Latest KFF Health News Stories
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: C. Diff; Long Covid; Semaglutide; Daydreaming
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
WHO Advisory Group Says Keep Using Single-Variant Shots Against Covid
A WHO technical advisory group suggested, in the light of current genetic changes in the covid virus, vaccination programs should stay with the current monovalent covid shot that targets the XBB.1.5 variant. Separately, Pfizer’s share price fell after it said fewer covid shots would be sold next year.
Poison Centers Report 1,500% Spike In Calls Related To Weight-Loss Drug
So far this year, America’s poison control centers reported nearly 3,000 calls involving semaglutide — the medication sold as Ozempic and Wegovy. Callers report symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation and some have been hospitalized for accidental overdoses.
Americans Have More Physical, Mental Health Woes Now Than Before Covid
New Gallup data show more Americans had diabetes diagnoses, and other health issues, and also lower confidence than compared to before the pandemic. Meanwhile, a new report from actuary firm Milliman shows about 2 in 3 Americans with mental health conditions couldn’t access treatment.
Scientists May Have Found Cause Of Severe Morning Sickness
The discovery suggests that a single hormone — GDF15 — plays a role in causing hyperemesis gravidum, meaning a possible route to new treatments has been uncovered. Also in the news: more lead poisoning from applesauce pouches; the Air Force embraces smartwatches for health; and more.
New Yorkers’ Credit Reports Will No Longer Reflect Medical Debt
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law that prohibits credit agencies from collecting information about medical debt and using it in credit reports. Other state health news relates to transgender health, kratom, reproductive health, and other issues.
Americans Spent $4.5 Trillion On Health Care In 2022
News outlets cover a new federal analysis of health expenditures that have been bouncing around during the pandemic but now stand at nearly $13,500 annually per person. Axios suggests the rise in spending in 2022 shows a return to pre-pandemic patterns of spending growth. But other data show fewer people have gone uninsured over the last three years.
House Bill Lets Schools Serve Whole Milk, Reversing 2012 Low-Fat Push
The “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act,” which would allow the National School Lunch Program to serve whole milk, passed 330-99 in the House on Wednesday. In 2012, then-First Lady Michelle Obama moved to only allow low-fat variations to be offered to school kids.
Supreme Court Will Hear Case Challenging Abortion Pill Access
After a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit earlier suggested that access to mifepristone should be curbed, despite the FDA’s regulations for the pill, the Biden administration asked the justices to intervene. Mifepristone combined with misoprostol is currently the most common medicated abortion protocol in the U.S.
HHS Finalizes Tech Rule To Increase AI Transparency In Health IT Software
Vendors that want to certify their AI-enabled health IT products through HHS’ Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology now must disclose how their algorithm was designed, developed, and trained.
Viewpoints: Banning Mifepristone Undermines FDA Authority; Abortion Ban Exemptions Are A Farce
Editorial writers delve into abortion rights, diabetes, obesity and long covid.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Sanofi Ends Deal With Maze For Rare Disease Drug After FTC Monopoly Suit
Sanofi terminated its $750 million deal with Maze Therapeutics to develop and license an experimental drug for Pompe disease. The move came hours after the FTC filed an antitrust lawsuit against the partnership.
Eisai’s Alzheimer’s Drug To Launch In Japan For 25% Less Than US Price
Leqembi is set to be available from Dec. 20, with intravenous treatment expected to cost about $20,500 per patient yearly, compared to $26,000-plus in the U.S. Also in Japan, officials reported the country’s first fatality from mpox.
Different Takes: Abortion Exemptions Are Not Working In Texas
Opinion writers tackle the failure of abortion exemptions in Texas.
Perspectives: Scripts Should Be Allowed Across State Lines; SUPPORT Act Must Be Reauthorized
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Editorial writers discuss mental health, prenatal care, the cost of health care and more.
New Combination Antibiotic On The Horizon; Early Drug Therapy May Halt HIV Progression In Babies
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
HHS’ TEFCA Is Now Operational With 5 EHR Vendors Able To Exchange Data
The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) has been in the works since 2016 and is seen as a major building block in efforts to achieving national health data interoperability.