Anti-Overdose Naloxone Could Soon Be OTC As FDA Fast-Tracks Review
December 7, 2022
Morning Briefing
An over-the-counter version of Emergent BioSolution’s overdose reversal nasal spray could be on sale as early as March. Separately, AP reports that the FDA’s speedy approval processes have been slowed by scrutiny.
Major Overhaul Of FDA Recommended In Critical Report Of Agency’s Food Unit
December 7, 2022
Morning Briefing
A lack of leadership and a slow, risk-averse culture have resulted in “constant turmoil” at the Food and Drug Administration, according to an outside group of experts asked to review the agency’s food unit in the wake of the infant formula shortages. An organizational restructuring and potential breakup were recommended.
Democrats To Allow Rollback Of Military Covid Vaccine Mandate
December 7, 2022
Morning Briefing
In order to push through the National Defense Authorization Act, House Democrats compromised on the contentious covid vaccine requirement for troops, which would be repealed if the legislation passes.
First Edition: Dec. 7, 2022
December 7, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Colorado Option’s Big Test: Open Enrollment
By Markian Hawryluk
December 7, 2022
KFF Health News Original
Critics were ready to bury the state’s new health insurance plans, based on a public option, when 2023 rate hikes were announced, but officials are confident people will be drawn to the plans’ benefits.
Paxlovid Has Been Free So Far. Next Year, Sticker Shock Awaits.
By Hannah Recht
December 7, 2022
KFF Health News Original
The government soon will stop paying for the covid drug that has proved to be the most effective at keeping patients alive and out of the hospital.
Watch: Big Medicaid Changes in California Leave Millions of Patients Behind
December 7, 2022
KFF Health News Original
KHN senior correspondent Angela Hart discusses how California’s big Medicaid experiment to bring social services to the sickest and costliest patients doesn’t help most patients.
Hawaii’s New Governor Takes Aim At Tax On Medication
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
AP reports Gov. Josh Green immediately vowed to eliminate state tax on food and medication, as well as tackle homelessness and housing. Also: Bangor Daily News covers a health insurer with a unique approach; the Boston Globe covers a dental care “revolution”; and more.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked With Higher Dementia Risk
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
A new study found that consuming ultra-processed food for more than 20% of a daily diet could drive dementia risks higher, with brain regions linked to executive functioning particularly at risk. Meanwhile, other research shows cash rewards help people lose weight.
Hitting The Gym While High Is A New LA Fad
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Los Angeles Times covers a new “craze” of gyms that offer classes where fitness and cannabis are blended, and says some researchers find the drug has a positive benefit on exercise. Separately, psychedelic therapy may be moving toward being a employer benefit.
NIH To Finally Review Tactic For Lowering Cancer Drug Price
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
Stat, reporting on the news, says it’s taken a year between a petition to the National Institutes of Health on the patent-sidestepping tactic and the start of the review process. A lung cancer drug from Mirati, cancer surgeons saying “got it all,” and cases of silicosis are also in the news.
Some Urgent Care Facilities Requiring Appointments Amid Surge Of Illnesses
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
Long wait times in ERs and urgent cares have put a strain on facilities and are leading some potential patients to just give up. Other industry news is from UMass Memorial Medical Center, Boone Memorial Hospital in West Virginia, and elsewhere.
Alabama Agrees To Lift Medicaid ‘Sobriety’ Rule On Hepatitis C Drugs
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
The Department of Justice announced that it had settled a dispute over Alabama’s Medicaid program restriction that would not pay for Hepatitis C medication for beneficiaries who used alcohol or drugs for six months before and during treatment.
After-Effects Of Prolonged Covid Hospitalizations Linger For Patients
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
Patients sometimes suffer “harrowing” after-effects of treatments given during extended covid ICU stays, Bloomberg says. Meanwhile, a study of young long covid patients finds that symptoms may evolve over time. Forbes reports on a link between long covid and mast cell disease.
Flu Shots Are ‘Very Good Match’; Fewer White Children Are Getting Them
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday that this season’s flu shot should offer protection against the strains that are currently circulating. Meanwhile, Indiana’s largest health system is restricting visitors to curb the spread of flu and RSV.
Morning Briefing for Tuesday, December 6, 2022
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
Tuesday’s roundup covers covid shots for kids, flu vaccinations, Medicaid, changes to urgent care, drug pricing, dementia risks, and more.
Pfizer Seeks Authorization For Under-5 Bivalent Shots — But There’s A Twist
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
The company wants the green light from the FDA to add the vaccination not as a booster but as part of kids’ initial series of shots. In other news, Pfizer has countersued Moderna over vaccine patents.
First Edition: Dec. 6, 2022
December 6, 2022
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Florida Leaders Misrepresented Research Before Ban on Gender-Affirming Care
By Yacob Reyes, PolitiFact
December 6, 2022
KFF Health News Original
The Florida policy backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis relies on one key statistic that many experts question.