The many lives of acetaminophen

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Good morning! Today’s edition features insightful coverage of President Trump’s recent comments on autism, including a look at the longstanding history of Tylenol, as well as responses from mothers who are autistic. If you’re looking for a concise summary of the situation, check out this informative explainer video created by Alex Hogan from STAT, where he interviews the reporters who have been covering this narrative well before this week’s developments.

A Step Closer to Appointing a New NIH Leader

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the largest center within the National Institutes of Health, has gone without a permanent leader since Kimryn Rathmell’s resignation on January 20, 2025. This gap in leadership has left cancer researchers and advocates feeling unrepresented during a tumultuous period for health policy. There are indications that President Trump is nearing a decision on a potential replacement.

Inside the cancer research community, there’s a growing sense of optimism about the rumored front-runner for the NCI director position. Those who’ve spoken to STAT have described this candidate as an exceptionally qualified scientist and a compassionate leader. For further details on who this individual may be and the community’s response, read more in STAT’s reporting by Matthew Herper and Angus Chen.

Rising Rates of Cardiovascular Disease Linked to Demographics

A new 78-page report has conveyed troubling findings related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are responsible for one in three deaths globally. The Global Burden of Disease Study highlights the alarming trend of increasing CVD deaths over the past three decades, climbing from 13.1 million in 1990 to an anticipated 19.2 million in 2023. Factors such as a growing, aging population and rising rates of obesity and diabetes are contributing to this rise in mortality rates. High blood pressure was identified as the leading cause of death, followed closely by increases in high BMI and fasting plasma glucose levels, according to this special report recently published in JACC.

On a slightly positive note, decreased exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollution has somewhat mitigated the grim statistics surrounding cardiovascular disease. However, regions like Oceania still struggle with high air pollution levels, emphasizing that the battle isn’t over. To learn more about the nuanced findings of this report, read the detailed analysis — Elizabeth Cooney.

Unraveling the Complex Legacy of Acetaminophen

Despite its widespread use, Tylenol has recently found itself enmeshed in controversy, particularly following President Trump’s remarks at a press conference this week suggesting a link between its use and autism. Medical authorities, autism advocates, and pediatric specialists have challenged these claims vehemently. In this context, STAT’s Megan Molteni dives into the multifaceted history of acetaminophen, revealing its origins, safety concerns, and public perception issues.

Acetaminophen was introduced in the U.S. in 1955, albeit before comprehensive regulatory processes were established. Interestingly, it took over ten years after the drug’s debut for serious safety concerns to emerge from the U.K. Regarding the drug’s early usage among Indigenous populations in the 16th century, it would surprise many that such a commonly used medication has a complex and sometimes alarming backstory. To explore more about Tylenol’s intricate history, read the full article.

Autistic Mothers Respond to Trump’s Controversial Comments

The discussions surrounding autism during Trump’s recent press conference have sparked significant concern among parents, particularly those who are autistic themselves. No longer confined to outdated theories of parent blame, the dialogue has now positioned autism—widely mischaracterized—as a source of shame for those affected. STAT’s O. Rose Broderick speaks with several autistic mothers to uncover their reactions to this rhetoric.

“This is kind of stupid,” commented one mother, herself autistic and raising her fourth child. “Even if it was accurate, there are bigger dangers than being autistic.” To hear more perspectives and insights from moms within the autistic community, including thoughts from Jessica Cook, an on-screen expert from Netflix’s series “Love on the Spectrum,” read the full report.

Worldwide Initiative for Affordable HIV Prevention Drug

Recent developments in HIV prevention have spotlighted Gilead’s injectable medication, Yeztugo, which can offer near-complete protection from HIV with just two injections per year. However, ensuring accessibility to this innovative drug has raised essential public health concerns. In a promising update, several leading global health organizations are collaborating with two major generic pharmaceutical companies to supply a low-cost version of Yeztugo in over 120 low- and middle-income countries starting early 2027. The anticipated cost is around $40 per individual annually, making it a potentially groundbreaking addition to global HIV prevention strategies. To find out more about these important developments, check out STAT’s Ed Silverman’s coverage here.

Projected Cancer Statistics for 2050

The World Health Organization forecasts a staggering rise in cancer mortality, predicting that by 2050, around 18.6 million people globally will die from the disease. This figure represents nearly a 75% increase from current mortality statistics. Over the last three decades, the number of new cancer cases has doubled, and deaths have surged by 74%. Factors predominantly driving these increases include population growth and the aging demographic, as outlined in a recent analysis published in The Lancet.

What We’re Reading

• Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to cease abortion services, Autonomy News

• Exploring the ethics of cloning with “Frankenstein’s sheep,” Intelligencer

• First Opinion: How a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas could cripple U.S. healthcare, STAT
• Exploring the narrative: A billionaire’s journey through psychedelics and memoir writing, New York Times
• Reflections on Trump’s Discourses: A Personal Approach on Autism, STAT