Latest KFF Health News Stories
High-Dose Kratom Capsules Are Safe, First FDA Study Of Compound Finds
The botanical has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, Bloomberg notes, but it’s more commonly found in drinks and concentrates in the U.S., triggering the research effort. Separately, financial incentives for kidney donors; changing research standards on trans issues; and more.
Express Scripts Sues FTC, Calls Report About Drug Middlemen ‘Erroneous’
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Viewpoints: Obamacare Comes Out On Top; Religious Exemptions For Vaccinations Should End
Editorial writers tackle these public health issues.
CDC Launches Program to Reduce Diagnostic Errors, Boost Safety
The goal is to reduce the impact of incorrect diagnoses, or delayed ones, which can occur for many different reasons and seriously impact the safety of patient care. Among other news, New Hampshire’s attorney general demands answers from Exeter Hospital about plans to cut services.
Ozempic Could Be Included In Next Round Of Medicare Price Cuts
Also, Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke up again about Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk, alleging that it can make and sell its weight loss drug for under $100 a month. Meanwhile, CNN notes that GLP-1 drugs in pill form are coming, and this may revolutionize weight loss treatments.
Polio-Like D68 Virus With Paralyzing Potential Is Spiking Among US Children
The respiratory virus is linked, in rare cases, to acute flaccid myelitis, which affects the nervous system. Meanwhile, flu deaths among kids for the 2023-24 season tied the U.S. record high of 199.
Harris Floats 7% Cap On Child Care Costs For Working Families
The policy initiative previously was proposed by President Joe Biden. Meanwhile, the U.S. House today is set to vote on funding the government. The Washington Post reports that it doesn’t have enough support to pass.
IVF Bill Again Blocked By Republicans; Competing Senate Measure Fails, Too
The Democratic measure, which would have ensured federal protections to the fertility treatment, failed 51-44. The GOP bill, which focused on access to IVF, did not gain unanimous consent to pass. Meanwhile, AP and ProPublica report about pregnant women who have died since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
US Drug Overdose Deaths Plunge 10%
NPR reports that some researchers believe the data could show an even larger drop, beyond the 10.6% drop that CDC data shows, when federal surveys take stock of state-level improvements. Separately, more than a quarter of those in Baltimore know someone who fatally overdosed.
Alcohol May Be To Blame For Increase In Cancer Rates, Researchers Find
Even though cancer death rates have fallen, the report notes, moderate and light drinkers saw more cancer deaths than occasional drinkers.
First Edition: Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine these public health issues.
Tune In: Our ‘Silence In Sikeston’ Project Is Now Available
A multimedia reporting project from KFF Health News, Retro Report, and GBH’s WORLD explores the impact of a 1942 lynching and a 2020 police shooting in the same rural Missouri community.
Judge Reduces Sentence Of Paramedic Present At Elijah McClain’s Death
A paramedic convicted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain has had his sentence reduced to probation. McClain died after police put him in a chokehold and paramedics injected him with sedatives. Among other news: Samaritan Health Services lays off 1% of its workforce.
Mom Brain: Few Areas Of The Brain Are ‘Untouched’ By Pregnancy
CNN reports on a new study that maps brain changes during pregnancy. Also in research news: the chemical toll of food packaging on our bodies; microplastics at the base of the brain; and more.
Instagram Unveils Changes To Improve Child Safety, Mental Health
The Meta-owned app will make accounts private for its users who are younger than 18. The company also will halt notifications during typical nighttime rest hours and limit sensitive content.
Bill Aims To Remove Weapons From Service Members Deemed A Threat
The measure, sponsored by Republican Sen. Susan Collins, was introduced after a mass shooting in Maine and would require the Army to take action using state crisis intervention laws. Separately, AP says police have increased use of Maine’s “yellow flag” law to seize weapons.
Industrial Chemical BTMPS Found In Fentanyl Across US, Raising Alarm
The rapid infusion of the chemical, used in plastic products, into the fentanyl supply is raising significant concern among health researchers. Also: The Washington Post examines how Purdue’s global counterparts are still profiting from the sale of opioids, and more.
Report: Top Republicans Want To Halt Medicare Drug-Price Negotiations
Axios reports that multiple high-ranking GOP lawmakers said that if Donald Trump wins the election, Republicans might attempt to dismantle the popular price reductions over concerns about pharmaceutical innovation.
Newest Covid XEC Variant Is Already Here, Likely Will Drive Winter Surge
As health officials urge Americans to vaccinate themselves against the highly transmissible virus, a survey finds that fewer than half of respondents plan to take the jab. Separately, after last year’s supply problems, drugmakers got the green light to expand capacity for making RSV therapy.
