NYU LANGONE HEALTH

A study finds low-dose minoxidil (Rogaine) safe for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, promoting hair regrowth without serious side effects.

Blue Shield of California’s drug benefit venture with Amazon Pharmacy and Abarca launches in January, aiming to save up to $500 million annually. The initiative, dubbed “Pharmacy Care Reimagined,” seeks transparency and cost savings for over five million health plan members, replacing CVS Health’s Caremark PBM. Abarca CEO Jason Borschow emphasizes eliminating conflicts, while Amazon Pharmacy’s Dr. Vin Gupta highlights simplifying medication management and home delivery for better health outcomes.

A 57-year-old woman with COPD received the world's first completely robotic double lung transplant at NYU Langone Health in October, performed by Dr. Stephanie Chang. This follows her previous achievement of the country's first robotic single lung transplant. The surgeries use a da Vinci Xi robot for minimally invasive procedures, marking a new era in lung transplantation.

NYU Langone's Sala Institute celebrated its impact on pediatric care at the 'Sala-bration' event, raising $3.2 million. The event honored Dr. Jason C. Fisher for his dedication to child- and family-centered care, with testimonials from grateful families. Sala Institute's programs focus on support services, resilience, and safety initiatives.

The 2024 Advances in Inflammatory Diseases (AIBD) conference, scheduled for December 9-11 at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Orlando, offers a diverse program with over 100 sessions and 150 abstracts, focusing on IBD care. Key features include pre-conference workshops, a new Pharmacy track, and the Sherman Prize honoring Dr. Millie D. Long, Dr. Dermot P.B. McGovern, and Dr. Jordan E. Axelrad for their contributions to IBD research and care.

A study on Medicaid acceptance among allergists in the US highlights barriers to care, affecting children's health outcomes. NYU Langone Health newsletters reference AJMC.com interviews on cancer care and overcoming medical mistrust. An AJMC.com article suggests reducing avoidable ED visits for mental health could save $8.3 billion annually. The FDA approved the first cholinergic receptor-targeting treatment for schizophrenia. A bill reintroduced by Sen Mike Lee aims to simplify biosimilar interchangeability requirements.

NYU Langone Health completes first robotic double lung transplant, reducing trauma and improving patient healing. The hospital's sustainability report highlights progress towards carbon neutrality and innovative environmental practices. Experts discuss weight loss interventions, including bariatric surgery versus GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital is recognized for top orthopedic care, and studies show exercise reduces atrial fibrillation risk and that over half of U.S. adults qualify for semaglutide. Sleep research reveals most adults fall short of recommended sleep hours, and experts advise on career flexibility and relaxed running techniques. Raw milk's health claims are debated, and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is discussed. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is highlighted for its medical benefits but cautioned for proper administration.

A 57-year-old woman with COPD received the world's first fully robotic double-lung transplant at NYU Langone Health, performed by Dr. Stephanie Chang. This follows her previous achievement of the nation's first fully robotic single lung transplant. The surgery aims to reduce postoperative pain and improve patient outcomes.

Two randomized trials presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting found no significant benefits of colchicine or a cocktail of herbal supplements over placebo for treating knee and hand osteoarthritis, respectively. Both studies highlighted similar degrees of improvement in pain and functional capabilities between active treatment and placebo groups, with placebo showing slight numerical advantages. No major safety issues were reported, though some patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms.

Kasey Bond emphasizes the importance of academic institutions and community-based practices partnering to improve cancer patient care, highlighting the need for policy reform, specialist support, and community-based services to address patient needs comprehensively.