Scientists Identify Key Immune “Exhaustion Switch,” Opening New Path for Powerful Cancer Treatments

In a major scientific breakthrough that could transform cancer care, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have uncovered how tumours weaken the body’s immune defences—and how blocking that process can supercharge treatment. The findings, published in Nature Immunology, reveal a critical pathway that drives T cell exhaustion, a major obstacle in modern cancer immunotherapy.

According to the study, cancer cells exploit a molecular signal to drain T cells of their strength, reducing their ability to attack tumours. By blocking this signal, scientists were able to keep T cells active and dramatically enhance their tumour-fighting capacity.

“Our dream is to revive exhausted T cells so the immune system itself can defeat cancer. This discovery brings that future closer,” said co-senior author Dr. Taha Merghoub, noting that T cell exhaustion limits the long-term success of immunotherapies even in patients who initially respond well.

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The researchers focused on CD47, a protein known as the immune-evading “don’t eat me” signal used by cancer cells. Unexpectedly, the team discovered that T cells also produce CD47—and its levels surge when T cells become exhausted. Tests in mice revealed that animals lacking CD47 developed slower-growing tumours, showing the protein plays a powerful internal role in immune suppression.

Tumours appear to worsen this phenomenon by releasing thrombospondin-1, a protein that binds to CD47 and further weakens T cells. “Remove CD47 or thrombospondin-1, and T cells stay strong,” Merghoub said.

To counter this mechanism, researchers tested TAX2, a peptide that prevents CD47 and thrombospondin-1 from interacting. Mice treated with TAX2 displayed slower growth of melanoma and colorectal tumours, more active T cells, and stronger immune responses. TAX2 also significantly enhanced the effectiveness of PD1 immunotherapy, one of the most widely used cancer treatments.

Lead author Dr. Chien-Huan Weng described TAX2 as a “proof-of-concept,” adding that further work is underway to create safe and targeted ways to block this newly identified exhaustion pathway in human patients.

Scientists say the approach could form a powerful standalone therapy or boost existing immunotherapies, marking one of the most promising advances yet in the fight against cancer.

Scientists Identify Key Immune “Exhaustion Switch,” Opening New Path for Powerful Cancer Treatments

Nigeria joins global ICH elite as NAFDAC achieves full international regulatory Status

Nigeria has recorded a major milestone in global health regulation as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has secured full membership of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH). The achievement positions Nigeria among the world’s most advanced national regulatory authorities and marks a transformative step for the country’s pharmaceutical sector.

The announcement was made during the ICH Assembly held in Singapore, where Nigeria was confirmed as the 24th out of only 25 national regulatory authorities (NRAs) globally recognised for their commitment to harmonised international pharmaceutical standards.

NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Moji Adeyeye, described the development as a “historic breakthrough for Nigeria and the African continent,” noting that full membership would significantly boost the availability of high-quality, safe, and effective medicines for Nigerians.

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She said:
“Full ICH membership means Nigerians will have better access to high-quality medicines. It confirms that our regulatory scientists can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the world.”

Nigeria’s journey to full ICH status began in 2022 after the agency secured Observer status and later participated in the 2023 ICH meeting in Vancouver, Canada, where NAFDAC made a formal presentation as part of the evaluation process.

Over the last two years, NAFDAC underwent extensive capacity-building, including training on multiple ICH guidelines, membership in expert working groups, and the hosting of a major international workshop in Lagos in April 2025 on the ICH M13A Bioequivalence Guideline.

Adeyeye credited the agency’s success to a “methodical and structured approach,” supported by Northeastern University, Boston, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Omayuli Francisca Kemi, praised NAFDAC for demonstrating “leadership, resilience, and expertise” in earning a place on the global regulatory stage.

Full ICH membership grants NAFDAC authority to contribute directly to the formulation of international pharmaceutical standards, while enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to regulate medicines, accelerate access to innovative therapies, and improve confidence in local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Adeyeye also acknowledged the Federal Government for extending her tenure, saying the continuity was crucial to achieving this milestone.

“We will continue to safeguard the health of the nation—now with the full strength of the ICH global community behind us,” she declared.

NAFDAC expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and its international partners for their support. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to full implementation of ICH standards, strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory system, and advancing pharmaceutical innovation and production.

Nigeria Joins Global ICH Elite as NAFDAC Achieves Full International Regulatory Status

WHO Issues First Global Guideline on GLP-1 Therapies for Obesity Treatment

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released its first-ever guideline on the use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies for treating obesity, a condition affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide.

Announcing the development on its official X handle on Tuesday, the global health body cautioned that medication alone cannot solve obesity, stressing that drugs must complement healthy diets, regular physical activity, and sustained medical support.

The WHO noted that obesity—responsible for 3.7 million global deaths in 2024—remains a growing crisis, with projections indicating the number of affected individuals could double by 2030 if urgent action is not taken.

According to the organisation, obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above in adults. It is a complex, chronic disease linked to major noncommunicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, several cancers, and increased complications from infectious diseases.

The new guideline focuses on GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medicines that lower blood sugar, promote weight loss, and reduce risks of heart and kidney complications. These drugs were added to the WHO Essential Medicines List in September 2025 for managing type 2 diabetes in high-risk patients.

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WHO explained that its conditional recommendations for GLP-1 therapies aim to support adults living with obesity as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, emphasizing the need for behavioral interventions such as healthy eating and consistent physical activity.

WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said obesity remains a worldwide health threat requiring sustained and equitable care.
“Our new guidance recognizes that obesity is a chronic disease that can be treated with comprehensive and lifelong care. While medication alone won’t solve this global health crisis, GLP-1 therapies can help millions overcome obesity and reduce related harms,” he said.

Ghebreyesus also warned that the global economic cost of obesity could reach US$3 trillion annually by 2030, adding that the guideline aims to reduce soaring healthcare costs tied to obesity-related complications.

The key recommendations state that GLP-1 therapies may be used for long-term obesity treatment in adults, excluding pregnant women, and must be combined with intensive lifestyle interventions.

The WHO flagged concerns over limited long-term safety data, high drug costs, weak health-system capacity, and the risk of widening health inequalities, stressing that without targeted policies, access to GLP-1 therapies may deepen existing disparities.

It called for a comprehensive obesity strategy built on three pillars:
– Creating healthier environments through strong public policies
– Protecting high-risk individuals through early screening and intervention
– Ensuring equitable access to lifelong, person-centred obesity care

The organisation urged countries to ensure fair access to GLP-1 therapies, strengthen health systems ahead of their broader use, and adopt holistic measures to combat the escalating obesity crisis.

WHO Issues First Global Guideline on GLP-1 Therapies for Obesity Treatment