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Happy Friday! I spent some time yesterday watching sea otters frolic and play at the Vancouver Aquarium. Hope your weekend is as delightful as these charming creatures.
Supreme Court’s Conversion Therapy Ruling May Impact Medicine
The Supreme Court recently overturned a ban on “conversion therapy” by mental health providers, a decision that might extend beyond LGBTQ+ rights and influence how state medical boards regulate various aspects of healthcare — including vaccine-related advice from physicians.
The broader impact arises from the court’s classification of talk therapy as “speech,” rather than professional conduct. Some experts express concern that this could limit states’ capacity to establish guidelines for certain types of speech and care by providers. Children’s Health Defense, an organization critical of vaccines, noted that this decision could benefit two ongoing medical free speech lawsuits they have filed.
STAT’s Theresa Gaffney explores the legal ramifications of this ruling and discusses how the justices’ emphasis on a “free marketplace of ideas” in medicine might have unintended consequences.
Trump Raises Tariffs on Brand-Name Drugs and Begins Negotiations
The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to control the pharmaceutical sector, announcing 100% tariffs on imported brand-name drugs, though with significant exceptions.
These tariffs won’t affect many large drug companies that have already arranged to build manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and reduced their drug prices here. Companies that haven’t yet made such deals but commit to moving production to the U.S. can have their tariffs lowered to 20% for the remainder of Trump’s term.
The industry expected these tariffs, but they still raise questions about their implementation and how companies might circumvent them through agreements with the administration. Could this result in an “unfair two-tiered system”? STAT’s Daniel Payne examines the nuances, including smaller companies seeking new agreements with Trump.
World Autism Awareness Day Marked with a Workout by HHS
On World Autism Awareness Day, Kennedy and other health officials hosted a “celebration and workout” to demonstrate the federal government’s dedication to supporting the autism community. The event included an “engaging fitness activity” and suggested attendees wear “Sporty Attire/Athleisure.”
I was perplexed. What does autism have to do with exercise?
An HHS spokesperson explained Kennedy’s inclusion of a workout by stating, “Physical movement and activity are shown to bolster overall well-being and offer positive benefits for many individuals with autism.”
My inquiry wasn’t about doubting autistic people’s ability to exercise but understanding why this focus was chosen. While exercise benefits everyone, Kennedy has also perpetuated harmful stereotypes about autism, promoted the debunked claim linking vaccines to autism, and removed warnings against controversial therapies. The event seemed odd to many, with one autistic individual describing it as “deeply weird.”
Thanks to independent journalist Marisa Kabas, who first reported this event.
Harvard Study Validates Therapy for Tick-Borne Illness
A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine indicates that a medical procedure involving red blood cell transfusion can reduce the risk of death or hospital readmission in severe cases of babesiosis.
Babesiosis, a severe tick-borne infection transmitted by ticks that also carry Lyme disease, can lead to multi-organ failure and death. Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Yale School of Public Health reviewed records of over 3,000 babesiosis patients hospitalized between 2010 and 2024. Among 629 severely ill patients, those receiving transfusions within the first week showed a five-fold lower risk of hospital death or readmission after 30 days.
The procedure quickly replaces infected red blood cells with donor cells, explained corresponding author David Leaf to STAT. While occasionally used, its effectiveness lacked solid evidence until now, leading to inconsistent usage. These findings bring hope to thousands affected by babesiosis in the U.S. — Helen Branswell
Exploring a Netflix Model for HIV Medications
For those familiar with STAT, the promising drug lenacapavir offers near-complete protection against HIV with biannual administration. However, the cost is a concern, at $28,218 per person annually. In a First Opinion essay, Johns Hopkins physician Michael Rose suggests a Netflix-style model as a solution.
States like Louisiana and Washington have already adopted this model for hepatitis C antivirals. “Similar to the streaming service that transformed movie viewing, insurers arranged a subscription payment to manufacturers for unlimited access to the cure,” Rose explains. Discover how this approach could apply to HIV prevention.
Meanwhile, Gilead Sciences, the company behind lenacapavir, reportedly refused to sell the drug for broader global distribution.
What We’re Reading
- Beyond detection: In the age of clinical AI, what qualifies as an FDA ‘breakthrough’ medical device? STAT
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The vaccine industry is examining its future viability, NOTUS
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Iran’s Pasteur medical research center ‘severely damaged’ in attack, The Telegraph
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State-run insurance plans for foster children leave some without doctors, KFF Health News
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Diabetes advocates hope as a bipartisan bill revives efforts to reduce insulin costs, AP
