ASCLS eNewsBytes

• FDA Approves Tauklarify (MK-6240) for Tau Pathology Detection in Alzheimer Disease August 31, 2026
  Tauklarify (formerly MK-6240) is a newly approved tau-targeting imaging agent by the U.S. FDA for detecting Alzheimer's disease. This positron emission tomography agent selectively binds to aggregated tau protein to identify tau neurofibrillary tangle pathology in patients being evaluated for Alzheimer's.
• New Melanoma Drug Based On Herpes Virus Granted FDA Accelerated Approval August 31, 2026
  Federal regulators have granted accelerated approval to a new therapy for advanced melanoma, providing doctors with an additional option to combat this difficult skin cancer.
• CDC Characterizes Changing Epidemiology of Mpox Infection August 31, 2026
  Fewer mpox virus infections were reported in 2025 than in 2024, although cases doubled from September to October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The evolving epidemiology of MPXV, including new lineages and increased hospitalizations among unvaccinated individuals, highlights the urgent need for improved prevention efforts in the U.S.
• How the Chagas Disease Parasite 'Activates' Its Infectious Form August 31, 2026
  The Chagas disease parasite alters its protein composition during its life cycle to infect mammals, including humans. The driving factors behind these transformations are not fully understood. A study suggests that chemical changes in transfer RNA, which delivers amino acids for protein synthesis, play a role in this process.
• Blood-Based Multi-Cancer Screening Tests August 31, 2026
  Recent blood-based tests claiming to detect various cancers have emerged, but they are not yet reliable, potentially causing confusion and stress, while established screening methods remain effective for most individuals.