Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
A Single HPV Shot Can Protect For At Least 3 Years: Research
A single dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine is highly effective at preventing infections over three years, most likely lowering rates of cervical cancer and other diseases linked to the virus, according to a new study in Kenya. A single-dose strategy would dramatically extend supplies of the vaccine, lower costs and simplify distribution, which would make vaccination a more viable option in countries with limited resources, experts said. (Mandavilli, 5/2)
In other pharmaceutical developments 鈥
For the first time, previously unusable chemotherapy drugs reached brain tumors in humans after a cutting-edge procedure by a Northwestern University team. Doctors achieved the breakthrough with an innovative mix of ultrasound and microbubbles that opened the blood-brain barrier to allow the drugs to pass through. (Sheridan, 5/2)
Half a million people across the world die of the influenza virus each year in what pharmaceutical executives and researchers believe is a tragedy they can help prevent. Pfizer Inc., Moderna Inc. and other companies are using the mRNA technology behind the Covid-19 vaccines to improve the flu shot. Though as that work has progressed, it鈥檚 become apparent the task is far more challenging and urgent than expected. (Peebles, 5/3)
Eli Lilly is nearing the readout from a pivotal study of its experimental treatment for Alzheimer鈥檚 disease. The approval of a similar medicine earlier this year has wrung risk from the outcome, but for the same reason, expectations for strong results are higher. (Feuerstein and Garde, 5/2)
On the November morning when the sulfur burps began, Derron Borders was welcoming prospective students at the graduate school where he works in New York. Every few minutes, no matter how hard he tried to stop, another foul-smelling cloud escaped his mouth. 鈥淏urps that taste and smell like rotten eggs鈥擨 think that鈥檚 what I typed in Google,鈥 he told me. (Gutman-Wei, 5/2)
吃瓜不打烊: Listen To The Latest 鈥槼怨喜淮蜢 Minute鈥櫬
This week on the 吃瓜不打烊 Minute: the dangers behind fad weight loss drugs and what鈥檚 getting in the way of the United States鈥 goal to reduce HIV infections. (5/2)
On vaping 鈥
The tobacco giant RJ Reynolds is threatening to sue small vape shops if they do not stop selling flavored vapes, according to two letters obtained by STAT. (Florko, 5/3)
