Novo Nordisk ends deal with Hims & Hers over ‘illegal’ mass compounding, deceptive marketing; this deadly fungus could fight cancer; using VR for stroke recovery – Morning Medical Update

Novo Nordisk ends deal with Hims & Hers over ‘illegal’ mass compounding, deceptive marketing

Novo Nordisk has terminated its collaboration with Hims & Hers Health, Inc. after just over a month, citing deceptive marketing and the unlawful mass compounding of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy. The pharmaceutical company said the telehealth provider endangered patients by promoting and selling non-FDA-approved versions of the obesity drug, allegedly made with illicit foreign ingredients from unregulated Chinese manufacturers. Novo Nordisk will continue working only with partners who support safe, FDA-approved treatments for chronic disease, according to a company release.

Engineers transform deadly fungus into a cancer-fighting compound

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have turned Aspergillus flavus — a toxic fungus once blamed for tomb-related deaths — into a potential leukemia treatment. The team discovered a rare class of fungal peptides, called asperigimycins, and modified them to attack cancer cells. In lab tests, one variant matched the potency of FDA-approved leukemia drugs. The findings, published in Nature Chemical Biology, suggest fungi may harbor untapped medicines, with further testing in animals planned.

Virtual reality could help patients recover from strokes

A Cochrane review has found that virtual reality (VR), when used alongside standard therapy, may help stroke survivors regain arm movement and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Analyzing 190 studies involving over 7,000 participants, researchers found that adding VR increased therapy time and modestly improved arm function. While most studies used basic, low-cost VR systems, experts say immersive, task-based programs could unlock even greater benefits. The review calls for more rigorous trials to evaluate VR’s full potential in stroke recovery.