Miracle Alzheimer's drug which could slow down the disease is being considered for use on the NHS - giving hope to millions of people By KATE PICKLES HEALTH CORRESPONDENT FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 16:07 EST, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 16:22 EST, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments A daily pill which could be the first to slow Alzheimer’s disease is being considered for use on the NHS . Officials are assessing whether hydromethylthionine mesylate (HMTM) shows sufficient promise to be given the green light for NHS patients. The drug attacks a protein called tau which accumulates in tangles in the brain, affecting memory and cognition. Taken as a tablet, it would not require the complex infusions needed for other recent breakthrough Alzheimer’s treatments. Early trial data suggests it can slow progression of the disease with regulators set to make a decision as soon as April. If approved, it would mark the biggest milestone for the disease in decades, bringing hope to millions worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is set to affect more than a million Britons by the middle of this century. But there is growing hope the NHS must get ready for a future where it is treatable and even curable. A daily pill which could be the first to slow Alzheimer’s disease is being considered for use on the NHS (stock image) Officials are assessing whether hydromethylthionine mesylate (HMTM) shows sufficient promise to be given the green light for NHS patients (stock image) Developed by Aberdeen-based TauRX, early trials suggested the medication leads to sustained cognitive improvement at an early, clinically detectable stage of Alzheimer’s. The experimental compound belongs to a class of drugs known as tau aggregation inhibitors, which is hoped can undo the tangles, slowing and potentially altogether stopping memory loss. Former NHS clinical director for dementia and emeritus professor at the University of Manchester, Professor Alistair Burns, said it was potentially ‘great news for people with Alzheimer’s disease, their families and carers’. ‘We have reached an exciting time in the field of Alzheimer’s disease treatment,’ he told the Telegraph. ‘After no new therapies for a generation, we are on the threshold of having a range of new treatments, including a tau-targeted oral therapy, which have the real potential to slow the disease process.’ Read More BREAKING NEWS Anger as NHS patients told they WON'T get 'new hope' Alzheimer's drug donanemab The decision will follow the mixed fortunes of two breakthrough drugs for Alzheimer’s drugs - Lecanemab and Donanemab - having with UK regulators. Despite both being given the green light by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), hope was quickly extinguished when health spending watchdog National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) found they were not value for money for the NHS. Some experts question the potential benefits of HMTM, with the latest data yet to be peer-reviewed. Findings presented at the Alzheimer’s Disease International conference this year showed little or no benefit over placebo on memory and cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. But the company said it was due to the unexpected effects of the placebo and is understood to be offering further evidence and results. The drug also appears to have a better safety profile than others coming through, suggesting it is less likely to cause adverse side effects. Dr Richard Oakley, the associate director of research and innovation at the charity Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘Although the placebo was expected to have no effect at the dose it was given, it built up in participants’ bodies over time. ‘However, HMTM did reduce the levels of a marker of brain cell loss.’ He added: ‘In a small subset of participants with mild cognitive impairment who have features of Alzheimer’s disease in their brains, HMTM seemed to have a beneficial effect.’ The MHRA, NICE and TauRX were all approached for comment. NHS Share or comment on this article: Miracle Alzheimer's drug which could slow down the disease is being considered for use on the NHS - giving hope to millions of people e-mail Add comment(The Center Square) – President-elect Donald Trump’s new border czar Tom Homan is putting together an extensive deportation plan for when he hits the ground running after they are both sworn into office in January. Homan spoke to The Center Square about his priorities, illustrating a marked difference from President Joe Biden’s border czar, Vice President Kamala Harris, who repeatedly said the border was secure and she didn’t need to go to there. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the greatest number of illegal border crossers, roughly 14 million, were reported in U.S. history, The Center Square reported . “The overarching theme,” Homan said, “is millions of people entered this country illegally, which is a crime.” The Biden administration argued illegal border crossers “have a right to claim asylum” and to go before an immigration judge, he said. “We gave them that opportunity to see a judge. But we know, based on immigration court data, that nearly nine out of 10 of them will get an order for removal because they simply don't qualify for asylum.” The fact that millions of people illegally entered the U.S. and nine out 10 are ordered to be removed necessitates “a mass deportation operation,” he said. “Are these dirty words? No. On the end of historic mass illegal immigration with nine out of 10 getting orders for removal, there has to be a mass deportation program. The only other option is to let them stay,” which nullifies immigration law and the immigration court system, he argues. “It also sends a message to the entire world that you can enter this country illegally and you can go to court and lose your case and you're still not going to go home,” he said. “We'll never solve the southwest border crisis like that. So, you know what? You can’t demand due process and not accept the end result.” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas “himself has testified numerous times before Congress that for those who don't qualify for asylum, they’d be removed. Well guess what? It's time to do the removal part.” Removal priorities The removal process will prioritize individuals based on their threat to society, he said. “The priorities will focus on public safety threats, national security threats and fugitives,” those who “got due process at great taxpayer expense and the federal judge ordered them removed, but they didn't leave, and they became a fugitive.” Individuals who are on the federal Terrorist Watch List and “Special Interest Aliens,” those from countries of foreign concern, are all priorities, he said. “We'll work very closely with the FBI and intelligence community” to identify and find them, he said. “We know a record number of people on the terrorist watchlist have crossed the border,” he said. Homan has long warned that the border crisis created the greatest national security threat since 9/11. Within the last year alone, numerous officials issued “imminent terrorist attack warnings” and Biden extended multiple national emergency orders due to ongoing terror threats since 9/11. Under his watch the greatest number of known or suspected terrorists were apprehended, with the majority caught at the northern border, The Center Square reported . Under the Biden administration, more than 660,000 criminal foreign nationals were recently identified to be deported by ICE, including 435,719 convicted criminals, The Center Square reported . ICE agents arrested more than 387,000 criminals in fiscal years 2021 through 2023, The Center Square reported . The majority were citizens of Mexico, Nicaragua, Columbia and Venezuela. Finding and removing millions of SIAs , those from COFC , criminals released into the U.S. through the CHNV parole program, including members of a violent Venezuelan prison gang, and those identified in national security cases will “last us for a long time,” Homan said. US military role The U.S. military will assist in Trump’s deportation efforts, Homan said. Title 8 enforcement authority will remain with federal agents from U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations. The military will provide air and ground transportation assistance, work on construction building and intelligence targeting, he said. “They can do all kinds of things that don't require immigration authority,” he said. “Those with immigration authority like HSI agents and ICE agents, deportation officers, they'll be making the arrests.” He also pointed out that “the DOD has been used in every administration to help with the border. We're just going to expand that enforcement to help with non-law enforcement duties.” However, “no one's off the table,” he said. “If you're in the country illegally, you got a problem.” He’s previously warned “the millions of the illegal aliens that Joe Biden released in our country in violation of federal law, ‘you better start packing now. Because you are going home.’” Homan also encouraged all foreign nationals in the country illegally to voluntary return to their country of origin because it would be better for them to do so. “If you're in the country illegally and you got an order for removal, or even if you don't have one, if you're in the country, leave on your own. Because when you leave on your own, there's no penalties. But if we actually have to deport you with a formal order for deportation, there's a 20-year ban. That means you can't get a visit visa, you can't get a tourist visa. If you have a U.S. citizen child that lives here, he can't petition for you. So, it's better to leave on your own rather than getting a formal order of removal.” Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.
Young people in regional Australia trail their city counterparts when it comes to digital literacy. or signup to continue reading The first-ever by the analysed young Australians' experience with technology across access, connectivity, skills, safety and wellbeing. The open-source database of responses from more than 4700 young Australians aged eight to 25 revealed . Young people in major cities scored higher in digital skills (70 per cent) and overall wellbeing (53 per cent) compared to their regional and remote peers whose scores were 66 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. Only 44 per cent of young people in regional Australia reported being taught coding at school compared to 52 per cent of their urban counterparts. Similarly, only half of young people in regional areas believe they received good digital training at university, compared to 67 per cent of those in cities. Telstra Foundation CEO Jackie Coates said the figures were a "stark reminder" that digital education was not yet equal across Australia. "The hope of the Telstra Foundation is that the Index provides a source of data for policymakers, educators and others - in particular those in regional Australia - as they support young people to thrive in a digital world," she said. Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au Carla Mascarenhas is the NSW correspondent covering breaking news, state politics and investigations. She is based in Sydney. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
2024 Year-in-review: A look back at development projects started, completed
Utah Valley St. 77, West Georgia 74
Stock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talk
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just unveiled its last major push to aid distressed farm loan borrowers, announcing nearly $300 million in financial assistance as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This isn’t just another round of payouts—it’s the grand finale of a program that has already helped thousands of farmers keep their land, their livelihoods, and their futures intact. Over the past two years, the USDA has delivered an impressive $2.5 billion in relief to more than 47,800 struggling agricultural producers. This latest funding aims to stabilize an additional 12,800 farmers in one final life-saving effort. “USDA has always been committed to standing by our nation’s farmers and ranchers, especially in their most challenging times,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The final round of payments announced under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act provides much-needed relief to more than 12,800 producers, helping them stay on their land and continue farming. At USDA, we are not only addressing immediate financial challenges but also working every day to build a stronger, more supportive loan system that ensures farmers have the tools they need to succeed now and into the future.” For many, this announcement couldn’t come soon enough. Thousands of farmers nationwide have faced mounting pressure from climate challenges, volatile markets, and rising operational costs—piling debt they couldn’t climb out of. The funds help pay off outstanding farm loans, cover delinquent debts, and extend lifelines to those at risk of losing it all. For these farmers, the message is clear: USDA isn’t just stepping in to help—it’s staking its future on theirs. This final installment doesn’t come as a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it tackles the diverse and complex challenges of America’s farming community. Structured into categories, the assistance ensures that every dollar goes where it’s needed most, offering tailored solutions to borrowers with a variety of needs. Here’s what this $300 million package delivers to farmers across the country: $168.5 million to pay off outstanding overdue balances for direct loan borrowers delinquent as of November 30, 2024, and for guaranteed loan borrowers flagged for liquidation. $67.3 million to cover the next installment on Farm Loan Program direct loans for borrowers who already received prior assistance. $35 million in installment payments on loans for farmers who recently restructured their debts. $9 million to knock out direct Emergency Loan balances. $4.1 million to address emergency and protective advances on both direct and guaranteed loans. Additional funds for overdue interest, non-capitalized interest payments, and specific loan programs like Economic Emergency loans bring the plan full circle. For distressed farmers who are currently in bankruptcy, USDA promises customized, case-by-case solutions to help them take part in this vital initiative. Here’s the reality behind these numbers. For countless farmers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. When farmers lose their land, it’s not just their families who suffer—it’s the entire agricultural supply chain. Farms feed America. They stabilize rural economies. They keep grocery store shelves stocked. The ripple effect of failure in agriculture spans from small towns to global markets. This assistance ensures farmers have the breathing room they need to keep planting fields and raising livestock. And it’s not just about survival—it’s about progress. By helping distressed borrowers restructure their debts and gain access to financial tools for recovery, the USDA is promoting long-term resilience, not just short-term fixes. This program under the Inflation Reduction Act isn’t just money on paper—it reflects a broader shift in how USDA approaches farm lending. For years, many farmers viewed loan systems as inaccessible or even detrimental to their survival as they struggled to keep up with repayments during downturns. But programs like this aim to reform that narrative. They focus on proactive resilience-building, offering safety nets for the farmers who need it most. While this $300 million might signal the program’s end, its impact will echo for years. By erasing debts, funding restructures, and easing loan conditions, USDA has set a precedent for modern agricultural support systems. Farmers know now that failing financially doesn’t mean being abandoned. USDA is rewriting what it means to stand by rural America, and that trust could prove invaluable the next time farmers need a hand. The Inflation Reduction Act was hailed as a flagship achievement of the Biden Administration, and the nearly $2.5 billion devoted to assisting farmers is one of its crowning jewels. The program helped not only stabilize troubled farms but preserve the cultural and economic fabric of rural America. From small family farms to mid-sized operations fighting tooth and nail to stay competitive, this assistance turned doubt into hope for tens of thousands. Looking forward, USDA is signaling its commitment to ongoing improvements in its loan systems. While this chapter closes, it highlights an unwavering mission to make farming a sustainable livelihood. The Inflation Reduction Act laid the foundation, but the hard work of making lasting change starts now. With more than 12,800 farmers set to benefit from this final round, the future suddenly looks brighter for many who thought they were out of options. This isn’t just an investment in loans—it’s an investment in people, traditions, and the industries that feed America. It’s a reminder that no matter how steep the challenges, the country hasn’t forgotten the hands that sow, tend, and harvest its sustenance. If USDA follows through on its evolving mission, initiatives like this won’t just be emergency lifelines—they’ll become essential instruments for ensuring one of the country’s most vital industries thrives. For America’s farmers, that reassurance couldn’t come at a more critical time. With this final $300 million infusion, the USDA has done more than relieve debt—it’s helped secure a future where farmers can focus on what they do best, with fewer worries weighing them down. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .
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Coach Prime, CU Buffs focused on ending regular season on high noteA childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim’s sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Thi Cam Nhung Lê says she grew up with Sebastien Gauthier in Quebec City and considered him her best friend. Lê says Gauthier’s older sister was also on the boat in Florida’s Broward County when it exploded and she was taken to a hospital. She says Gauthier’s family was in Florida to celebrate the holidays and that his sudden death feels “unimaginable.” A video posted on social media Monday shows the vessel engulfed in flames following the explosion, with a thick column of black smoke billowing into the sky. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed that Gauthier died of his injuries, saying a preliminary investigation shows the 37-foot vessel exploded after its engines were started. Lê remembers Gauthier as someone who was always smiling and says she is waiting for answers about what led to her friend’s death.
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X Financial Reports Third Quarter 2024 Unaudited Financial Results