CDC ENTEBBE

Aaron Siri, linked to RFK Jr., filed a 2022 petition to FDA to remove polio vaccine approval, claiming it doesn't prevent transmission. FDA's Peter Marks responded in 2023, stating the petition requires further review. Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, was nominated for HHS head by Trump. CDC reports polio vaccines are 99% effective and have largely eliminated infections in the U.S.

Aaron Siri, a lawyer aiding Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in selecting federal health officials, has petitioned to revoke polio vaccine approval and seeks to pause distribution of 13 other vaccines. His work, primarily for the Informed Consent Action Network, includes challenging COVID-19 mandates and suing federal agencies for vaccine approval records. Kennedy, President-elect Trump's health secretary pick, maintains he does not want to remove vaccine access but his partnership with Siri raises concerns among public health leaders.

Senate Democrats passed the Freedom to Plan Act to improve access to contraception by removing financial barriers for OTC hormonal and emergency contraceptives. The legislation aims to ensure equitable access, enhancing reproductive health and economic opportunities for Michiganders.

60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is conducting a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital to evaluate tafenoquine combined with standard treatment for hospitalized babesiosis patients. The trial aims to assess safety and efficacy, with endpoints including time to symptom resolution and molecular cure. Recruitment of 24-33 patients is planned for summer 2025, with an interim analysis expected in early 2026.

Obesity rates in the U.S. have slightly dropped to about 40%, linked to 13 cancers. Studies suggest weight-loss medicines like semaglutide may lower cancer risk. Dana-Farber researchers are testing interventions combining diet, exercise, and novel medicines to reduce cancer risk, focusing on specific high-risk groups.

MeMed's FDA-granted breakthrough device designation for its MeMed Severity test aids rapid risk stratification and disease progression prediction in acute infections. The test, using host-response technology and machine learning, provides results in under 15 minutes, aiding emergency department decision-making. The CDC estimates 1.7 million Americans are affected by sepsis annually, with 350,000 hospital deaths. The CDC's Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements guideline aims to improve sepsis management, with 78% of hospitals reporting dedicated sepsis committees in 2023.

NIH study finds tecovirimat safe but ineffective in reducing mpox lesion resolution time or pain among adults with mild to moderate clade II mpox. Study halted enrollment due to lack of efficacy, with no safety concerns reported.

A new RSV drug, nirsevimab, was 93% effective at preventing hospitalization and 89% effective at preventing all doctor visits for young children. The study suggests nirsevimab could have a substantial public health impact if used more widely.

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced a bill to allow state Medicaid programs to develop direct primary care models. CDC, FDA, NIH, and HRSA released various notices and guidance documents. House and Senate leadership negotiate an end-of-year funding package. President-elect Donald Trump announced nominations for CDC Director, NIH Director, FDA Commissioner, and Surgeon General.