Staying #Up2Date 🚨

1: Vitamin D-elaying MS?

In this RCT, bi-weekly high-dose vitamin D significantly reduced disease activity in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) typical of MS (HR 0.66. 95% CI 0.50-0.87; P = .004). While it didn’t affect relapse rates, it prolonged median time to disease activity (432 vs 224 days; log-rank P = .003), suggesting a potential role for high-dose vitamin D in CIS and early relapsing-remitting MS.

2: Once-Yearly Lenacapavir: Phase 1 Trials

This phase-1 study compared 2 dosing intervals of the HIV PrEP lenacapavir in adults (18-55 years) without HIV: once-yearly intramuscular vs. twice-yearly subcutaneous injections. At 56 weeks, the once-yearly group had higher median plasma concentrations, and the dose was safe and well tolerated, supporting IM dosing as a viable option for biomedical HIV prevention.

3: People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) and COVID-19

A cohort study of 52K Canadian patients presenting to ED with acute symptomatic COVID-19 examined whether homelessness affected prognosis. No differences were seen in mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI; 0.43–1.74) or admission rates (OR 0.97, 95% CI; 0.77–1.21), but PEH were less likely to be admitted to critical care (OR 0.66, 95% CI; 0.44–1.00). These findings raise questions about potential healthcare disparities in vulnerable populations. 

5 Years Post-COVID: What We’re Still Getting Wrong 🦠

An anniversary no one wants to remember

What happened: 5 years ago this week, experts declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. While over 3 million Canadians recovered from the illness, many are still living with its lasting effects.

Why it matters: The COVID-19 vaccine was a scientific milestone, with Health Canada approving Pfizer’s vaccine in December 2020. As vaccination rates climbed, the country lifted safety protocols — but not everyone could return to normal. About 19% of Canadians who had COVID-19 (3.5 million people) experienced long-term symptoms, and nearly half still do, with symptoms ranging from digestive issues and fatigue to cognitive impairment. 

There have been growing calls for the government to fund more research and treatment for long COVID. A Vancouver family doctor noted that there are no standardized diagnostic tests or treatments. Every week, she sees new patients with a range of symptoms — there could be over 200, according to WHO. Doctors warn that the long-term impact of COVID-19 shouldn’t be overlooked — it took decades to fully understand the societal effects of the 1918 flu pandemic.

While long COVID recovery clinics exist, many former patients say they provide little relief. One person reported being discharged after 18 months, regardless of lingering symptoms. Frustrated by the lack of support, Canadians with long COVID are sending letters to MPs and MLAs, pushing for more awareness and action. 

Bottom line: Just because people can shop maskless doesn’t mean COVID-19 is behind us. Millions are still suffering from long COVID — and they deserve to have their symptoms taken seriously.  

Hot Off The Press

1: ✈️ Trump’s 25% steel and aluminum tariffs aren’t just shaking up trade—they’re rattling aerospace giants on both sides of the border. Boeing’s turnaround plan now faces rising costs just as production picks up, while Canada’s C$19-billion F-35 jet deal is in limbo, with officials eyeing pricier European alternatives. From commercial planes to fighter jets, the trade war is hitting the skies hard.

2: 💉 Quebec and Ontario are facing measles outbreaks — and exposing critical vaccination gaps. Quebec has reported at least 5 cases, with MMR coverage dropping to 80% in some regions (well below the 95% needed for herd immunity). Both provinces are ramping up immunization efforts to contain the spread.

3: 🐷The FDA has approved the first clinical trials for genetically modified pig kidney transplants, moving xenotransplantation from experiments to regulated testing. EGenesis and United Therapeutics are leading the effort, with eGenesis already performing a transplant. There’s hope for the 90,000 people on the US kidney waitlist, though risks remain.

4: 💊 A first-of-its-kind daily pill for endometriosis has been approved for NHS use in England, offering a more accessible treatment option. Relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone blocks the hormones driving endometriosis while providing necessary hormone replacement—all in a single pill, eliminating the need for clinic visits and injections. Experts call it a “potential step-change” in care.

Notable Numbers 🔢

$950 million: how much Hudson’s Bay Company owes as it prepares for what’s likely its final fire sale. With just $3 million in cash and no investor lifeline, the retailer plans to liquidate everything by mid-June — from inventory to store fixtures — if the court gives the go-ahead. Once Canada’s oldest company, HBC’s collapse would leave 9,000 workers jobless — and potentially pension-less, echoing Sears Canada’s downfall.

1,001: the number of new family doctors BC has recruited in 2 years — and now, the province is setting its sights on US health workers. Citing "uncertainty and chaos" in the US health system, they’re fast-tracking licensing for American doctors and nurses and launching a recruitment campaign in Washington, Oregon, and California.

19%: how many Canadian children needed mental health support last year, according to a recent Statistics Canada report — and many didn’t get the care they needed. Of those, 1 in 5 had unmet needs, a gap that widened for those without a regular provider (36%) compared to those with one (17%).

30 years: how long the Diabetes Prevention Program has tracked prediabetes and diabetes — until now. The NIH has halted funding, likely tied to the Trump administration’s decision to cut federal grants to Columbia University over its handling of antisemitism. Over $80 million was allocated to research sites nationwide, leaving investigators scrambling for answers.

Postcall Picks

😂 Laugh: at this meme about the different types of medical therapies! 

🤑 Save: on new scrub caps and other essentials with Scrubs Canada Sale!

📖 Read: a reminder from The Valley Investor blog on why you shouldn't panic. 

Here's a quick excerpt:

Relax

First Question: How you might describe someone with schizotypal personality disorder, colloquially

If you enjoyed the puzzle, challenge your physician friends and see if they can beat your time.

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