Latest KFF Health News Stories
Editorial writers break down these public health concerns.
American Biologists Share Nobel Prize For Work On Discovery Of MicroRNA
Victor Ambros’ discovery of gene activity by microRNA in 1993 was considered an anomaly at the time. Further work by Gary Ruvkun broke the doors wide open for its study and its potential for treating cancer and other diseases.
Out Of The Trash Bin: How Cobenfy’s Unusual Journey Could Change Pharma
Bristol Myers Squibb’s schizophrenia drug, which received FDA approval last week, took a long and winding road to get there. Three decades ago, Eli Lilly developed the drug’s forerunner, xanomeline, in an attempt to treat Alzheimer’s. Could more pharma companies learn from this example?
CMS Proposes Rule That Targets Rogue Brokers Switching Obamacare Plans
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the proposed regulation Friday to update rules governing the Affordable Care Act that would enable stricter oversight of health insurance marketers. Bad actors have been switching people’s health plan enrollment without permission.
Third Human Case Of Bird Flu Suspected In California
Test results are pending on a worker who had contact with infected herds, California officials report. Meanwhile, federal scientists are studying H5N1 genes in dairy workers in search of mutations that may facilitate the transmission of the virus from animals to humans.
Trump Pivots On Support For Controversial Plan To Slash Drug Prices
Former President Donald Trump had previously promised to bring back an executive order he signed in 2020 to ensure Medicare paid no more than other developed nations for prescription drugs, but Stat reports he has now backed away from it. Also, a preview of health-related cases on the Supreme Court docket.
Planned Parenthood Won’t See Funds Under Trump’s Watch, Vance Vows
On another front in reproductive rights, Florida’s Health Department has promised legal action against a local TV network if it continues to run a campaign ad advocating for the right to abortion care. Also, longtime abortion critic Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is curiously quiet about the subject these days.
Hurricane Helene Predicted To Disrupt Kids’ Lives For Years To Come
The New York Times reports that Helene — the deadliest hurricane since 2005’s Katrina — will likely affect tens of thousands of kids’ lives for many years. In North Carolina, there is no timeline for the reopening of Baxter’s plant, where much IV material is manufactured.
Overdose Deaths Drop 10%, Data Show
Over a 12-month period ending in April, about 101,000 people died after overdosing. More news tied to opioids is about telehealth treatment, tracking prescriptions, gift cards for negative tests, and more.
First Edition: Monday, Oct. 7, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Scurvy May Be More Common Than We Think; Is Melania Trump Really Pro-Choice?
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
Mississippi Health Department Ups Distribution Of Free Naloxone
Also in news from around the nation: a hospital requirement in Florida and Texas to ask patients about their immigration status, a new health care option for small businesses in Oklahoma, and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. Today’s selections are on the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, getting sober, antibiotic resistance, mpox, and more.
Researchers Find Possible Cause Of Voices People With Schizophrenia Hear
New research shines a light into schizophrenic auditory hallucinations: They may be linked to “noisy” or “broken” motor signals sent across the brain when people are preparing to speak. In other mental health news: marijuana use, a potential KP mental health worker strike, gun laws in Massachusetts, and more.
First Mpox Diagnostic Test For Emergency Use Wins WHO Approval
Reuters notes the PCR test, which samples skin lesion swabs, will boost testing in countries with mpox outbreaks. Meanwhile, Ghana has confirmed its first mpox case, though the exact variant is not yet known.
Drug Pricing Law Savings May Disappoint, Budget Experts Warn
The government bill for the law might mean less cash will be saved than hoped, Stat reports. The Medicare Part D drug benefit is estimated to cost $10 billion to $20 billion more in 2025 than projected. Meanwhile, Texas sues PBMs, drugmakers over insulin pricing.
Chasing Votes, Some In House GOP Highlight Their ‘Pro-Choice’ Messaging
The reason for the unexpected swing toward abortion rights? Tightening races, The Washington Post reports. The news comes as former President Donald Trump spoke about encouraging Melania Trump to “write what you believe” about abortion. In advanced previews of her memoir, she appears pro-choice.
California Reports 2 Cases Of Bird Flu In People; EEE Risk Lessens In Mass.
In other news about Eastern equine encephalitis, New Hampshire confirmed a fifth human case in an adult who has died. Plus, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urges more help from the federal government to fight mosquito-borne diseases.
This Year’s Flu Shot Might Offer Less Protection, CDC Reports
The effectiveness of this year’s flu jab was lower in South America than for last season, which informs the CDC’s analysis about protection the shot may offer people in the U.S. come flu season. CDC data does show the shot lowered hospitalization risks in the Southern Hemisphere dramatically, though.
As Yellow Jackets Buzz After Helene, NC Health Officials Send Allergy Meds
Benadryl and EpiPens are being supplied to counter the sting after floodwaters and fallen trees displaced colonies of the nesting insect. Meanwhile, as the search for victims of the storm enters its second week, many still don’t have running water.
