The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine for individuals in the US traveling to TBE endemic areas with extensive outdoor exposure to infected ticks, as well as for laboratory workers. The vaccine was approved by the FDA in August 2021 for individuals aged 1 year and older. Studies conducted…
Our brains are essential to who we are, but when they are not operating well, it can be challenging to thrive. Mental illness and neurodiversity are common and affect many people, making it difficult to function in a world that expects everyone to function in the same way. However, with the right support, including diagnosis,…
Peptris Technologies, an Indian AI drug discovery firm, received $1 million to expand research to rare diseases. Cipla, a pharmaceutical company, increased its stake in GoApptiv to improve access to medications in underserved communities. Lydia AI, a Canadian insurtech, has partnered with South Korean companies to integrate its AI technology into health insurance applications. Ubie,…
66-year-old Ron Winters, a Marine Corps veteran, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in August 2022. He had to seek care through the VA’s Community Care Program due to VA delays in prior authorizations. This process has been a nightmare, causing delays in treatments and surgeries for Winters. Research has also shown that prior authorization is…
Verrica reported a net loss of $24.8 million in the third quarter of 2023, with a year-to-date net loss of $42.4 million. Despite this, the company made $2.8 million in product revenue from the sale of Ycanth to distributor FFF Enterprises Inc. The increase in expenses was attributed to commercial activities for Ycanth and compensation…
In the days leading up to Christmas, children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are prepared to be sent home, but for parents of children receiving in-home care, the hospital can be a relief. The nurses and doctors in the PICU try to make the hospital festive, and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania rallies…
In order to prevent cervical cancer and work towards its elimination globally, greater action is needed to reduce disparities in vaccination, screening, and treatment, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs). High income countries such as Australia, England, and the US are making progress towards near elimination of cervical cancer through public health infrastructure…
Vision is a complex process in the brain, decoded by the combination of different wavelengths of light. Photoreceptors in the retina convert light into electrical impulses. The electrical nerve impulses are then transmitted to ganglion cells in the retina and subsequently to the visual cortex in the brain, which processes this neural activity into a…
Researchers have discovered a new class of antibodies that can neutralize multiple forms of flu virus, potentially leading to the development of more broadly protective flu vaccines. These antibodies can bind to a viral protein called hemagglutinin on the exterior of the flu virus, blocking it from entering cells. The research, published in the journal…
In 2013, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that customers would receive drone deliveries in 30 minutes within 5 years, but as of 2023, drones haven’t become widespread outside of healthcare. Several hospitals are partnering with drone delivery companies for prescription and medical supply deliveries, aiming to improve patient care and health outcomes. Amazon Pharmacy and…
A study published in JAMA found that children with mild sleep disordered breathing (SDB) did not show improvement in executive function or attention after undergoing adenotonsillectomy compared to those who did not have the surgery. The study followed 458 children with mild SDB, and while the primary outcomes did not show significant improvement, several secondary…
Researchers have found that probiotics, particularly lactobacillus, could delay COVID-19 infection and reduce symptoms in unvaccinated people. The study involved 182 participants who had been in contact with COVID-19 patients, with half taking a probiotic of lactobacillus and the other half receiving a placebo. Researchers found that those taking the probiotic were 60% less likely…
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has achieved its sales target of Rs 1000 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24. This initiative aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses. The achievement of this sales target is a significant milestone for the program, indicating its success in making essential medicines accessible…
A new report from KFF found that lower-income adults with employer-sponsored insurance face more challenges than their higher-income counterparts. They struggle to pay for healthcare services and often experience a decline in health. Data from a sample of 3,605 U.S. adults revealed that 31% of lower-income adults had trouble paying medical bills, compared to 13%…
Ireland’s first organ transplant took place 60 years ago in Dublin. Ted Tobin, a 21-year-old man suffering from kidney failure, became the first transplant recipient. The surgery, involving a deceased donor, was groundbreaking and sparked national celebration. Although initially successful, Ted experienced complications and passed away two months later. His family expressed gratitude to the…
A study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that national coverage of state-required vaccines among kindergarten children is below prepandemic levels, with an increase in vaccine exemptions in 41 states. Researchers evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine administration for the 2022 to 2023 school year, finding low coverage rates for…
The article highlights five cutting-edge weight loss strategies: mindful eating, the link between sleep and weight loss, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), vibration plate training, and gut health. Mindful eating encourages savoring each bite and being present while eating, leading to fewer calories consumed and better digestion. Adequate sleep regulates hunger hormones and boosts metabolism, while…
GuideHealth, a value-based care provider, has acquired Arcadia’s value-based care services division and managed services organization. It will use Arcadia’s data analytics platform in conjunction with its AI to provide insights and virtual health guides to healthcare providers. Arcadia’s managed services organization offers tools for network administration and improving processes. GuideHealth’s CEO believes the acquisition…
The podcast “The Host” discusses various health policy issues from the year 2023, including rising health care costs, insurance coverage, pregnancy complications, and abortion debates. The Biden administration’s accomplishments in health care are being touted, but challenges with corporate ownership in the health system and access to care remain. Issues with insurance approval for care…
The FDA has issued a complete response letter declining to approve a new drug application for gefapixant as a treatment for adults with refractory or unexplained chronic cough. This decision follows a recommendation given by the FDA’s Pulmonary-Allergy Drug Advisory Committee, and is not related to the safety of the drug. There are currently no…
In the last episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast, the hosts reflect on the biggest stories of 2023, discuss the best and worst CEOs in the industry, and make predictions for the drug industry in 2024. They also question what it means to be a bad CEO, whether biotech can withstand another election…
The Winter Coronavirus Infection Study in England and Scotland found that around 4.3% of people had Covid-19 in December, up from 1.8% in November. The highest rates were observed in those aged 18 to 44, with London being the worst affected. The study collected 30,000 self-reported lateral flow test results and questionnaire responses each week…
Immediate allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) after primary induction failure (PIF) offers long-term survival benefits for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Study findings showed a disease-free and overall survival rate at five and 10 years of 25.2 and 18.7 percent and 29.8 and 21.6 percent, respectively. Disease relapse occurred in 48.8 percent of…
Amino acids are essential building blocks in the human body, critical for the production of proteins and various cellular functions. TORC1, a master protein regulator, is switched on with the presence of amino acids, causing cells to grow and proteins to be made. Researchers from Osaka University discovered that the amino acid cysteine is a…
Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program that helps individuals with heart failure do more and feel better through exercise-based therapy, education, and nutrition. The program is tailored to each individual and supervised by knowledgeable health care providers. Aerobic exercise is recommended, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, along with strength training and flexibility exercises. The…
Semaglutide, an FDA-approved drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, has shown potential to reduce alcohol consumption and addictive behaviors such as the craving for drugs and alcohol. Preclinical studies on rodents and monkeys have demonstrated that semaglutide can reduce the consumption of food and addictive substances like alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and amphetamines….
Regular tooth brushing is linked to a reduced risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia and lower ICU mortality rates, particularly among patients on mechanical ventilation. Hospital-acquired pneumonia occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the lungs. Weakened immune systems increase susceptibility to this condition. A study found that brushing teeth twice daily is associated with shorter hospital…
A recent study found that a moderate low-carbohydrate diet has beneficial effects for adults with type 1 diabetes. The diet was shown to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. The study suggests that carefully managed carbohydrate intake can positively impact the health of individuals with type 1 diabetes. The results highlight…
Blue Shield of California has chosen an unbundled approach to pharmacy benefits management, which is a departure from standard practices. This model, referred to as virtual PBM, allows payers to select best-in-class partners to manage individual or multiple pharmacy benefit management functions. It is seen as an attractive alternative to the traditional model, offering benefits…
The CAI National Patient Safety in Anaesthesia Conference, KP Moore Competition, and Winter College Lecture will take place in Dublin on November 17, 2023. The event will feature various presentations and discussions on patient safety in anaesthesia. The conference aims to provide a platform for professionals to share best practices and research in this field….
A study presented at the Future of Parkinson’s Disease Conference found that short-term use of daily cannabis (CBD/low THC) by patients with Parkinson’s disease did not improve motor symptoms compared to a placebo. The study included 61 patients, with the cannabis group showing a reduction in motor symptoms, but not significantly different from the placebo…
ME/CFS is a syndrome that affects millions of people worldwide, causing crushing fatigue, muscle aches, and difficulty sleeping, among other symptoms. While the cause of this illness has been a mystery, recent research has discovered a potential link between ME/CFS and a protein called WASF3. The study found that some ME/CFS patients have higher levels…
AppliedVR has expanded its contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide virtual reality-based chronic low back pain therapies to veterans. The program, called RelieVRx, was cleared by the FDA in 2021 and offers an eight-week in-home VR therapy program for patients. AppliedVR is working with the VA to set national standards for…
Many individuals, especially Black and Hispanic people, are facing dire consequences as the Social Security Administration attempts to recover overpayments, with some people receiving notices to repay amounts in the tens of thousands of dollars that they allegedly were overpaid. Denise Woods, for example, had her disability payments terminated without notice and is now driving…
The use of menopausal hormone therapy for treatment of bothersome hot flashes in women is complex, with conflicting studies causing confusion about risks and benefits. Many clinicians are reluctant to prescribe hormone therapy due to uncertainty around evidence-based guidelines, despite recent data suggesting it may be safe and appropriate for most women at low cardiovascular…
Mary Brown, the director of the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, was upset about a Saturday Night Live skit that made a mockery of sickle cell disease. The skit contained stereotypes and made sickle cell, which affects 100,000 Americans, look like a joke. Three sickle cell advocacy groups condemned the sketch, and advocates felt that the…
Ethan Waisberg and his colleagues warn about the substantial threat to ocular health from cork eye injuries when opening bottles of champagne or sparkling wine. They highlight the potential for significant injuries, including permanent blindness, and the need for preventive measures such as warning labels and alternative packaging materials. They cite studies that have documented…
A study published in the Christmas issue of The BMJ found that sales of emergency contraception in the US increased by about 10% in the week after the New Year holiday, indicating a greater risk of unprotected sex associated with this time period. The researchers also suggest unmet contraceptive needs in the US, given the…
The inability to burp, known as retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD), is caused by the throat’s muscle failing to relax and allow gas to be released. A study of 199 affected adults found that R-CPD leads to abdominal bloating, embarrassing gurgling noises, excessive flatulence, and difficulty vomiting. Many participants did not seek help or felt they…
Heart failure is caused by various conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary disease, diabetes, obesity, and sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes and medication, including ACE inhibitors and beta blockers, can improve survival rates for heart failure patients. Other advanced therapies include pacemakers, defibrillators, LVADs, or heart transplant. Lifestyle changes such as low-sodium diets and exercise…
A new study shows that after the elimination of mandatory training for prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, prescriptions for the drug decreased, but total doses and Medicaid payments increased. The study compared 2020 and 2021 data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services State Drug Utilization Data, finding a 3.1% decrease in the…
The food choices we make not only impact our overall health but can also affect how the medications we take work in our bodies. Some foods can interact with certain medications, causing them to be less effective or leading to unwanted side effects. For example, alcohol can interact with various medications and lead to complications…
Estrogen-only use after hysterectomy is linked to a higher risk of dementia in women. This finding came from a study that looked at the relationship between hormone therapy and dementia. The study suggests that estrogen-only therapy may have a negative impact on brain health. The use of cookies on the website is also mentioned, with…
The partnership between Hello Alpha and TrestleTree aims to support overweight and obese patients through primary care, mental health support, chronic condition management and coaching. Hello Alpha provides virtual women’s health services, while TrestleTree connects people to a health coach. Patients will receive care and prescriptions from Hello Alpha and access to a health coach…
Dr Aisling Loy is a Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine at St James’s Hospital in Dublin. She is also the national specialty director for GUM training, medical director of Himerus Health, a lecturer in Trinity College Dublin, and the Medical Director for women’s health service and anti-human trafficking HSE clinic. In addition to her work, she…
Employer Direct Healthcare, a network company for employers who self-fund healthcare coverage, raised $92 million in secondary investment from Insight Partners, bringing its valuation to $1 billion. The company also hired new members for its executive team, including a chief growth officer, chief product officer, head of communications and general manager of oncology solution. Employer…
Millions of Americans live in “ambulance deserts,” with the most rural areas being more than an hour away from emergency medical services (EMS). These areas struggle to sustain ambulance services due to low patient volumes, reimbursement rates, and staffing shortages. Rural Americans have less access to healthcare and are at a higher risk of dying…
The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to Ocelot Bio’s OCE-205, a mixed vasopression 1a receptor agonist-antagonist peptide for the treatment of ascites resulting from all causes except cancer. This is the second orphan drug designation for OCE-205, the first being for hepatorenal syndrome with acute kidney injury in 2022. OCE-205 has shown potential in…
This content discusses the impact of science, health policy, and medicine on everyday life, covering topics such as abortion restrictions affecting pregnant cancer patients, the high cost of health care in the US compared to other countries, the use of teaching kitchens for food as medicine, and the faith of Americans in the healthcare system….
The High Court ruled that a junior doctor who sent unwanted sexually explicit messages to two nurses should have faced sanctions from the medical practitioners tribunal. The tribunal had initially decided to take no action against the doctor, citing exceptional circumstances and his exemplary work. The General Medical Council (GMC) appealed this decision, arguing that…