Latest KFF Health News Stories
Instagram Pressured By Senators Over Negative Impact On Youngsters
News outlets cover the appearance of Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri before a Senate panel investigating risks of social media harms for younger users, including questions over self-regulation and calls for multi-platform solutions. Other mental health matters are also in the news.
Allergan To Pay $200M To Settle With New York Over Opioid Crisis
The state’s attorney general announced the settlement yesterday. Allergan had been an opioid manufacturer and faced allegations that it helped fuel the opioid crisis. Meanwhile, the defense rests its case in the Elizabeth Holmes trial. Plus Aduhelm, gene therapy and asthma drugs are in the news.
Nonprofit City Of Hope Buying Cancer Treatment Centers Of America
The deal is said to be worth $390 million. Stat notes City of Hope helped develop synthetic insulin and cancer drugs, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America has been criticized for aggressive marketing. Centene, Memorial Sloan Kettering and other health industry names are also in the news.
Senate Votes To Gut Biden’s Workplace Vaccine Mandate
The Senate also reportedly issued a rebuke over President Joe Biden’s covid shot mandate, amid controversies over federal overreach. Vaccine mandates and some associated legal matters are also reported from New York City, Los Angeles, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Unvaxxed Criticized For Creating Domino Effect Of Illness, Death
“The unvaccinated are … risking the lives of others who may die of preventable diseases who can’t get their needed health care,” said Dr. Marschall Runge, dean of the University of Michigan Medical School. As if to prove his point, new research finds that 703 deaths at nursing homes over a 10-week period this summer would’ve been prevented had more workers been vaccinated.
Pfizer Boosters For Older Teens Advances In FDA Review Process
The Food and Drug Administration determined that additional study by an advisory committee would not be required in reviewing a third Pfizer covid shot for those aged 16 and 17. News outlets report on other developments related to youth vaccines.
Maine, New Hampshire Call National Guard To Covid-Strained Hospitals
The Boston Globe says the National Guard is being called in to help at hospitals and long-term care facilities facing high volumes of covid cases. In Maine, care may have to be rationed for the first time, and Wisconsin’s top health official calls for federal help in the face of staffing shortages.
Scientists Discover Why Covid Is Worse For Those Who Are Overweight, Obese
Researchers have found that the coronavirus infects both fat cells and certain immune cells within body fat, prompting a damaging defensive response in the body, The New York Times writes. The findings could lead to new covid treatments that target body fat.
Two Weeks After Thanksgiving, Covid Cases Are Surging Across The US
In better news, the U.S. reached a milestone Wednesday: 200 million Americans are now fully vaxxed.
FDA Approves AstraZeneca’s Covid Antibody Drug For Vulnerable Patients
The two-dose antibody drugs are the first intended for long-term prevention against covid infection, rather than a short-term treatment for people with compromised immune systems.
So Far, ‘The Disease Is Mild’ In Most US Omicron Cases: CDC Chief
In an interview with the AP, Dr. Rochelle Walensky provided details on the more than 40 known omicron cases in the U.S. Most were in vaccinated patients who only showed mild symptoms like cough, congestion and fatigue. Only one person has been hospitalized.
Pfizer CEO Raises Possibility Of Fourth Shot To Combat Omicron
“When we see real-world data, will determine if the omicron is well covered by the third dose and for how long. And the second point, I think we will need a fourth dose,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla told CNBC. Pfizer is researching the efficacy of its booster and original vaccine course against the omicron covid variant.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Outdated Rules Hamper Telehealth Progress; New Plan In Minnesota To Broaden Nursing Pool
Editorial pages delve into these public health topics.
Opinion writers examine these covid related issues.
Perspectives: Insulin Is The ‘Poster Child For Illogical Drug Pricing’
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Insulin And Aduhelm: Are Ultrahigh Prices Really Necessary?
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Study: Medicaid Expansion Hasn’t Boosted Critical Hospital Operations
A new study found hospitals that were covered by the expansion of Medicaid haven’t seen an improvement in quality scores or better staffing levels. Water quality issues, HIV/AIDS matters, toxic gas, legal marijuana and more are also in the news.
Shkreli’s Former Company To Pay $40M Over Alleged Drug Price Gouging
The Federal Trade Commission’s investigation centered on alleged 4,000% boosts in the price of toxoplasmosis treatment Daraprim. Meanwhile, news outlets cover the testimony from ex-Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes over the failure of the blood-testing company.
Vice President Harris Aims To Reduce High US Maternal Death Rate
A report in Bloomberg detailing the plan calls the U.S. maternal mortality rate “alarmingly high.” The strategy calls for extending postpartum coverage under Medicaid to 12 months. Meanwhile, USA Today details where to find the best hospitals in which to have a baby.
