Good morning and happy Friday. I’m taking the day off, but I’ll connect with you next week.
Highlights from yesterday’s summit
One of the most striking moments from yesterday’s event was the silence that followed STAT’s Lizzy Lawrence’s question to Medicare Director Chris Klomp about addressing the high turnover and dissatisfaction at the FDA.
Klomp eventually responded, “Great talent takes time to cultivate, and great teams take time to work together.” For more insights from Klomp’s discussion on drug pricing and Medicare Advantage with Mario Aguilar, see STAT’s Tara Bannow’s report. Here are some notable quotes from the day:
- Exelixis board chairman Stelios Papadopoulos remarked, “If the FDA were a company, you know what would happen? People would be shorting the stock.” He praised Klomp, saying, “This guy is amazing. He’s my hero.”
- Jessica Malaty Rivera, an epidemiologist and science communicator, noted, “Whether we like it or not, social media is a primary news source for a lot of people, and that’s the format in which people want to receive information.”
- Robert Califf also expressed admiration for Klomp, telling Lizzy, “I would go to work for that guy.” Find more from Daniel on that conversation.
- Michel Sadelain, who leads the Columbia Initiative in Cell Engineering and Therapy, discussed China’s role, saying, “I do think we should adapt our system and restore some of our competitiveness with China. And I hope that we’ll see an evolution here very soon to allow that.” More details are available from Megan on that panel.
Judge will rule against Kennedy’s gender-affirming care declaration
A U.S. district judge in Oregon announced plans to overturn a declaration made late last year by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which claimed that gender-affirming care for young trans people does not meet medical standards.
Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai stated at the conclusion of oral arguments on Thursday, “The declaration itself is no mere opinion.” A written decision will be issued soon.
Following its issuance in December, a coalition of states sued Kennedy, arguing the declaration was an overreach of his authority since medical regulation is primarily a state issue and federal rules require public notice and comment. More about the arguments and the judge’s views can be found in my report.
Doctors want to make IUD insertion less painful
OB-GYN Maryl Sackeim recognizes the anxiety women face when visiting her office. Awareness about the pain associated with IUD insertion and other gynecological procedures has grown in recent years. In a new First Opinion essay, Sackeim stresses that more doctors can and want to address this pain.
“I’m not only a women’s health physician; I’ve also been a patient,” Sackeim shares. Having experienced IUD placement and removal, c-section deliveries, IVF egg retrieval, and a hysterectomy, she writes, “I know firsthand that pain is real.” Discover more about her approach to pain management with patients.
Squaring a tobacco boost with MAHA values
A subtle amendment to the 2026 farm bill in Congress would make tobacco farmers eligible for federal aid, a benefit they’ve lacked since the end of the federal tobacco program over 20 years ago. This move seems contrary to the MAHA objective of reducing chronic disease rates in the U.S.
Though the amendment’s impact would be minor, it effectively subsidizes a product responsible for half a million American deaths annually, according to nonprofit attorney Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy. Despite conflicting with MAHA goals, if passed, it would be another triumph for an industry thriving under the Trump administration. For more details, see STAT’s Sarah Todd’s article.
Majority of Americans connect alcohol to cancer
When considering the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, alcohol might not be the first thought that comes to mind.
The 2025-2030 guidelines feature an inverted food pyramid, topped with steak, butter, and turkey, above broccoli, peas, and carrots. Notably absent is alcohol. The final version released in January included only two points on alcohol: drink “less alcohol for better overall health” and abstain if pregnant, have alcohol use disorder, or take certain medications.
Nevertheless, more than 50% of Americans in February 2025 and February 2026 identified alcohol consumption as a cancer risk, according to the Annenberg Public Policy Center. This is an increase from September 2024, when only 40% were aware of the connection.
The 2025 survey followed U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s call for updated warning labels highlighting the increased risk for at least seven types of cancer. The Annenberg Center connected the dots. — Elizabeth Cooney
Meat eating and dementia risk?
The new dietary guidelines, featuring a steak at the top, have sparked mixed reactions among experts. Concerns have been raised about the emphasis on meat, given the importance of limiting saturated fat. A recent study on meat consumption and Alzheimer’s risk, published in JAMA Network Open, provides early data to the discussion but requires careful interpretation.
Researchers examined data from over 2,100 Swedish individuals aged 60 and above. They discovered that for those with specific gene variations (APOE 3/4 and 4/4) linked to increased Alzheimer’s risk, higher meat intake was associated with improved cognitive outcomes. However, this positive link wasn’t seen in other participants.
Lead author Jakob Norgren stated, “Our findings suggest that conventional dietary advice may be unfavourable to a genetically defined subgroup of the population.” Although it’s an observational study, Norgren acknowledged the limited research on diet and brain health connections. More studies are necessary before making significant dietary changes.
What we’re reading
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The fight to hold AI companies accountable for children’s deaths, Wired
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Americans are losing HIV care. The Real Housewives want you to know about it, The 19th
- Independent autism committee kicks off efforts to counter RFK Jr., influence Congress, STAT
- Closed clinics, canceled care: New data shows effects of One Big Beautiful Bill’s attack on Planned Parenthood, MS Now
- Congress must fix the No Surprises Act before it bankrupts patients and employers, STAT
What’s the word? Test your knowledge with today’s STAT Mini crossword.
