Latest KFF Health News Stories
New York’s Ban On Selling Weight Loss Supplements To Minors Takes Effect
Muscle-building supplements are also subject to the new legislation. Separately, Colorado lawmakers advanced efforts to require state-regulated insurers and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs for some people. TikTok, facing a ban, is also cutting down on posts highlighting disordered eating.
Covid Vaccines Violated Patent Rights, GlaxoSmithKline Contends In Lawsuit
Meanwhile, Acuitas Therapeutics and CureVac reach an agreement in another patent lawsuit regarding technology used in mRNA-based Covid shots. Also, Maine’s high court lets stand a mandate that EMS workers must be vaccinated against Covid.
Cigna Will Sell Humira Biosimilar Via Its Specialty Pharmacy For $0 Copay
Also in pharmaceutical news: ongoing effects from the bankruptcy of drug maker Mallinckrodt; J&J spinoff Kenvue plans global headquarters in New Jersey; the study of millions of small drug candidates in a University of Washington lab; and more.
17 States File Suit Against Rules Protecting Abortion-Seeking Workers
The suit against new federal abortion rights protections was filed by 17 Republican state attorneys general. Meanwhile, Texas doctors worry over plans for more oversight of treatment before medically-necessary abortions, including whether patients were transferred to other facilities.
Kaiser Permanente Entity Reports Breach Of Data For 13 Million
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, a nonprofit company that is part of insurance giant Kaiser Permanente, told HHS that data on over 13 million individuals could have been exposed by a technical vulnerability.
CDC: ‘Vampire Facials’ Are Likely Source Of 3 Cases Of HIV Transmission
The CDC says the first known cases of HIV transmission likely due to cosmetic injections happened at a New Mexico spa during a procedure known as a “vampire facial.” Alert for graphic photos.
Inactive Bird Flu Virus Pieces Detected In 1 in 5 Pasteurized Milk Samples
The findings suggest the spread of the disease is greater than what it being reported. Meanwhile, the USDA, FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain the nation’s “commercial milk supply is safe.” Also, a bird flu explainer.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Research Roundup: Salmonella; Immunotherapy; CRISPR; And More
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
Editorial writers tackle bird flu, emergency abortion care, “Havana Syndrome,” and weight-loss drugs.
Dairy Cows Must Be Tested For Bird Flu Before Moving States: USDA
Transporting dairy cattle across state lines now requires the animals be tested for bird flu, under new Department of Agriculture rules. Meanwhile, the FDA stressed that pasteurization is “very likely” to inactivate any H5N1 in milk because, like other viruses, it’s heat-sensitive.
Illinois Bill Aims To Prohibit Insurers’ Use Of ‘Step Therapy’ Treatments
The Chicago Tribune reports on a bill that would limit insurers’ ability to insist on patients trying alternate, often cheaper treatments before approving a physician-prescribed one. Separately, in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed a major investment in mental health services.
Doctors Get New Weapon To Battle UTIs
It’s the first time in two decades a new antibiotic — Pivya, as it will be marketed in the U.S. — has been approved to treat urinary tract infections. Also in the news: risks of antipsychotics for people with dementia, how “dallying” delayed the menthol tobacco ban, and more.
FTC’s New Noncompete Ban Quickly Challenged By Lawsuit
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is among the groups that have already mounted a legal challenge to the Federal Trade Commission’s rule banning noncompete agreements. Separately, Republican lawmakers are targeting the health sector’s vertical integration habits.
Starting Next Year, California Will Cap Annual Health Care Cost Increases
The new rule, approved Wednesday, will limit increases to 3% each year and will be phased in over five years, beginning in 2025 with a 3.5% limit. In other news, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has launched an investigation into the price of weight loss drugs.
McKinsey’s Advisory Role To Opioid Makers Under Criminal Investigation
Feds also are looking into whether the consulting firm obstructed justice. In other news, it appears patients are shunning a crucial medicine prescribed to treat opioid addition.
Repeal Of Controversial 1864 Abortion Ban Approved By Arizona House
On a third attempt, Arizona House lawmakers voted 32-38 to repeal the Civil War-era law that the Arizona Supreme Court previously upheld. The bill next goes to the state Senate for consideration. Separately, California is considering a bill that would make it easier for Arizona abortion providers to practice in the state.
Divided Supreme Court Justices Spar With Both Sides Over Emergency Abortion
Arguments were heard on conflicts between the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, and Idaho’s near-total abortion ban. The female Supreme Court justices strongly questioned the Idaho law, while the more conservative members of the bench floated three ways they could justify siding with Idaho over the Biden administration.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
