CDC Director Independence
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Senators on Wednesday that Erica Schwartz, MD, MPH, will be able to independently make vaccine decisions if confirmed as CDC director. This statement came a day after Kennedy told House lawmakers he could not commit to allowing Schwartz to implement vaccine guidance without interference.
Medical Survey on Health Beliefs
More than two-thirds of people believe at least one unproven claim, such as “fluoride in water is harmful” or “raw milk is healthier than pasteurized” milk, according to an international survey published in Nature.
AI Regulation and Mental Health
The American Medical Association urged Congress to implement stricter regulations for artificial intelligence-powered chatbots, as their use grows for mental health care. The FDA expanded approval for dupilumab (Dupixent) in chronic spontaneous urticaria to include children ages 2 to 11 years, according to an announcement from Sanofi and Regeneron.
Medication Access Improvements
Use of medication for opioid use disorder increased among Medicaid beneficiaries in nearly every state from 2019 to 2023, suggesting improved access. Oral semaglutide (Ozempic) significantly reduced blood glucose in a phase III trial of adolescents with type 2 diabetes, according to Novo Nordisk. An investigational gene therapy restored hearing in 90% of trial participants born with autosomal recessive deafness 9 caused by OTOF mutations.
Healthcare Economics and Access
A plastic surgeon received $440,000 for a single breast reduction surgery, with reporting suggesting the “No Surprises Act” may have played a role. Some patients are being forced off their GLP-1 medication after losing insurance coverage. Use of medication for opioid use disorder increased among nearly every state’s Medicaid beneficiaries from 2019 to 2023.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.medpagetoday.com/washington-watch/washington-watch/120918