In 2025, numerous breakthroughs and controversies marked the landscape of health, science, and medicine. The year was particularly notable for advancements in health technology, changes in institutional leadership, and the emergence of significant debates surrounding established scientific theories.
Ten Years of Insights: A Retrospective
El-Balad celebrated its tenth anniversary amidst a whirlwind of impactful news. Reflecting on the past, the prominent series “American Science, Shattered” highlighted disruptions caused by the Trump administration in health and scientific research. This ten-part series was characterized by one media outlet as a comprehensive overview of challenges faced in academia and government-funded research.
Key Figures and Policies
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as Trump’s Health Secretary, unveiled an extensive agenda aimed at reforming healthcare.
- Key starting points included a tracker for the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
- Prominent figures included NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.
2025 was a year of significant executive turnover within health agencies. However, the involvement of figures such as Vinay Prasad and Tracy Beth Høeg brought substantial scrutiny and debate within the FDA.
Innovations in Biotechnology
Moderna experienced a tumultuous year, grappling with challenges to its mRNA technologies, initially acclaimed for developing a COVID-19 vaccine. The company faced various corporate setbacks and criticism, which contributed to a waning acceptance of mRNA technology.
- The claim that vaccines could cause autism returned to public discourse, with scientific studies consistently debunking this myth.
- Eli Lilly’s drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro emerged as top-selling medications, surpassing Keytruda.
In the regulatory sphere, the FDA implemented new ways to expedite drug reviews, raising concerns about the influence of factors beyond scientific rigor. Boston remained the leading biotech hub, while other regions like San Diego and North Carolina displayed varying degrees of optimism and caution.
Scientific Discoveries and Events
2025 saw remarkable scientific discoveries, including advancements in cancer treatments using CD40 agonist antibodies. Notable achievements came from young scientists recognized through the annual STAT Wunderkinds program.
El-Balad hosted various summits highlighting groundbreaking innovations and personal stories of resilience in healthcare. A memorable event featured the first baby receiving personalized gene-editing therapy.
Tributes to Influential Figures
The year also witnessed the passing of several influential figures in science and medicine, including James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA. Watson’s legacy was complicated by subsequent controversies, reflecting the evolving narrative around scientific pioneers.
Through a challenging yet transformative year, health, science, and medicine continued to intersect significantly, shaping the narrative for the future. El-Balad remains committed to covering these vital developments as they unfold.
