Latest KFF Health News Stories
Perspectives: Tirzepatide Could Be A Boon For Weight Loss
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Tirzepatide Promising For Weight Loss; Eli Lilly Wins In Product Liability Case
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
‘Dangerous’ Heat Wave Roasting Southwest Raises Health Concerns
Heat waves are deadly, killing about 150 people a year. Health experts remind residents to hydrate, utilize cooling centers, and be careful about exposure to the heat. Other environmental health news stories report on asthma, polluted soil and water, and more.
Federal Bureau Of Prisons Settles Insulin Access Lawsuit
Reports say the Bureau will pay $300,000 to settle with a diabetic prisoner who alleges he wasn’t given access to enough insulin at a supermax facility. The U.S. Indian Health Service, recreational pot in Yellowstone County, DNA tracing in Florida rape cases, and more are also in state health news.
Study Shows Mortality Rate For Republicans Higher Than Democrats
Media outlets cover a study into the gap in mortality rates between counties that lean toward Democratic or Republican politics, showing the gap widening with higher rates among Republicans over the last two decades and accelerating during the pandemic. Cancer treatments, Type 2 diabetes, and how the liver ages are also in the news.
VA Launches Mission To Lower Veteran Suicides
Wyoming Public Radio reports on a new initiative from the Department of Veterans Affairs: Mission Daybreak is a 10-year $20 million program aimed at driving veteran suicide rates lower. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts patients waiting for psychiatric treatment are said to be crowding emergency rooms.
Medical Company Cyberattack May Have Snared Data On 2 Million People
Shields Health Care Group says the identity and medical information, including diagnoses, of patients may have been grabbed by hackers in May. Separately, giant database company Oracle has completed its acquisition of Cerner, an electronics health records company.
FTC To Probe Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Impact on Access, Price
The Federal Trade Commission is looking into the business practices of the 6 largest PBMs, which negotiate rebates and fees with drug manufacturers for health plans, the agency announced Tuesday. Some independent pharmacies have complained that PBMs’ practices have helped fuel price increases and limit consumers’ choices.
Median Launch Price For A New Drug Was $2,115 In 2008. In 2021? $180K
Boston researchers looked into the soaring cost of launching a new drug in the U.S. between 2008 and 2021: The median price jumped roughly 20% per year through this period. A separate study highlights the risk of lower price transparency when hospitals merge.
Missouri’s New Law Protects Doctors Who Prescribe Ivermectin ‘Off-Label’
Gov. Mike Parson signed the law, which goes into effect in August, protecting pharmacists from questioning prescriptions of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine — unproven as covid treatments. Meanwhile, Molnupiravir is shown to cut the need for high level medical care for covid patients.
Fights Over Release Of Covid Infection Data Play Out At State, National Level
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in favor of state efforts to release records on company covid outbreaks. Meanwhile, consumer groups are pushing back on a Biden administration proposal that would block public access to some hospital safety data.
Nebraska Legislature Nears Super-Majority That Could Ban Abortion
With a recent Senate appointment, Nebraska’s one-chamber legislature is one vote away from passing a constitutional amendment that would automatically outlaw abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Meanwhile, as primaries shape the fall election, voters say the abortion issue will influence their actions.
Mass Shootings, Abortion Case Prompt DHS Warning Of Elevated Threats
The Department of Homeland Security warned of potential violent threats and extremist activity over the next several months An anti-abortion center in Buffalo and a pregnancy clinic in North Carolina are in the news for being targeted already.
Senate Gun Talks At Pivotal Point But Quick Action Unlikely
Some lawmakers say they are encouraged that negotiations could yield new gun measures. Yet, as the players shift, a compromise is still far off. And others worry that the limited proposals that could pass wouldn’t do enough to curb the spate of violence.
CDC Posts, Then Deletes, Guidance On Airborne Risks Of Monkeypox
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it removed the recommendation that travelers worried about monkeypox should wear a mask because it was causing confusion. Although public health officials have been linking many of the cases in this outbreak to close sexual contacts, monkeypox can also be spread through the air for short distances.
FDA Authorization For Novavax’s Covid Vaccine Endorsed By Advisory Panel
The Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted 21-0 in favor of the Food and Drug Administration granting emergency use authorization for the Novavax covid vaccine. If the FDA adopts the recommendation, a fourth shot option may soon be available in the U.S.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Despite Claims, Noom Is Just Another Diet; Climate Change Is Killing People
Editorial writers consider the weight-loss app Noom, heat wave deaths, and other issues.
Opinion writers weigh in on mental health issues and pandemic consequences.
Judge Rules Oklahoma’s Controversial Lethal Injections Are Permitted
The three-drug protocol used for executions in Oklahoman was challenged by allegations it causes “impermissible pain and suffering,” but after a complex legal case involving many medical opinions, it has been ruled constitutional. Meanwhile, in Ohio a transgender sports bans may lead to genital checks.
