Uncategorised - European Medical Journal

Month in pharma news, explained

Month in pharma news, explained – January 2026

In this news roundup, take a look back at top moments from the pharmaceutical industry in January 2026.

Two people shaking hands

UK and Japan strengthen science and technology ties

The UK and Japanese governments have announced a sweeping pharmaceutical and technology partnership.

Topical Pumecitinib for Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis - EMJ

Topical JAK Inhibitor Shows Promise for Atopic Dermatitis

A phase IIb trial demonstrates that topical pumecitinib 3% gel significantly improves mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, with twice-daily dosing showing superior efficacy.

Ultrasound-Detected Synovitis Linked to Functional Impairment in Hand Osteoarthritis

Data from the LIHOA cohort show that ultrasound-detected synovitis and synovial thickening in hand osteoarthritis are associated with worse hand function but not pain intensity.

10% of Cancer Research May be Fake - EMJ

10% of Cancer Research May be Fake - Paper Mills Exposed

An AI analysis finds nearly 10% of cancer studies show paper mill patterns, raising serious concerns about research quality.

Elevated Copper Levels in Colorectal Cancer - EMJ

Elevated Copper Levels in Colorectal Cancer

Elevated copper levels in tumour tissues, along with lymph node status and TNM stage, emerged as important discriminators of disease characteristics, highlighting potential links between metal imbalances and CRC progression.

HPV Vaccine Gaps Leave 1 in 4 School-Leavers Vulnerable

HPV vaccination rates among schoolchildren in England stay below pre-pandemic levels, with 1 in 4 still unprotected against key cancers.

Age predicts short-term mortality in cirrhotic bleeding

Age Identified as Key Predictor of Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients

New study shows age predicts six-week mortality in cirrhotic patients after acute gastrointestinal bleeding, with potential to improve risk stratification.

chest X-ray

Computer-Aided Detection Chest X-Ray Matches Radiologists

Computer-aided detection chest X-ray performed comparably to experienced radiologists for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis, supporting its potential role in low-resource, high-burden clinical settings.

Two hands reaching out to touch each other

Cancer charities back early detection with $12m push

The programme will focus on pancreatic, ovarian and oesophageal cancers – three indications that often spread silently.