MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL

A Harvard Medical School study reveals that hospitals acquired by private equity firms see a 25% increase in patient complications, including falls and infections, despite fewer central line placements. The research highlights concerns over profit-driven incentives affecting patient care quality, with calls for increased transparency and policy interventions to safeguard healthcare standards.

U.S. FDA approved Eli Lilly's Zepbound, a version of diabetes drug Mounjaro, for weight loss, aiding up to 60-pound loss in trials. It targets obesity or overweight with health conditions, requiring diet and exercise. Despite high efficacy, concerns over access and affordability persist, with a $1,000 monthly price and insurance coverage issues.

The CENTAUR trial evaluated sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol (PB and TURSO) for ALS, showing a 4.8-month longer median survival and 36% lower death risk compared to placebo. A post hoc analysis using PRO-ACT database external controls found a 10.39-month longer survival for PB and TURSO, suggesting a greater survival benefit than ITT analysis indicated.

A groundbreaking study by Bay Area Lyme Foundation reveals RST1 OspC type A strains of Borrelia burgdorferi, causing Lyme disease, are linked to severe symptoms. This research, analyzing 299 samples, identifies genetic markers for dissemination, aiding in diagnostics and tailored treatments, highlighting regional strain differences and their clinical impacts.

Statin use linked to better survival in breast cancer patients, particularly reducing all-cause and cancer-related deaths, not cardiovascular deaths, according to a Taiwanese study. Despite mixed results from previous studies, statins may enhance cancer treatment effectiveness without adverse effects on survival or recurrence risk.

Optogenetic targeting of astrocytes restores slow brain rhythm function and slows Alzheimer’s disease pathology, as per a preprint by Yee Fun Lee et al., licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0.

Cytrellis Biosystems celebrates the 100th delivery of its ellacor system, featuring Micro-Coring Technology for scarless skin removal, marking a milestone in aesthetic medicine. Adopted by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, ellacor fills a treatment gap between energy-based devices and facelifts, offering a non-surgical solution for wrinkles and sagging skin.

Amplify invests in and manages pre-commercial projects with high potential, focusing on bridging the gap in life science translation from research to clinical proof-of-concept. It supports the development of therapeutics, medical devices, and diagnostics from Mass General Brigham hospitals, working closely with principal investigators.

Health equity in genomics and precision medicine is crucial to prevent widening health disparities. Disparities in implementation of genomic medicine, especially for tier 1 applications like familial hypercholesterolemia and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, are evident among racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities, and those with lower income or education. Public health actions, including community engagement, improving genetic health literacy, and building a diverse workforce, are essential to ensure equitable access and benefits from genomic advancements.

During National Minority Health Month, leaders unite to combat health disparities worsened by COVID-19, focusing on obesity, hypertension, and diabetes in the Black community. The Choose Healthy Life initiative promotes health equity through faith-based actions and advocates for policy reforms to expand access to obesity care, emphasizing the urgent need for action to save lives and address systemic health inequities.