The deadly consequences of ICE detention
New research challenges what we know about GLP-1s, vaccine skepticism, and more health news from Morning Rounds
Medical News
STAT+: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings
From new hires to departures, promotions and transfers, here are the latest comings and goings in the pharmaceutical industry.
FDA's accelerated approval pathway needs stronger transparency, evidence standards: ICER
The FDA should strengthen the evidence required for drug approvals under its accelerated pathway, and increase the transparency surrounding those regulatory decisions, too, according to a report from a prominent industry and government watchdog.
Teva scores in appeal as court revives $177M verdict against Lilly in migraine patent spat
The legal back-and-forth over migraine meds from Teva and Eli Lilly has resurfaced, with Teva gaining favor on appeal after a 2023 defeat.
STAT+: Cell therapy primed liver transplant patients to avoid organ rejection, small study shows
A few transplant patients in a small study were able to stop using immunosuppressive drugs, thanks to pre-transplant cell therapy.
Fierce Pharma Asia—Astellas’ stem cell therapy rethink; GSK’s bullish ADC plan; Daiichi’s OTC sale
Astellas will close a stem cell therapy site. GSK is pushing a Hansoh Pharma-partnered ADC into multiple phase 3 trials. Daiichi Sankyo is selling its consumer health business unit for about $1.55 billion. And more.
Opinion: Don’t believe headlines saying that vaccine skepticism is widespread
Despite some headlines, a new poll does not show that most Americans no longer trust vaccines.
Opinion: Health care is not ready for the new era of AI-enabled cyberattacks
“When health care infrastructure is attacked and held for ransom by hackers, patients become real casualties,” writes Andrea Downing.
Scientists discover bacteria can “explode” to spread antibiotic resistance
Scientists have uncovered a surprising twist in how bacteria share genes—including those that spread antibiotic resistance. Tiny virus-like particles called gene transfer agents (GTAs), once ancient viral invaders, have been repurposed by bacteria into delivery systems that shuttle DNA between neighboring cells. The study reveals a key control hub of three genes, dubbed LypABC, that triggers bacte
BIO comes out swinging with 'Fight of Our Lives' campaign for the industry’s 50th birthday
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization has started the nationwide “The Fight of Our Lives” campaign, creating a video and other materials to show the stories behind biotech breakthroughs and their effects on patients.
Can sparkling water boost metabolism and help with weight loss?
Sparkling water is often seen as a simple, healthy drink—but could it also help with weight loss? New research suggests it may slightly boost how the body processes blood sugar and energy. However, the effect is very small, meaning it’s no substitute for diet and exercise.
Scientists discover natural hormone that reverses obesity
A hormone called FGF21 can reverse obesity in mice by activating a newly identified brain circuit tied to metabolism. Surprisingly, it works in the hindbrain—the same region targeted by GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy—but through a completely different mechanism. Instead of suppressing appetite, FGF21 ramps up the body’s energy burning. This insight could pave the way for more targeted weight-
Scientists supercharge immune cells to destroy cancer more effectively
Researchers have found a way to make cancer-killing immune cells more powerful and precise. By adding specific signaling components, they boosted the cells’ readiness to attack tumors. Surprisingly, briefly suppressing the cells with a drug before use made them even more effective later. The approach could help create safer, stronger next-gen cancer treatments.
A “death” protein may be the key to slowing aging at its source
Scientists have discovered that a protein linked to cell death is secretly driving the aging of blood stem cells in a completely different way. Instead of killing the cells, it damages their mitochondria, sapping their energy and weakening the immune system over time. When this protein was turned off, stem cells remained stronger and more balanced, even under stress. The findings point to a new st
STAT+: HaloMD’s legal win highlights the difficulty of challenging arbitration decisions
The ruling delivers clarity on the path forward for addressing problems with the No Surprises Act.
Trump taps former public health leader Erica Schwartz to run CDC
Schwartz's background as a physician with plenty of government service experience will likely be popular among lawmakers.
A pancreatic cancer breakthrough, and new hope for an off-the-shelf CAR-T treatment
This week on "The Readout LOUD," a pancreatic cancer breakthrough and new hope for an off-the-shelf CAR-T treatment in lymphoma.
Verily Health simplifies medical jargon alphabet soup with AI-powered app in new campaign
The company highlights the features of its AI-powered Verily Me app in two 30-second spots that launched across national TV, audio and social channels.
Viatris, Teva kick off separate recalls over dissolution, raw material issues
Viatris and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries recently launched separate recalls related to dissolution problems for a common anxiety medication and concerns around an unapproved raw material in a high blood pressure patch, respectively.
STAT+: Roche to launch another Elevidys trial, with eyes on European approval
Roche is launching a Phase 3 trial of the controversial Duchenne gene therapy Elevidys, hoping it could lead to approval in Europe.