Welcome to this week’s roundup of the most insightful and impactful articles from the sister publications of Dermatology Times, all under One MJH Life Sciences. Our network brings together expert perspectives, clinical advancements, and industry updates to keep clinicians informed and ahead of the curve. From cutting-edge treatments to practice management strategies, here’s a look at the top stories shaping the field of medicine.
Research reported by Cancer Network highlighted that the FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to zongertinib tablets (Hernexeos) as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC harboring HER2 tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations. Findings from the phase 1 Beamion-LUNG1 trial supported the designation, showing a 75% objective response rate, median response duration of 14.1 months, and median progression-free survival of 12.4 months in previously treated patients. The therapy went on to receive FDA approval in August 2025 with the Oncomune DX Target Test as a companion diagnostic, followed by regulatory approval in China the next month.
Research reported by AJMC highlighted that Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, MD, PhD, announced his intention to eliminate all school vaccine mandates in the state, a move that would make Florida the first to ban requirements for children to receive immunizations against diseases such as measles, polio, chickenpox, and hepatitis B before attending public school. Ladapo compared the mandates to “slavery” during a news conference, while public health organizations, including the American Medical Association, strongly criticized the decision as a major setback for public health. The announcement comes amid broader federal shifts under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has dismissed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and restricted COVID-19 vaccine access. In response, California, Oregon, and Washington have formed the West Coast Health Alliance to provide evidence-based public health guidance, citing politicization of the CDC. Critics, including Florida Rep. Anna Eskamani (D), warned the move could create a “public health disaster,” while Ladapo defended the policy as protecting individual choice.
Research reported by dvm360 detailed the launch of a new porcine circovirus vaccine from Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelvac Circoflex AD, which is the first to combine PCV2a and PCV2d antigens in a single intramuscular dose. These two genotypes account for over 90% of clinical cases of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), a common condition in swine that weakens immune defenses and increases susceptibility to respiratory, reproductive, and digestive illnesses. USDA-approved for pigs as young as 2 weeks, the vaccine demonstrated immunity onset within 2 weeks and protection lasting at least 6 months. Available in 50- and 250-dose vials, the product is designed to provide broader and longer-lasting protection against evolving PCV2 strains, with company officials emphasizing its role in helping producers strengthen herd health and stay ahead of emerging threats.
Research reported by Cannabis Science and Technology highlighted that Rep. Jerrold Nadler, alongside Cannabis Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Dina Titus and Ilhan Omar and Rep. Nydia Velázquez, has reintroduced the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in Congress. The legislation seeks to federally decriminalize cannabis by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act, expunge prior convictions, and allow states to set their own policies. The bill also includes provisions for resentencing, small business support through SBA funding, non-discrimination protections, and a 5% federal sales tax to fund community reinvestment, cannabis opportunity, and equitable licensing programs. Supporters argue the act would help repair harms caused by the War on Drugs, expand economic opportunities in the cannabis industry, and align federal law with the growing number of states that have legalized marijuana.
Research reported by Psychiatric Times noted that the FDA has accepted Achieve Life Sciences’ New Drug Application for cytisinicline, a plant-derived therapy for smoking cessation, with a PDUFA date set for June 20, 2026. Data from the ORCA-2 and ORCA-3 phase 3 trials, which included over 2000 participants, showed significantly higher smoking abstinence rates for patients treated with cytisinicline compared to placebo, with both 6- and 12-week regimens proving effective and well tolerated. If approved, cytisinicline would represent the first new pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in 20 years, offering a novel option to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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