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It has been an eventful week in the realm of disability coverage. As I wrapped up my third story in as many days on Wednesday evening, I found myself in a daze, realizing I had gone the entire day without eating. Desperate for a boost, I reached for a two-liter Sunkist, only to be met with the nauseating rush of sugar on an empty stomach.
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Kennedy, Makary launch new review of abortion pill
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary have called for a reevaluation of the safety of mifepristone, a medication used for inducing abortion. In a letter addressed to Republican state attorneys general, they expressed concerns over reports of serious adverse events associated with the drug. The FDA plans to conduct a review of the evidence under the current Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy to ensure the protection of women’s health.
While clinical studies have shown the drug to be safe and effective, including its use at home versus in a clinic, the FDA’s review aims to further investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispensing of mifepristone.
An expert on indirect costs on how federal support for research overhead might change
STAT has extensively covered the topic of indirect costs related to research, which encompass expenses such as building maintenance and administrative salaries crucial for supporting biomedical advancements. The Trump administration and Congress are considering significant reductions in funding for these costs at research institutions.
Jonathan Wosen of STAT interviewed Gil Tran, a former Office of Management and Budget official, to gain insights into the potential changes in federal support for research overhead. Tran’s expertise sheds light on how institutions may navigate forthcoming adjustments in indirect costs rates.
NIH, but smaller?
A thought-provoking study published in Science presents a hypothetical scenario: What if the NIH had always operated with a 40% smaller budget? Given the recent decline in new grant awards at the agency, researchers analyzed the impact of reduced funding on critical medical advancements.
The study identifies potential setbacks in biomedical research, highlighting the significance of sustained funding for the development of essential medications. Notable examples include a leukemia drug and a treatment for Gaucher disease type 1, underscoring the long-term implications of budget cuts on medical innovation.
Congo’s Ebola outbreak is getting worse
The Ebola outbreak in southern Congo has claimed the lives of dozens of individuals, with reported cases exceeding 60 and a fatality rate exceeding 60%. The overwhelmed treatment center in the region underscores the urgent need for additional resources to contain the outbreak.
Despite ongoing efforts by aid organizations, concerns arise over potential funding constraints following cuts in U.S. support for public health initiatives in Congo. The escalating situation underscores the critical importance of international cooperation in combatting infectious diseases.
Americans worried that gender-affirming care will be further restricted
Recent anti-trans rhetoric and policies have fueled concerns among Americans regarding the accessibility of gender-affirming care. A survey conducted by The 19th and Survey Monkey reveals a growing pessimism among respondents, with nearly 40% expressing fears of heightened restrictions on vital healthcare services.
Despite medical consensus on the life-saving benefits of gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, political actions threaten to impede access to these services. The survey findings underscore the need for continued advocacy and support for inclusive healthcare policies.
What we’re reading
- Get to know Stefanie Spear, HHS Deputy to RFK Jr., in a revealing profile by Vanity Fair
- Explore the history of DOGE through the eyes of federal workers in WIRED
- Learn about the impact of the 2025 tax and budget law on health coverage for 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants in a report by KFF
- Discover the controversy surrounding autism therapy and Tylenol in a piece by Wall Street Journal
- Stay informed about Pentagon exemptions to the flu shot requirement for troops in a report by AP
