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good morning. This week is almost over. But first, it must pass the FDA’s peptide review board for two days. Scroll down to see a preview.
More than 1,000 people die from Ebola hemorrhagic fever
More than 1,000 people have been confirmed dead in the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history, according to the Africa CDC. “These people are dying. They’re dying because there’s no vaccine, there’s no medicine, there’s no funding,” Health Agency Director General Jean Caseya said yesterday. Read more about the situation from The Associated Press.
There is no approved vaccine or treatment for this type of Ebola virus, called Bundibugyo. But as STAT’s Helen Branswell reported last night, a growing body of research shows that the Merck vaccine, which is designed for a different virus strain, still provides some protection and may help stop the spread. Read more about how that work is progressing.
Campaign on the Federal Office of Men’s Health
A bipartisan bill to create an Office of Men’s Health within HHS is scheduled to be introduced in the Senate today, STAT’s Annalisa Merelli exclusively reports. Similar attempts have been made several times in the past, but this year’s momentum is unprecedented. The Senate proposal mirrors one introduced in the House this year and has bipartisan support for the first time. Read Nalis’ article for more information.
Will new obstetric payment codes help or hurt?
Historically in the United States, the costs of childbirth (at least when it comes to doctor and hospital fees) have been presented to patients as large bills after delivery. In March, the American Medical Association announced that this “global” fee model would be replaced by a pay-as-you-go system at the end of the year, requiring separate payment codes for services such as prenatal and postnatal visits, fetal monitoring, and more.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has advocated for the change and welcomed the new bill, saying it will make it easier for patients to understand and improve both the care they receive and the way they understand their maternal health more broadly. In a new first opinion essay, two ACOG leaders explain their rationale for “benevolently eliminating” blanket care and driving change.
The AMA says the changes are cost-neutral, but not everyone is so convinced. In a companion essay, health policy and management expert Jeff Levin Schertz argues that the changes are likely to increase the cost of maternity care, with employers who sponsor health insurance plans likely to bear the brunt. But there are ways to prepare for these changes, he says. Read here to learn more about how.
Significant delay in return to work after refusing vaccination
In his first month as president, Trump signed an executive order pledging to reinstate all military members who were discharged or voluntarily retired from the military for refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine. The order applied to approximately 8,000 active duty and reserve soldiers who were involuntarily separated for refusing to fire, more than half of whom did not receive an honorable discharge. And it’s not just about getting your job back, Trump also promised a “full refund.”
War Horse reporter Leah Rosenbaum spoke with four military members who are taking up the Trump administration’s offer. They all complained of months of bureaucratic red tape even though they were told they would be given priority. “This is like a big slap in the face,” said one Coast Guard member who rejected the initial offer as inappropriate. Read more from Leah about the reality revealed after the ink dried on her order.
Collisions are expected in today’s peptide panels
Peptide use among Americans is rapidly increasing, even in the absence of safety data. (“I’m a peptide princess now,” comedian Gabby Bryan said in a recent podcast interview, explaining that while the six types of peptides she takes from doctors are available, they are cheaper at a dealer in Arizona.) FDA committees will meet today and tomorrow to discuss regulatory changes that would make certain peptides more accessible through mainstream channels.
At issue is whether compounding pharmacies will be allowed to manufacture seven types of peptides that are currently designated as unsafe to manufacture. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said it’s safer for patients to get it from FDA-inspected facilities than “very substandard” gray and black market options. Critics, including FDA officials, say it doesn’t matter if the safety of high-quality synthetic peptides remains in question. Read more about what to expect from the panel and who will have the final say from STAT’s Sarah Todd and Lizzie Lawrence.
what we are reading
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American scientists believe charges are part of federal campaign against them, KFF Health News
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Cyclosporosis cases hit record high in US, New York Times
- Tennis becomes first major women’s sports league to require genetic testing, announced on 19th
- Federal judge questions Hegseth’s ‘High Tea’ military plan in light of President Trump’s anti-trans ban, Law Dork
- States want to bring Medicaid to prisons. Trade-offs made more difficult by changes in the federal government
