Latest KFF Health News Stories
White House Says It’s Trying To End Cancer Drug Shortages
Stat reports experts are still worried and say the administration has to show exactly how it’ll tackle shortages of three key generic chemotherapies. Separately, 2Seventy Bio, a Cambridge biotech developing cancer drugs, is laying off 40% of its workforce as the business sector is in hard times.
Bill That Bans FDA-Approved Food Additives Heads To California Governor
The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 418, which bans four food additives — including red dye No. 3, linked to potential health issues. If signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, the law would be the first in the nation to ban FDA-permitted additives. Mental and behavioral health programs in California are also in the news.
Optimism For New Parkinson’s Treatment; Recently Updated RCDI Treatments Are Promising
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Bankruptcies Endangering Private Equity-Owned Hospitals, Nursing Homes
Wall Street has been snapping up health care businesses through cheap financing. Now those funds are drying up, Politico reports, and debts are coming due, leaving private-equity backed health centers vulnerable.
Food Industry Tries To Avert Federal Guidance On Ultra-Processed Products
Representatives of food makers spoke Tuesday to a federal panel tasked with reviewing latest nutrition research and recommending changes to national dietary guidelines. Other news reports on diabetes, dementia, and more.
Women Denied Care In Oklahoma, Tennessee, Idaho Sue Over Abortion Bans
At the core of the argument is a denial of access to abortion during dangerous pregnancy complications that the women say endangered their lives. Meanwhile, in Kansas medical experts are questioning a lawmaker’s inexpert anti-abortion testimony, likely based on unreliable data.
Utah Judge: Medical Records Of 2 Trans Minors Must Be Shared With State
The minors are both transgender girls who are suing over the state’s ban on athletes like them playing in high school sports. Data, such as their onset of puberty and mental health reports, will be shared. Meanwhile, a judge ruled a Florida restriction on trans adult care can be enforced.
Panel Says Leading Decongestant Won’t Actually Unblock Your Nose
Advisers to the FDA have been nosing into phenylephrine’s effectiveness as a decongestant, and news outlets reported their conclusion: It doesn’t work. But don’t be snooty about all cold meds: phenylephrine isn’t dangerous, and other ingredients can work to help.
From 2011 To 2019, Prescription Opioid Shipments Fell As Fatal Overdoses Rose
Covering new federal data on opioid use, the Washington Post notes that the numbers explain the opioid crisis: A flood of pain pills got people hooked, then cheap, illegal drug use soared. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court is hearing an appeal of the $650 million opioid judgment against leading pharmacies.
Child Poverty Soared, Incomes Declined When US Covid Supports Ended
The dreadful economic math of the end of the pandemic is revealed in new data from the U.S. Census Bureau: As covid benefits wrapped up in 2022, child poverty more than doubled and median household income fell. But income inequality declined for the first time since 2007.
CDC Backs New Covid Vaccines For Nearly All Ages; Shots Available This Week
Everyone over the age of 6 months should get an updated Pfizer or Moderna covid booster, the FDA recommended Tuesday. Shots are expected to be available within 48 hours. Data considered indicates that universal vaccination could prevent 100,000 more hospitalizations each year than if only the elderly were vaccinated.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Being Anti-Sunscreen Is A Risky Conspiracy; Why Is Childbirth So Dangerous In US?
Editorial writers delve into the anti-sunscreen movement, American childbirth risks, electric shock therapy and more.
Worries Over Licensed Practical Nurses Omission From CMS Staffing Rules
Data shows that LPNs make up as much as 75% of clinical staff at some nursing homes, which explains why some are concerned that LPNs weren’t included in the staffing mandate from CMS recently. In other industry news, nursing homes continue to experience ongoing challenges, post-covid.
American Red Cross: Donor Blood Supply At ‘Critically Low Levels’
Amid a national blood shortage, the organization is calling on more people to donate blood and platelets. Among other news, Stat reports on efforts by the food industry to get “friendly” researchers on to a nutrition panel chosen by the USDA and HHS that influences food policy.
Abortion Rights Groups Say Missouri Ballot Measures Are Misleading
AP reports on a push for a rewrite of what abortion-rights advocates say are misleading descriptions on of several constitutional amendments on abortion that may be on Missouri’s 2024 ballot. Among other news: gender care medications, the 988 crisis lifeline, and more.
Some Generic Drugs Cost Thousands More Than They Should, Analysis Finds
When examining a selection of so-called specialty generic drugs, the Wall Street Journal found that Cigna and CVS were charging at least 24 times higher on average than what the manufacturers charge. Also: medical debt, private equity deals, and more.
Your OTC Decongestant Meds May Not Work: FDA Is Investigating
Beginning Monday an advisory committee is discussing oral formulations of nasal decongestant phenylephrine, which trials say may not work at over-the-counter dosages. The same issue arose in 2007, but the FDA decided in favor of the medication.
Protesters Arrested After Demanding HIV Prevention Program At Capitol
Seven people occupied the office of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, demanding Congress reauthorize the PEPFAR global program, and were subsequently arrested. Meanwhile, reports say Medicare Part D patients with HIV may see lower drug costs under the Inflation Reduction Act.
FDA Greenlights Updated Shots To Spur Protection Against Covid
The FDA authorized on Monday new mRNA covid vaccine boosters from Pfizer and Moderna that are updated to target the XBB.1.5 omicron variant. If the CDC signs off today, as expected, the shots should be available to all Americans 6 months or older as early as next week.