Bayer is fighting to keep the popular agricultural herbicide Roundup available for farmers in the U.S., but could "reach the end of the road" and pull out of the market amid mounting challenges, CEO Bill Anderson said at an Axios event on Wednesday night.
Why it matters: Anderson said the chemical, known as glyphosate, has been repeatedly found safe and is "table stakes" for feeding the world.
The Food and Drug Administration is requiring Pfizer and Moderna to expand warnings on the labels of their COVID-19 vaccines for the risk of heart inflammation in adolescents and young men.
The big picture: The agency cited updated estimates of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis — inflammation of heart muscle and surrounding tissue — and a post-approval study showing the persistence of heart abnormalities months after getting the mRNA shots.
Former President Biden's cancer diagnosis and new revelations about the White House's efforts to hide his deteriorating health highlight the murky standards for what health information presidents are required to disclose.
The big picture: There is no legal requirement for presidents to divulge their health records or status. There's also no agreed-upon definition of what being "fit for office" means.
Why it matters: It would be the latest chapter in a battle with brand-name GLP-1 giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly as millions try to get their hands on versions of the blockbuster drugs.
A little-discussed provision on student loan policies in President Trump's massive budget bill would restrict borrowing for medical school and possibly exacerbate the country's physician shortage.
Why it matters: The U.S. is already projected to face a deficit of 187,130 physicians by 2037, with shortages particularly acute in specialties like vascular and thoracic surgery.
Representatives for Andrew Cuomo, a New York City mayoral race front-runner, on Tuesday questioned the timing of a reported Trump Department of Justice investigation into the former Democratic N.Y. governor.
Why it matters: The New York Times first reported that the investigation into Cuomo over decisions he made as governor during the COVID pandemic began about a month ago, after the DOJ moved to have the criminal corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams dismissed.
New research says 49 is the age when physical activity markedly declines.
Why it matters: Putting a number on when exercise drops off could encourage people to establish active habits early — before brain changes can make it harder to get moving.
Former President Biden's team on Tuesday sought to shut down questions over how long they've known about his cancer diagnosis.
The big picture: After previous concerns that the 82-year-old's health issues may have been covered up in the past, Biden's disclosure over the weekend that he has Stage 4 prostate cancer was met with both sympathy and speculation over its timing.
The Food and Drug Administration will require drug manufacturers to conduct more scientific studies before approving updated COVID-19 vaccines for healthy adults under age 65.
Why it matters: The policy change announced Tuesday will likely limit access to the shots to seniors and individuals with pre-existing conditions who are at higher risk of serious infections.
Pfizeron Tuesday announced a cancer drug licensing deal with Chinese biotech 3SBio that includes a $1.25 billion upfront payment and $4.8 billion in potential earnouts. Pfizer also plans to invest $100 million for an equity stake.
Why it matters: This highlights how globalization is still finding a way in pharma, despite trade tensions that threaten to fracture the market.
Opioid abuse is as much an economic problem as a public health one, according to a comprehensive analysis provided first to Axios that concludes the total average annual cost associated with each case is nearly $700,000.
Why it matters: The cost burden falls unevenly, with states in a belt stretching through Appalachia to New England typically having bigger caseloadsand a higher cost per case.
The Medicaid battlebeing waged by House Republicans is just the latest iteration of a long-running fight to repeal the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.
Why it matters: Millions of Americans stand to lose health coverage if the Medicaid cuts in the latest version of the reconciliation bill become law.
Former President Biden's disclosure that he had Stage 4 prostate cancer was quickly met with sympathy late Sunday. By Monday morning, the questions — from Democrats and Republicans alike — had begun.
Why it matters: The timing of Biden's announcement, coupled with the way his handlers tried to cover up his health issues in the past, fueled speculation about how long he'd known about the cancer.
