Lipid lather Results of the ENHANCE trial-completed in 2006-have been announced amidst allegations that pharma companies concealed negative data. The study of 720 people with familial hypercholesterolaemia showed that the cholesterol uptake inhibitor ezetimibe provided no sig-nificant benefit in carotid intima-media thickness, when given together with simvastatin and compared with simvastatin alone.

Sanitation crisis Poor sanitation is killing 5000 children every day, a group of 60 health organisations announced last week. The coalition-End Water Poverty-is calling for the G8 leaders to take the issue seriously when they meet in Tokyo in July this year.

Dawn raids The European Commission has raided some of the world’s biggest drug manufacturers, launching an investigation into whether they made illegal deals or abused patents to delay the introduction of cheap generic alternatives to branded medicines. Pfizer and Merck & Co are among the companies under the spotlight.

Cluster bombs The USA has said it is prepared to create a rapid reaction force to defuse cluster bombs left-over from conflict. However, the USA continues to oppose the Oslo Process-a legally binding treaty ban-ning cluster munitions-supported by 100 countries, and due in place by the end of 2008. Conversely, US efforts have instead focused on ensuring coun-tries know how to use such weapons in full accordance with international law.

Nervous tension Ex-servicemen, who volunteered for experimentation at Porton Down-a Ministry of Defence research centre in Wiltshire, UK-under the false pretence of testing cold remedies, have each been offered £8300 compensation after being exposed to the nerve agent sarin. Though some feel the money-£3 million between 360 veterans-is an inadequate gesture, there have been reports of pressure to accept the offer.

Yellow fever Public anxiety in Brazil is rising as deaths from yellow fever reached five, with over 14 further cases suspected. WHO recommended vaccination at Brazil’s request last week, while Fiocruz, the Brazilian yellow fever vaccine manufacturer, was asked to increase its 2008 production to 30 million doses.

Severe floods An estimated 50 000 people have been evacuated to resettle-ment centres as water levels have risen sharply and rain continues to fall in Mozambique. A UNICEF representative said “urgent action is crucial to prevent outbreaks of diseases”.

Crohn’s disease The selective-adhe-sion-molecule inhibitor natalizumab has been licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat Crohn’s disease. During treatment of multiple sclerosis, the drug was linked to development of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy. Consequently, it will be prescribed only to patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease and poor response to other therapies.

Dental amalgam safe The EU Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks has been investigating the safety of the use of mercury in amalgam fillings. Despite the toxic effects of mercury in high doses, the Committee has now concluded that dental amalgam is associated with very low rates of local adverse effects such as allergies, with no evidence of systemic disease.

Cystic fibrosis Irish patients have cap-tured public attention by speaking out about the limited availability of services for cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers. Despite Ireland having the highest prevalence of CF worldwide, isolation facilities are few, possibly exposing patients to infection, and currently there is no screening programme for newborn babies. The Irish health service is now looking to address both deficiencies.

World decisions It is time for the annual love-in of the self-declared business elite at a ski resort in Davos, Switzerland: the World Economic Forum. Tony Blair and Henry Kissinger are attending this year’s jamboree on “The Power of Collaborative Inno-vation”. Meanwhile back in the real world, the World Trade Organization Doha Round of talks remain stalled in a stand-off between the powerful and less powerful-a serious situation that Davos darlings continue to ignore.

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