MRNA Vaccine For Pancreatic Cancer Shows Early Promise
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
A small-scale trial saw an immune response provoked in half of the patients treated, with those people showing no relapse of their cancer during the study — something outside experts calls “extremely promising.” A peanut allergy treatment is also in the news.
Human Genome Reference Map Updated To Better Model Diversity
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
News outlets report that scientists have unveiled the human “pangenome,” a new reference map for the human genome that better reflects the rich diversity of the global population. Separately, a breakthrough resulted in the first babies being born in Britain with DNA from three people.
Insulin Makers And PBMs Each Blame The Other Over Price Hikes
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Executives for Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi as well as those from top PBMs faced questions from senators on the HELP committee Wednesday. All fell back on standard tactics of pointing the finger of responsibility for high insulin drug prices on the other side. Chair Bernie Sanders asked them to pledge to not increase prices further, which most resisted.
Morning Briefing for Thursday, May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
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Vermont Enacts Nation’s First Law Protecting Medication Abortion Access
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Elsewhere: Nevada advances a bill to codify abortion rights into the state constitution; North Carolina’s governor tries to stave off an override of his expected veto of a more restrictive abortion ban; and Louisiana lawmakers reject efforts to add rape and incest exceptions to its ban.
FDA Advisers Back Approval Of First OTC Birth Control Pill In US
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Two advisory panels voted unanimously in support of the FDA allowing Opill, a progestin birth control pill produced by HRA Pharma, to be sold in the U.S. without a prescription. An FDA decision, which is not required to follow the advisers’ recommendations, is expected this summer.
March 13, 2020: A Look Back At How The Covid Emergency Began
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Things were much different when President Donald Trump first declared a national covid emergency. Just 1,645 Americans were infected with the virus, and Trump warned “it could get worse.” Rewind to news coverage from that day:
What The Covid Emergency Taught Us: Public Health Failures, Future Worries
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
The New York Times argues “a lot went wrong” during the pandemic, with “chronic” underinvestment in public health exposed at federal, state and local levels. Wired warns that the end of covid data collection could lead to missing new variants. Other other news sources note covid is still killing people daily.
It’s The Last Day Of The US Covid Health Emergency. Now What?
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
When the clock ticks down on the federal covid public health emergency tonight, a host of programs and policies will expire or start to wind down. News outlets report on the financial and logistical impact for Americans, while public health officials remind people that covid infections and risks are not yet over.
First Edition: May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023
Morning Briefing
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
An Arm and a Leg: Mental Health ‘Ghost Networks’ — And a Ghostbuster
By Dan Weissmann
May 11, 2023
Podcast
What should you do when your search for an in-network mental health care provider comes up empty? Abigail Burman has some expertise to share.
PBMs, the Brokers Who Control Drug Prices, Finally Get Washington’s Attention
By Arthur Allen
May 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Drugmakers, pharmacies, and physicians blame pharmacy benefit managers for high drug prices. Congress is finally on board, too, but will it matter?
Drive-Thru Baby Showers Serve Express Needs of Pregnant Veterans in Atlanta
By Jess Mador, WABE
May 11, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Women are the fastest-growing group among U.S. veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs says it is working to meet their health needs, including pregnancy care.
Marihuana legal es más potente que nunca pero no está bien regulada
By David Hilzenrath
May 10, 2023
KFF Health News Original
Cientos de miles de personas llegan a salas de emergencias por crisis relacionadas con la marihuana, y millones sufren trastornos psicológicos vinculados al consumo de cannabis, según investigaciones federales.
US Will Allow Telehealth Use For Drugs Like Adderall, Xanax Through Nov. 11
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments from the past week in KFF Health News Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
In Washington, A Law Will Protect Trans Minors From Estranged Parents
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The law, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday, is aimed at protecting minors seeking gender-affirming care in Washington from interventions by estranged parents, AP explains. Separately, Kansas City is reportedly considering becoming an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city.
USDA Conditionally Licenses Vaccine Against Lyme Disease Bacteria
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The vaccine is sprayed onto pellets, which are distributed in natural settings for mice to eat, and it targets the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Separately, AP says Minnesota is preparing for a near-total ban on “forever chemicals.” Also in the news, a mystery deepens over a mercury spill in the Bay Area.
Doctors, Experts Say AI Is Threat To Humanity, Should Be Regulated
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The group wrote a letter in the BMJ Global Health, which says that for artificial intelligence, “the window of opportunity to avoid serious and potentially existential harms is closing.” Meanwhile, Modern Healthcare covers a new company from Northwell Holdings and Aegis Ventures to use AI for diagnosing some diseases.
Bill To Raise Age For Semi-Automatic Rifle Purchases In Texas Falters
May 10, 2023
Morning Briefing
The Texas Tribune says the bill was left off the Texas House’s agenda ahead of a key deadline. Media outlets report that the gunman in the recent Texas tragedy had eight legal weapons; also, firearm fatalities in the state are reaching levels not seen in almost three decades.