Latest KFF Health News Stories
Biogen Alzheimer’s Drug Approval Prompts FDA Expert To Resign
An agency advisory committee recommended against the Food and Drug Administration approving Aduhelm, and one of its expert members has since resigned. More controversy about the drug’s approval is reported in CNBC, Stat, Axios, The Baltimore Sun and Fox News.
Perspectives: Is Pricey Alzheimer’s Drug Worth It?
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
New Migraine Drug Will ‘Change The Paradigm’ Of Treatment, Says CEO
Nurtec ODT, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is reported on by CNBC. In other news, a Louisiana law bans insurer “white bagging” (bypassing hospital pharmacies), and the FDA also approves a new smallpox treatment, Tembexa.
Diabetes Plus Sleeping Badly Linked To Premature Deaths In Study
People with diabetes and sleep problems are 87% more likely to die during the next nine years than people without either issue, according to new research. Also in the news: an E. coli outbreak; gut bacteria and heart health; NFL funding of cannabis research; and more.
Lawsuit Claims Nursing Home Fired Nurse For Covid Whistle-Blowing
Donna Frank claims she was fired after reporting concerns about infection control and a lack of PPE. Separately, in Buffalo a lawsuit is filed over the covid deaths of a husband and wife in a nursing home, while Ohio’s Senate nixes some plans for nursing home oversight.
Study Examines How Race Factors Into Medicare Advantage Enrollment
A Health Affairs study out Tuesday found that Medicare Advantage enrollment among Black people outpaced the enrollment of whites from 2009-18.
Pharma Injected Big Money Into Thousands Of 2020 Congressional, State Campaigns
An analysis by Stat News of campaign finance records shows that the pharmaceutical industry donated to more than two-thirds of Congress as well as 2,467 state lawmakers during the last campaign cycle — to the tune of over $25 million. Stat also examines what type of political influence that may have bought.
White House Wants To Shore Up Made-In-America Prescription Drug Pipeline
News reports on other Biden administration health initiatives focus on preparing for the next pandemic, asbestos disclosures and a high-profile staff departure.
Biden Shuts Down Infrastructure Negotiations With Republicans
Hopes of a compromise dimmed as entrenched divisions prompted President Joe Biden to call off compromise talks over the infrastructure bill with a group of six Republicans, led by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia. The White House will turn attention to another bipartisan proposal or look to pass measures through reconciliation.
Fauci Raises Alarm Over Spread Of Delta Covid Variant
Though the U.K. has high vaccination levels, the Delta variant is “essentially taking over” there, Dr. Anthony Fauci said, warning that the same could happen in the U.S. if slow vaccination continues. Reports say the variant already accounts for 6% of new U.S. cases.
When Did Covid Really Hit The US? GOP Lawmakers Ask CDC To Study
Suspecting that infections began earlier than currently estimated, Republicans on a key House committee are urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use medical records and blood work to determine the virus’ lifecycle. Also on covid’s origins: the European Union backs the call from the U.S. for a new study.
Pfizer Trial Using Lower-Dose Vaccine In 5- To 11-Year-Olds
Adults get 30 micrograms of covid vaccine per shot, but Pfizer’s research and testing is moving toward 10 microgram doses for younger kids. Meanwhile research shows a single dose of the adult Pfizer vaccine is 51% protective against covid infections in real-world situations.
Biden’s July 4 Vaccine Goal May Be At Risk Thanks To Gen Z’s Hesitancy
The White House’s target of 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4 may be missed because roughly a quarter of Gen Z adults say they don’t plan on getting vaccines. Meanwhile, Michigan is seeing a surge in covid hospitalizations for people aged under 18.
US Lowers Travel Risk Warnings To Dozens Of Nations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department revised its covid travel guidance to 120 countries. In dozens of cases, the warnings were eased for vaccinated Americans.
Officials Rush To Save Or Use Millions Of J&J Doses Expiring This Month
As the FDA investigates extending expiration dates, vaccine administrators get mixed messages on what to do with Johnson & Johnson covid vaccines that are closing in on expiry. Efforts to ship the unused doses overseas also face hurdles.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: What Is The Future Of Telehealth?; Is Aducanumab The Alzheimer’s Answer?
Editorial pages tackle these various public health topics.
Perspectives: India Battling Covid Misinformation; Black Women Key In Reducing Vaccine Hesitancy
Opinion writers weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
Canada May Begin Reopening Border With US On June 22
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tells mayors of border cities that he is looking at the date for a possible lifting of the closure that began in March 2020 as the pandemic spread. In other news, drugmaker Moderna is asking European regulators for permission to vaccinate teens and the director of the World Health Organization is calling on vaccine producers to provide more doses to international relief efforts.
Missouri Governor Signs Bill Creating Drug Database To Fight Opioid Abuse
Missouri is the last state to establish the monitoring tool. It will collect data on controlled substances, such as opioid painkillers and some anti-anxiety drugs. In other state news, Alaska notes a surge in heroin overdoses, New Jersey closes a troubled women’s prison and New York City plans for a post-covid concert in Central Park.
