Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Panel Votes In Favor Of Expanding CAR-T Therapy For Blood Cancer
The vote in favor happened Friday, despite what Stat notes are concerns about the treatment’s side effects. Separately, the failure of ALS drug Relyvrio highlights controversial FDA drug approvals.
US Measles Cases Hit 60, Beating 2023’s Total In 11 Weeks Of 2024
There have now been 60 known or suspected measles cases across 17 states this year, with 12 cases in Chicago alone. In other news, the CDC reports that marriage rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoint: New Legislation Equals Lower Costs For Chemo; Women Demand Better Than Roe
Editorial writers tackle chemotherapy costs, reproductive rights, long covid and more.
Michigan School Shooter’s Father Guilty Of Involuntary Manslaughter
James Crumbley’s son killed four students at Oxford High School in 2021. Other news is from California, New York, New Hampshire, and Louisiana.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on HIV, homelessness, PCOS, and more.
Trump Walks Back Comments On ‘Cutting’ Medicare, Social Security
Former President Donald Trump clarified his earlier comments about the entitlement programs, telling Breitbart News that he would do nothing to “jeopardize or hurt Social Security or Medicare,” if elected to a second term.
Study Links Teen Pregnancies With Increased Premature Death Risk
A study in Canada found women who were pregnant as teens, even if they miscarried, were more likely to die before their 31st birthday. Meanwhile in Texas, the state medical board is set to consider guidance on medical abortion exceptions.
Republican Senator Objects To IVF Access Bill For Veterans
Sen. James Lankford, a Republican from Oklahoma, says he objects to the bill’s language and undefined costs, though he asserts he does support IVF. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he doesn’t believe Congress need to act on IVF-protecting legislation.
Survey Finds Nearly 7% Of American Adults Have Long Covid Symptoms
A new CDC survey revealed what’s being called an “alarming” rise in long covid cases in recent months. Separately, the CDC is also continuing to receive reports of MIS-C in children following a covid infection.
FDA Approves First Treatment For MASH Liver Disease
The drug, called Rezdiffra, is manufactured by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals. Separately, Gilead Pharmaceuticals says it will be able to quadruple production of its CAR-T cancer therapy by 2026 due to manufacturing process improvements.
Lurie Children’s Hospital Reopens Patient Portal After Cyberattack
It’s been more than a month since Lurie Children’s Hospital was hit by a cyberattack, but it’s now bringing the MyChart portal back online. Also in the news: University of Chicago Medical Center must pay $14 million over a boy’s death.
Attendees Of A Disney On Ice Show Warned Of Measles Exposure Risk
The Cincinnati Health Department is warning that anyone who went to the performance on March 8 is at risk of being exposed to measles. Meanwhile, in Stanislaus County, California, an unvaccinated child was confirmed with measles.
Senators Mount Effort To Have PBM Regulations Included In Spending Bill
Measures to tighten regulations for pharmacy benefit managers may be included in the March 22 spending bill if key lawmakers get their way.
EPA Limits Carcinogenic Gas That Is Used To Sterilize Medical Devices
Sterilizing facilities must drastically limit their emissions of ethylene oxide, a chemical that has been linked to cancer cases in communities around such buildings.
Senators Grill Becerra On Cybersecurity Rules, Marijuana Restrictions
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra testified before the Senate Finance Committee Thursday. The ransomware attack on Change Healthcare dominated a lot of the questioning, along with other topics such as drug prices, the FDA’s cannabis recommendations, migrant health, and more.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: TB; Air Pollution; Maternal Obesity; Medical Resource Allocation
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Viewpoints: Prior Authorization Can Be Deadly; Ableism Is Behind Anti-Vaccination Trend
Editorial writers discuss dangerous prior authorizations, vaccine fears, tuition-free medical schools, and more.
Cannabis Policy Could Take A Hit After Report Showing More Teens Use THC
Some health experts want more regulation of the cannabis market, citing health concerns and easy access for youths. In other news, Vice President Kamala Harris will hold a marijuana reform roundtable Friday.