Stay informed about the latest developments in health and medicine with STAT’s Morning Rounds newsletter, delivered to your inbox every weekday for free. Sign up here.
Good morning! Are you a fan of karaoke? I personally enjoy singing pop-punk tunes like Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle.” Do you have a go-to karaoke song? Let me know! Our newsroom’s annual karaoke event is coming up soon, so I’m open to suggestions. (Get your STAT Summit tickets here).
NIH is finally spending down its budget, but fewer grants are being awarded
Despite initially lagging behind in spending, the National Institutes of Health is on track to utilize its $47 billion budget by the September 30 deadline. However, an analysis of NIH Reporter data by STAT indicates a decrease in the number of new projects being funded this year, attributed to changes in how grants are allocated.
Since June, the Office of Management and Budget mandated a shift towards multi-year funding for most external research awards, leading to projects receiving upfront funding for several years instead of annual disbursements.
The spending adjustments vary across the different institutes and centers within the NIH, with some entities like the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, the National Institute for General Medicine, and the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism falling behind in expected funding levels. Learn more about the latest developments in NIH funding here.
50 cancer types, one liquid biopsy test
A new liquid biopsy test called Cancerguard is now available for individuals seeking early detection of fifty different cancer types. While this product has sparked controversy among oncologists and researchers due to concerns about its performance and accuracy, Exact Sciences, the company behind Cancerguard, has decided to launch the test commercially.
Biostatistician Ruth Etzioni and Exact Sciences’ chief medical officer Tom Beer share their perspectives on the release of Cancerguard, with Beer expressing his excitement about the product. Discover more insights into this innovative liquid biopsy test here.
The 2025 Lasker Award winners
Three scientists have been honored with the 2025 Lasker Award for their groundbreaking work in transforming cystic fibrosis from a fatal condition to a manageable disease. Paul Negulescu and Jesús (Tito) González from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, along with University of Iowa professor Michael Welsh, played pivotal roles in developing Trikafta, a triple-drug combination therapy that has significantly improved the life expectancy of individuals with cystic fibrosis.
With the potential to extend the lifespan of cystic fibrosis patients to around 83 years, Trikafta represents a major milestone in the treatment of this genetic disorder affecting thousands of individuals worldwide. Delve into the details of this remarkable achievement here.
FDA considers tighter regulations for mental health products using AI
The Food and Drug Administration is gearing up to address the regulatory challenges associated with mental health products utilizing artificial intelligence. With a growing number of companies introducing AI-powered chatbots for mental health, the agency recognizes the need for updated regulations to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products.
An upcoming meeting of the Digital Health Advisory Committee will focus on the evolving landscape of AI-driven mental health devices and the novel risks they present. As developers continue to innovate in this space, the FDA aims to adapt its regulatory approach to effectively manage these emerging challenges. Explore more insights into the FDA’s regulatory considerations here.
Potential increase in HIV infections
Recent studies have highlighted the potential for a rise in HIV infections due to shifts in U.S. health policies related to HIV medication and treatment programs. Reports suggest that reductions in PrEP coverage and cuts to programs like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program could lead to thousands of avoidable infections and significant increases in healthcare costs.
While advancements in HIV prevention and treatment have transformed the landscape of AIDS care, ongoing challenges such as funding cuts and pricing strategies pose threats to the progress made in combating the epidemic. Learn more about the implications of these policy changes and their impact on HIV prevention efforts here.
Should physicians consider going on strike?
In a thought-provoking First Opinion essay, a physician and medical professor advocates for the possibility of physicians going on a limited strike in response to disruptive actions by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The author argues that Kennedy’s actions, including defunding research and terminating vaccine contracts, pose a significant threat to biomedical research and public health.
The proposal of a limited strike aims to draw attention to the gravity of the situation and mobilize public support for addressing the challenges facing the healthcare system. Explore the considerations behind the idea of a physician strike and its potential impact here.
Recommended reads
-
Ebola cases on the rise in Congo as authorities work to contain outbreak, AP
-
Study warns of potential increase in TB deaths amid aid cuts, NPR
-
Former NFL players turning to psychedelics for brain injury treatment, Wired
-
Pregnant women using cannabis for pain and anxiety relief, Wall Street Journal
-
Child care workers in D.C. facing challenges amid ICE crackdown, The 19th
