In a year marked by budget cuts and shrinking research teams, the medical community still managed to deliver some remarkable wins that reshaped our understanding of human health. From custom gene editing to new treatments for conditions like menopause and food allergies, these 2025 breakthroughs offer a glimpse of the future and the power of scientific innovation.
Menopause Relief Without Hormones
For millions of women, the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and night sweats can be debilitating. While hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment, many can’t take it due to health conditions. But 2025 brought two new non-hormonal options that target the temperature-regulating neurons in the brain’s hypothalamus, providing relief without the risks. The FDA approved Lynkuet (elinzanetant) this year, joining Veozah (fezolinetant) which received authorization two years earlier.
A Needle-Free Solution for Kids’ Allergies
When a child has a severe food allergy, fast access to epinephrine can be a matter of life and death. This year, the FDA approved Neffy, the first needle-free epinephrine option for children. The nasal spray delivery marks a major update to allergy care, as 1 in 13 kids now live with food allergies.
Breakthroughs in Gene Editing and Transplants
In another remarkable first, scientists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia used CRISPR gene editing to treat a baby with a rare metabolic disorder. The custom therapy erased the baby’s dangerous mutation and restored normal function. Meanwhile, researchers at NYU Langone made progress in preventing rejection of genetically-engineered pig kidneys, a key step for expanding the pool of donor organs.
The bigger picture here is that despite the challenges, science has continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare. These breakthroughs aren’t just medical milestones – they’re offering new hope to patients and their families. As burnsrepair reports, the ripple effects of these innovations will be felt for years to come.