AMA Too Woke? FDA Warns on Probiotics; Medicare Drug-Price Negotiation Moves Forward

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The GOP’s physician lawmakers in Congress say the American Medical Association’s “wokeism” is straining its credibility on standard issues like how much Medicare should pay doctors. (Politico)

The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to scientists whose research helped lay the groundwork for the mRNA COVID vaccines. (Axios)

Speaking of which, about 1.8 million people in the U.S. received the updated COVID vaccines last week. (Reuters)

Helped by climate change, the mosquitoes are winning the battle against malaria’s spread, according to a package of articles from the New York Times, with some scientists saying genetically engineered bugs are the answer.

Short bursts of activity can lower a person’s risk for heart attack, stroke, or death. (Lancet Public Health)

Hospitals in Appalachia pledged not to drive up prices and to expand charity care if allowed to merge, but data show they’re failing to live up to those promises. (KFF Health News)

The FDA rejected lebrikizumab for atopic dermatitis, citing manufacturing concerns, Eli Lilly announced.

But the agency approved tocilizumab-bavi (Tofidence), the first biosimilar to Actemra, for treating adult and pediatric arthritis.

The FDA also warned on the risk for invasive disease with probiotics in preterm infants and about potentially harmful hidden ingredients in supplements promoted for arthritis and pain.

Proponents of birthing centers believe they improve health outcomes, but regulators aren’t so sure. (New York Times)

An appeals court ruling has paved the way for Idaho’s near-total abortion ban to take effect. (Reuters)

Meanwhile, women in the state are now struggling to find basic maternity care. (NBC News)

COVID-associated sepsis was common during the pandemic. (JAMA Network Open)

The World Health Organization called for ditching the influenza B/Yamagata strain in annual flu shots. (STAT)

Cigna reached a settlement with the U.S. Office of Inspector General over allegations the insurer overcharged for its Medicare Advantage program. (Reuters)

Medicare drug-price negotiation can proceed, a federal judge ruled. (Reuters)

During the first 7 months of the year, drugmakers spent nearly $500 million on ads for obesity and diabetes drugs. (CNBC)

A Chicago mother was diagnosed with acute leukemia after her child’s pediatrician noticed the woman’s color appeared off. (People)

Most adolescents who quit vaping did so without the support of vaping cessation programs. (Pediatrics)

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield died at age 57, reportedly due to brain cancer. (New York Times)

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