Photo from King’s College London

Scientists at King’s College London (KCL) are developing a groundbreaking method to regenerate human teeth using a patient’s own cells.

Unlike traditional restorations, which are artificial and often degrade over time, lab-grown teeth have the potential to integrate with the jawbone and function like natural teeth. This approach could eliminate many long-term complications associated with current dental treatments, such as structural weakening, limited lifespan, or invasive surgical procedures.

The team, led by KCL’s Director of regenerative dentistry, Dr Ana Angelova-Volponi. and Xuechen Zhang from the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, in collaboration with Imperial College London, engineered a material that mimics the body’s natural cellular environment, allowing cells to communicate and trigger the tooth formation process gradually, thus mirroring how teeth grow in the body.

Progressing from earlier unsuccessful attempts where cell signaling was poorly timed, the new method ensures that signals are released in stages, allowing for controlled development of tooth cells.

Researchers are now working on ways to translate this lab success into clinical use. Potential strategies include transplanting developing tooth cells directly into the mouth or growing full teeth in the lab for later implantation.

Source: KCL 

By Dr Abdul Razak Hussin, Consultant Orthopaedic and Sports Surgeon,  Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC)

Who is at risk?

Knee injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. Whether you run, play sports on weekends, or hike, a sudden twist or misstep can cause serious damage. The most commonly injured knee structures are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the meniscus, a C-shaped cartilage that cushions the joint.

Despite this, many ignore knee pain, assuming it will heal on its own. Unfortunately, untreated ACL or meniscus injuries can lead to instability, chronic pain, and early arthritis.

How do these injuries occur?

Knee injuries result from either direct impact (e.g., a football tackle) or sudden, non-contact movements (e.g., twisting while the foot remains planted). Many individuals report hearing a distinct “pop” at the time of injury, followed by swelling and pain. In severe cases, the knee becomes unstable, making movement difficult.

Mild injuries may allow continued activity, but without treatment, symptoms often worsen over time.

Do you need surgery?

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may improve with physiotherapy and strengthening exercises, while severe ACL and meniscus tears often require surgery.

Doctors typically use X-rays to rule out fractures and MRIs to assess ligament and cartilage damage. If left untreated, a damaged ACL or meniscus can cause ongoing instability, especially during activities like descending stairs or walking on uneven surfaces. This can further damage the meniscus and cartilage, leading to persistent pain and arthritis.

What happens during surgery?

ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft, usually from the hamstring or patellar tendon. Meniscus treatment varies based on severity—doctors aim to repair it when possible, but in cases of extensive damage, a partial meniscectomy may be necessary.

After surgery, most patients start walking with crutches almost immediately. Those undergoing meniscus repair may need to limit weight-bearing activities for proper healing. A knee brace is typically required for about six weeks.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery takes time, and returning to high-impact sports should only be considered after a full year to allow proper healing. Post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial, with modern advancements like bioactive scaffolds, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and robot-assisted therapy improving outcomes.

Emerging treatments, including stem cell therapy and virtual reality rehabilitation, also enhance recovery and make physiotherapy more engaging.

Early intervention matters

Persistent knee pain, swelling, and instability should never be ignored. Seeking medical attention early can prevent further damage and improve recovery outcomes.

While knee injuries can be accidental, understanding their causes and symptoms allows individuals to seek timely treatment. The goal is to restore function, prevent complications, and help patients return to daily activities pain-free.

The Taiwan Association of Emergency Medicine recently warned that emergency departments are facing unprecedented congestion this year. If the issue persists, it could lead to a large-scale resignation of emergency medical staff.
At an interim press conference, Health Minister Dr. Tai-Yuan Chiu n acknowledged the crisis, citing three key factors: the extended nine-day Spring Festival holiday, a surge in acute infectious diseases—including influenza-like illnesses and norovirus—exacerbated by a cold snap, and ongoing nursing shortages despite workforce retention efforts. These factors have strained hospital resources, reducing ward capacity.

In response, the health ministry held meetings in February to discuss immediate measures. Short-term plans include improving hospital bed dispatch in medical centers, strengthening regional hospital coordination, and enhancing public awareness of tiered medical care options.

For medium- and long-term reforms, Chiu conveyed the continued efforts to expand the nursing workforce and improve working conditions through various incentive programs. The government is also encouraging medical centers to allocate more resources to acute and critical care. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding adjustments to the health insurance payment system to further mitigate hospital congestion.

Regarding emergency department bed availability, Liu Yueping, Director of Medical Affairs, reported that as of February 10, five hospitals, namely, Linkou Chang Gung, Kaohsiung Chang Gung, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yongkang Chimei, and Gao Yi, each had over 100 patients waiting for beds.

As part of broader workforce stabilization efforts, Liu noted that since March 1 last year, Taiwan has implemented a three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio system. Over the past three months, compliance rates have varied: 37%-59% at medical centers, 37%-49% at regional hospitals, and approximately 85%-94% at district hospitals. The primary reason for non-compliance at larger hospitals is difficulty meeting night shift standards. To address this, the government has allocated NT$6.685 billion in public funds to retain hospital nursing staff.

Additionally, a new policy requires local health bureaus to independently monitor changes in nursing manpower and bed adjustments at county and city hospitals. To further improve bed allocation, from February 13 to March 15, the Health Insurance Department will allow flexible conversion of specialized hospital beds into general-use beds.

Source: CNA/Focus Taiwan

Ready to turn the corner, Indonesia’s pharmaceutical sector needs to overcome import dependence and regulatory obstacles, among other crucial factors, to achieve long-term success.

A push for pharmaceutical self-sufficiency
The Indonesian Ministry of Health announced on January 14, 2025, that it is accelerating efforts to achieve pharmaceutical self-sufficiency. The plan focuses on two key strategies: increasing research and development in drug raw materials and offering financial incentives to encourage domestic production.

Currently, about 90% of Indonesia’s active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients are sourced from abroad, primarily from China and India. This dependence exposes the industry to risks such as supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions.

Snapshot of the industry
Java remains the center of Indonesia’s chemical, pharmaceutical, and traditional medicine industries, contributing about 83% of the sector’s output in 2023. East Java led with a 22% share, overtaking West Java, which contributed 21%, followed by Banten at 15%.

Strong infrastructure, including gas pipelines and new industrial estates, has made East Java a prime destination for manufacturers. Despite local production efforts, Indonesia continues to rely on imported raw materials, with organic chemicals being the most significant. In 2023, organic chemical imports reached approximately US$3.8 billion, with acyclic alcohols and polyacetals accounting for the largest share. However, as post-pandemic demand stabilizes, imports of these raw materials have begun to decline.

Policies to support local manufacturing
In 2023, the government introduced measures to strengthen the local pharmaceutical industry. One of these policies requires healthcare facilities to prioritize purchasing domestically produced drugs before considering imports.

The 2023 Omnibus Health Law reinforces this directive, mandating that at least 70% of medicines in the government’s e-catalogue come from local sources. This push aligns with Indonesia’s broader goal of fostering a more self-sufficient pharmaceutical sector.

Growth potential and challenges
Developing local pharmaceutical manufacturing presents opportunities for both domestic supply and export potential. Government incentives and partnerships with local firms could attract foreign investment, driving industry expansion. While initial production will focus on meeting domestic demand, Indonesia aims to position itself as an exporter in the long term.

However, achieving full pharmaceutical independence will take time. Recent investments in R&D and infrastructure will require years before resulting in significant local production. Despite these efforts, imports are expected to remain a major part of the market.

Indonesia’s pharmaceutical exports are projected to grow at a five-year CAGR of 8.1% in local currency terms, reaching IDR 15.3 trillion by 2029. At the same time, imports are forecasted to rise from IDR 19.4 trillion in 2024 to IDR 27.2 trillion by 2029, maintaining a trade deficit.

Regulatory barriers, industry growth
While government initiatives will support pharmaceutical sales growth, regulatory challenges may deter investment. Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, continues to expand due to a growing population and increasing healthcare spending. However, complex regulations could create hurdles for drug manufacturers looking to establish or expand operations in the country.

Sources: BMI Industry Research / Permata Institute for Economic Research

Dr Natkaphat Rattanapithun, consultant at the Parasitic Disease Research Centre and chairman of FMC Medical Centre in Nakhon Ratchasima, confirmed the infection. He explained that the parasites, medically known as “cysticercus,” originate from small, white cysts in raw beef or pork. These cysts can survive digestion, allowing tapeworms to attach to the small intestine and grow.

Beef tapeworms can reach lengths of 5–10 meters, while pork tapeworms typically grow to 2–4 meters. Symptoms include bloating, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, anaemia, and diarrhoea.

The case gained widespread attention after being highlighted on social media, including the “Lab Panda” medical page. Experts are urging the public to avoid raw meat dishes as cases of parasite-related infections continue to rise in Thailand.

The 500-bed hospital, developed with a RMB1 billion investment, will offer a wide range of medical services, including orthopedics, ophthalmology, cardiology, and oncology. It also features an International Clinic focused on personalized care, health maintenance, and chronic disease management.

Located in the Perennial Tianjin South High-Speed Railway (HSR) International Healthcare and Business City (PIHBC Tianjin), the hospital is part of a broader healthcare and business ecosystem. The facility utilizes an asset-light co-medical space concept, where doctors and medical groups can focus on patient care while accessing shared medical facilities such as advanced operating theatres and diagnostic equipment. This approach, modeled after Singapore’s healthcare system, offers a cost-effective solution for medical professionals to expand their practices without the need for significant capital investment in medical infrastructure.

Perennial General Hospital Tianjin is part of a larger network within PIHBC Tianjin, which includes the Perennial Rehabilitation Hospital Tianjin, Eber Perennial Brain Hospital Tianjin, and Perennial Nursing Hospital Tianjin. Together, these facilities will provide over 1,300 beds, supporting the healthcare needs of the local community and the broader Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Pua Seck Guan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Perennial Holdings noted that the new hospital will help boost Tianjin’s medical tourism industry and improve the quality of private medical care in the country. Perennial Holdings plans to expand its healthcare presence, with over 3,000 additional beds planned for future developments in Kunming, Xi’an, and Guangzhou.

The company also commended China’s open-door foreign investment policy in healthcare, which has fostered international collaborations and attracted foreign expertise. This policy continues to enhance investor confidence and drive the growth of China’s healthcare sector.

The ongoing mpox outbreak, declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by Africa CDC on August 13, 2024, and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) the following day, has impacted 19 African nations. Over 12,000 confirmed cases have been reported this year, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Burundi being hardest hit.

Testing limitations have hindered effective case management and contact tracing, essential tools for curbing the outbreak. In response, Africa CDC and WHO launched a joint plan to expand testing through scaling up centralised Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) sites, activating additional labs, and deploying near point-of-care testing, alongside personnel training and supply distribution.

HE Dr Jean Kaseya, Africa CDC’s Director General, lauded Singapore’s contribution, commenting that for the first time, a comprehensive continental response plan has been developed to address outbreak response pillars, including diagnostics and genome sequencing.

Singapore’s Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, stressed the importance of global collaboration. He said that Singapore’s contribution to helping African nations manage the mpox outbreak, is also strengthening global health security, which isa shared international responsibility.

The MOU aligns with the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” established in 2023 and supports Indonesia’s health transformation goals. It emphasizes joint efforts in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, digital health innovation, and workforce development.

US Ambassador to Indonesia Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir called the MOU a “commitment to advancing collaboration, investing in human capital, and sharing best practices.”

Since 2002, the US. has provided over US$6.2 billion in assistance to Indonesia, with US$2 billion focused on health and education. This agreement reaffirms both nations’ dedication to improving public health and tackling global challenges together.

The study indicated that 86% of respondents believe their health is shaped by lifestyle choices, financial and social constraints hinder progress.

The survey found younger Filipinos (aged 18-29) experience an average of 3.4 sick days annually, higher than the overall average of 2.7 days. This age group also struggles with inadequate sleep, reduced exercise, and unhealthy diets, citing expense and inconvenience as major obstacles to adopting healthier habits.

According to Rahul Hora, CEO of Manulife Philippines, young Filipinos face growing health challenges due to a gap between knowledge and action, and addressing real-world barriers is essential to support their well-being and financial security.

Social pressures also impact health choices, with younger Filipinos prioritizing social lives over healthier routines despite rising concerns about anxiety, depression, and diabetes.

Nutrition, key to healthy lifestyles

Nutrition emerged as a top health priority, but misconceptions persist. Half of respondents admitted their meals are unhealthy, with 46% perceiving healthy food as less appetizing and 35% viewing it as more difficult to prepare. Additionally, 25% incorrectly believe critical illnesses primarily affect older adults.

Hora commented that education and accessibility are important to bring awareness and promote healthier lifestyle choices,

Financial gaps in health preparedness

Meanwhile, two-thirds of respondents feel their health coverage is sufficient, 41% of medical costs still come from personal savings. Younger Filipinos are particularly vulnerable, with an average savings of Php38,000 (about US$700) for medical needs compared to the Pho571,000 (around US$10,500) they estimate will be required over the next decade.

Filipinos must take proactive steps toward better health and financial security, said Hora, adding that Manulife highlights the importance of combining health education with accessible financial solutions to empower Filipinos to lead healthier, more financially secure lives.

The decision is expected to enhance vaccine availability in regions experiencing surging mpox outbreaks, with 2024 reporting cases in 80 countries, including 19 in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the most affected country, has recorded over 39,000 suspected cases and more than 1,000 deaths as of 31 October 2024.

Related: Asia Sees Rising Mpox Cases; Takes Action with Control and Treatment Measures

In a significant move, Japan announced a donation of 3.05 million doses of the LC16m8 vaccine, along with specialized needles, to Congo, marking the largest donation in response to the ongoing crisis.

Developed by KM Biologics in Japan, the LC16m8 vaccine is recommended for use in individuals over one year old in outbreak settings. It is administered as a single dose using a bifurcated needle. The vaccine has proven safe and effective, including for people with controlled HIV, though it is not recommended for pregnant individuals or those who are immunocompromised.

Related: Misconceptions on Mpox that You Should Know (and Public Perception in Malaysia) 

WHO continues to collaborate with global partners to ensure the safe distribution of vaccines and ongoing research into their safety and effectiveness.