Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Trump Administration To Allow Importation Of Prescription Drugs
Modern Healthcare: FDA Will Allow States To Import Drugs From Canada
The Trump administration on Thursday unveiled its final rule allowing states to import some prescription drugs from Canada. The rule allows states and, under some circumstances, pharmacists or wholesale distributors to import drugs from Canada if their plan wouldn't pose additional safety risks to the public and would save consumers a significant amount of money. The Food and Drug Administration would have to approve each plan. The rule goes into effect 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. (Brady, 9/24)
Kaiser Health News: Trump Approves Final Plan To Import Drugs From Canada ‘For A Fraction Of The Price’
The final plan clears the way for Florida and other states to implement a program bringing medications across the border despite the strong objections of drugmakers and the Canadian government. Florida, the biggest swing state in the presidential election, is one of six states to pass laws seeking federal approval to import drugs. Trump’s announcement came the same day counties in Florida began sending out vote-by-mail ballots. (Galewitz, 9/25)
In other health news from the CDC and HHS —
Stateline: Local Health Officials Worry CDC Has 'Lost Its Soul'
Since the pandemic began, a string of messages from the Trump administration, many lacking scientific evidence, have confounded the work of state and local public health authorities who have the already challenging job of convincing people to abide by restrictions that many find not only onerous but also economically punishing. By early June, more than two dozen public health officials had resigned or been fired — some burned out, others vehemently attacked by elected officials, the public or both. Since then, the list of casualties has expanded to more than 50. (Vestal and Ollove, 9/25)
Politico: Member Of Health Secretary's Security Detail Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A member of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar's security detail this week tested positive for coronavirus, according to two people with knowledge of the diagnosis. Azar, who is typically flanked by a security detail in his role as a member of President Donald Trump's cabinet, had to undergo testing for Covid-19 as a result of the security agent's positive diagnosis, one person said. HHS has taken other steps to prevent the spread of the virus, such as additional cleaning in the headquarters. (Diamond, 9/24)
Modern Healthcare: HHS Slows Community Health Center 340B Discounts Rule
The Trump administration is slowing down its plan to hold back money from community health centers unless they change their patient billing practices under the 340B drug discount program. The administration was going to finalize the rule without going through a standard notice and comment period. But HHS on Thursday published it as a proposed rule, signaling the rule will go through the usual rulemaking process. Community health centers and other stakeholders will be able to comment on the proposed rule, and HHS will review the comments before it issues a final rule. (Brady, 9/24)
Also —
CNN: 'Benadryl Challenge': FDA Issues Warning As It Investigates Reports Of Teen Injuries And Deaths Linked To TikTok
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning Thursday over "serious problems with high doses" of the common over-the-counter allergy medication Benadryl. Too much diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can lead to severe health problems, including serious heart problems, seizures, coma and even death. The FDA cited reports of teenagers ending up in hospital emergency rooms or dying after participating in the so-called "Benadryl Challenge," on the social media platform TikTok. (Erdman, 9/25)
USA Today: Rapid, Cheap COVID Tests Are Ready But Regulatory Barriers Remain
Nearly two months after federal regulators unveiled rules for at-home coronavirus tests, no company has federal approval to sell these fast and cheap tests even though the technology is ready. Molecular PCR tests processed at medical labs remain the standard of accurate testing, but they are more expensive and results can take days to process. Antigen tests are less expensive, plentiful and deliver results in minutes. Three companies gained Food and Drug Administration authorization to sell antigen testing instruments to labs or clinics. A fourth company, Abbott Laboratories, won approval to market a $5 rapid, credit card-sized test administered by a health care professional. (Alltucker and Padilla, 9/24)
