The Biden administration is proposing Medicare and Medicaid coverage for weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, potentially costing $35 billion over a decade. Amgen’s obesity drug, MariTide, showed promising results with 20% weight loss in a Phase 2 study, leading to questions about its competitiveness. The results suggest MariTide could outperform other drugs like Wegovy…
The number of new HIV infections has decreased, but the impact on global health remains significant. In 2023, 1.3 million people acquired HIV, exceeding the target set by UNAids. Effective prevention methods like PrEp, condoms, vaginal rings, and injectables are available, but user decision-making plays a key role. A new framework called the decision cascade…
Groundbreaking research into thalamic connectivity is revolutionizing essential tremor treatment strategies, leading to more personalized and efficient deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies. A recent study published in Brain highlights the intricate neural mechanisms involved in essential tremors, focusing on the cortical-thalamic-tremor network. By analyzing brain signals and tremor patterns, researchers identified specific connectivity patterns that…
Eating less red and processed meat may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and lower mortality for those with the disease, according to recent studies. High red meat intake has been associated with various health risks, including T2D and overall mortality. Studies suggest that reducing processed meat intake could prevent hundreds of thousands…
Dr. Shirin Towfigh founded Hexagon Health in 2015 to address gaps in hernia care, particularly for women. She developed a textile mesh design to prevent complications in hernia repair procedures for both male and female patients. Hexagon is suing Medtronic, alleging that the medical device giant copied Dr. Towfigh’s mesh design. The lawsuit seeks financial…
In a Healio Video Perspective, Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss “ad word” campaigns and the role AI may play in these campaigns. Ad word campaigns can be run on search engines like Google to place ads in response to specific keywords. AI can help determine keywords that attract patients and…
Stay updated on the latest science and politics in biotech with our newsletter. Adam Feuerstein is filling in for regular correspondents and reports that biotech companies are releasing all remaining news for the year before Thanksgiving, creating a hectic morning. The article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers, offering in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news…
Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases are becoming more prevalent in Australia, with hundreds of types of mosquitoes posing health risks. Health authorities track mosquitoes to provide early warnings of disease risks, but citizen scientists are stepping in to help. The Mozzie Monitors program engages participants to monitor mosquito populations and contribute valuable data. By combining citizen…
The research published in Nature Communications shows that bacteria can modify their ribosomes when exposed to antibiotics, potentially leading to antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli was studied after exposure to streptomycin and kasugamycin, which target ribosomes to prevent protein production. The study found that the bacteria developed new ribosomes lacking chemical tags where antibiotics bind, making…
Researchers have found evidence of microplastics in human brains for the first time, with 8 out of 15 brains showing the presence of synthetic polymers. Microplastics, measuring less than 5 mm, are commonly found in food packaging and water bottles. Exposure to these substances can occur through food, air, and skin absorption. While the health…
Andrea Stephany founded OncoSwab after her mother faced a 15-month delay in getting a lung cancer scan. The startup aims to develop a simpler and faster detection test using a nasal swab. Inspired by a hackathon, OncoSwab uses biomarkers in the air to detect lung cancer. Similar companies, like Breathe Biomedical, are also developing breath…
Think Surgical and b-One Ortho Corporation have collaborated on a robotic knee surgery solution. The FDA approved the Think Surgical TMINI robotic system for use with Mobio knee system implants. This collaboration allows Mobio knee system implants to be added to the TMINI miniature robotic platform. Think Surgical and b-One Ortho Corporation are excited about…
President-elect Trump has announced his picks for FDA commissioner, CDC director, and surgeon general. Marty Makary, an outspoken critic of the medical system, is nominated for FDA commissioner with a focus on addressing harmful chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Dave Welton, a physician questioning vaccine safety, is the planned nominee for CDC director with a goal to…
A study by researchers at Henry Ford Health in collaboration with WeightWatchers International found that over 40% of individuals in a weight loss program who used popular weight loss medications decreased their alcohol consumption. Medications like bupropion and naltrexone were associated with the greatest reduction in alcohol use. However, adjusting for weight loss may have…
A study examined the psychobiological responses of Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical doctors and paramedics during high-fidelity training scenarios over two weeks. The research found that emergency situations trigger stress responses that are essential for dealing with threats, but repeated exposure to emergencies can lead to burnout. The study highlights the importance of recovery periods for maintaining…
Recent studies have shown that diet plays a role in prostate cancer risk and progression. Diets like ultralow-carbohydrate, weight loss, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, and pro- and anti-inflammatory diets have been linked to affecting prostate cancer risk. Studies have shown that diets adhering to the US government’s recommendations and plant-based diets may lower the risk…
The Justice Department and several state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit to block UnitedHealth Group’s acquisition of Amedisys for $3.3 billion through Optum. The deal, which aimed to grow UHG’s presence in the home health and hospice industry, was scrutinized by the DOJ for antitrust concerns. The lawsuit alleges that the merger would eliminate…
A new survey reveals that asthma patients are facing challenges in managing their condition, with many also dealing with other health issues. The Asthma Society of Ireland is advocating for the establishment of a severe asthma registry to better understand the prevalence of severe asthma in the country. Meanwhile, research on a potential new asthma…
Physicians’ perceived control over aspects of their clinical work is linked to burnout and intentions to reduce clinical hours or leave practice. A study by Christine A. Sinsky, MD, and colleagues found that factors like team composition, patient load, and workload were independently linked to burnout. Lack of control over clinical work was associated with…
Health officials in British Columbia, Canada, have closed their investigation into how a teenager became infected with H5N1 bird flu due to lack of leads. The teen remains in serious condition but has shown signs of progress. Genetic sequencing revealed the virus is from wild birds in the Fraser Valley. Analysis showed signs of mutation…
Researchers have developed a technique to improve cell transplantation therapy for stroke or traumatic brain injury by using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids. The study, published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine, found that treatment with the growth factor progranulin enhanced the survival and engraftment of transplanted neurons. This priming agent improved axonal extension…
3ROCKIT is a center at KIT that focuses on replacing animal testing with digital and technological solutions in healthcare. It follows a 6R principle to reduce, replace, refine, ensure robust experimental designs, register experiments, and publish negative results. Using AI and digital technologies, researchers create Virtual Human Twins for personalized medicine, simulate active ingredients and…
Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) was added to the DSM-5-TR two years ago, sparking debate over pathologizing grief and setting specific timelines. PGD is characterized by intense and disabling yearning for a deceased person lasting over a year, requiring evaluation to prevent distress, poor health, and suicide. PGD diagnosis involves specific symptoms persisting for a month,…
Halozyme has withdrawn its €2 billion offer to buy biopharmaceutical services firm Evotec after multiple requests to meet and discuss a deal were turned down. Halozyme, known for its technology for delivering biologic drugs, had been conducting diligence on the proposal for months before publicly announcing it. Despite believing in the benefits of a merger…
Specialty services have seen a significant increase in outpatient visits in Ireland, with ophthalmology being one of the top services. The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin managed over 14,000 patient visits last year, with nurses playing a key role in providing care. Nursing services administered almost 10,000 injections and achieved high patient…
A study comparing the application of a triple-combination gel for acne, including clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide, to the traditional layering technique found that the gel was more evenly applied in 100% of cases. The FDA approved this gel on Oct. 20, 2023. Dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos stated that the triple-combination gel addresses the…
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics in the UK recommends setting guidelines for stem cell research that mimics aspects of embryonic development. They suggest not using these models to start pregnancies or making them capable of feeling pain or awareness. Current models are not advanced enough for these outcomes, but researchers are continuously improving them. The…
The new clinical guidelines recommend that combination treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid and formoterol should be the standard first-line treatment for asthma patients aged 12 and over, rather than prescribing short-acting β2 agonists like salbutamol alone. This approach, known as anti-inflammatory reliever therapy, aims to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms to prevent hospital admissions and…
Significant progress has been made in the fight against the HIV epidemic in the last two decades, particularly in Africa where access to treatment has increased and HIV-related deaths have declined. However, there is a lack of momentum globally, threatening the strides made. Challenges include dwindling funding, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where most HIV cases…
Experts from LSHTM found that agreements made at COP29 did not fully address the impacts of climate change on health. While progress was made in integrating health into the climate agenda, significant shortcomings remained. Richer countries agreed to provide $300 billion annually to poorer countries by 2035 to tackle climate change, falling short of the…
A study involving 2830 older adults found that greater neighborhood disadvantage, exposure to air pollution, higher homicide rates, and reduced greenspace are associated with an increased risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Factors such as the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), fine particulate matter exposure, homicide rates, greenspace, and schooling location were linked to MCI. The…
Synapticure, a virtual care company focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, has raised $25 million in Series A funding to expand its services and partnerships. The Chicago-based company offers virtual access to neurologists, treatments, and care coordination services for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. The funding, led by B Capital, will be used to enhance AI-powered…
In 2023, there was a 15% decrease in new HIV diagnoses in Ireland compared to pre-pandemic years, with a total of 911 cases reported. However, almost 40% of cases were diagnosed late, with 61% of cases found in people already aware of their HIV status. The number of first-time diagnoses has been increasing since the…
In a Healio Video Perspective, Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the use of AI in building ophthalmology practice websites. Evans mentions that AI can make websites more intuitive and cost-effective, but lacks personalization. Matossian emphasizes the importance of customizing content to differentiate from competitors also using AI. The discussion highlights…
Last week, Recursion Pharmaceuticals, a company utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning for drug development, laid off employees following a merger. The company is known for its advanced use of technology in the field. To learn more about the details of the layoffs and merger, the full story can be accessed on STAT+. Source link
A new case of clade Ib mpox has been found in England, with the patient being treated in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after returning from Uganda. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is monitoring the situation closely as Uganda is experiencing community transmission of this variant. The agency has not released any further details…
Children, especially toddlers and preschoolers, have a natural curiosity that can lead them to stick small objects up their nose. Queensland Children’s Hospital reported over 1,650 cases of foreign objects being stuck in children’s noses over the past decade. Reasons for this behavior include curiosity-based learning, imitation of adults and older children, and a limited…
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) can lead to altered immune responses in pregnant women, potentially resulting in adverse birth outcomes. Using a single-cell level approach, researchers discovered that PM2.5 exposure can disrupt cytokine genes, leading to increased inflammation in…
The new guideline for managing lupus nephritis (LN) was presented at the ACR 2024 Annual Meeting, recommending a more aggressive first-line approach using triple therapy with glucocorticoids, mycophenolate or cyclophosphamide, and a newer agent like belimumab or voclosporin. The guideline emphasizes shared decision-making with patients, reducing healthcare disparities, and considering pediatric and geriatric populations. Recommendations…
The CY 2024 OPPS Final Rule has led to hospitals adopting new schema for machine-readable files (MRFs). After reviewing numerous files, three common mistakes were identified that prevent hospitals from being compliant with CMS’ validator tool. These mistakes include incorrectly formatted TXT records, not using the “additional notes” column effectively, and underestimating the difficulty of…
The England and Wales Court of Protection ruled on a case involving a young man who suffered a significant brain injury after a kidney and pancreas transplant. The man was receiving life-sustaining treatment in a rehabilitation unit, and his parents disagreed with the medical decisions being made. Despite the efforts of the Official Solicitor to…
Hospital for Special Surgery has named Daphne A. Scott, MD, as the new chief of its primary sports medicine service, effective December 1. Scott succeeds John P. DiFiori, MD, who has held the position since 2018. Scott is a practicing sports medicine physician at the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at HSS and the head team…
President-elect Trump has nominated biotech investor Jim O’Neill for deputy secretary of the Health and Human Services department. O’Neill would oversee the day-to-day operations of sub-agencies running programs like Medicare and Medicaid, public health emergency preparedness, federal research, and more. He would also manage the development and clearance of HHS regulations, working under HHS secretary…
The content discusses the recommendations for a new NHS strategy to address the acute response needed. It suggests a cash injection of £32 billion to tackle current crisis issues, including surgery backlogs and mental health. The strategic response focuses on removing barriers to healthcare, such as efficient resource allocation, investment in primary care, technology implementation,…
A recent study by researchers at Harvard University investigated the role of the motor cortex in executing motor sequences in rats. The study found that the involvement of the motor cortex depends on the flexibility required for the task. Rats trained on specific sequences without flexibility were unaffected when the motor cortex was lesioned, while…
A University of Michigan study found that the immune performance of wild capuchin monkeys declines in higher temperatures, particularly affecting younger monkeys. This decline in immune system function was observed after just two weeks of temperatures around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The study, focusing on the immune biomarker neopterin in urine samples, highlighted the vulnerability of…
A study comparing the drug survival and safety of adalimumab biosimilars with Humira among new users found similar results. However, patients switching from Humira to biosimilars had a 35% higher discontinuation rate. The study included 7387 adalimumab-naive patients and 3654 switchers. All-cause drug discontinuation rates were similar between new users of biosimilars and Humira, but…
A Texas mother died due to the state’s abortion ban preventing a life-saving procedure. Porsha Ngumezi suffered a miscarriage at 11 weeks pregnant, losing blood. Despite needing a D&C, the doctor gave her misoprostol instead, resulting in her passing away. This is the fifth preventable death due to lack of access to D&Cs or dilation…
BridgeBio Pharma’s drug, Attruby, has received FDA approval for treating cardiomyopathy caused by transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR). The drug stabilizes the abnormal protein responsible for the disease, showing significant improvement in clinical trials. Attruby is positioned to compete with Pfizer’s tafamidis, a well-established treatment for ATTR. Other companies, like Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and partners AstraZeneca and Ionis…
The writer argues that the idea of individual choice in elections in Ireland is diluted by the proportional representation system. Voters may be swayed by single issues or long-term goals that may not align with their best interests. Parties may promise action on issues like housing and healthcare, but political realities may prevent meaningful change….