Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Shingles Vaccine May Help Protect Against Dementia
NBC News: Shingles Is Linked To Inflammation In The Brain. Research Shows How To Cut Dementia Risk
The shingles vaccine may significantly help protect older adults against dementia, a growing body of evidence shows. Exactly how is unclear. The nervous system, however, likely holds clues. Shingles, a condition triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the body, can cause a “war zone” of inflammation in the brain, said Dr. Jennifer Pauldurai, the medical director of the Inova Brain Health and Memory Disorders Program in Northern Virginia. (Leake, 6/28)
More pharmaceutical developments —
The Hill: Oral GLP-1 Pill Delivers Nearly 12% Weight Loss In 36 Weeks, Study Finds
Patients taking the oral GLP-1 drug aleniglipron saw up to a 12 percent reduction in body weight after 36 weeks, according to researchers. The study, conducted at Northwestern University, found the drug stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses appetite and increases satiety to promote weight loss. “The difference with aleniglipron is it’s a small molecule, meaning it’s chemically made and can be taken with or without food,” said Dr. Robert Kushner, a co-author of the study and a professor at Northwestern. (Taub, 6/28)
MedPage Today: Taste, Smell Disturbances Seen In GLP-1 Users
Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with a higher risk of smell and taste disturbances among adults with type 2 diabetes, an analysis of electronic health record (EHR) data suggested. (Monaco, 6/26)
NPR: Could Pepcid AC And Allergy Pills Help With PMS Symptoms?
People who feel extra rotten in the days leading up to their period say they're finding relief from a new TikTok trend. It's a combination of two over-the-counter drugs: An allergy pill, like Claritin or Zyrtec, along with Pepcid AC, the heartburn medication. It might sound unbelievable, but after dealing with years of unexplained symptoms, Terese Hansen of Omaha, Nebraska was willing to try almost anything. (Boden, 6/29)
KFF Health News: Reporters Talk Through FDA Sunscreen Move And Closure Of Rural Dialysis Clinics
KFF Health News freelance contributor Michael Scaturro discussed the FDA’s new approval of a sunscreen chemical on Science Friday on June 19. (6/27)
