CDC ENTEBBE

Sen. Patty Murray opposes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary, citing his anti-vaccine stance. Kennedy, chosen by President-elect Trump, has questioned vaccine safety and promoted debunked claims. Murray highlights the bipartisan support for vaccines and public health research, noting the politicization of COVID vaccines has increased vaccine hesitancy. Washington state has seen a rise in whooping cough cases and a decline in childhood vaccination rates, raising concerns about herd immunity.

The toxoplasmosis treatment drugs market is projected to grow from $3.16 billion in 2023 to $4.18 billion by 2028, driven by rising prevalence, product innovations, and increased healthcare expenditure.

The 2024 election results will likely lead to Republican-driven changes in pharmacy regulation, focusing on transparency, biosimilar products, vaccines, and pharmacist scope of practice. The Trump administration may enforce stricter drug price transparency rules, improve biosimilar access, and influence vaccine policies and pharmacist roles.

Enanta Pharmaceuticals to present topline results from Phase 2 RSVPEDs study evaluating zelicapavir for RSV in children aged 28 days to 36 months on December 9 at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Advocates urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand NY's overdose reversal medications, as traditional Narcan doses become less effective against fentanyl-laced drugs. The state Health Department plans to diversify its supply but not until current contracts expire. Legislation to mandate broader FDA-approved options failed in the Senate, prompting calls for immediate action in Hochul's upcoming State of the State address or budget proposal.

Countries worldwide are advancing genomic medicine, with the UK leading through the 100,000 Genomes Project, the US investing heavily in research via NIH, France implementing the French Plan for Genomic Medicine 2025, Germany launching GenomDE, and the UAE and Australia also making significant strides. These initiatives aim to improve patient outcomes through personalised treatments, requiring adequate funding, clear regulatory pathways, and ethical safeguards.

Neurologist Kelly Gwathmey launched the VCU Health Rapid Access ALS Program to reduce up-to-15-month ALS diagnosis waits. The program offers immediate expert access and same-day testing, aiming to improve patient outcomes through early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care. Gwathmey highlights racial disparities in ALS diagnosis delays, with Black patients waiting 65% longer. The program also educates providers on ALS symptoms and promotes early referral to the clinic.

The Supreme Court will review whether the FDA unlawfully blocked the marketing and sale of over a million new sweet and candy-flavored nicotine products, amid concerns over youth vaping. Two manufacturers sued the FDA after their product applications were rejected, arguing that flavors are crucial for adult smokers to switch from combustible cigarettes. A federal appeals court sided with the companies, and if the Supreme Court upholds this ruling, it could allow broader marketing and sale of flavored nicotine products.