The company’s approach reflects confidence in its robust supply chains and technological expertise, even as the broader med-tech sector—including European peers Siemens Healthineers, Coloplast, and Sonova—monitors developments. By maintaining open communication with authorities, Philips is positioning itself as a collaborative leader in global healthcare innovation.

Investors and stakeholders have welcomed the measured response, noting that the company’s engagement strategy reduces uncertainty and reinforces its reputation for reliability in delivering critical medical solutions worldwide.

With these efforts, Philips is ensuring that it remains at the forefront of medical technology while contributing to international discussions on import policies and national security considerations. The company continues to focus on delivering innovative healthcare products to markets worldwide, supporting both patient care and industrial advancements.

Speaking at a Reuters Newsmaker event in New York, Gates said the world was at a crossroads, with millions of children at risk of dying if funding drops too steeply.

The Gates Foundation’s pledge matches its donation in 2022. That was the last time the Global Fund, a Geneva-based independent nonprofit, raised money on its three-year budget cycle. The announcement follows deep aid cuts from governments around the world, led by the United States.

“A kid born in northern Nigeria has a 15% chance of dying before the age of 5. You can either be part of improving that or act like that doesn’t matter,” Gates said in an interview before the foundation’s annual Goalkeepers event in New York on Monday.

The event celebrates and seeks to accelerate progress on United Nations global development goals set for 2030, including improving health and ending poverty.

“I am not capable of making up what the government cuts, and I don’t want to create an illusion of that,” he said about his pledge.

The Gates Foundation, the philanthropy started by the Microsoft co-founder and his then-wife in 2000, is one of the world’s biggest funders of global health initiatives, with a particular focus on ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, tackling infectious diseases and lifting millions out of poverty.

Earlier this year, Gates pledged to give away almost his entire $200 billion fortune by 2045, more quickly than planned because of the urgent need worldwide.

Millions More Could Be Saved

According to the U.S.-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, global development assistance fell by 21% between 2024 and 2025 and is now at a 15-year low.

That could still change, said Gates, with organizations like the Global Fund trying to raise money before the end of the year. But if the trajectory remains the same, progress that cut child mortality in half since 2000, saving 5 million lives a year, could be in jeopardy, he said in a statement.

Gates said that there was still an opportunity to save millions of lives and end some of the deadliest childhood diseases by the time he will have donated the rest of his fortune in 2045.

That would require maintaining funding for institutions like the Global Fund as well as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, prioritizing primary healthcare and rolling out innovations – such as the long-acting HIV prevention drug lenacapavir – quickly.

“What’s happening to the health of the world’s children is worse than most people realize, but our long-term prospects are better than most people can imagine,” Gates said in a statement.

At the Goalkeepers event, the foundation gave Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez its annual Global Goalkeeper Award. While other countries reduced global health support, Spain increased its donations to the Global Fund this year by 12% and Gavi by 30%.

The Goalkeepers event usually involves publication of a progress report on the U.N. sustainable development goals, originally adopted in 2015. But that has been delayed until an event in Abu Dhabi in December, when global health funding will be clearer, the foundation said.