UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Biden proposes Medicare, Medicaid cover GLP-1 weight-loss meds like Wegovy, Zepbound, pending Trump admin approval. Current law blocks coverage for 'weight loss' drugs, but Biden's plan reclassifies them as treatments for obesity and related health issues. CMS estimates 7.4 million new patients could benefit, but costs could reach $36 billion over a decade. Public support is strong, with 76% of older Americans favoring coverage.

Merck's Winrevair, added to background therapy, helped severe lung hypertension patients stay alive and avoid invasive care longer. The ZENITH trial's interim data showed Winrevair outperformed placebo, potentially expanding its use and peak annual earnings to $5 billion. Winrevair treats pulmonary arterial hypertension, improving walking speed and delaying complications, with the ZENITH study focusing on severe cases.

Merck announced significant progress in its Phase 3 ZENITH study for WINREVAIR, showing a statistically significant reduction in the risk of morbidity or mortality events in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. The study's positive results led to an early stop, allowing all participants to receive WINREVAIR. The treatment, already approved in the U.S. and 36 other countries, was recently submitted for approval in Japan. Merck's financial health and market position are strong, with a market capitalization of $250.89 billion and a robust gross profit margin of 76.59%.

Merck's Phase 3 ZENITH study met primary endpoint for WINREVAIR in PAH patients, showing significant reduction in morbidity/mortality events. Study stopped early; participants offered WINREVAIR. Second positive phase 3 trial supports WINREVAIR as an activin signaling inhibitor targeting PAH's underlying cause.

ZENITH study demonstrates overwhelming efficacy of WINREVAIR, an activin signaling inhibitor, in reducing risk of death, lung transplantation, or PAH hospitalizations in advanced PAH patients, prompting early conclusion and offering all participants WINREVAIR.

Merck's Phase 3 ZENITH trial of WINREVAIR met primary endpoint, showing significant reduction in PAH patients' morbidity/mortality risk. Trial stopped early due to efficacy, offering WINREVAIR in SOTERIA extension. Already approved in U.S. and 36 countries.

Ascentage Pharma appointed Ms. Marina S. Bozilenko and Dr. Debra Yu as independent non-executive directors, effective November 25, 2024.

Microsoft's AI healthcare suite aims to improve patient care, while major institutions like Yale, Harvard, and the University of Michigan explore AI initiatives. However, the rapid adoption of AI in healthcare raises concerns about oversight and potential pitfalls, such as AI's 'black box' nature and reliance on biased data. To ensure safety and fairness, stronger regulations, transparency in AI decision-making, and real-world performance tracking are needed. The FDA's approval process for AI medical devices is currently less extensive than for drugs, and a public database for AI device performance is crucial for accountability. Additional resources and public engagement are essential to shape a responsible use of AI in healthcare.

Former Cleveland Browns safety Jabrill Peppers, now a New England Patriots captain, faces trial on Jan. 22, 2025, on charges including assault, strangulation, and drug possession. Peppers pleaded not guilty and was placed on the NFL’s commissioner exempt list. His defense argues against the alleged victim’s claims using video evidence.