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32,460
Today’s government shutdown impacts 32,460 federal health workers who will be furloughed after Senate negotiations on a temporary funding package fell through. Senate Democrats insisted on maintaining Affordable Care Act subsidies and restoring Medicaid funds before agreeing to the funding bill. Communications at the CDC will be stalled, and new patient admissions to the NIH clinical center will be suspended. For a deeper understanding of the ramifications, read more from Chelsea Cirruzzo.
The First ‘Most-Favored Nation’ Drug Pricing Deal
As the impending government shutdown approached, President Trump announced that Pfizer has agreed to lower drug costs for its Medicaid program and customers without insurance. Pfizer promises to launch new medications at prices comparable to those in other countries. In return, the company will avoid certain tariffs on imported drugs if they continue investing in U.S. manufacturing.
“This announcement marks a significant advancement in healthcare,” Trump proclaimed about the agreement, claiming it is part of a strategy to ensure affordable prescription drugs in the U.S. However, experts caution that uncertainties remain regarding the particulars of these ‘most-favored’ prices and implementation strategies. For further commentary, read more from Elaine Chen.
While the effects on patients are uncertain, STAT’s Matthew Herper noted the atmosphere in the Oval Office was filled with optimism about the deal. However, the words of Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla suggested a more complex and tense negotiation process: “Thank you for your leadership and your friendship, Mr. President.” For additional insights, explore Matt’s analysis.
Q&A: Exploring Leucovorin in Autism Treatment
Leucovorin, often discussed within the autism community, has been touted by parents since the early 2000s for its potential benefits in communication skills among autistic children. This dietary supplement, available in a branded form known as Wellcovorin, contains folinic acid.
While some small studies indicate modest improvements in symptoms, reimbursement researcher Robert Hendren has tempered expectations. “I haven’t witnessed a drastic response to leucovorin. However, it does hold promise in the treatment of ASD,” he expressed in an interview with STAT’s O. Rose Broderick, clarifying that leucovorin is not a cure. Discover more about their discussion.
Innovative Approaches to Human Reproduction
A breakthrough from 2022 saw researchers at Oregon Health & Science University successfully create mouse embryos using lab-generated eggs derived from adult mice’s skin cells. They’ve now turned their focus to adapting these methods for human embryo creation. Success could revolutionize infertility treatment, pave the way for preventing genetic diseases, and enable genetic links for same-sex couples.
However, in a recent update, the research team led by embryologist Shoukhrat Mitalipov reported mixed success and acknowledges the need for further refinement of techniques before clinical applications can commence. Mitalipov’s history includes pioneering three-parent IVF. To learn more about the status of in-vitro gametogenesis, read Megan Molteni’s detailed report.
Multiple COVID-19 Infections Pose Risks for Children
A new study shows that children and adolescents infected with COVID-19 twice between January 2022 and October 2023 (predominantly during the Omicron wave) were nearly double the chance of developing long COVID compared to those with just one infection. Published in Lancet Infectious Diseases, the findings were derived from over 465,000 patients under age 21 across 40 children’s hospitals.
The data indicated that out of 1 million children, 904 diagnosed with long COVID after their first infection rose to 1,884 per million after a second infection. The elevated risk after reinfections remained consistent across various demographics, including age, gender, race, and vaccination status. The authors emphasized the crucial role of vaccination as the best preventive measure. To understand the broader implications, especially regarding the unvaccinated demographic, read more about this issue.
On related matters, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his deputy have yet to endorse ACIP’s new COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, complicating vaccine availability for low-income children.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary unveiled a fresh initiative designed to enhance compliance among retailers selling illegal vaping products, which have faced minimal regulation. The program will distribute educational materials detailing legal products and the age restrictions for purchasers. This initiative fits into a broader campaign by the Trump administration to promote voluntary compliance across different sectors. Learn more about the FDA’s regulatory efforts.
Lastly, the FDA has approved a new injectable drug for cattle to combat New World screwworm infections. Though rarely affecting humans, the concern has grown as outbreaks near the U.S.-Mexico border continue. As reported, the latest cases are within 60 miles of this boundary. For more information about this cautionary outbreak, explore details here.
What We’re Reading
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The protein craze is igniting concerns among climate activists. Read more on Newsweek
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Investigation links pasta products from Trader Joe’s and Walmart to a dangerous listeria outbreak. Learn more on NPR
- Indivior halts the marketing of Opvee, a controversial overdose-reversal medication. Find out more on STAT
- A study finds Medicaid work requirements do not enhance employment rates. Explore the findings in the New York Times
- First Opinion: The human workflow poses significant challenges in health AI. Read the article on STAT
