Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biogen Indicates EU Won’t Approve Alzheimer’s Drug
A report in the New York Times notes Biogen may not be expecting drug reviewers in the European Union to approve its Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm — already approved, controversially, in the U.S. Meanwhile Aetna sues covid testing companies, and more.
Antibody Drugs Prove Effective As Protection Against Covid Breakthrough Cases
Reports say monoclonal antibodies reduce risk of hospitalization by 77%, and that AstraZeneca’s antibody drug offers 83% protection over six months against covid. Meanwhile, science shows masks are the single most effective anti-covid public health measure. Also reports on covid antibody protection, Roma DNA and coronavirus in deer.
Rare Monkeypox Reported In Maryland; Worrying Flu Outbreak In Michigan
A second case of monkeypox was reported in the U.S. this year. The University of Michigan is hit hard by a flu outbreak. Meanwhile, head lice continue to be an issue despite the social distancing covid brought.
States Boost Mental Health Services
News outlets cover moves to improve mental health services in Massachusetts and North Carolina. The arguments used in the Rittenhouse shooting trial have mental health experts worried. Meanwhile covid anxieties were the same all around the world.
Futzing Continues On Drug Pricing Efforts
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services gave drug makers six more months to comply with a drug pricing regulation while Congress is still mulling changes in drug-pricing legislation. Air ambulance companies aren’t happy about surprise billing law and are suing.
Florida Republicans Hobble Vaccine Mandate
Florida’s legislature makes it much harder for employers to enforce vaccine mandates. But in Idaho, its legislature failed to take similar action. Meanwhile, the NFL set news rules for players and other personnel on masking and people embarking on Disney cruises will need proof of vaccination.
Here We Go Again: Severe Covid Cases Ticking Back Up
Even before Thanksgiving travel kicks into high gear, covid cases — and hospitalizations — are on the upswing in more places, like New England.
FDA Moves Closer To Boosters For All Adults
With studies showing waning efficacy of initial covid vaccines, the federal government is moving closer to recommending boosters for all adults. It is behind several states that now allow them.
Fatal Overdoses Reach All-Time High, Fueled By Fentanyl And Pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 100,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose in one year for the first time ever. Access to fentanyl — that people are sometimes unaware they are taking — and the isolation of the covid pandemic are blamed for the rise. And next year’s figures are expected to be even worse.
Moderna Wants All Adults To Get Its Booster Shot
Moderna wants all adults to get a booster with its covid vaccine. It made a formal request to the FDA, and approval may even come this week.
First Edition: November 18, 2021
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Perspectives: Why Is The Drug Pricing Debate So Fraught Despite Popularity?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Different Takes: Is Personalized Medicine The Future?; Tackling American Maternal Health Issues
Editorial pages weigh in on these public health issues.
Viewpoints: Why Are Pregnant Women Declining The Vaccine?; Will We Ever See The Pandemic End?
Opinion writers take on these covid issues.
Inflation Fears, Pharma Interests Could Alter Drug Pricing Measures
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Mexico To Finally Give Covid Shots To Younger Teenagers
Bloomberg reports that although Mexico is “behind regional peers,” it’s now going to give shots to teens ages 15 to 17, and some minors will even get shots in the U.S. A global push for school meals, covid peaks and restrictions in Europe, and more are also in the news.
North Carolina Sues Juul Over Marketing To Kids
The state’s attorney general began an investigation into e-cigarette maker Puff Bar and also sued Juul Labs founders over allegations they personally were involved in marketing products to younger users. Ivermectin is also in the news again. And the District of Columbia will drop its mask requirement.
Alzheimer’s Vaccine Delivered By The Nose Enters Human Trials
The first human trial will begin in Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Also, a study says morning cups of tea and coffee could be linked with lower risk of dementia.
Preventing Some Covid Deaths As Simple As Sending A Text, Study Finds
Automated text messages to check up on how adult covid outpatients were doing lowered the death rate by 68% compared to controls. Separately, the Infectious Diseases Society of America has provided study-based advice for PPE use by health workers.
Poll: 60% Say Right To Abortion Should Be Continued
While patients in Texas feel the immediate fallout from that state’s new restrictions, California begins making plans for the influx of women from other states seeking abortions. And U.S. Catholic bishops debate giving communion to politicians who support abortion rights.
