A divided U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday indefinitely extended a freeze on strict new restrictions for dispensing the widely used abortion pill mifepristone while an underlying legal fight over the drug plays out.
Why it matters: The widely expected order provides legal certainty for pharmacies, telehealth companies and clinicians caught up in the latest battle over accessing the pill.
Two high-profile doctors are urging policymakers to support autonomous vehicle deployment, arguing the technology is already saving lives and should be a public health imperative.
Why it matters: It adds a public health voice to a broader policy push by the AV industry as state legislation stalls and debate over long-delayed federal regulations heats up in Congress.
A coalition of 29 major health care players is coming together to simplify the prior authorization process for medical treatments, Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, announced at Axios' Future of Health Summit Wednesday.
The big picture: Last summer, several top health insurers voluntary pledged to streamline and improve the prior authorization process across all health insurance markets.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said Wednesday he'd back President Trump's push to pursue a "most-favored-nation" drug policy at Axios Future of Health summit.
Why it matters: Bipartisan support will be necessary for Congress to codify Trump's plan into law at a time when a majority of Americans are at least somewhat worried about being able to afford prescription drugs.
The CEO of the main pharmaceutical company trade group on Wednesday called for the next Food and Drug Administration commissioner to "calm the waters" and ensure stability as drug companies develop new treatments.
Why it matters: The FDA has faced a tumultuous several months leading up to commissioner Marty Makary's resignation Tuesday, with staff layoffs and top leaders heading out the door.
The federal government's lagging response to thehantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship is fueling concerns about the government's preparedness for a more widespread infectious disease emergency.
Why it matters: Public health experts say the response underscored vulnerabilities tied to the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization, as well as layoffs and leadership turnover at federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Marty Makary's departure from the Food and Drug Administration may remove one of the Trump administration's lightning rods for controversy.
But it won't solve the organizational upheaval and political jockeying that marked much of his 13-month tenure.
Why it matters: There's lots of uncertainty around how the Senate will find the bandwidth to confirm another FDA commissioner while it considers President Trump's nominees for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director and surgeon general.
Anyone who's been on a dating app knows the weary disclaimer: "Not looking for a pen pal." Since the pandemic, and as Gen Z has come of age, people looking for love have soured entirely on swiping.
Why it matters: The push for in-person connection shows up in research data, product launches, extensive coverage of the loneliness epidemic, and Gen Z's app aversion.
But approaching and connecting with strangers in real life is a different skill — and for many daters, a rusty one.
