The Biden administration is facing an issue with disreputable insurance brokers enrolling people in the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchange without their authorization. Michael Debriae, a restaurant server, was enrolled in an ACA plan without his knowledge and had to pay a $700 tax bill as a result. Complaints from consumers and agents losing clients…
Dr. Analisa Arosemena discussed the benefits of canaloplasty in achieving 24/7 IOP control for glaucoma patients, highlighting the drawbacks of medication as a treatment due to toxicity and compliance issues. Canaloplasty is repeatable, has a low complication rate, and can be done alongside a stent, providing patients with better control over their condition. Arosemena emphasized…
The need-to-know this morning includes Amylyx Pharmaceuticals removing its ALS treatment from the market after it failed to show benefits in a clinical trial. A study suggests a GLP-1 drug could be effective in treating Parkinson’s disease. BIO’s CEO emphasizes the importance of the U.S. maintaining its leadership in biotechnology for national security reasons. Resurrecting…
The rise in the number of people in England waiting for diagnosis and treatment of autism and ADHD has led to a need for a reorganization of services, including involvement from agencies outside the health and care sectors. The number of people with suspected autism waiting for specialist appointments reached a record high of 172,022…
Climate change, pollution, and falling biodiversity are impacting our immune systems, leading to a rise in immune-mediated diseases like cancer and asthma. Urgent action is needed to protect against these health risks and prevent further damage. Measures to mitigate climate change could save on health care costs and protect against future threats. Multilevel, multisectoral solutions…
A study led by MRC researchers identified rare genetic variants in the genes BSN and APBA1 that significantly increase the risk of adult-onset obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. These genes are not involved in the usual pathways associated with childhood obesity. The findings suggest a new biological mechanism for obesity related to…
Krista Johnson was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 34 and struggled with traditional medications. She turned to alternative holistic remedies like acupuncture, elimination diets, Chinese herbs, yoga, and essential oils, which helped her manage her symptoms and maintain her health. She also found support through online communities like Girls with Guts, where she now serves…
One in three Black men in rural America experienced suicidal or death ideation in the past week. A developmental model used in the study showed a direct association between threat, deprivation, and racial discrimination during childhood, and suicide risk in adulthood. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Black Americans aged 15-24, with…
Researchers have found that working outside typical hours in early adulthood can impact health by age 50. The study analyzed data from over 7,300 participants and found transitioning from stable to volatile work schedules was linked to poor health outcomes and increased risk of depression at age 50. Black Americans were more likely to have…
The USFDA has classified a facility owned by Granules Pharma as Voluntary Action Indicated, which means that certain violations were found during an inspection but do not warrant further regulatory action at this time. The company uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, with users agreeing to their use by continuing to visit the…
A group of over 200 stakeholders, including the Alliance for Connected Care and the American Telemedicine Association, urged the DEA to release a revised proposed rule to allow and regulate the prescribing of controlled substances through telehealth. The DEA had previously proposed a rule that would limit telehealth prescriptions of controlled substances, leading to outcry…
A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that asthma and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) overlap is common in school-age children in low-income urban areas, leading to poorer lung function and atopy, especially rhinitis. The Environmental Assessment Sleep Youth (EASY) study assessed these children for environmental risk factors associated with SDB. The…
MotivHealth partners with AZOVA to offer Birth Doula Support Memberships to its members, connecting them with expert doulas through a digital health platform. This partnership aims to empower women throughout their birthing journey by leveraging technology to provide guidance and support. Studies have shown that doula support can lead to positive delivery outcomes, such as…
Norma Brambila, a community organizer in Denver, faced medical debt after seeking emergency care for a sinus infection. The struggle with medical debt is common in low-income, immigrant communities like Westwood, where many residents avoid seeking care due to cost. Racial and ethnic disparities in medical debt are wider in Colorado compared to the national…
The study found that updated COVID-19 vaccines lowered the risk of hospitalization among immunocompromised people by one-third. However, fewer than one in five hospitalized individuals had received the updated vaccine. People with immunocompromising conditions were eligible for additional doses, but only 18% had received one. Overall, the effectiveness of the updated vaccines against COVID-19 hospitalization…
In the United States, the opioid epidemic continues to claim the lives of over 130 people daily, resulting in roughly 110,000 deaths annually. The FDA has taken steps to address this crisis, such as approving the over-the-counter sale of naloxone nasal spray and a DNA test called AvertD to predict genetic risk of opioid addiction….
Graham Sydney Black was a dedicated and hard-working GP who excelled in his career and was highly esteemed by colleagues and patients alike. He had a wide range of hobbies and passions, such as golf, fishing, model making, gardening, and painting. Despite his age, he enjoyed good health and was still fishing at 90. He…
New research presented at a medical conference reveals that pneumonia-causing bacteria are common in people over 60, with contact with young children being a significant factor in transmission. Pneumococcus is a bacteria that can cause various serious diseases including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis, affecting both children and the elderly. While childhood vaccination has decreased cases,…
A study investigated the link between male infertility and renal function, finding childless men more likely to have impaired kidney function independent of health factors. This suggests male infertility may increase the risk of non-communicable diseases like renal disease. Male infertility has been associated with other health risks like heart disease and diabetes. Data from…
Treatment options for nasal polyps include topical steroids, oral steroids, injectable steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, decongestants, biologics, immunotherapy, and aspirin desensitization. Topical steroids are often the first recommended treatment, while oral steroids are reserved for severe cases. Injectable steroids can be effective with fewer side effects, and antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial sinus infections. Biologics…
The FDA has approved iloperidone tablets for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. Iloperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that acts as a dopamine D2/serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. The approval was based on a phase 3 trial showing significant improvement in symptoms with iloperidone compared to placebo. The…
Proper hydration is essential for optimal functioning and performance, especially in a hectic world. Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining body processes and hydration levels, lost through sweating or daily activities. Supplements like Protekt Hydration Liquid, Liquid I.V., DripDrop, FlavCity Electrolytes Drink Mix, and FORCE FACTOR Liquid Labs provide quick and convenient ways to…
A study found that image-assisted Abrams needle biopsy is as effective as medical thoracoscopy for diagnosing pleural effusion. The study suggests that both procedures provide similar diagnostic accuracy, making the less invasive needle biopsy a viable option. The findings indicate that needle biopsy can be a valuable tool for diagnosing pleural effusion, offering a less…
Medicare Advantage plans are facing challenges such as declining reimbursement rates, slower membership growth, rising competition, and increasing utilization leading to lower earnings. Plans are considering cutting supplemental benefits like dental, hearing, and vision insurance to cut costs. Regulators are emphasizing the value of benefits and new rules require reporting on benefit usage. Benefits must…
Medical students and physicians in training have inaccurate perceptions and biases towards e-cigarettes and hookah use, as highlighted in a study published in Respiratory Care. The study found that a significant number of medical trainees are unaware of the health risks associated with these products, relying on unreliable sources of information such as social media…
AITRICS, a medical AI startup, secured $20.1 million in a Series B funding round, with existing and new investors participating. The company’s flagship software, Vital Care, uses AI to predict patient deterioration by analyzing various medical data. AITRICS plans to use the funds to obtain FDA clearance and expand internationally. The company has partnerships with…
En febrero, la hija de Norma Brambila le escribió una carta alentadora mientras luchaba contra una enfermedad. A pesar de no tener seguro médico, fue a la sala de emergencias con una factura de $365, lo que causó endeudamiento. El vecindario de Westwood en Denver, mayoritariamente hispano y de bajos ingresos, tiene altos niveles de…
The FDA has approved Fanapt tablets as an atypical antipsychotic agent for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the approval, stating that Fanapt has been prescribed for schizophrenia since 2009. The approval provides a new treatment option for managing bipolar I disorder,…
The leading causes of death remained unchanged since 1990, except for the addition of Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021. The Global Burden of Disease study found that Covid-19 became the second-leading cause of death globally, impacting life expectancy negatively. Regional variations showed disparities in the impact of the pandemic, with some areas experiencing more significant…
General practitioners (GPs) in England are struggling to afford running their practices due to insufficient funding. In a recent referendum organized by the British Medical Association (BMA), 99% of GPs voted against changes in their national contract for 2024-25. The proposed funding uplift of 2% with a new payment per patient per practice of £107.57…
A study published in The Lancet reveals that global life expectancy has increased by 6.2 years since 1990, driven by reductions in death from leading causes like diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and heart disease. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has hindered progress in many regions. Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania saw the…
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a promising new way to remove amyloid beta plaques in the brain -; a key feature in Alzheimer’s disease -; by directly activating immune cells called microglia to consume them. This approach, outlined in a study published in Science Translational Medicine, has shown to reduce plaques…
Belly fat is a normal part of the body, but excessive visceral fat around organs can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and heart disease. To determine visceral fat levels, measure waist size – less than 35 inches for women and 40 for men is ideal. Controlling belly fat involves exercise, diet, sleep,…
Teleflex and Arrow International have issued a recall for the Arrow QuickFlash radial artery and radial artery/arterial line catheterization kits due to a potential defect causing increased resistance in the guidewire handle. This defect could lead to arterial vasospasm and vessel injury from repeated attempts at arterial punctures. The FDA has classified this as a…
Fungi for Fitness offers a selection of top mushroom supplements from trusted brands like Real Mushrooms, FreshCap, The Genius Brand, Nature’s Craft, and Micro Ingredients. Real Mushrooms stands out for its commitment to purity and authenticity, while FreshCap’s Ultimate Mushroom Complex provides immune support and cognitive enhancement. The Genius Brand’s Genius Mushrooms blend supports overall…
Researchers at the University of New Mexico have found that even moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy can be linked to birth abnormalities. The study highlights the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy to prevent potential harm to the developing fetus. The findings emphasize the need for pregnant women to be aware of the risks associated…
Genmab has acquired ProfoundBio for $1.8 billion, adding three clinical-stage antibody drug conjugates to their pipeline. ProfoundBio’s lead program, Rina-S, targets folate receptor alpha and has shown promising results in ovarian and endometrial cancer patients. Analysts believe Rina-S could be a strong competitor in the ADC space, potentially offering better safety than existing drugs. Genmab…
In 2023, Ireland’s three health insurers received over €3 billion in income from insurance premiums. The average cost of health insurance was €1,594, up 10% from 2022, with over-65s paying 43% more on average. The growth of new insurance customers has slowed due to rising prices and the cost-of-living crisis. The Health Insurance Authority attributes…
A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that using race-specific equations for pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) may lead to disparities in eligibility for antifibrotic therapy, clinical trials, and lung transplant referrals. Researchers compared different PFT reference equations and found that the use of…
Providence has launched Praia Health, a consumer platform for healthcare systems, following a successful $20 million Series A investment round. Frist Cressey Ventures led the round, with support from other investors. Praia Health offers a low-code ecosystem to integrate third-party consumer offerings into a health system’s digital experience. The company manages data exchange between electronic…
Many statehouses are considering work requirements in Medicaid expansion programs despite their lackluster track record. Mississippi and Kansas are pushing for work requirements, with Kansas trying to soften Republican opposition to expansion. Idaho and Louisiana are also revisiting the idea. Only two states have implemented work requirements, and Arkansas’s initiative was ended in 2019, causing…
Dr. Feldman is involved in various research, speaking, and consulting activities with numerous pharmaceutical companies in the dermatology field, including AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, and Pfizer, among others. He is also the founder and part owner of Causa Research and holds stock in Sensal Health. This information was disclosed in an interview with Healio. Source…
Moderna, known for its Covid-19 vaccine, is focused on developing therapies using mRNA technology. The company’s vision involves turning cells into their own drug factories, showing progress in treating rare diseases. An early study on a therapy for propionic acidemia, a metabolic condition, demonstrated positive results in reducing life-threatening emergencies. Most participants were children. While…
George Christopher Sutton, a man who passed away at the age of 90, had a fascinating life story. Born in Warsaw, his family fled from Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939, ultimately settling in Rugby, England. George excelled at Rugby School and went on to study medicine at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. After Cambridge, he…
A study published in Nature Communications by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics identified a genetic variant related to left-handedness by analyzing data from over 300,000 individuals in the UK Biobank. The study found that left-handed individuals were more likely to have a rare genetic variant affecting tubulin protein, which plays a role…
Sebastian Arevalo has been appointed as the Vice President of Sales at RedShiftBio, bringing over 20 years of experience in biotechnology and life sciences. He has a proven track record of driving revenue growth and has held key positions at top biotech companies. Sebastian’s leadership style and commitment to success have earned him a reputation…
A study has found that a large portion of low-income African Americans and White Americans are consuming too much salt, which is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease mortality. The lack of access to healthier food options, education about better food choices, and affordability are key factors contributing to excessive salt intake in these…
Lenz Therapeutics reported successful results from a late-stage study testing experimental drugs for near vision loss, leading to a nearly 23% increase in its shares. The lead product candidate, LNZ100, showed significant improvement in patients’ ability to see details at a distance of 20 feet three hours after treatment. The other drug, LNZ101, also demonstrated…
A recent study by researchers at MIT, Harvard, and Massachusetts General Hospital has identified a specific gut bacteria species called Oscillibacter that can consume cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. The study involved over 1,400 participants in the Framingham Heart Study and found a strong correlation between Oscillibacter and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally,…
Lupin, a leading pharmaceutical company, has appointed Dr. Ranjana Pathak as their Chief Quality Officer. Dr. Pathak will be responsible for overseeing the quality control processes within the company. This move reflects Lupin’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in their products and operations. Dr. Pathak’s extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry makes her a valuable…