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Custom Gene Editing Drugs for All
In recent years, my colleague Jason Mast has extensively covered the story of KJ Muldoon, a baby who received a gene editing drug designed by a team of scientists to address a unique mutation causing his severe liver disease. Imagine if such treatments were available for everyone.
The U.S. health research agency, ARPA-H, announced it will invest up to $160 million to advance custom gene editing therapies for a variety of rare diseases. Seven teams will explore different conditions affecting various organ systems.
Will this initiative succeed? It remains uncertain. Saving KJ required innovative genetic tools, a large team, and a company willing to absorb the high costs. The solution isn’t easily scalable.
Federal officials believe it’s worth attempting. Jason provides more details about the teams involved and the program.
Massachusetts’ Largest Nursing Strike, Day 2
The largest nursing strike in Massachusetts history has concluded, but tensions persist.
On Thursday, nurses and hospital officials clashed outside Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Hundreds gathered, demanding entry for their shifts, only to be told by security that union members could return on Monday, as temporary nurses had been hired to ensure patient care. The hospital claimed all units functioned smoothly, while nurses argued the emergency department failed to adequately address a woman’s medical emergency outside.
This confrontation occurred after Gov. Maura Healey summoned both parties to the State House on Wednesday for discussions. The parties remain at odds over pay. Read more.
FDA Delays Decision on Electric Shock Ban
In May, the FDA missed its self-imposed deadline to decide on banning electrical stimulation devices used for decades on individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. The agency has now set a new deadline for November.
Described as “torture” by UN officials, the devices are largely out of use in the U.S., except at the Judge Rotenberg Center in Massachusetts. The FDA banned the practice in 2020, but a federal judge overturned the decision.
Read my story from last month for more on the efforts to end this practice and close the center.
Addressing the Male Loneliness Epidemic
If girls just want to have fun, boys are looking for friendship.
Attention is turning to the challenges boys face with mental health, academics, and identity. A solution might lie in a 150-year-old institution: the Boys Club of New York.
This organization serves 2,500 boys from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering a space for connection to counter the “risk factors” of boyhood.
The media has extensively covered the male loneliness crisis in the U.S. For potential solutions, explore Annalisa Merelli’s feature on the Boys Club.
The Paradox of the Primary Care Crisis
Primary care has been thriving for years, yet there’s a narrative that more investment will solve the health care crisis. This misdiagnosis of the problem is highlighted by two surgeons.
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s report to Congress on Medicare payment policy found primary care scored well. Most Medicare beneficiaries have a primary care provider, and over three-quarters can see them within two weeks. Rural patients also receive timely care, and primary care physician compensation is increasing faster than other fields.
So why is life expectancy declining? Read more from Christopher P. Childers, a surgical oncologist at the University of Washington, and Thomas C. Tsai, a general and gastrointestinal surgeon and medical director for health policy research for the American College of Surgeons.
What We’re Reading
- Searching for a psychiatric bed in an overburdened health system, KFF Health News
- The White House halted an RFK Jr. ad campaign, blaming Kristi Noem, NOTUS
- Suspected Ebola patient in Equatorial Guinea hotel with U.S. deportees, lawyers say, AP
- Cancer cases worldwide are projected to rise dramatically in the coming decades, a report reveals. Here’s why, Washington Post
- Increasing numbers of workers take mental health leave, frustrating bosses, Bloomberg
