Latest KFF Health News Stories
FDA Advisory Panel Weighing Use Of Psychedelic Drug MDMA To Treat PTSD
Stat will offer live updates on committee action to determine whether the drug has therapeutic uses.
Bird Flu Found In San Francisco Market; Larger Outbreak Hits Iowa Turkey Farm
As cases tick up, officials launch WastewaterSCAN to find areas of the country affected most by the H5N1 virus. Meanwhile, despite public health officials’ concerns, lawmakers in several states are advancing measures to make the commercial sale of raw milk legal.
Fauci Faces Combative Questioning On Covid Origins, Masks, And Vaccines
During his much-anticipated public appearance Monday at a hearing of the House Oversight and Accountability Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Dr. Anthony Fauci defended the federal government’s response to the health crisis in fiery exchanges with Republican members of the panel.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers tackle H5N1, artificial womb technology, antibiotic innovation, and more.
Neurodevelopmental Disorder Linked To Gene Mutation In New Study
Thousands of cases of intellectual disabilities may be explained by a newly identified gene mutation. Also in the news: how body composition scans are better than BMI; summer may be linked to higher kidney stone risks; and more.
West Nile Virus Detected In LA County Mosquitoes
It’s the first time this year the virus has been found in Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, officials in Berkeley and Albany are set to test two popular parks for evidence of radioactive waste.
Taking Burden Off Hospitals, HHS Tells UnitedHealth To Notify Hack Victims
The American Hospital Association welcomed the decision, saying it would have imposed unnecessary costs on providers who “have already suffered so greatly from this attack,” Modern Healthcare reported. Other news is on Steward Health, Uber Health, psychiatric facilities, and more.
Chemo Drugs Attached To Antibodies Battle Cancer Cells More Directly
NBC News reports on how antibody drug conjugates, as they’re known, can more effectively tackle tumor cells. Also in the news: Pfizer’s lung cancer drug Lorbrena, Bristol Myers Squibb immunotherapies, LGBTQ+ populations may face higher cancer risks, and more.
Covid Can Cause Long-Term Damage Inside Eye If Not Treated
Research has found that covid is not contracted through the mucosal membrane of the eye, but the virus can cause damage like retinal lesions, microaneurysms in the eye, and retinal atrophy.
Texas High Court Refuses To Protect Doctors In Medically Needed Abortions
A group of patients and doctors had brought a lawsuit to ensure doctors were not prosecuted for performing abortions in medically complicated pregnancies, but the state Supreme Court rejected it. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate is set to vote Wednesday on protecting contraception access.
Medicare Advantage Patients Complain To CMS About Lean Provider Networks
CMS sought comments on ways that it can improve Medicare Advantage. The majority of feedback came from providers, but beneficiaries also weighed in with horror stories about deficient networks.
Possible Health Risks Of MDMA PTSD Therapy Highlighted By FDA
The FDA cited flaws in a company’s study into the use of MDMA as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Separately, reports say some drugmakers will cap asthma inhaler costs at $35 a month; and weight loss drugs may boost people’s taste buds.
FDA Approves Moderna’s RSV Vaccine For Older Adults
CIDRAP reports on the approval of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine, called mRESVIA, which is expected to be available during the 2024-25 respiratory virus season. Other news is on a rise in whooping cough cases and the latest developments on the bird flu virus.
Fiery Exchanges Expected As Fauci Goes Head-To-Head With GOP Panel
Lawmakers intend to grill the immunologist over record-keeping practices at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and other covid-related issues.
Science Didn’t Support ‘6-Feet-Apart’ Pandemic Guideline, Fauci Concedes
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who headed the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the height of the pandemic, told Congress that the CDC’s social distancing rule was “an empiric decision that wasn’t based on data.”
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers discuss these issues and more.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on “forever chemicals,” Morgan Spurlock, kush, and more.
Chicago Says Measles Outbreak Is Done After 64 Confirmed Cases
The Chicago Tribune reports that there have been no new cases in the past two incubation periods. But in California, Tulare County reported its first measles case of the year.
