Hand sanitizers, sunscreens, and dry shampoos have already been flagged for benzene contamination, and now acne treatments are also being scrutinized for containing this harmful chemical. Independent testing has revealed high levels of benzene in acne products from brands like Proactiv, Target’s Up & Up, and Clinique. The lab that conducted these tests has petitioned the FDA to recall these products and investigate further.
Benzene, found naturally in gasoline and tobacco smoke, is known to cause leukemia in high concentrations. Recent detections of benzene in popular products have heightened consumer concern about potential dangers in their everyday items and questioned the FDA’s oversight. Companies like Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble have recalled affected products.
Valisure LLC, based in New Haven, Connecticut, is the testing lab behind the petition and previous warnings. Valisure is known for its rigorous product testing and partnerships with major health organizations like Kaiser Permanente and the US Department of Defense.
In their recent study, Valisure analyzed 66 benzoyl peroxide-based acne products, including creams, lotions, gels, and washes. While FDA guidelines permit up to 2 parts per million of benzene, some products tested by Valisure contained up to 9 times that amount. These levels increased significantly under conditions that mimic long-term storage, such as in a warm bathroom.
For instance, durProactiv’sity testing, during stability testing, Proactiv’s 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream from Taro Pharmaceutical Industries contained up to 1,761 parts per million of benzene. A similar cream from Target reached 1,598Clinique million, and Clinique’s product had 401 parts per million. A 10% benzoyl peroxide cream from Clearasil initially tested at the FDA limit but spiked to 308 parts per million after exposure to high temperatures for over two weeks.
Representatives from the FDA, Taro Pharmaceuticals, Target, Estee Lauder, and Reckitt were not immediately available for commentReckitt’sncial markets, ReckittUnilever’sfell by 1.5%, UnLauder’s by 0.2%, Estee LaudTaro’sy up to 1.2%, and Taro’s by 2.4%.
Acne affects approximately 50 million Americans annually, with around 85% of individuals aged 12 to 24 experiencing the condition. Sales of OTC acne treatments reached $1 billion last year, nearly doubling from $593 million in 2019. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, benzoyl peroxide is a common recommendation for acne treatment.
Valisure President David Light explained that benzoyl peroxide can degrade into benzene, which has been known for some time but not sufficiently investigated until now. Light is also listed as an inventor on a patent to prevent this breakdown in drug products.
Valisure’s notable previous investigation into the heartburn drug Zantac led to its market withdrawal in 2020 after discovering it could produce a probable carcinogen. Despite this, the FDA has quValisure’s testing methods, though the lab is ISO certified.
In resValisure, the FDA had previously warned drug manufacturers to assess the risk of benzene formation in their products. Representative Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, emphasized the urgent need for the FDA to act swiftly upon learning of such dangers, criticizing the current system that relies on voluntary recalls.
Valisure’ Valisure’sso foalsod high benzene levels in the air around acne treatments, with even an unopened Proactiv product releasing significant amounts when kept at 104°F for nearly 17 hours. The EPA notes that chronic exposure to benzene at 0.4 parts per billion could increase cancer risk, a metric also used by the FDA.
One or two bowel movements a day keep the doctor away. Study
Washington: Everyone has bowel movements, but does their frequency matter?
A new study published Tuesday in Cell Reports Medicine reveals that the frequency of bowel movements plays a significant role in physiology and long-term health, with optimal outcomes associated with having stools once or twice a day.
Earlier research has linked constipation and diarrhea to increased risks of infections and neurodegenerative diseases, respectively. However, these studies were conducted on individuals with existing health issues, leaving it unclear whether irregular bowel habits were a cause or a consequence of their conditions.
“I hope this study encourages clinicians to consider the risks associated with unmanaged bowel movement frequencies,” said Sean Gibbons, senior author at the Institute for Systems Biology. He noted that doctors often dismiss irregular bowel movements as a minor inconvenience.
Gibbons and his team analyzed clinical, lifestyle, and biological data from over 1,400 healthy adults without active diseases. Participants were categorized based on their self-reported bowel movement frequencies: constipation (one or two per week), low-normal (three to six per week), high-normal (one to three per day), and diarrhea.
The study found that prolonged stool retention in the gut leads to a depletion of fiber, which microbes typically ferment into beneficial short-chain fatty acids. When fiber is exhausted, microbes ferment proteins instead, producing harmful toxins like p-cresol sulfate and indoxyl sulfate.
“Even in healthy individuals with constipation, we observed increased levels of these toxins in the bloodstream,” Gibbons said, noting that these toxins can burden the kidneys.
In cases of diarrhea, the study detected signs of inflammation and liver damage. Diarrhea results in excessive bile acid loss, which normally helps dissolve and absorb dietary fats.
Gut bacteria that ferment fiber, known as “strict anaerobes,” thrived in the optimal range of one to two bowel movements per day. Gibbons emphasized that further research is needed to pinpoint this ideal range more precisely.
The study also found that younger people, women, and individuals with a lower body mass index typically had less frequent bowel movements. Hormonal and neurological differences between men and women, along with higher food consumption in men, might explain these differences.
By combining biological data with lifestyle questionnaires, the researchers identified key factors for maintaining a healthy bowel movement frequency. “Eating more fruits and vegetables was the strongest indicator,” Gibbons said, adding that drinking plenty of water, staying physically active, and following a plant-based diet also contributed to optimal bowel health.
The next step in this research may involve a clinical trial to manage and monitor bowel movements in a large group over an extended period to explore its potential for disease prevention.
Weight-loss drugs linked with lower risk of obesity-related cancers
Recent evidence suggests that blockbuster weight loss and diabetes drugs might reduce the risk of developing certain cancers closely linked to obesity.
A study published Friday in JAMA Network Open indicates that patients with Type 2 diabetes treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs experienced a lower incidence of obesity-related cancers compared to those treated with insulin. However, these newer GLP-1 drugs did not outperform metformin, an older diabetes medication known for its cancer risk reduction benefits.
The study examined data from electronic health records of over 1.6 million Type 2 diabetes patients over a 15-year period ending in November 2018. Since Ozempic, a GLP-1 drug from Novo Nordisk, was only introduced in the US less than a year before this period, most of the GLP-1 patients were using earlier-generation medications like Novo’s Victoza, according to Lindsey Wang, a second-year student in the BS-MD program at Case Western Reserve University who conducted the data analysis.
Despite these limitations, the study adds to growing evidence that GLP-1 drugs, which also include Novo’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly & Co.’s Zepbound, may play a role in cancer prevention. Further research, including randomized trials comparing GLP-1 drugs with other treatments, is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
“Obesity is the tobacco of our time when it comes to cancer risk,” said Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society. He described the preliminary findings on GLP-1s as “compelling.”
Though GLP-1 drugs have been used for nearly two decades, their newer, more potent versions have significantly expanded their market. With millions now using these drugs, scientists are uncovering new potential uses and unexpected side effects. Analysts at Goldman Sachs project the market for obesity treatments alone could reach $130 billion by the end of the decade.
The link between excess body fat and cancer risk is well-documented, with 13 types of cancer linked to obesity accounting for 40% of all cancer diagnoses in the US, according to the CDC.
In the study, patients on GLP-1s had nearly a 50% lower risk of developing colon cancer compared to those on insulin. GLP-1s were also associated with reduced risks of other digestive system cancers, such as esophageal, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancers.
“This is significant because these cancers often have poor prognoses,” Wang noted. She conducted the research under the guidance of Case Western Professor Nathan Berger, who recently passed away.
Interestingly, the study did not find that GLP-1 drugs reduced the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer or affected thyroid cancer rates. Additionally, patients on GLP-1s had a higher incidence of kidney cancer compared to those on metformin.
Anne McTiernan, a professor of epidemiology at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center who was not involved in the study, cautioned that electronic health records can be problematic for tracking such associations. She noted that these records may not accurately capture other health conditions or lifestyle factors, such as alcohol use, and may have underreported overweight patients with a family history of colon polyps.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy carry warnings about thyroid tumors in rodents, and while the European Medicines Agency found no evidence of a causal link to thyroid cancer in humans, the issue remains under investigation.
Ozempic linked to rare cases of vision loss in Harvard study
Novo Nordisk A/S’s popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, may be linked to a higher risk of a rare form of vision loss, according to a recent analysis by doctors at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a Harvard-affiliated hospital.
The study, published Wednesday in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that patients using these drugs for weight loss were over seven times more likely to be diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)—a stroke-like eye condition—compared to those taking other obesity medications. Those using the drugs for diabetes were more than four times as likely to develop NAION compared to individuals on alternative diabetes treatments.
The research, which analyzed the records of patients from Massachusetts Eye and Ear, identified only 37 cases of NAION among those taking the drugs, which limited the statistical power of the study. The findings do not establish causation, and further research in larger populations and multiple hospitals is needed to confirm these results.
“I don’t think this is a strong enough signal to stop using the drug,” said Susan Mollan, a neuro-ophthalmologist from Birmingham, England, who wrote an editorial accompanying the study. She noted that the eye condition did not necessarily follow immediately after starting the drugs, as some cases appeared months later. Nonetheless, she advised that doctors should inform patients of the potential risk.
The growing popularity of Novo’s and Eli Lilly & Co.’s weight-loss drugs has led to shortages that both companies are working to address. Novo’s semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, has been studied for over 15 years and is generally considered safe. However, as these drugs become more widely used, researchers are scrutinizing them for any emerging side effects.
Novo’s American depositary receipts fell by up to 4.9% in New York, while Eli Lilly’s shares decreased by as much as 2.5%.
“Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports of adverse events very seriously,” said a Novo spokesperson. The spokesperson also noted that the study had limitations and that other large-scale real-world studies support the drugs’ safety. NAION is not listed as a known adverse reaction for these medications, they added.
The Mass Eye and Ear study aimed to investigate whether semaglutide was associated with an increased risk of NAION after observing several cases among patients on the drug. NAION typically affects between one in 10,000 and one in 50,000 people annually and can lead to permanent partial vision loss. There is no standard treatment for this condition.
Mahyar Etminan, a drug safety researcher at the University of British Columbia who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of further investigation. “This is a serious condition, so if a link were confirmed, it would alter the risk-benefit balance,” he said. This is particularly relevant for those using Wegovy solely for weight loss without other medical conditions that could benefit from treatment.
Etminan also noted that diabetes itself is a risk factor for NAION, making it unclear how Ozempic or Wegovy might contribute to the condition. The study’s design makes it difficult to determine whether the increased risk is due to the severity of diabetes or other factors rather than the drugs themselves.
The study included 710 patients prescribed diabetes medications and 979 patients prescribed weight-loss drugs at Mass Eye and Ear over a six-year period starting in December 2017, when Ozempic was first approved. The researchers compared NAION rates among those who filled prescriptions for Ozempic or Wegovy with those on other treatments but did not evaluate Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The research team, led by Joseph Rizzo, director of the neuro-ophthalmology service at Mass Eye and Ear, is now discussing plans for a larger study involving additional hospitals. “My hope is that doctors and patients are aware of this potential association,” Rizzo said, emphasizing that the study does not prove causation but is important for patients with existing vision issues to consider before starting the medication.
‘Wake-up call’: third of adults not doing enough physical activity
Paris: A major study released on Wednesday highlights a concerning trend in global health: nearly one-third of all adults are not meeting recommended physical activity levels, posing a growing health risk worldwide.
According to the study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other researchers, over 31% of adults—equivalent to 1.8 billion people—failed to get the recommended amount of physical exercise in 2022. This figure represents a five-percentage-point increase from 2010.
“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic diseases,” said Ruediger Krech, director of the WHO’s Health Promotion Department. “Unfortunately, the world is not moving in the right direction,” he added during an online press conference.
The WHO advises that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, which can include activities like walking, cycling, or household chores. Alternatively, individuals should aim for at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, such as running or competitive sports. A combination of both is also beneficial.
Inadequate exercise increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health issues, Krech noted. If current trends continue, the study predicts that by 2030, adult inactivity levels could rise to 35%, falling short of the WHO’s goal to reduce physical inactivity by 15% by the end of the decade.
Fiona Bull, head of the WHO’s Physical Activity Unit, described the research as “a wake-up call that we’re not doing enough.” The study also revealed a gender disparity, with nearly 34% of women worldwide not meeting the activity threshold, compared to 29% of men.
The decline in physical activity is attributed to various factors, including increased time spent sitting at computers, reduced walking, and more screen time. “Watching sports does not equal being physically active,” Krech emphasized. “Get up and be active—every step counts.”
The WHO stresses that improving individual behavior alone is insufficient. Countries need to promote physical activity through community sports, walking, cycling, and public transportation.
This comprehensive study analyzed data from over 500 studies involving 5.7 million people across 163 countries and territories. Despite the concerning trends, there is some positive news: nearly half of the countries have made progress in the past decade, and 22 are on track to meet the 2030 target if current efforts continue.
In related news, the WHO has issued a warning about counterfeit batches of Novo Nordisk A/S’s popular diabetes drug Ozempic, amid high demand. Falsified batches were detected in Brazil, the UK, and the US, and could pose serious health risks to patients. The WHO advised avoiding unfamiliar or unverified sources, especially those found online, to prevent harm from potentially dangerous counterfeit products.
Pfizer’s Paxlovid fails as 15-day treatment for long COVID, study finds
A 15-day course of Pfizer’s COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid did not relieve symptoms of long COVID, according a study by Stanford University researchers.
Currently, there are no proven treatments specifically for long COVID in which a host of symptoms can last for many months after initial coronavirus infection.
Scientists and patients had hoped that Pfizer’s two-drug oral treatment would ease symptoms of long COVID after anecdotal reports of patients who said Paxlovid helped them.
But the 15-week, 155-participant study failed to show that a 15-day course helped more than a placebo in reducing fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, body aches, or gastrointestinal or cardiovascular symptoms. Trial participants, on average, had been sick more than 16 months before enrolling in the trial.
“We did not see a measurable difference based on patient reported outcomes in the six composite symptoms together,” Stanford Medicine Professor Dr. Upinder Singh said in an interview. “We didn’t see a benefit in individual symptoms either.” Dr. Singh said she believes that further study of the treatment for long COVID still has merit, perhaps in longer courses than 15 days or in patients who haven’t been sick for as long.
The study did show that Paxlovid, which is currently prescribed as a 5-day course early after infection or symptom onset, is safe when used for 15 days, she added.
Pfizer said in a statement that the results will not impact its other planned collaborative studies of Paxlovid as a potential treatment for long COVID.
Paxlovid is the most commonly prescribed at home treatment for COVID-19 in the U.S. It is approved to treat COVID in adults who are at risk of severe complications from the illness.
In Pfizer’s original clinical trial, Paxlovid was shown to reduce hospitalizations and death from COVID by around 90% for unvaccinated people at risk for serious disease. In another trial, Pfizer was not able to show benefit for those considered at standard risk, including vaccinated patients.
Pfizer funded the long COVID trial. Aside from Stanford researchers, scientists from Kaiser Permanente North California and Pfizer also contributed to the study.
Pharma firm urged to share new ‘game-changer’ HIV drug
On Thursday, over 300 politicians, health experts, and celebrities called on US pharmaceutical giant Gilead to make affordable generic versions of a promising new HIV drug available to developing countries hit hardest by the disease.
The drug Lenacapavir, which was approved in the US and EU in 2022, could be a “real game-changer” in HIV treatment, according to an open letter addressed to Gilead CEO Daniel O’Day. The letter was signed by former world leaders, AIDS organizations, activists, actors, and others.
Lenacapavir requires only two injections per year, making it particularly suitable for those who typically face barriers to high-quality healthcare, the letter stated.
“We urge Gilead to ensure that people in the Global South who are living with or at risk of HIV can access this groundbreaking medicine on par with people in the Global North,” the letter said.
The signatories also urged Gilead to license the drug through the United Nations-backed Medicines Patent Pool, which would facilitate the production of more affordable generic versions.
According to the World Health Organization, two-thirds of the 39 million people living with HIV were in Africa in 2022, which also saw 380,000 of the 630,000 global AIDS-related deaths that year.
The letter highlighted the “horror and shame” of how it took a decade and the loss of 12 million lives before generic versions of the first antiretroviral drugs became widely available. It emphasized that this new innovation could help end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, provided it is accessible to all who would benefit from it.
The letter noted that Lenacapavir’s biannual dosing could be especially beneficial for individuals who face stigma related to HIV treatment.
Signatories included former heads of state like Liberian ex-president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Malawi’s Joyce Banda, as well as UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima and humanitarian figures. Notable actors such as Gillian Anderson, Stephen Fry, Sharon Stone, and Alan Cumming also supported the call.
Francoise Barre-Sinoussi, the French scientist who co-discovered the HIV virus, lamented that “inequality, not science, is the greatest barrier to fighting AIDS.” She urged Gilead to take a monumental step toward ending the AIDS pandemic by addressing this inequality.
Lenacapavir, marketed under the name Sunlenca, has been shown to reduce “viral load in patients with infections resistant to other treatments,” according to the European Medicines Agency.
Frequently Asked Question
What chemical linked to cancer was found in acne creams?
A chemical called benzene was found in some acne creams. Benzene is a known carcinogen and long-term exposure to it can increase the risk of developing various types of cancer.
How was the presence of benzene in acne creams discovered?
The presence of benzene was discovered through a recent lab report from a US laboratory, which tested various acne creams for contaminants. The lab’s findings revealed that some products contained benzene, although the levels varied.
Which acne creams were found to contain benzene?
The lab report identified specific brands and products containing benzene. For the most accurate and updated list of affected products, consumers should refer to the official report or announcements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What are the potential health risks associated with benzene exposure?
Exposure to benzene is linked to several health risks, including an increased risk of cancers such as leukemia, lymphomas, and other blood cancers. Long-term or high-level exposure can be particularly harmful.
What should consumers do if they have used the affected acne creams?
Consumers who have used the affected acne creams should stop using them immediately. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to discuss any potential health concerns.
What steps are being taken to address this issue?
The FDA and other regulatory bodies are investigating the findings. They may take actions such as issuing recalls of the affected products, updating safety guidelines, and working with manufacturers to ensure that products meet safety standards.
Conclusion
The recent discovery of benzene, a known carcinogen, in certain acne creams highlights a significant public health concern. This finding underscores the need for stringent quality control measures and vigilant monitoring of personal care products. Benzene exposure poses serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing cancer, making it crucial for consumers to avoid products identified as contaminated. Authorities, including the FDA, are likely to take actions such as product recalls and enhanced safety regulations to address this issue.
