Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
CDC Says Vaccine Provider Mishandled Flu Shots, Causing 2018 Outbreaks
AP: CDC: Mishandling Of Flu, Other Vaccines Led To 2018 Outbreak
Federal health officials have concluded that a 2018 outbreak of infections in three states was caused by the improper storage, handling and administration of flu and other common vaccines. The CDC said about 100 patients were affected during workplace vaccination events. The vaccines were administered by a third party provider, “Location Vaccination” in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio over several months from late 2018 to 2019. (10/21)
In other pharmaceutical and biotech news —
Bloomberg: J&J Offered $4 Billion To Settle Talc Claims Before Unit Filed For Bankruptcy
Months before putting one of its units into bankruptcy, Johnson & Johnson offered $4 billion to settle with victims of its talc-based powder -- twice the amount it’s now proposing to pay through a forced resolution, according to people familiar with the matter. The $4 billion offer was aimed at ending more than seven years of litigation over claims its iconic baby powder caused different types of cancers. J&J faces nearly 40,000 suits targeting its talc-based products, and has agreed to about $3.5 billion in settlements so far, according to court filings. (Feeley, 10/21)
Stat: Illumina Will Launch Grail’s Cancer Detection Test In Africa And Asia
Sequencing company Illumina is planning to launch Galleri — the much-hyped cancer detection test from liquid biopsy company Grail, which it acquired in August — in Asian and African countries, according to the company’s CEO, Francis deSouza. It’s a lofty goal with good intentions; deSouza said, speaking this week at the 2021 Milken Institute Global Conference, that the company hopes Illumina’s existing infrastructure will make the introduction of the $950 test far broader and far more rapid. But he declined to provide any other details about what rollouts in Asian and African markets might look like — or when they might start, or even offer more details. (Sheridan, 10/22)
Stat: Wearable Tech Could Change How We Diagnose Neuromotor Conditions
An unlikely team of engineers and mobility researchers has developed an experimental set of small, wearable sensors intended to make it easier to diagnose infant neuromotor disorders like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Neuromotor conditions are most effectively treated when caught early, but diagnosing them can be expensive. (Bender, 10/22)
Stat: Testing Company Everly Health Acquires Fertility Startup Natalist
Riding a wave of consolidation in virtual care, home diagnostics brand Everly Health on Thursday acquired fertility startup Natalist, becoming the latest home testing business to bulk up its lineup with services geared at women and families. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the all-cash transaction parallels an earlier deal between digital pharmacy Ro and testing startup Modern Fertility that brought services including hormone testing and prenatal vitamins into Ro’s broader virtual fold, which was originally focused around treatments for erectile dysfunction and hair loss. (Brodwin, 10/21)
