AGP Executive Report

Biotech & Respiratory Care: Agomab (Antwerp) reports positive Phase 1 results for inhaled ALK5/TGFβR1 inhibitor AGMB-447 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with plans to submit and start Phase 2 INSPIRIA before year-end. Cardiovascular Innovation: Elixir Medical says Japan’s health ministry approved its DynamX Coronary Bioadaptor System for coronary artery disease, positioning it as a new implant category after PCI. Public Health & Food Safety: The US FDA announced a recall of Whole Foods soft goat cheeses (Cabricharme varieties) due to undeclared egg lysozyme, raising serious allergy risk for people with egg allergies. Religious Health & Regulation: A Brussels-based “Center of Excellence for Religious Male Circumcision” is set up to train and certify practitioners amid rising scrutiny and proposed bans across parts of Europe. Belgium Humanitarian Spotlight: Belgium’s top universities criticize the government’s refusal to evacuate Gaza students, calling it political “horse-trading” rather than academic merit. Health & Society: A Belgian professor highlights Vietnam’s aquaculture growth and capacity-building links with Belgium, underscoring how training can strengthen health-related food systems.

Drug Pricing Shock: A Lancet modelling study warns US “most-favoured-nation” Medicare pricing could push pharmaceutical companies to raise prices in the EU or delay launches, with Belgium among the reference countries. Food Safety Recall: Whole Foods recalls Cabricharme cheese in seven US states after undeclared egg lysozyme—an issue that could trigger serious allergic reactions for egg-allergic shoppers. Forever Chemicals Alarm: Campaigners warn PFAS makers are planning a “tidal wave” of production to meet AI-driven demand, raising cancer and environmental risks and potentially undermining European phase-out efforts. Animal Welfare Probe: South African authorities investigate the death of SAPS K9 Sky, a Belgian Malinois, after concerns over kennel conditions and treatment records. Cancer Treatment Advance: Penn Medicine begins a trial of ultrafast FLASH proton therapy for head and neck cancers, aiming to reduce damage to mouth, jaw and swallowing. Public Health & Heat: A separate report highlights heat-related deaths rising in southern Europe cities, underscoring climate-linked health risks. Belgium Climate Resilience: Belgium forestry workers harvest pine cones to boost forest diversity and resilience after severe wildfires.

Cancer Care Innovation: Penn Medicine is testing ultrafast FLASH proton therapy for head and neck cancers, aiming to cut mouth ulcers, jaw damage, dry mouth and scarring by delivering radiation more than 100 times faster than standard treatment. Food Safety Alert: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme soft Belgian goat cheese in seven U.S. states after undeclared egg lysozyme was found, raising serious allergy risk for people with egg allergies. Belgium Health & Environment: Belgian forestry workers are harvesting pine cones in Genappe to boost forest resilience after the country’s worst wildfire in a century, with seeds planned for replanting. Animal & Public Health: Belgian prosecutors are leading an investigation into horse trade fraud, with medicated horses allegedly entering the food chain after forged passports and tampered microchips. Health System Ethics: A Belgian-linked case of police K9 Sky’s injuries has sparked calls for accountability over how the dog was confined and cared for.

West Nile in Belgium: Flanders health authorities report five probable locally acquired West Nile virus cases, the first domestic human infections in Belgium, with four showing neurological symptoms and one hospitalised; officials say the risk of severe illness remains low and more cases may appear until mosquito season ends in October. Climate resilience in forests: In Genappe, Belgian forestry workers harvest pine cones high in larch trees so seeds can be replanted to boost tree diversity and resilience after the country’s worst wildfire in a century. Assisted dying vote in the UK: UK lawmakers rejected a terminally ill adults assisted dying bill for England and Wales (286–270), ending a two-year parliamentary fight. Pet bird flu guidance: A veterinarian warns that H5 bird flu can spread to cats and dogs via infected wildlife or contaminated products, with severe outcomes possible even if current risk is low. Animal welfare probe: Outrage grows after South African police dog Sky was euthanised following catastrophic injuries, with questions about kennel stress and confinement conditions.

West Nile in Belgium: Flanders health authorities report five probable locally acquired West Nile virus cases in Antwerp and Flemish Brabant, with four showing neurological symptoms and one hospitalized; officials say overall risk remains low and more cases may appear until October. Conservation & resilience: An Ecuador Amazon study challenges “top-down protection” assumptions, finding community-governed forests (with formal agreements) and Indigenous territories without formal contracts can show similar forest condition, including strong drought resilience. Belgium climate adaptation: Belgian forestry workers are harvesting pine cones to boost forest diversity and resilience after severe wildfires, with seeds planned for planting across the country. Health policy watch (UK): The UK House of Commons voted down an assisted dying bill for terminally ill adults in England and Wales (286–270), ending a two-year push despite earlier Commons support. Medical research (Belgium-linked): Phase 4 EVEREST analysis presented in Barcelona suggests dupilumab may achieve higher composite asthma clinical remission at week 24 than omalizumab in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and coexisting asthma. Public health & safety: A major cocaine seizure at Dunkirk involved nearly 3.9 tons hidden in plastic waste shipments, with part destined for Antwerp—raising concerns about cross-border trafficking routes.

West Nile in Belgium: Flanders health authorities report the first probable locally acquired West Nile virus human cases in Belgium—five in Antwerp and Flemish Brabant, with four showing neurological symptoms and one hospitalized; officials say overall risk remains low and more cases may appear until October. Respiratory biologics in Belgium: A phase 4 EVEREST analysis presented in Barcelona suggests dupilumab achieves higher composite asthma clinical remission at week 24 than omalizumab in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and coexisting uncontrolled asthma. Health & climate link: A new report highlights how climate-driven heat and disasters are straining European healthcare systems, citing the June 2026 heatwave and rising heat-related deaths. Belgian biotech governance: Antwerp-based Agomab Therapeutics says shareholders approved board appointments (Marino Garcia, Naimish Patel) and warrant adjustments as it advances fibro-inflammatory therapies. Assisted dying debate (UK): The UK House of Commons rejects a terminally ill assisted dying bill (286–270), keeping Belgium’s broader European policy contrast in focus. Forest resilience effort: Belgian forestry workers harvest pine cones to boost tree diversity and resilience after severe wildfires and dry weather.

Belgium biotech governance: Antwerp-based Agomab Therapeutics says shareholders approved all resolutions at its Sept. 11 meeting, including adding Marino Garcia and Dr. Naimish Patel to its board and adjusting pre-IPO warrants—an update for investors tracking fibro-inflammatory drug development. Assisted dying policy debate (UK, health ethics): In the UK House of Commons, MPs voted 286–270 against the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, ending a two-year push that had previously passed in the Commons but stalled in the Lords. Medication safety in older adults: A BMJ study reports that common drugs can trigger “prescribing cascades” in older people, where side effects are treated as new conditions—potentially leading to avoidable extra medicines and harm. Heat and health systems: A commentary highlights how climate-driven extremes are stressing healthcare, pointing to major heatwave impacts and rising heat-related deaths across Europe. Animal welfare & enforcement (Belgium-linked): Belgian police are involved in an EU-supported crackdown on horse trafficking using falsified documents and altered microchips, with cross-border coordination including Belgium.

Travel Safety: The U.S. State Department warns Americans not to take marijuana or other cannabis products abroad, stressing “legal at home” doesn’t protect you under local zero-tolerance laws. Assisted Dying Debate: Esther Rantzen says she’s now too physically fragile to travel to Switzerland for assisted dying, as MPs in the UK prepare to vote again on an assisted dying bill. Animal Welfare & Policing: Outrage grows after Belgian police K9 Sky was euthanised following severe injuries tied to kennel confinement, with calls for scrutiny of SAPS animal care. Infectious Disease: UK Salmonella clusters linked to imported eggs at small cafés/restaurants show signs of easing, though hundreds remain ill and investigations continue. Eye Health: A study links eyelash extensions to Demodex mites, eye irritation, and blocked meibomian glands—suggesting hygiene and treatment may reduce risk. Medication Safety: Research flags “prescribing cascades” from common drugs that can leave older adults taking medicines for side effects of other medicines. Diabetes Screening: International consensus guidance outlines how to screen the general population for early-stage type 1 diabetes using islet autoantibodies.

Assisted Dying Debate: UK broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen says she’s now “too physically fragile” to travel to Switzerland for an assisted-suicide clinic, renewing pressure on MPs to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. Cancer & Diet: A large US study links drinking at least one sugar-sweetened beverage a day to more than double the risk of stomach cancer, while artificially sweetened drinks showed no similar link. Public Health & Care: A new film trailer spotlights “Humanitude” style elder-care and a terminal cancer storyline, putting dignity and listening at the centre of care discussions. Sports Medicine: Australia captain Ezi Magbegor tears an ACL and will miss the rest of the 2026 WNBA season, with no return timeline given. Food Safety & Enforcement: Europol-backed raids across Belgium, Ireland, France and the Netherlands target suspected horse trafficking using forged passports and manipulated microchips, raising concerns about animal welfare and food-chain traceability. Climate & Health Context: New data says August was the world’s joint-hottest month on record, with heatwaves driving health risks across Europe, including Belgium.

US Open & Public Health Angle: Elena Rybakina ended Zheng Qinwen’s run with a 3-set win, locking in a new world No.1 spot and setting up a semifinal vs Coco Gauff—another reminder of how elite sport can hinge on recovery and injury management. Belgian Sports Health: Belgian Alexander Blockx retired mid-match against Karen Khachanov after rib/back and other upper-body pain, while Dutch legend Marc Overmars stepped down from Royal Antwerp citing health risks after a heart attack and mounting exhaustion. Infectious Disease & Pets: A veterinarian warns that H5 bird flu can spread to cats and dogs via infected wildlife and contaminated materials; while risk is currently low, consequences can be severe. EU Policy & Healthcare Access: A Chinese business chamber criticizes the EU’s proposed public procurement rules, warning “European preference” could restrict Chinese firms in sectors including healthcare. Climate & Health: Scientists say August was the joint-hottest month on record, with extreme weather linked to disasters across Europe—raising indirect health concerns from heat, smoke, and flooding.

Duchenne Care: A long-term Belgian–Dutch study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry finds the daily vs intermittent corticosteroid trade-off in Duchenne muscular dystrophy becomes more pronounced over time, strengthening the case for individualized, shared decisions on dosing. End-of-Life Debate: A pro-life Catholic outlet argues against telehealth VAD, warning that remote “safeguards” could expand access and boundaries. Medicine & Media: Belgium readers may care about the wider EU fight over drug messaging: Dutch regulators fined major newspapers over weight-loss drug coverage tied to Ozempic/GLP-1, raising concerns about press freedom and self-censorship. Public Health & Climate: EU health bodies warn that climate change is pushing mosquito- and tick-borne diseases toward “new normal” transmission patterns across Europe. Health Policy Watch: The Netherlands reported a first euthanasia case for a child aged 1–12 under 2024 rules, with an independent review sent to prosecutors. Belgium in the News: Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attended Norway’s state funeral of King Harald V in Oslo.

Child Safety Online: EU plans to restrict children’s social media use (under 13 or under 15) and introduce age checks later this year, but children’s rights and privacy groups are pushing back. Belgium Health Tech/Trials: Liege-based Allegro reports Hydrocelin nanotechnology injections significantly improved knee osteoarthritis pain and function over 6 months in a Belgium feasibility study (30 patients), with recruitment completed ahead of schedule. Nutrition & Metabolism: A new European review finds non-nutritive sweeteners can help reduce sugar without harming weight or health, and doesn’t support fears of increased appetite or stronger sweet preference. Energy & Health Infrastructure Link: The EIB is backing a €1bn green credit facility for Princess Elisabeth Island’s grid phase, aiming to connect offshore wind to Belgium’s power system. Public Health Policy & Harm Reduction Debate: A high-profile argument challenges giving pharmaceutical heroin to addicts, saying it’s not justified by cited studies and should not replace quit-focused care. Tobacco Enforcement: EU auditors warn fragmented controls leave illicit tobacco trade unchecked, with organised crime driving illegal production across member states. Sports Medicine Alert (Belgium-linked): Dortmund’s teen Konstantinos Karetsas, a former Belgium youth player, was hospitalized after “circulatory problems” during a Champions League match.

Belgium Health Policy & Care Access: Belgium’s Medicines Agency warns about “stem cell tourism,” flagging risks from unregulated clinics and treatments. Public Health & Research: A University of Liège study links frequent “micro-awakenings” during sleep with a higher genetic risk of Alzheimer’s, adding to growing interest in sleep quality as a health signal. Aging & Nutrition: A new podcast series tackles why BMI can mislead in older adults, urging clinicians to look beyond the number. Health System & Safety: The Council of Europe’s CPT says Belgium’s prisons are worsening, with overcrowding, violence, and understaffing affecting basic service levels—an issue that can spill into health and wellbeing. Wellness Industry: Belgian health-and-fitness operator Jims appoints Gaëtan De Smet as managing director as it pushes further into preventative healthcare. Dermatology & Microbiome Skincare: Bausch Health and Belgian probiotherapeutical skincare firm YUN expand their collaboration across Mexico and more EMEA markets, including new eczema- and acne-prone solutions.

Heat & health impact: Belgium saw major summer heat harm, with reports of 240 excess deaths in Brussels and more than 2,500 across the country, alongside nearly 3,000 excess deaths tied to heatwaves. Food safety: France reported a Salmonella outbreak linked to pumpkin seeds, with 81 cases identified and recalls/withdrawals underway—an ongoing reminder for cross-border food vigilance. Dengue drug pipeline: WHO reviewed dengue treatment candidates, finding six promising options but only one in late-stage (Phase 3) trials—highlighting how limited real-world therapies still are. Sleep apnea tech in Belgium: Nyxoah announced the first patient implanted in its U.S. post-approval BREATHE study of the Genio neuromodulation system, with long-term safety and effectiveness follow-up planned. EV battery warranty expansion: AVILOO extended its battery warranty to more European markets, including Belgium, aiming to boost used-EV buyer confidence with standardized battery “state of health” floors and warranty handling via a digital dashboard. Public procurement & China: The EU is expected to propose procurement rule changes to reduce reliance on third-country suppliers, with critics warning it could raise costs and reduce competition. Belgium recruitment & medical access: Belgium opened 3,100 new military jobs for next year and loosened medical selection criteria to recruit more candidates.

Heatwave Toll: Sciensano reports over 200 excess deaths in Brussels and more than 2,500 across Belgium from three summer heatwaves, with the deadliest day on 27 June (641 deaths). Mental Health & Work: Inami data show long sick leave due to depression or burnout rose 32% over four years; 155,000 Belgians were off work for over a year for these causes in 2025. Assisted Dying Debate: A new commentary warns Belgium’s “end of life” proposals could repeat abuses seen elsewhere, citing fears of being a burden and isolation among MAID patients. Sleep Apnea Tech: Nyxoah says the first patient has been implanted in the U.S. BREATHE post-approval study of its Genio neuromodulation system for obstructive sleep apnea. Urban Air Quality Tools: A Belgian-led EU project is using AI “digital twins” to map street-level pollution in real time, aiming to help cities target traffic and monitoring. EV Battery Warranty Expansion: AVILOO extends its battery warranty to more European markets, including Belgium, to boost confidence in used EVs. Recruitment & Health Access: Belgium is opening 3,100 new military jobs and says it has loosened medical restrictions to recruit more candidates.

Heat Impact: Sciensano reports Belgium’s three summer heatwaves caused over 2,500 excess deaths nationwide, with more than 200 in Brussels; the deadliest period was 18 June–1 July (1,747 excess deaths; Brussels revised to 196), while the later waves (4–17 July and 28 July–16 August) added 550 and 392 excess deaths respectively, with risk linked to heat duration, temperatures and ozone. Health Policy & Choice: France’s new “right to aid in dying” law is seen as a step closer to Belgium and Switzerland, but advocates say it’s still too restrictive, limiting access to adults with serious, incurable, advanced/terminal conditions and unbearable suffering. Medical Research Framing: A letter in European Geriatric Medicine argues sarcopenia should be treated as a life-course muscle health trajectory, not a late-life threshold diagnosis, calling for age-referenced normative data from early adulthood. Migration & Student Health Access: Belgium blocked 13 Palestinian students from Gaza despite visas and scholarships, citing concerns about triggering asylum and family reunification requests. Healthcare Supply Chain: Fresenius Kabi and AABB launched Blood Collectors Week (Sept 6–12), spotlighting the blood collection workforce that supports safe hospital transfusions.