ASCLS eNewsBytes

• COVID-19 Exacerbates Multimorbidity Burden in People With HIV October 13, 2026
  COVID-19 diagnosis leads to a significantly higher increase in multimorbidity burden among people with HIV than in those who are HIV-negative.
• Thalassemia Patients Face More Than Double the Risk of Toxoplasma Infection October 13, 2026
  A systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that individuals with beta-thalassemia major have significantly higher rates of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii compared to healthy individuals.
• FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Designation to Natera's Multi-Cancer Early Detection Assay October 13, 2026
  The FDA has designated Natera’s multi-cancer early detection assay as a breakthrough device. This blood test, which analyzes cell-free DNA for multiple cancer screenings, received this status following the FDA's review of data from 12 cancer types, highlighting its sensitivity, specificity and performance in detecting cancer signals.
• Olanzapine LAI Receives FDA Approval for Schizophrenia October 13, 2026
  The FDA has approved olanzapine extended-release injectable suspension, a monthly subcutaneous treatment for adults with schizophrenia, based on phase 3 SOLARIS data.
• Ancient Viral Dna Helps Embryonic Stem Cells Grow — and Cancer Hijacks the Same Switch October 13, 2026
  Calcium can become toxic at high levels. Calbindin, which removes calcium from cells, is usually found in the brain and kidney to regulate calcium levels. A study by Kassiotis' team discovered a specific form of calbindin in lung cancer cells, activated by remnants of viral DNA in our genome.