Today's Healthcare Pulse
Abridge teams with Eli Lilly and Nvidia to expand AI scribe platform
Abridge announced a strategic investment from Eli Lilly and a partnership with Nvidia to build a foundation model for clinical conversations. The collaboration aims to broaden Abridge’s AI‑scribe services across more health systems and integrate with payers. The company already supports over 300 health systems.
Also developing:
Week in Review
President Trump signed an executive order allocating $50 million to accelerate state‑led psychedelic research and to streamline FDA, DEA and DOJ reviews of ibogaine‑based therapies. A federal appeals court vacated a halt on the “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center, while a Massachusetts judge blocked Trump‑era energy policies that would have slowed solar and wind projects. The Education Department proposed tying federal loan eligibility to graduates' earnings, and the Rural Housing Service suggested excluding real‑estate commissions from loan‑cost caps. Meanwhile, Alabama enacted a new privacy law, Pennsylvania protected Medicaid abortion funding, and California’s tech‑bias bill stalled in committee.
Kennedy’s CDC Blocks Publication of Study that Shows Vaccines Reduce Hospitalizations by 50%, Then Misrepresents Why
The CDC’s flagship Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) blocked a study that found COVID‑19 vaccines cut emergency‑room visits and hospitalizations by roughly 50% among healthy adults last winter. The paper had cleared internal scientific review but was halted after...
Viewpoint: ‘Make America Pregnant Again’ — Trump Guts Support for Birth Control to Placate the Right’s Birth Obsession
President Trump’s administration has quietly released new Department of Health and Human Services funding guidelines that effectively dismantle the Title X family‑planning program. The rules restrict the use of federal dollars for affordable contraception, aligning the program with anti‑abortion and pronatalist...
In Zimbabwe, an Almost-Deadly Collision Between Fake News and a Real Virus
In early 2023 Zimbabwe detected circulating vaccine‑derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in Harare, prompting a national emergency and the import of 10.5 million doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). A parallel wave of WhatsApp misinformation—claiming the vaccine causes infertility and...
What Trump’s Psychedelics Executive Order Means for Basic Neuroscience
President Donald Trump issued an executive order to accelerate clinical research on psychedelic drugs, allocating at least $50 million for state‑run programs and directing the FDA to speed up drug reviews. The order also tasks the attorney general with reviewing the...
AI Not 'Economically Viable' If It Doesn't Replace at Least some Radiologists, Experts Claim
Experts argue that artificial intelligence will only be economically viable in radiology if it replaces a portion of the radiology workforce. While AI is marketed as an augmentative tool, its true financial value lies in labor substitution and operational efficiency....
Teenage Mono Infection Linked to Higher Risk of Multiple Sclerosis Later in Life
A new long‑term study linking teenage infectious mononucleosis to a three‑fold increase in multiple sclerosis risk was conducted by researchers at Moderna and the Mayo Clinic using Rochester Epidemiology Project data. The analysis covered over two decades of health records,...
Regulatory Review: Andrographis, Caffeine Warning, Biotics and More
Regulators across several markets are tightening rules for dietary supplements and natural health products. Australia’s TGA is consulting on removing Andrographis from its low‑risk ingredient list after anaphylaxis reports, while the EU continues to block probiotic health claims and has...
How Phoenix Rebellion Therapy Approaches Depression Therapy in Salt Lake City
Phoenix Rebellion Therapy in Salt Lake City delivers comprehensive depression treatment for adults and adolescents, beginning with a thorough assessment and an individualized, evidence‑based plan. The practice blends cognitive‑behavioral strategies, emotion‑focused work, trauma‑informed care, and medication when appropriate. It also...
When to Consider Cosmetic Dentistry and Why It Works
Cosmetic dentistry is increasingly popular for its dual promise of a brighter smile and functional oral improvements. Treatments such as professional whitening, veneers, and alignment address stubborn stains, chipped teeth, and minor bite issues while boosting confidence. Successful outcomes depend...
'Sterility Failures' Prompt FDA to Threaten Radiopharmaceutical Producer with Disciplinary Action
The FDA issued a warning letter to the University of California San Francisco Radiopharmaceutical Facility after sterility testing uncovered Bacillus contamination in a PET‑imaging agent batch. The agency found the facility’s explanation—that the bacteria entered the test tube during analysis—insufficient...
Spring Health Launches Guide, AI‑led Platform to Keep Mental‑health Care Continuous for Employees
Spring Health introduced Guide, an AI‑led experience that links therapy, coaching and medication across job changes and life events. The platform targets the industry’s chronic low‑utilization problem—about 60% of enrolled employees never book a first session and one‑third attend only...
Early Weight‑Bearing Cuts Recovery Time After Hip Fracture Surgery
Researchers led by Ma, Y. and colleagues demonstrated that a standardized early weight‑bearing protocol enables older patients to regain walking ability and strength weeks sooner after intertrochanteric fracture surgery, without increasing fixation failures. The findings could shift postoperative care toward...
Results May Vary, But Reporting Shouldn’t: FDA Sends a Not-So-Gentle Reminder on ClinicalTrials.gov Compliance
On March 30, 2026, the FDA emailed more than 2,200 sponsors and investigators linked to over 3,000 clinical trials that have not posted required results on ClinicalTrials.gov or failed quality‑control review. The agency reminded that results must be posted within...
Belite Bio Files NDA for Tinlarebant After 35.7% Lesion Reduction in Phase 3 Trial
Belite Bio began a rolling New Drug Application for tinlarebant on April 21, 2026, after its Phase 3 DRAGON trial demonstrated a 35.7% reduction in retinal lesion growth for Stargardt disease patients. The filing could accelerate approval for the first...
OZMOSI Teams with Planview to Deploy AI‑Driven Portfolio Planning for Pharma R&D
OZMOSI announced a strategic partnership with Planview, integrating its machine‑readable clinical intelligence into Planview’s AI‑driven portfolio management platform. The deal gives pharmaceutical teams access to data from more than 800,000 trials, 35,000 drugs and 4,000 diseases, promising faster, data‑backed R&D...
Philips Secures FDA Clearance for Rembra CT Platform, Boosting Frontline Imaging Speed
Philips received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Rembra CT platform, a system built for ultra‑fast, high‑throughput imaging that can handle up to 270 exams per day. The clearance expands Philips' portfolio across diagnostic radiology and radiation therapy, aiming to meet...
The Horrors That Could Lie Ahead if Vaccines Vanish
Stanford researchers modeled the health impact of a complete loss of childhood vaccines for polio, measles, rubella and diphtheria over the next 25 years. Their simulations show that even at today’s vaccination levels the U.S. is on the brink of...
Burnout in Medicine Is Still Prevalent, With Emergency Medicine Leading
A new American Medical Association report shows physician burnout modestly improving, with 41.9% reporting at least one symptom in 2025, down from 48.2% in 2023. Emergency medicine remains the most affected specialty at 49.8%, followed closely by urological surgery. The...
Cumberland Pharma’s $100 Million Sale to Apotex Affiliate Sends Stock 44% Higher
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. agreed to sell its branded U.S. drug portfolio to an affiliate of Apotex for $100 million, prompting a 44% surge in its Nasdaq‑listed shares. The deal highlights ongoing consolidation in the specialty pharma market and raises questions about...
Weight Control Depends on Calories, Not Lifelong GLP‑1
The most annoying question that everyone keeps asking me is if I have to continue to take a glp-1 for life. Stopping a glp-1 doesn't make you gain weight. Eating a calorie surplus makes you gain weight. I know exactly how...
Pandemics Kill More Than Wars—Vaccines Are National Security
When I tell people that pandemic/epidemic preparedness & vaccination are critical to national security, people often say “huh”? The 1918 pandemic killed more people than WWI. In WWII flu tore up troops in Europe, so we invented flu vaccines before the...
United Kingdom to Enact Smoking Ban Only for Those Who Are Not Yet Legal Adults
The UK Parliament approved a bill that will permanently prohibit the sale of tobacco to anyone born in 2009 or later, effectively creating a “smoke‑free generation.” The measure applies to all four nations of the United Kingdom and will take...
FGF21 Shows Dual Action: Reduces Drinking, Shields Liver
The study validated FGF21-a liver-derived hormone currently in clinical trials for fatty liver disease “as a dual-action therapeutic that both curbs harmful drinking behaviors and protects against alcohol-related liver injury https://t.co/VdPZvQQ9qp
Houston Friday Night: Comedy, Immunization Partnership Celebrate Vaccines
Friday night in HoustonTX I will be there along with The Immunization Partnership and COMEDY INJECTION, VACCINES: 9th Wonder of the World https://t.co/GPSrrB3poV https://t.co/THhFN31ebn
Are Labor’s NDIS Reforms Too Good to Be True?
The Australian government will overhaul the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by introducing stricter eligibility criteria, announced by Health Minister Mark Butler. All 760,000 current participants will be reassessed, with a goal of removing 160,000 people from the program by...
Why Carpet Disinfectant Is Critical for Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities
Carpet surfaces in hospitals and clinics can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens deep within their fibers, turning them into hidden reservoirs of infection. While routine cleaning removes visible dirt, it does not reliably eliminate these microorganisms, making disinfection a...
Iowa Launches Pilot to Embed Mental‑Health Care in Cancer Treatment
Iowa health officials have begun a statewide pilot that integrates mental‑health screening and therapy referrals into oncology clinics. The effort targets rising cancer rates and a chronic shortage of mental‑health providers, especially in rural counties. Advocates say the model could...
Study Finds Preschoolers with Congenital Heart Defects Face Higher ADHD and Social Risks
A UK research team reported that preschoolers born with congenital heart disease (CHD) are significantly more likely to develop attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder and peer‑relationship difficulties. The study also found that a cognitively stimulating home can lower those odds, offering a clear...
Study Finds Rapamycin May Undermine Exercise Benefits
Researchers at the Lifespan Research Institute reported that rapamycin, a leading longevity drug, may blunt the physiological gains from regular exercise. The finding challenges the common biohacker practice of pairing rapamycin with fitness regimens and highlights a potential trade‑off between...
Hims & Hers Gains 7% on FDA Peptide Review, Faces Amazon Competition
Hims & Hers Health surged more than 7% when the FDA scheduled a July 23‑24 meeting to review several peptide drugs, giving investors a new growth narrative. The rally was later tempered as Amazon launched a competing GLP‑1 weight‑loss service,...
TCV‑Backed Kipu Health Acquires Team Recovery to Bolster Behavioral Health Platform
Kipu Health, the TCV‑backed behavioral‑health technology leader, announced the acquisition of Team Recovery Technologies, a provider serving more than 150 U.S. treatment centers. The deal expands Kipu’s platform with alumni‑engagement and referral‑growth tools, underscoring a private‑equity‑style push to consolidate health‑tech...
Spinogenix Starts CLARITY Phase 2b/3 Trial of SPG601 for Fragile X Syndrome
Spinogenix, a clinical‑stage biopharma, has launched the CLARITY trial – a two‑part Phase 2b/3 study of its oral BK‑channel modulator SPG601 in male patients with Fragile X Syndrome. The initial arm will enroll up to 48 adult males, followed by...
Molina Healthcare Beats Q1 Forecast on Cost Controls, Shares Jump 11%
Molina Healthcare reported first‑quarter adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, surpassing analyst expectations of $1.92‑$2.17. The Medicaid‑heavy insurer credited disciplined medical‑cost management and a 91.1% consolidated medical care ratio for the beat, sending the stock up more than 11% and...
Schwab Warns Medicare Enrollment Mistake Could Drain Tens of Thousands From Retirees' Savings
Charles Schwab’s latest retirement guide warns that enrolling in Medicare at the wrong time or choosing the wrong plan can cost retirees tens of thousands of dollars. The firm outlines two strategies and key dates, stressing the importance of understanding...
Medtronic Buys CathWorks for $585M to Add AI Cardiovascular Diagnostics
Medtronic has completed a $585 million purchase of CathWorks, a private medical‑device company whose AI‑based FFRangio system offers wire‑free coronary assessment. The deal follows a 2022 partnership and recent trial data showing non‑inferior outcomes to traditional FFR, positioning Medtronic for deeper...
CVS Health Fights Tennessee FAIR Rx Act that Could Shutter 134 Pharmacies
CVS Health is challenging the Tennessee FAIR Rx Act, a law that would bar companies from owning both a pharmacy benefit manager and a pharmacy. The company says the measure could force the closure of up to 134 CVS pharmacies,...
Largest Catch-Up Initiative Delivers over 100 Million Childhood Vaccinations
The Big Catch‑Up (BCU) initiative, launched during World Immunization Week 2023, has administered more than 100 million vaccine doses to an estimated 18.3 million children in 36 low‑ and middle‑income countries. About 12.3 million of those children were zero‑dose, never having received any...
RFK Jr.’s FDA Shake‑up Sparks Biotech Uncertainty
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s overhaul of the FDA, marked by rapid leadership turnover, layoffs and recent rejections of experimental cancer therapies, has left biotech firms uneasy. The turmoil coincides with a plunge in venture capital to its lowest level in two...
The BALANCE Model Pause, the GLP-1 Bridge Extension Thru Dec 2027 & What the 80% Part D Participation Threshold Miss...
CMS announced on April 21, 2026 that the Medicare Part D component of the BALANCE anti‑obesity drug model is paused for calendar year 2027 after the required 80 percent NAMBA‑weighted enrollment threshold was not met. The GLP‑1 Bridge demonstration, which provides $50‑per‑month access outside the...
New Bioreactor Turns Stem Cells Into an Immune-Cell Factory, Producing 40 Million Human Macrophages per Week
Researchers at Hannover Medical School have unveiled a medium‑scale bioreactor that converts induced pluripotent stem cells into human macrophages at commercial‑grade volumes. The system can harvest up to 40 million immune cells per bioreactor each week for up to ten weeks,...
Meta-Analysis Flawed by Mixing Disparate Anti‑amyloid Agents
A harsh critique of the recent @cochranecollab meta-analysis of the anti-amyloid drugs for Alzheimer's disease https://t.co/EU4JMOVWkV 'These results and their overarching conclusion that “successful removal of amyloid from the brain does not seem to be associated with clinically meaningful effects in...
![Silence at the Chessboard Changed How I Talk to Patients [PODCAST]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://kevinmd.com/wp-content/uploads/b664dfaa-d79f-41b8-9445-d43d50340ea4.png)
Silence at the Chessboard Changed How I Talk to Patients [PODCAST]
KevinMD’s podcast features medical students Jay Pendyala and Jonathan Berg discussing how chess shaped their clinical reasoning and humanism. They recount founding a chess club at Jefferson Medical College, using puzzles and tournaments to practice pattern recognition, foresight, and resilience....
RFK Jr. Clashes With Lawmakers Over Measles, COVID and Chronic Disease
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced back‑to‑back Senate hearings focused on measles outbreaks, declining vaccination rates, and the nation’s chronic‑disease burden, which he said drives $4.9 trillion in annual health costs. Kennedy defended the MMR vaccine, questioned flu‑shot efficacy,...
SCAN CEO Urges Brokers to Drop Plans That Treat Them Poorly — One Says She Has No Choice
At the Medicarians Conference, SCAN Health Plan CEO Sachin Jain urged brokers to abandon for‑profit Medicare Advantage plans that cut commissions and instead partner with not‑for‑profit carriers. He framed the plea as self‑interest, noting the recent 2.48% Medicare Advantage rate...
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Outperforms Self‑Monitoring in Type 2 Diabetes
A randomized trial of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) vs self-monitoring for Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin and drug therapies shows superiority of CGM for gluocse regulation https://t.co/XUymGiov1c @TheLancetEndo https://t.co/lcjFDnEG6x
Executive Order on Psychedelics Discussed in New Podcast
Check out the recent podcast with @Ravarora1 about the recent executive order on psychedelics https://t.co/QwoDTN692s
![[Comment] Alzheimer's Disease Immunotherapy and the Amyloid Hypothesis: When Aggregation Obscures Interpretation](https://hixhlmpcokxhartfkpyi.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/images/thumbnails/614bb5987569a37ee2c14e1338f7df10.webp)
[Comment] Alzheimer's Disease Immunotherapy and the Amyloid Hypothesis: When Aggregation Obscures Interpretation
A Cochrane review released on April 16, 2026 pooled data from 17 randomized trials of amyloid‑beta‑targeting monoclonal antibodies, encompassing more than 20,000 participants with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. The analysis found little to no...
Alleged FDA Pressure Removes Study Confirming Long‑term Vaccine Efficacy
Vinay Prasad forced FDA scientists to withdraw a paper from Vaccine, the journal I am co-EIC of, because it showed that COVID vaccines work for everyone 6 months+. This is Gold Standard Science at Marty Makary’s FDA. Setting the Gold...
CAR‑T Turnaround: Kelonia’s LLY Deal Signals New Pharma Play
A VERY SPIRITED interview w/ Venrock VC Bryan Roberts re: Kelonia Therapeutics and its $LLY deal on this week's Readout LOUD podcast. A CAR-T biotech’s dramatic turnaround, and drugmakers’ tactics to drive more scripts https://t.co/600DsE1cBm via @statnews