Negotiators from around the world are meeting in Montreal this week to hammer out how to divide the billions of dollars and other benefits derived from using genetic sequences to make new drugs, cosmetics and agricultural products.
Why it matters: Without a system for sharing the benefits, countries don't have to be compensated by companies and can restrict access to genetic data and create obstacles to scientific research.
Five people, including two doctors and a San Fernando Valley drug dealer known as the "Ketamine Queen," have been charged in connection to the death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry, who suffered a fatal overdose in October 2023.
Medicare cut deals to lower the list prices of 10 widely used drugs between 38% and 79% during the first round of government price negotiations, the Biden administration said Thursday.
Why it matters: Officials said the first-ever talks will save taxpayers $6 billion. Seniors should save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs when the price changes take effect in 2026.
Osteopathic physicians have similar jobs and training to M.D.s. But they say they're lagging far behind when it comes to representation on federal panels that make key recommendations on medical research funding and policy.
Why it matters: The disparity could keep federal dollars from programs that teach one-quarter of America's future physicians and perpetuate negative perceptions that hurt newly minted D.O.s' chances of getting into certain residencies.
The informational pamphlet that will be sent to Arizona voters this fall will call fetuses "unborn human beings" in the description of a citizen initiative that would restore Roe-era abortion protections.
Why it matters: Abortion rights advocates say the language is biased and meant to confuse and scare voters.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the deadly new form of mpox spreading through parts of Africa a global health emergency.
Why it matters: The outbreak is more serious than the mpox epidemic that blanketed the world in 2022 and 2023, and this emergency designation could accelerate the sharing of vaccines and other countermeasures with affected nations.
About 7 in 10 women in Florida and Arizona say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, according to a new KFF Women's Health Survey.
Why it matters: The survey offers a glimpse at sentiments held in the two closely watched states where abortion rights measures will be on the ballot this November.
The confidential nature of the Biden administration's drug price negotiations has made theprocess and outcome of thelong-sought Democratic policy goal something of a mystery.
Why it matters: The administration is expected to announce the results of those negotiations this week, and there's plenty of speculation about the actual savings that will be realized starting in 2026 — and how aggressive the Biden administration got on pharma in an election year.
