Health

Gilead Sciences, a major pharmaceutical company, recently unveiled a major initiative to fight HIV globally by enabling the production of a generic version of its breakthrough drug, lenacapavir. This injectable drug, administered every two years, has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in preventing HIV infections. Under the new agreement, Gilead will grant free licenses to six generic drug makers based in Asia and North Africa. These manufacturers are authorized to distribute the drug at a reduced cost in 120 countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, the regions most affected by HIV. This strategic move aims to make this life-saving treatment accessible to those…

As marijuana legalization expands in the United States, concerns about potential health risks are growing. While most users experience no problems, a growing number, particularly heavy users, report addiction, psychosis and other negative consequences. Dr. Kevin Gray, a psychiatrist specializing in bio-behavioral medicine, highlights the complex nature of cannabis: “Cannabis has both therapeutic and potentially problematic effects.” The New York Times interviewed hundreds of people experiencing serious and sometimes frightening symptoms related to cannabis use. One story tells of actor David Krumholtz, who after resuming marijuana use, developed cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). This debilitating condition causes cycles of intense nausea…

Rwanda is currently battling an epidemic of Marburg virus disease, a rare but serious hemorrhagic fever. Since the end of September, 36 cases and 11 deaths have been reported. Although caused by different viruses, Marburg shares similarities with Ebola in transmission, symptoms and progression. The virus is initially transmitted from fruit bats to humans. Previous outbreaks have occurred in Africa, but not in Rwanda. A medical student in Germany who had contact with an infected patient in Rwanda has shown symptoms. Tests confirmed negative for Marburg, reassuring the public that there is no current risk. First identified in 1967, Marburg…

In a distressing turn of events, Dr. Anna Nusslock, a 36-year-old chiropractor from Eureka, California, was faced with a critical medical situation that brought unexpected legal and ethical challenges to the forefront. In February, Dr Nusslock, who was pregnant with twins, suffered a premature rupture of membranes at 15 weeks' gestation. Medical assessments indicated that the survival of her twins was highly unlikely and that continuing the pregnancy posed serious risks to her health, including potential infections and significant blood loss. Despite the urgent medical recommendation for an abortion given the non-viability of the fetuses and the health risks involved,…

Despite previous assurances, former President Donald J. Trump continues to hide his medical records from the public. This continued secrecy raises concerns especially as he runs for office again, potentially becoming the oldest president in history by the end of his term. His refusal to share even the most basic health information remains a point of contention. During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump was reluctant to share his medical history, opting instead to release a brief statement from his doctor saying he would be "the healthiest individual ever elected president." His health again became the subject of intense speculation in…

A pharmaceutical company's attempt to win approval for a new Alzheimer's treatment, simufilam, continues amid a flurry of controversy and regulatory challenges. Recent investigations have cast doubt on the basic studies supporting simufilam. These concerns increased when scientific journals retracted several studies and key figures at Cassava Sciences, the drug's sponsor, resigned. Despite these setbacks, in September the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accused Cassava Sciences of disseminating misleading data about their clinical trials. However, the company settled these charges by paying $40 million, without admitting any guilt. Interestingly, simufilam is still undergoing Phase 3 trials, involving more than 1,900…

A recent incident in western Minnesota resulted in a rabies-related death, marking the fifth such case in the state since 1975, according to health officials. The individual, exposed to a bat earlier this year, died from the disease this week, prompting further investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health. While the exact cause is still under investigation, officials confirmed the patient's exposure to a bat in July. This case was officially diagnosed as rabies by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month. Health authorities have reassured the public that this incident does not pose a threat…

Health systems are increasingly uploading therapists' progress reports to online patient portals, prompting unexpected reactions from some patients. This step towards digital transparency is intended to foster better patient engagement in their mental health care by providing them with direct access to session notes. However, the initiative has also raised concerns about privacy and the emotional impact on patients who may not be prepared to see detailed and sometimes critical assessments of their psychological profiles. For example, Jeffrey, a 76-year-old patient, shared his disturbing experience of finding his treatment notes online, which included deeply personal details and assessments of his…

In an effort to mitigate potential backlash in the upcoming presidential election, the Biden administration announced a significant reduction in Medicare drug premiums for 2025, achieved by allocating billions in subsidies to insurers. This strategic decision aims to prevent increased costs for older Americans, who represent a crucial voter base. The administration used funds from the Medicare fund to subsidize insurance companies, preventing what could have been a sharp increase in premiums due to the $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses introduced by President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act. Without this government intervention, older individuals could have faced an annual increase…

Recent concerns have prompted an official call for an investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving a top FDA medical device official, Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, and his wife's legal activities. Dr. Shuren, who will retire from the Food and Drug Administration later this year, has faced scrutiny over his professional actions, which may have coincided with his wife Allison's legal representation of medical device companies Shuren. Christina Jewett reports that Representatives Anna Eshoo of California and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut have officially called on the inspector general to look into these potential ethical conflicts. Both lawmakers, influential members of the…