The FDA, under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is facing increasing political pressure that is straining the relationship between career scientists and political leaders within the agency. This tension has reached a critical point, with recent inquiries into the use of leucovorin as a potential treatment for autism highlighting the shift towards political decision-making over scientific evidence. The push to approve leucovorin, a generic drug primarily used for cancer treatment side effects, as an autism treatment is a clear indication of the changing landscape of drug regulation in the United States.
The fallout from the recent “massacre” at the CDC, where over 1,100 employees were initially terminated but more than half have since been reinstated, has left the agency in disarray. The terminations, which were concentrated in disease surveillance and injury prevention departments, have raised concerns about the impact on public health and safety. The reinstatements, attributed to coding errors in job classifications, have provided some relief, but over 600 workers remain fired, including the entire staff of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
In a move to lower drug prices in the U.S., President Trump announced a drug pricing deal with AstraZeneca, similar to the agreement reached with Pfizer earlier. The deal involves AstraZeneca offering lower drug prices to the Medicaid program and launching new drugs at most-favored nation prices. In exchange, the U.S. will grant the company a three-year reprieve on pharmaceutical tariffs, allowing AstraZeneca to expand its manufacturing operations in the country.
At a recent meeting of LGBTQ+ clinicians, the focus was on resistance to restrictive policies targeting the community, while also planning for a future with improved access to care. The group has shifted its approach, now actively suing the federal government over issues affecting its members’ ability to deliver care. Recent legal victories have highlighted the importance of advocacy in the face of federal targeting.
California has enacted new safeguards for AI chatbots, requiring developers to implement measures to protect users from harmful content and provide avenues for legal action against negligent developers. The law aims to address concerns about the impact of AI chatbots on mental health, especially in vulnerable populations.
Medicare Advantage plans are facing cuts to coverage and benefits as insurers struggle to manage rising healthcare costs. This trend, which began after the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to continue as insurers grapple with the increasing expense of member care. As enrollment period approaches, beneficiaries will need to carefully consider their plan options.
In other news, articles covering topics such as reproductive rights, Elon Musk’s ventures in the Bay Area, President Biden’s cancer treatment, and the therapeutic benefits of dancing are also making headlines.
Stay informed with the latest developments in health and medicine by signing up for STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds. And don’t forget to join us at the STAT Summit in Boston for insightful discussions and networking opportunities.
