Contagion Editorial Team

This week, learn more about Emory's approach around treating high-consequence infectious diseases such as Ebola, a UNC researcher's work in sequencing syphilis genomes in the search to develop a global vaccine, how the US is in danger of losing its elimination status for measles, and more.

Gilead Sciences reported positive phase 3 ARTISTRY-2 results demonstrating that a once-daily single-tablet combination of bictegravir and lenacapavir is statistically noninferior to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide tablets in virologically suppressed adults with HIV. The company plans to file for regulatory submissions for approval.

With a novel, non–cross-resistant mechanism and phase 3 data showing noninferior efficacy to injectable standard therapy, zoliflodacin could become a novel treatment that expands clinician choice and strengthens global efforts to combat antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhea. Innoviva CMO David Altarac, MD, offers further insights about the newly-approved antibiotic and its potential place in the market.

This week, check out our coverage on 2 antibiotic FDA approvals, and clinicians weigh in on the ACIP recommendations on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine.

Reports are surfacing the federal agency is going to review products already reviewed and approved.

The federal agency approved Augmentin XR in just 2 months through the new CNPV pilot program, marking a potential step toward rebuilding domestic antibiotic manufacturing and addressing drug shortages.

This week, read our coverage on the CDC ACIP meetings on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine, modeling data on the potential consequences of HBV infections, liver cancer, and mortality when delaying the birth dose to 2 months, our latest podcast, and more.

This week, read more about the first person with a novel avian influenza strain, doxyPEP linked to increased high-level tetracycline resistance, Ethiopia investigates Marburg virus disease outbreak, and more.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is assisting Ethiopia with experts, supplies, and emergency funding as the country investigates eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in the South Ethiopia region.

New modeling and clinical data presented by Atea Pharmaceuticals suggest that its fixed-dose combination of bemnifosbuvir and ruzasvir could offer a potent, short-duration, best-in-class treatment option for hepatitis.

This week, read about Merck's advancement of one of its HIV combination therapeutics, Pfizer's influenza vaccine data, the importance of antimicrobial resistance awareness, and more.

Merck’s investigational once-daily, 2-drug HIV regimen, doravirine/islatravir, achieved its primary efficacy and safety end points in a phase 3 trial.

AMR Action Fund CEO Henry Skinner, PhD, MBE, discusses the significance of this week, provides an update on the PASTEUR Act, and explains the differing approaches between Europe and the US with regard to push-pull incentives.

This week, learn about the first death from a meat allergy caused by ticks, Gilead reports positive top-line data showing its investigational combination therapy, bictegravir/lenacapavir was efficacious and safe, a discussion around antibiotic alternatives for MRSA, and more.

The Leapfrog Group has released its Fall 2025 Hospital Safety Grades showing states such as Utah and New Jersey remain in the top 5 of rankings. Data on health systems is also included in the report.

A healthy New Jersey man died from the allergy after eating red meat. Results from a blood sample collected post mortem found that he had been sensitized to the α-gal sugar, which is found in mammals. The blood sample results indicated the man had an extreme reaction, in line with what is seen in fatal anaphylaxis.

Gilead reports its investigational single tablet of bictegravir and lenacapavir was efficacious in people with HIV who are virologically suppressed and who switched from taking multitablet regimens. The company says its phase 3 study results will form the basis for its future regulatory submissions.

Immunocore’s first-in-human study of its bispecific, IMC-I109V, demonstrated early antiviral activity and a favorable safety profile, supporting continued development of the TCR bispecific candidate as a potential functional cure for chronic hepatitis B.

In Vir Biotechnology’s phase 2 Solstice study, 66% of participants with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) receiving a monthly dose of combination tobevibart and elebsiran achieved undetectable hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA at Week 48.

This week, read about the FDA's approval of IV antibiotic, Contepo, for complicated urinary tract infections, penicillin‑binding proteins, post-exposure doxycycline for Lyme disease prevention in young children, and more.

Dynavax and Vaxart have entered into a license and collaboration agreement to advance Vaxart’s investigational oral COVID-19 vaccine, with phase 2b data expected in late 2026.

The federal agency gave the nod to Meitheal Pharmaceuticals for its antibiotic, Contepo, an intravenous fosfomycin offering a new mechanism of action and a new option for adults with complicated urinary tract infections, including those caused by resistant gram-negative pathogens.

The foundation has unveiled its 2025 campaign, highlighting the deadly toll and long-term consequences of these infections through nationwide events, education initiatives, and tributes throughout November.

This week review more highlights from IDWeek, and why one researcher is predicting a milder avian influenza season.

The XpertHCV test from Cepheid enables rapid, point-of-care detection of hepatitis C infection in under an hour—helping to expand access to care and reduces follow-up loss.

This week, meet SIDP's president-elect, the connection between UTIs and meat, a COVID-19 vaccine alternative, and other highlights from IDWeek.

A new genomic study reveals that up to 18% of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Southern California may stem from E coli strains transmitted through contaminated poultry and meat, disproportionately affecting residents of low-income neighborhoods.

Moderna’s investigational cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine, mRNA-1647, did not meet its primary endpoint in a phase 3 trial, leading the company to discontinue its congenital CMV program while continuing studies in transplant patients.

At IDWeek, the company reported promising phase 1/2 trial results for its shingles vaccine candidate Z-1018, demonstrating strong immune responses and favorable tolerability.

A systematic review presented at IDWeek 2025 found that pneumococcal serotypes unique to Merck’s 21-valent conjugate vaccine, Capvaxive, are more prevalent among US adults and show higher rates of antibiotic resistance compared to those unique to PCV20.