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Good morning! We’re thrilled to introduce a couple of new faces to the STAT team. Joining us are Chelsea Cirruzzo and Daniel Payne, both as D.C. reporters. Daniel has already been impressing us with his reporting since he joined earlier this spring, and we’re excited to have Chelsea on board starting this week.
This week has been a busy one for the STAT biotech team, covering the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago. Make sure to stay updated on their latest reports.
From start-up founder to DOGE’s invisible health care czar
You may not be familiar with the man behind the Trump administration’s significant cuts to government-funded scientific research and disease prevention. Brad Smith, a prominent figure in the U.S. DOGE Service, previously part of Trump 1.0’s Operation Warp Speed during the pandemic, has been in the spotlight. Tara Bannow from STAT delved into Smith’s story, uncovering insights from over 30 individuals who have crossed paths with him. Described as “the smartest person I’ve ever met” by many, Smith’s relentless work ethic and focus on ambitious growth targets have garnered both admiration and criticism. Learn more about Brad Smith’s journey to the top in Tara’s in-depth profile.
New HHS document details deep NIH cuts
President Trump’s budget request for the 2026 fiscal year, outlined in a summary released by HHS, sheds light on the administration’s plans to reshape the NIH and other federal agencies. The proposed budget includes a significant cut of nearly 40% to the NIH’s discretionary budget, along with plans to consolidate the agency’s institutes and centers. While HHS argues that restructuring will improve efficiency, critics express concerns about the potential impact on biomedical research leadership in the U.S. Get the full details from STAT’s Jonathan Wosen and Daniel Payne.
$9.8 billion
A recent study published in JAMA Health Forum projects that banning the addition of fluoride to water, as done in Utah and Florida, could lead to a $9.8 billion increase in dental costs nationwide. The research estimates a rise in cavities among children and the associated financial burden. Explore more on this topic with STAT’s Anil Oza.
How mRNA became a government target
The government’s decision to cancel a $700 million contract with Moderna for developing mRNA vaccines for future pandemics signals a shift in support for messenger RNA technology. As Lizzy Lawrence and Isabella Cueto from STAT report, the waning political and investor support for mRNA could have implications for vaccine development and pandemic preparedness. Dive deeper into the ongoing mRNA debate and its potential consequences.
Another Covid vaccine approval with restrictions attached
The FDA recently approved Moderna’s new Covid-19 vaccine, mNexspike, with restrictions on its use for specific age groups and high-risk individuals. The agency’s approach to vaccine approvals has raised questions and confusion, as highlighted in a recent interview with FDA commissioner Marty Makary. Learn more about the restrictions and the FDA’s strategy in Helen Branswell’s report.
Rethinking the culture of clinical detachment
In a heartfelt First Opinion essay, Kate Solpari reflects on her experiences with medical professionals and the importance of emotional connection in healthcare. She shares how two doctors who went beyond clinical detachment positively impacted her life and shaped her views on compassionate care. Solpari envisions a medical system that values emotional investment as a strength. Read her inspiring story about the power of empathy in medicine.
What we’re reading
– For trans people on Medicaid, Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ is anything but, Mother Jones
– HIV’s most promising breakthrough has taken a hit, The Atlantic
– Study finds exercise can keep colon cancer from recurring, STAT
– Abortion opponents are coming for mifepristone using what medical experts call ‘junk science,’ The 19th
– Combination treatment reduces risk of tumor progression in aggressive form of breast cancer, study shows, STAT
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