Summary

The week’s most impactful health news stories were:

• Biomedicine: The trap of “miracle” weight-loss drugs: the rebound effect is faster than with conventional diets.
• Global health: The Lancet Commission on improving post-COVID health finds that international agreements are failing to reduce three closely linked health threats.
• International health policy: Trump unveils the new health plan, albeit with few details (the entire plan is a single sheet of paper).
• National health policy: Pensions and public healthcare at risk for the first time in Spain, according to Davos.
• Business: A generic Ozempic for €15 a month, or how to revolutionize the obesity drug market.

Biomedicine

• The trap of “miracle” weight-loss drugs: the rebound effect is faster than with conventional diets. An analysis of 37 studies reveals the hidden side of GLP-1 agonists: the large-scale study shows that weight returns in less than two years.
• Predicting type 2 diabetes risk from a drop of blood. A study identifies a blood signature that better predicts the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• A vaccine to prevent colon cancer shows promising results. The preventive immunization Nous-209 works in an initial trial with patients who have 17 times the risk of developing tumors compared to the general population.
• Seven biomarkers can reveal the risk of multimorbidity through a blood test. A study from the Karolinska Institute asserts that “altered metabolism, stress responses, and energy regulation are among the main drivers of multimorbidity in older adults.”

Global Health

• The Lancet commission on improving post-COVID health. A large number of international agreements are failing to reduce three closely linked threats: non-communicable diseases, infectious disease outbreaks, and environmental degradation.

International Health Policy

• Trump unveils the new health plan, albeit with few details. The plan’s key elements are lower drug prices and “personal savings accounts” to give money to citizens, rather than to insurance companies. The new plan is only one page long. After so many announcements, more specific proposals could have been considered.
• National health spending in the USA rose (7.2%) for the second consecutive year in 2024. Hospital costs and medications are the components of spending that have increased the most. The insured population was 91.8% in 2024, up from 92.5% in 2023. Healthcare spending grew faster than the overall economy, rising from 17.7% of GDP in 2024 to 18% in 2025.
• The new US food pyramid: a step backward that benefits the industry. The pseudoscientist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has inverted the food pyramid to promote red meat and other animal proteins.
• The improvement in research in China: a global opportunity. It is the most productive nation in terms of scientific publications.
• The WHO warns that low taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks increase health risks and calls on governments to raise and update taxation to fund healthcare.
• HERA (the EU’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority) prioritizes the assessment of EU health threats in four areas: respiratory viruses, animal transmission, AMR (adverse drug reactions), and armed conflict.

National Health Policy (Spain)

• Pensions and public healthcare are at risk for the first time in Spain, according to Davos. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks report identifies “insufficient public services, such as social protection, education, infrastructure, and pensions” as among Spain’s greatest risks. This is a major setback for the Sánchez government, which boasts of protecting and improving public services.
• The Ministry of Health will not meet with doctors and rules out a future agreement: “What they are asking for is impossible.” This attitude is absolutely intolerable. What doctors are asking for is a specific statute, that is, a way to guarantee a certain degree of “medical leadership” in healthcare, which is necessary. Without undervaluing teamwork and the contribution of other professionals, the doctor/patient relationship remains the core activity of any healthcare system.
• Record competition for the MIR exam in 2026 will leave 7,487 applicants without a residency position. This is a good way to replicate the problem of “leftovers” (proliferation of doctors without a specialty), which affected the system a few years ago.

Companies

• International
  • A generic Ozempic for €15 a month: how to revolutionize the obesity drug market. This is because the patents for semaglutide, the key ingredient in Ozempic and the Wegovy weight-loss brand, are beginning to expire worldwide.

• National
  • Rob Surgical will invest €50 million and open its surgical robot plant in El Prat. Bitrack, the first surgical robot designed and manufactured in Catalonia, is moving towards the market.

Biomedicine

• The Lancet study finds no increased risk of autism when pregnant women take paracetamol. Trump’s claims that women who take paracetamol during pregnancy are at risk of having children with autism are not supported by any evidence, according to The Lancet (https://www.ft.com/content/18ac00eb-0ab4-478c-9a5b-e4c4c5b47d1c). Access the original article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanogw/article/PIIS3050-5038(25)00211-0/fulltext
• Research: The Fleming Initiative. An Imperial College project seeking a solution to bacterial resistance to antibiotics (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00087-5/abstract)
• Most cases of Alzheimer’s are linked to a single gene. Although APOE is linked to Alzheimer’s, very few treatments in clinical trials directly target this gene (https://www.abc.es/salud/enfermedades/mayoria-casos-alzheimer-relacionados-variantes-solo-gen-20260109134521-nt.html).
• The trap of “miracle” weight-loss drugs: the rebound effect is faster than with conventional diets. An analysis of 37 studies reveals the hidden side of GLP-1 agonists: the large-scale study shows that the weight returns in less than two years (https://elpcom/salud-y-bienestar/2026-01-07/la-trampa-de-los-medicamentos-milagro-para-adelgazar-el-efecto-rebote-es-mas-rapido-que-con-dietas-convencionales.html). Access the original article in the British Medical Journal: https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj-2025-085304
• Predicting the risk of type 2 diabetes from a drop of blood. A study identifies a blood signature to better predict the risk of type 2 diabetes (https://www.abc.es/salud/enfermedades/predecir-riesgo-diabetes-tipo-partir-gota-sangre-20260114142504-nt.html)
• Radiology and AI, natural allies? Hospitals using algorithms detect clinical cases better and faster, but to expand their use, it is still necessary to unify criteria and have healthcare systems capable of integrating them on a large scale (https://elpais.com/proyecto-tendencias/2025-12-10/radiologia-e-ia-aliadas-naturales-me-ayuda-a-no-pasar-por-alto-hallazgos-sutiles.html)
• A vaccine to prevent colon cancer shows promising results. The preventive immunization Nous-209 works in an initial trial with patients who have 17 times the risk of developing tumors compared to the general population (https://elpais.com/ciencia/2026-01-16/una-vacuna-para-prevenir-el-cancer-de-colon-muestra-resultados-prometedores.html)
• AI algorithm revolutionizes the reading of cancer biopsies in one minute. The SMMILe tool, tested on six types of cancer, allows for precise tumor mapping from basic data, accelerating diagnosis and bringing personalized treatment closer thanks to AI (https://www.consalud.es/saludigital/tecnologia-sanitaria/avances-en-ia-aceleran-el-analisis-del-cancer-un-algoritmo-reduce-a-un-minuto-la-lectura-de-biopsias.html)
• AI outperforms radiologists in pancreatic cancer detection and promises early diagnoses. The system achieved 38% fewer false positives and 92% accuracy, according to a study with data from nearly 400 patients (https://www.consalud.es/saludigital/innovacion-tecnologica/un-modelo-de-ia-supera-a-radiologos-en-la-deteccion-del-cancer-de-pancreas-y-abre-la-puerta-a-diagnosticos-tempranos.html)
• Seven biomarkers can reveal the risk of multimorbidity through a blood test. A study from the Karolinska Institute states that “alterations in metabolism, stress responses, and energy regulation are among the main drivers of multimorbidity in older adults” (https://diariofarma.com/2026/01/10/siete-biomarcadores-pueden-revelar-el-riesgo-de-multimorbilidad-a-traves-de-un-analisis-de-sangre). Original article in Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-04038-2

Global Health

• The ceasefire does little to improve the “horrific” situation in Gaza. Two new reports detail the harm suffered by women and children (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00086-3/fulltext)
• The decline in smokeless tobacco (ST) use and oral cancer in a global perspective. ST is used by more than 360 million people and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2500631)
• The Lancet’s commission on improving post-COVID health. A large number of international agreements are failing to reduce three closely linked threats: non-communicable diseases, outbreaks of infections, and environmental degradation (https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2825%2902061-6)

International Health Policy

• USA
  • Trump unveils new health plan, albeit with few details. The oft-announced plan focuses on “personal savings accounts” and providing money to citizens, rather than to insurers (https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/15/us/politics/trump-health-care-plan.html). Information on this topic according to Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/15/trump-health-outline-00730933. Access to “The Great Healthcare Plan”—though it’s called “great,” the plan is just one sheet of paper: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Great-Healthcare-Plan.pdf
  • National health spending rose (7.2%) for the second consecutive year in 2024. Hospital and drug costs are the components of spending that have increased the most. The insured population was 91.8% in 2024, up from 92.5% in 2023 (https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/14/national-health-spending-soars-in-2024-00728963). Access the original source in Health Affairs: https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/full/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.01683
  • The new US food pyramid: a return to the past that benefits industry. Pseudoscientist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has turned the food pyramid on its head to promote red meat and other animal proteins (https://elpais.com/salud-y-bienestar/2026-01-10/la-nueva-piramide-nutricional-de-ee-uu-una-vuelta-al-pasado-que-beneficia-a-la-industria.html)
  • The Trump Administration says some approved child vaccines need better studies, while scientists disagree (https://www.science.org/content/article/trump-administration-says-some-approved-childhood-vaccines-need-better-studies)
  • Trump announces withdrawal from 66 global organizations. On January 7, Trump signed an executive order announcing the withdrawal of a number of organizations, which he claims are contrary to U.S. interests (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00085-1/fulltext)
  • Abortion opponents threaten to withdraw their support in the midterm elections due to disagreements with Trump (https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/15/abortion-opponents-revamp-their-midterms-plans-as-rift-with-trump-widens-00729224)

• China
  • Upgrading research in China: a global opportunity. It is the most productive nation in terms of scientific publications (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00084-X/fulltext)

• United Kingdom
  • The agreement with Trump on rising drug prices in the UK is a step backward, according to some experts (https://www.ft.com/content/4a903571-5ac7-44e4-b8b7-4191339748f2)
  • Keir Starmer announces greater restrictions on children’s access to social media, concerned about the excessive use of smartphones by children and teenagers (https://www.ft.com/content/d0d239f5-44cd-4c78-be08-ce55670e7808)

• France
  • Liberal doctors suspend their strike after some government proposals and a promise to renew dialogue (https://lemonde.fr/societe/article/2026/01/16/les-medecins-liberaux-suspendent-leur-greve-annonce-un-syndicat_6662590_3224.html)

• Japan
  • Japan and the lessons of a healthcare system in transformation, embracing aging and frailty (https://www.redaccionmedica.com/opinion/felix-rubial-7847/japon-y-las-lecciones-de-un-sistema-sanitario-en-transformacion-6031)

• WHO
  • The WHO warns that low taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks increase health risks and calls on governments to raise and update taxation to finance the Health (https://elpais.com/salud-y-bienestar/2026-01-13/la-oms-alerta-de-que-los-bajos-impuestos-al-alcohol-y-a-las-bebidas-azucaradas-disparan-los-riesgos-para-la-salud.html)

• European Union
  • The EU is missing the boat on healthcare AI. While Europe has become entangled in over-regulation that demands absolute guarantees before even beginning to experiment, other countries have opted for more flexible and adaptive approaches. (https://www.elespanol.com/opinion/tribunas/20260113/ue-perdiendo-tren-ia-sanitaria/1003744086257_12.html)
  • HERA (Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority) prioritizes the assessment of EU health threats in four areas: respiratory viruses, animal transmission, AMR (adverse drug reactions), and armed conflict. (https://diariofarmcom/2026/01/13/hera-prioriza-la-evaluacion-de-amenazas-sanitarias-de-la-ue-en-cuatro-areas)

National Health Policy

• Impact of General Policy on Health
  • Pensions and public healthcare at risk for the first time in Spain, according to Davos. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks report identifies “insufficient public services, such as social protection, education, infrastructure, and pensions” as among Spain’s greatest risks. This is a major setback for the Sánchez government, which boasts of protecting and improving public services (https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2026/01/14/69674b09468aeb53588b4593.html). Access the Global Risks Report 2026 (21st Edition): https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Global_Risks_Report_2026.pdf (page 89 lists the risks in Spain: 1. Social polarization; 2. Talent and worker shortages; 3. Inadequate public services and social protection (including education, infrastructure, pensions); 4. Debt (public, corporate, and household); and 5. Lack of economic opportunities and employment)

• Central Government Initiatives
  • The Ministry of Health will take Ayuso to court for the lack of a registry of abortion conscientious objectors (https://elpais.com/sociedad/2026-01-16/sanidad-denuncia-al-gobierno-de-ayuso-por-no-tener-registro-de-objetores-del-aborto.html)

• Autonomous Community Initiatives
  • Agreement on healthcare Asturian: 12-hour shifts, reduced appointment schedules in Primary Care, and fewer restrictions on combining public and private healthcare (https://www.diariomedico.com/medicina/profesion/acuerdo-sanidad-asturiana-guardias-flexibles-reduccion-agendas-ap.html)
  • The Valencian Community is preparing new support measures for rural pharmacies, with an emphasis on updating schedules, emergency care, and vacations, “improving work-life balance without compromising the continuity of pharmaceutical services to the public” (https://diariofarma.com/2026/01/15/comunidad-valenciana-prepara-nuevas-medidas-de-apoyo-y-flexibilidad-para-la-farmacia-rural)
  • Farmaindustria and the Catalan Government will promote Catalonia as a major biopharmaceutical hub (https://diariofarma.com/2026/01/15/farmaindustria-y-cataluna-potenciaran-la-region-como-un-gran-polo-biofarmaceutico)
  • The cities vying to host the AESAP: Zaragoza, Granada, Barcelona, ​​Oviedo, León, Murcia, Toledo, Lugo, and Salamanca (https://www.consalud.es/autonomias/las-nueve-ciudades-que-aspiran-a-sede-de-la-aesap-al-descubierto-cuales-son-sus-propuestas.html)

• Transplants
  • Spain is nearing its all-time record for transplants and has been the world leader for 34 years. (https://elpais.com/sociedad/2026-01-16/espana-roza-su-record-historico-de-trasplantes-de-organos-y-encadena-34-anos-como-lider-mundial.html)

• Framework Statute
  • The Ministry of Health will not meet with doctors and rules out a future agreement: “What they are asking for is impossible” (https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/sanidad/20260116/ministerio-sanidad-no-reunira-medicos-descarta-futuro-acuerdo-piden-imposible/1003744091205_0.html)

• MIR Exam
  • Medical outrage over the lack of transparency and the Ministry of Health’s poor management in organizing the MIR exam (https://www.larazon.es/sociedad/indignacion-medica-pesima-gestion-falta-transparencia-sanidad-examen-mir_202601126964594ebe7ae37724bfbfcd.html)
  • Record competition for the MIR exam in 2026 will leave 7,487 applicants without a residency position (https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/sanidad/20260117/competencia-record-mir-dejara-sin-plaza-aspirantes-examen/1003744092787_0.html)

• Torrejón Hospital
  • A court is investigating the management of Torrejón Hospital for possible irregularities (https://elpais.com/sociedad/2026-01-14/un-juzgado-investiga-la-gestion-del-hospital-de-torrejon-por-posibles-irregularidades.html)

Companies

• International
  • Nvidia and Microsoft support an AI breakthrough related to gene therapy. UK’s Basecamp Research uses genomic sequencing databases to address cancers and resistant bacteria (https://www.ft.com/content/29ec4303-cb70-48b5-a28c-320a7062cdd3)
  • From Lilly’s Orforglipron to Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema, the obesity drugs that will break the bank in 2026 (https://www.elespanol.com/invertia/observatorios/sanidad/20260115/orforglipron-lilly-cagrisema-novo-nordisk-farmacos-obesidad-romperan-banca/1003744089743_0.html)
  • 25% of the population would be candidates for GLP-1 treatment. Women and older people more frequently meet the eligibility criteria to receive these obesity drugs. (https://www.diariomedico.com/medicina/medicina-preventiva/25-poblacion-mundial-seria-candidata-tratamiento-glp-1.html)
  • The ten largest acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry in 2025 (https://elglobalfarma.com/industria/diez-mayores-adquisiciones-industria-farmaceutica-2025/)
  • Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and MSD lead the biggest acquisitions of 2025 (https://www.eleconomista.es/salud-bienestar/noticias/13722104/01/26/johnson-johnson-novartis-y-msd-lideran-las-mayores-compras-en-2025.html)
  • A generic Ozempic for 15 euros a month, or how to revolutionize the market Obesity drugs. This is because the patents for semaglutide, the key ingredient in Ozempic and the Wegovy weight-loss brand, are beginning to expire worldwide (https://cincodias.elpais.com/companias/2026-01-15/un-ozempic-generico-a-15-euros-al-mes-o-como-revolucionar-el-mercado-de-farmacos-para-la-obesidad.html)

• National News
  • The government will require health insurers to have a viability plan (https://www.redaccionmedica.com/secciones/privada/el-gobierno-obligara-a-las-aseguradoras-de-salud-a-tener-plan-de-viabilidad-4645)
  • Esteve strengthens its position in the USA with the purchase of TerSera’s infusion therapies (https://www.diariomedico.com/farmacia/industria/esteve-fortalece-eeuu-compra-terapias-infusion-tersera.html)
  • Italfármaco announces a €10 million investment in its Madrid center (https://diariofarma.com/2026/01/12/italfarmaco-anuncia-una-inversion-de-10-millones-de-euros-en-su-centro-madrileno)
  • Rob Surgical will invest €50 million and open its surgical robot plant in El Prat. Bitrack, the first surgical robot designed and manufactured in Catalonia, is moving towards the market (https://www.expansion.com/catalunya/2026/01/16/696aabf0e5fdea60278b458f.html)

This post is also available in: Spanish