Teladoc Health, a virtual care company based in New York, experienced a drop in stock price after reporting a 2% decrease in revenue in the second quarter of 2024. Revenue from the BetterHelp segment was down 9%, while revenue from the Integrated Care segment was up 5%. The company’s net loss increased significantly compared to…
VHC Health in Arlington, VA, is planning to offer both emergency room and urgent care services at a single outpatient center in nearby Falls Church. The facility aims to provide triage and direct patients to the appropriate service for timely and cost-effective care. This hybrid model, already in use by a dozen health systems in…
Significant improvements in clinical remission rates were seen with risankizumab compared to placebo in patients with ulcerative colitis. The phase 3 INSPIRE and COMMAND trials showed that Skyrizi, a monoclonal antibody targeting the IL-23 p19 subunit, resulted in better clinical remission rates as both induction and maintenance therapy. Results from the trials demonstrated that risankizumab…
Private equity firms TowerBrook Capital Partners and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice are teaming up to buy healthcare billing company R1 RCM, with a valuation of $8.9 billion. TowerBrook already owns 36% of R1, making them the largest shareholder. The acquisition marks the end of a bidding war for R1, highlighting private equity’s interest in revenue…
Scarlett McNally reflects on her experience as an ally at LGBTQ pride events and emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She discusses the need for individuals to be supported and thrive at work, and how diverse teams lead to better outcomes for patients. McNally highlights the challenges of building diverse teams…
New research from Deakin University shows that Australian teens are concerned about the lack of government action to protect them from gambling marketing. The study revealed that young people want more effective regulation of gambling advertising and believe they should have a say in shaping these policies. Teens expressed frustration with the negative impact of…
A new study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers examined the impact of obesity on muscle structure in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a common form of heart failure. The study found that obesity contributes to abnormalities in muscle structure, regardless of the presence of diabetes. The study also highlighted the…
Drinking more than three cups of coffee a day is associated with faster cognitive decline, according to a study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. The study, which included over 8000 older adults, found that moderate coffee consumption may be protective against cognitive decline, while high consumption was linked to the steepest decline in…
Recent research has found a concerning link between consuming processed red meat and an increased risk of dementia. The study revealed that eating two servings of processed red meat per week is associated with a 14% increase in dementia risk compared to those who eat less than three servings per month. On the contrary, replacing…
New data from Strata Decision Technology shows that hospitals and physician groups saw their financial margins stabilize in the second quarter of 2024, despite high costs for drugs and labor. Operating margins for health systems held steady at 2.3% in June, with hospitals’ gross revenues slightly improving compared to the previous year. However, there was…
The Mater hospital in Dublin is experiencing an IT issue that has caused a disruption in accessing electronic health records, leading to longer wait times for non-urgent patients in the emergency department. As a result, the Rapid Injury Clinic in Smithfield has closed. The hospital is advising non-emergency patients to seek assistance from other healthcare…
This week on Question Corner, Melody explains the importance of eating fish for accessing essential omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA for heart and brain health. A letter from a concerned teenager who dislikes fish is addressed, highlighting the numerous health benefits of these fatty acids found in fish. EPA and DHA work together…
The EU AI Act, which comes into effect today, sets regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in the European Union to promote human-centric and trustworthy AI while ensuring protection of health, safety, and fundamental rights. High-risk AI use cases include medical devices, biometric identification, access to services, automated processing of personal data, and emotional…
The change in the Democratic presidential ticket has caused both abortion rights and anti-abortion organizations to adjust their campaigns. President Joe Biden recommended a Supreme Court overhaul, including term limits for justices. Vice President Kamala Harris promises to restore reproductive freedom if elected president. The Trump campaign is distancing itself from Project 2025, a controversial…
Two HIV vaccine regimens in Africa failed to reduce new infections during a 3-year trial, leading to the trial being stopped based on advice from independent advisors. The vaccines did not prevent HIV infections and showed more infections in the vaccine arms compared to the placebo arms. The low incidence of HIV infections in the…
In the health news, a malaria vaccine has been developed after a 40-year quest, the British Medical Association will evaluate a national report on trans health, and there are concerns about the lack of effective sunscreens in the U.S. There is also a breakdown of leading vice presidential candidates’ records on health care, updates on…
The government in England has announced plans to hire 1000 more doctors in general practices this year through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS). Previously, practices were only allowed to hire non-medical support staff, but the government has expanded the scheme to cover doctors by adding £82m to the fund. This will help newly qualified…
Mpox cases in Africa have increased by 160% this year, with 10 countries reporting outbreaks. The majority of cases and deaths are in the Congo, with children under 15 being mostly affected. The death rate from mpox in Africa is higher than the global average. Scientists have identified a new, more contagious strain of mpox…
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Week, Hologic, a leader in women’s health technology, focuses on driving discussions and developing technology for effective testing methods. They have developed a 3D mammography system, cervical cancer screening, sexually transmitted infection testing, and surgical technologies for women’s health. Specifically, Hologic has been working on the GeniusTM Digital Diagnostics System to…
Intensive glucose control in critically ill adults does not reduce mortality risk compared to conventional glucose control but increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia. A new meta-analysis found that intensive glucose control did not decrease mortality but tripled the risk of severe hypoglycemia. Previous research on intensive insulin therapy targeting normoglycemia has yielded conflicting results….
Hair loss is a common issue due to aging, stress, and an unhealthy diet. It can affect both men and women, with different causes for each gender. FDA-approved medications like Minoxidil and finasteride can help treat hair loss in men. For women, factors like hormonal imbalances and genetics play a role in hair loss. Hairblends…
This monthly roundup of recent healthcare hiring news includes executive appointments, resignations, and layoffs. Notable hires include Michel Dahan as Alkeus Pharmaceuticals CEO, Peter Slavin as Cedars-Sinai CEO, and Bryan Haardt as Eyenuk CEO. In terms of exits, Michigan Medicine CEO Marshall Runge and Pfizer Chief Scientific Officer Mikael Dolsten announced their retirements. Flare Capital…
HIQA will assess whether Ireland’s colorectal cancer screening programme should be extended to people aged 50-54, currently open to those aged 59-69. The Programme for Government promises BowelScreen for ages 55-74, but calls have been made for screening from age 50, as in other countries. The assessment will consider benefits, harms, and implications, with a…
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, creating a safe and supportive home environment becomes essential. Practical adjustments such as installing grab bars in the bathroom, decluttering, and ensuring adequate lighting can help minimize risks for the patient. Technology, such as GPS tracking devices and voice-activated assistants, can enhance safety and promote independence. Selecting…
Spring Health, a digital mental healthcare and navigation platform, raised $100 million in a Series E funding round led by Generation Investment Management. The company connects individuals with virtual mental health services through employers and health plans. Members undergo assessments for mental health conditions and receive personalized care plans and access to digital exercises. The…
Former President Donald Trump claimed that Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed free taxpayer-funded government health care for all illegal aliens. However, this claim is misleading, as Harris supported allowing immigrants to obtain public health insurance regardless of legal status but did not specifically say she supported taxpayer funding for the benefits or that the health…
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care identified 14 risk factors that, if tackled starting in childhood, could prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases globally. This includes two new risk factors: high cholesterol and vision loss. The report highlighted the importance of addressing these risk factors to reduce the impact of…
Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andMe, has filed to take the genetic testing firm private by offering to purchase all shares for 40 cents per share. The proposal, previously hinted at by Wojcicki, was made public in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The deal would need approval from a special committee of 23andMe’s…
Doctors in the NHS in England will receive a 6% pay increase for 2024-25, following recommendations from the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration. The BMA believes this shows the new government values doctors, but GPs may be disappointed by the uplift. The BMA’s chair of council, Philip Banfield, sees this as a step…
A study led by the University of Bristol found that nearly 160,000 joint replacement surgeries have been missed in the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that it will take many years, possibly decades, to clear this backlog even with rapid expansion. Knee, shoulder, and ankle surgeries have been affected more severely…
An international research team led by the University of Vienna has developed a new version of RNA building blocks that are more reactive and photosensitive, significantly reducing production time for RNA chips used in biotechnological and medical research. This advancement, published in Science Advances, improves the chemical synthesis of RNA chips, making it twice as…
A report from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care indicates that nearly half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. Two new risk factors, high cholesterol and vision loss, have been added to the list identified in the previous report. The report also provides…
A recent study discovered that popular weight loss and diabetic medications containing semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, could help tobacco smokers quit smoking. The study analyzed over 200,000 new users of antidiabetes medications, including around 6000 people taking semaglutide drugs. Results showed a reduction in medication prescriptions and counseling referrals for smoking cessation in…
AIRNA, a biotech startup based in Cambridge, is developing a genetic medicine to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a rare inherited disorder that leads to liver and lung damage. The company’s therapy aims to edit RNA to address the underlying cause of the disease. While facing competition from other companies, AIRNA received a fresh round…
In the first six months of 2024, over 700,000 units of illegal medicines were seized in Ireland, a significant increase compared to the same period in 2023. The Health Products Regulatory Authority reported a rise in falsified products detained, with the most common categories being anabolic steroids, analgesics, sedatives, and erectile dysfunction medicines. The regulator…
Forgetting may not be a failure of memory but an adaptive mechanism crucial for learning and decision-making, according to research led by Dr. Tomás Ryan. Memories stored in engrams can be reactivated or replaced, and forgetting is influenced by environmental cues through retroactive interference. This process can be seen as a form of learning, allowing…
Microsoft is partnering with Mass General Brigham and University of Wisconsin to research and innovate AI models for medical imaging. The collaboration aims to develop medical imaging copilot applications to help radiologists interpret images, generate reports, and analyze data. The partners will explore real-world use cases in clinical workflows, utilizing Microsoft’s Nuance radiology reporting platform….
Planned Parenthood’s political and advocacy organizations plan to use over $40 million to target GOP candidates who have opposed access to abortion and other reproductive rights. They are focusing on flipping the House and maintaining control of the Senate and presidency. Planned Parenthood Action Fund has endorsed Kamala Harris for president, citing her strong stance…
The FDA has approved a dissolvable hormonal contraceptive pill called Femlyv for individuals who have difficulty swallowing their medication. This pill, which was previously approved as a swallowable tablet, is designed to be taken once daily by placing it on the tongue, allowing it to disintegrate, and then drinking water. Femlyv is the first FDA-approved…
CVS Caremark has agreed to pay $45 million to settle allegations that rebates were not passed through properly in Illinois. Pfizer’s gene therapy for hemophilia A showed promise in reducing patient bleeds, but doubts remain about its ability to provide a cure or meaningful treatment option. The data may be enough for approval, but experts…
The UK chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will appoint a covid corruption commissioner to recoup billions lost to contract fraud during the pandemic. The Labour Party pledged in their manifesto to use all means to recover public funds lost from fraud and flawed contracts. This move comes in response to allegations of corruption in contracts signed by…
A study by deCODE Genetics found that sequence variants drive the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression, which are also linked to diseases and human traits. Nanopore sequencing technology allows for real-time analysis of DNA sequences, including DNA methylation, providing opportunities to understand how noncoding variants lead to diseases. The study shows that sequence…
Data from the A4 study, the largest clinical trial of pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, is now available to researchers. The study involved screening over 7,500 individuals, enrolling 1,169 with pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s, and collecting data for 4.5 years. Insights from the data include the link between amyloid buildup and cognitive decline. The data is shared through A4STUDYDATA.ORG…
A single-center study found that shifting the timing of nutritional insulin from pre- to post-prandial reduced the risk of hypoglycemia without affecting severe hyperglycemia rates or hospital length of stay. The retrospective study at a community hospital included adult inpatients receiving nutritional insulin, with outcomes showing reduced rates of any hypoglycemia following the intervention. However,…
High systolic blood pressure over time significantly increases the risk of developing a stroke, according to a study published in the journal Jama Network. Researchers found that even a small increase in blood pressure was associated with a 20% increased risk of overall and ischemic strokes, and a 31% increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Race…
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and other providers have filed a class action lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group (UHG) for losses from the Change Healthcare cyberattack. They argue that UHG did not take adequate precautions against the attack, causing financial losses for providers. Change Healthcare, acquired by UHG, processes 15 billion transactions annually and was…
South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen is looking to hire a Respiratory & General Internal Medicine specialist with a salary range of £94,127 – £126,907 per annum pro rata. The closing date for applications is Friday 16th August 2024 at 3:30pm. A waiting list may be established for future vacancies. Applicants must demonstrate how they…
New York-based mental health platform Headway secured $100 million in Series D funding, increasing its valuation to $2.3 billion. The funding round was led by Spark Capital and included existing investors like a16z, Thrive Capital, and Accel, as well as new investor Forerunner Ventures. Headway plans to expand its services to individuals with Medicare Advantage…
El farmacéutico Mark Mikhael ha perdido 50 libras en 12 meses gracias a medicamentos para la pérdida de peso. Aunque muchos atribuyen su éxito a marcas como Wegovy o Zepbound, Mikhael se inyecta versiones formuladas por su propia empresa, al igual que muchas otras personas en Estados Unidos. Grandes farmacias de compuestos están proporcionando dosis…
Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease may experience more frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. Dialysis treatment can also affect blood glucose levels. Research suggests that patients with end-stage kidney disease, particularly young, Black, and female patients, are at higher risk for hypoglycemia. The kidneys play a more significant role in glucose regulation…