Today's Healthcare Pulse
FDA greenlights durvalumab combo for high‑risk bladder cancer
The FDA approved durvalumab (Imfinzi) combined with Bacillus Calmette‑Guerin for BCG‑naïve, high‑risk non‑muscle invasive bladder cancer. The POTOMAC trial enrolled 1,018 patients and showed a 32% reduction in disease recurrence risk (hazard ratio 0.68, p=0.015). Durvalumab is given at 1,500 mg IV every four weeks for up to 13 cycles.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Apogee Therapeutics raises $1.3B royalty financing
Blood Test May Improve Early Tuberculosis Detection Among Household Contacts
A prospective study of more than 2,000 household contacts in Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique evaluated the Cepheid Xpert MTB‑HR blood test, a three‑gene host‑response assay, for early tuberculosis detection. The assay demonstrated good accuracy in identifying active TB and showed moderate ability to predict disease onset, especially shortly before symptoms appear. While its positive predictive value exceeded that of existing immunological tests, it fell short of WHO criteria for a stand‑alone screening tool. Researchers suggest the test could refine targeted screening and reduce unnecessary preventive treatment.
Meru Health Launches Advanced Program for Treatment‑Resistant Mental Illness
Meru Health announced today that enrollment is open for Meru Health Advanced, a 6‑to‑12‑month virtual program targeting adults with complex, treatment‑resistant mental health conditions. The model pairs patients with a psychiatrist, therapist, dietitian and care navigator, and builds on the...
Study Finds Rapamycin May Undermine Exercise Gains in Older Adults
Researchers led by Dr. Brad Stanfield reported that older adults taking a low weekly dose of rapamycin gained less muscle strength and physical function from a structured exercise program than those on placebo. The findings suggest the popular anti‑aging drug...
Children Face Lasting Challenges After Caustic Esophageal Injury Surgery
A comparative study of 26 pediatric patients who underwent esophageal replacement after caustic injury found that colonic pedicled flaps and gastric tubes yield similar long‑term digestive outcomes. After an average eight‑year follow‑up, both groups reported mild‑to‑moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, but 38%...
Revolution Medicines' Daraxonrasib Doubles Survival in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Revolution Medicines announced that its experimental KRAS inhibitor daraxonrasib doubled overall survival for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in a Phase 3 trial. The FDA has granted expanded‑access permission, allowing the drug to be used outside trials while regulators review the...
Roche to Acquire PathAI for Up to $1.05 B, Accelerating AI‑Driven Diagnostics
Roche announced a definitive agreement to buy U.S. digital‑pathology specialist PathAI for up to $1.05 billion, with $750 million paid upfront and up to $300 million in milestone payments. The deal, expected to close in the second half of 2026, aims to fuse...
Why Not Do Random Testing in Randomized Trials Designed to Measure Risk of Infection?
The post argues that randomized trials measuring infection risk, such as the recent Moderna flu study, rely on symptom‑driven testing rather than random testing of all participants. This selective approach inflates reported efficacy by omitting mild or asymptomatic cases and...
MinuteClinic and Hartford HealthCare Expand In‑Network Primary Care Across Connecticut
MinuteClinic and Hartford HealthCare announced an expanded partnership that adds in‑network primary‑care services throughout Connecticut. The collaboration promises more convenient, affordable care for residents and underscores a growing trend toward integrated retail‑clinic models.
Armata Pharmaceuticals Wins FDA Fast Track for AP‑SA02 Bacteriophage Therapy
Armata Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA granted Fast Track designation to its AP‑SA02 bacteriophage candidate for complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. The status promises more frequent agency interaction and a rolling Biologics License Application review, positioning the drug for accelerated approval...
Esperion Therapeutics Inc (ESPR) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Esperion Therapeutics reported a strong Q1 2022 performance, with total revenue jumping 135% year‑over‑year to $18.8 million, driven by product sales up 109% to $13.4 million and partner revenue soaring 244%. The company achieved 32% cost‑savings in operating expenses and reduced R&D...
CG Oncology Inc (CGON) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
Champions Oncology reported Q1 fiscal 2026 revenue of $14 million, essentially flat year‑over‑year and a rebound from the $12.4 million in the prior quarter. GAAP operating loss of $0.5 million contrasted with a modest positive adjusted EBITDA of $60 k, down sharply from $2 million...
Three Mental-Health Claims From RFK’s Wellness Movement: What Scientists Say
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) summit, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accused widespread overprescription of mental‑health drugs in the United States. Kennedy cited that one in six adults takes an antidepressant and one in ten children uses prescription medication...
Children in Low-Income Countries Face Nearly Six Times Greater Risk of Death Following Emergency Surgery
A new global health study reveals that children undergoing emergency surgery in low‑income countries face a mortality risk nearly six times higher than peers in high‑income nations. The analysis, based on data from more than 200,000 pediatric cases across 50...
After All These Years Anthony Fauci Still Has No Idea What He's Talking About
The blog post launches a harsh critique of Dr. Anthony Fauci, arguing that he remains unaware of the outcomes of the COVID‑19 policies he championed. The author characterizes Fauci’s stance as infallibly confident and labels his pandemic work as poor. The...
Amplia Therapeutics Launches New Narmafotinib Ovarian Cancer Study with ANZGOG
Amplia Therapeutics announced the launch of the PRROSE investigator‑initiated trial, testing its FGFR inhibitor narfotininb together with carboplatin and paclitaxel in high‑grade serous ovarian cancer patients who responded poorly to initial platinum therapy. The study will enroll 15‑20 participants, prioritize...
NMC Splits the Difference on Nursing and Midwifery Hours
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has opened a consultation that would slash the minimum pre‑registration nursing programme from 4,600 to 3,600 hours while extending the minimum midwifery course from three to four years, keeping the 4,600‑hour requirement. The nursing...
Morning Headlines 5/8/26
US vendors are encountering growing headwinds in overseas markets, prompting concerns about competitive positioning. Meanwhile, Epic Quebec’s latest rollout is drawing regulatory attention, highlighting the challenges of cross‑border health‑tech deployments. Health data shows a sharp rise in colon cancer cases...
![Your Doctor Saved Your Life but Won’t Return Your Call [PODCAST]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://kevinmd.com/wp-content/uploads/junig_thumbnail.png)
Your Doctor Saved Your Life but Won’t Return Your Call [PODCAST]
Psychiatrist Jeffrey Junig recounts how a life‑saving surgery exposed a systemic neglect of patients' quality‑of‑life concerns. After surviving a 12‑hour operation for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, he discovered an untreated aortic aneurysm and struggled to obtain a suitable beta‑blocker, facing...
Spermidine Halts Liver Fibrosis by Cell Signal Remodeling
Researchers have demonstrated that spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine, can halt the progression of liver fibrosis by reprogramming cellular signaling pathways. In mouse models, spermidine treatment reduced collagen deposition and restored normal liver architecture within eight weeks. The study identified...
Two Mechanisms Vie to Deliver First Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Drug
The article is BioCentury’s cookie policy, outlining five cookie categories—strictly necessary, functional, marketing, advertising, and analytics—and describing their purposes for site operation, personalization, outreach, and data collection. It explains how each type works, the data it handles, and the impact...
Private Healthcare Fuels Billionaire Wealth, Not Universal Care
No universal healthcare. 1,000 billionaires. And at least 49 of them got rich specifically from private healthcare.
Astellas Touts Data From Early Test of Stem Cell-Derived Eye Therapy
Astellas Pharma announced early-stage data from its stem cell‑derived retinal therapy, aimed at treating age‑related macular degeneration (AMD). In a small cohort receiving the highest dose, patients showed statistically significant gains in best‑corrected visual acuity and no serious safety signals....
Omada Health Hits 1M Members, Boosts Revenue 42%
@OmadaHealth just reported a milestone Q1 2026 💪 Very proud of the team for: 💡 1M+ Total Members, a first in our history 💡 Revenue +42% YoY to $78M 💡 GAAP net loss narrowed to $3M; positive Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) in our highest-cost quarter 💡...
Supreme Court Keeps Abortion Pill Mail Access in Place for Now
The U.S. Supreme Court has left in place lower‑court rulings that allow the abortion pill mifepristone to be mailed while the case proceeds. By refusing emergency relief, the Court maintains the current federal framework for medication abortion. The decision highlights...
LTC Properties’ Malin Cites ‘Attractive’ Pricing for Nursing Home Assets Amid Limited Sector Headwinds
LTC Properties said it will sell skilled‑nursing facilities only opportunistically, using proceeds to fund higher‑growth senior‑housing‑operating‑portfolio (SHOP) assets. The REIT highlighted an EBITDAR coverage ratio approaching two‑times, underscoring the strength of its remaining SNF holdings. About $265 million from recent SNF...
Intern Doctor Deaths Reveal Dark Side of Indonesia’s Medical Training System
Four Indonesian housemanship doctors died in 2024, sparking scrutiny of a grueling internship system that often forces 12‑hour shifts and limits sick leave. Interns earn roughly $184‑$368 a month, far below regional minimum wages, and report bullying, hazing, and unsafe...
AI Reads Retina to Diagnose Multiple Metabolic Diseases
In 2014 I predicted we'd diagnose metabolic disease just by looking into your eyes. Nature Medicine just published the proof. Researchers built an AI called Reti-Pioneer. You look into a camera. It scans your retina. No blood draw. No needles. No lab. What it can...
Interim Final Rule Extends HHS Deadlines for Section 504 Web, App Nondiscrimination Requirements
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an interim final rule on May 7, 2026 that pushes back the Section 504 web and mobile‑app accessibility deadlines for entities receiving federal funds. Organizations with 15 or more employees now must comply by...
Novel Nanoparticle Therapy Using Manganese Could Improve Cancer Treatment
Researchers at the University of Michigan and MD Anderson have engineered a manganese‑based nanoparticle named CRYSTAL that activates the cGAS‑STING immune pathway without provoking systemic inflammation. Preclinical studies across several tumor models, including advanced triple‑negative breast cancer, demonstrated robust, sustained...
Ultrasound Waves Rupture COVID-19 and Flu Viruses without Damaging Cells
Researchers at the University of São Paulo have shown that high‑frequency ultrasound waves (3–20 MHz) can rupture the envelopes of SARS‑CoV‑2 and H1N1 viruses while leaving human cells unharmed. The effect, termed acoustic resonance, exploits the spherical geometry of enveloped viruses,...
Garlic Compound May Hold Clue to Slowing Muscle Aging
Japanese researchers identified S‑1‑propenyl‑L‑cysteine (S1PC), a compound in aged garlic extract, as a potent activator of the LKB1 enzyme that boosts eNAMPT secretion and NAD+ production. In aged mice, long‑term S1PC supplementation lowered frailty scores, increased muscle force, and restored...
Docusign Intelligent Agreement Management Brings Clarity to Workflows
DocuSign introduced Intelligent Agreement Management, a SaaS platform that extends its e‑signature core with identity verification, centralized workspaces, multichannel delivery and AI‑driven analytics for healthcare providers. The solution consolidates patient intake forms, consent documents and vendor contracts into a single,...
Deep, Holistic Fertility Care over Quick IVF Shortcuts
Ferta is not for everyone. If you want a clinic that runs you through their protocol regardless of what is actually going on with your body, we are not it. If you want IVF tomorrow, we are not it. If...
ART Reverses HIV‑Induced Aging, Cutting Years Off Biological Clock
Great news for HIV positive patients. A study presented at ESCMID Global 2026 found that untreated HIV can accelerate biological aging by up to a decade, but antiretroviral therapy can reverse this effect by nearly four years within about 18...
Cancer Warning Labels on Alcohol May Motivate People to Drink Less, Study Says
A Stanford-led study tested eight new alcohol warning labels that explicitly cite cancer, liver disease, dementia and hypertension. Over 1,000 weekly drinkers viewed the labels, and all outperformed the generic 1989 warning in teaching new health risks and boosting motivation...
AI-Powered Virtual Clinic Transforms Cancer Detection and Care
There is a genuinely a revolution under way in cancer. We're solving it: from early detection (!), trial matching, and ongoing management. @Color is now an @ASCO clinic -- the first virtual-only one -- leading this revolution in screening and...
Oscar’s Q1 Proves Profitable, Member‑centric Healthcare Is Achievable
Oscar Q1 numbers are proof that it really is possible to build a profitable healthcare business ever more beloved by members: 3.2M members, $4.6B revenue, $704M earnings from operations in Q1 '26. But could YOU have done it? Now you can test...
How Medical Malpractice Cases Reveal Health Care System Flaws
Two high‑profile medical‑malpractice lawsuits illustrate systemic flaws in U.S. health‑care litigation. A 2019 case against Johns Hopkins Bayview yielded a record $229.6 million jury verdict, later overturned because plaintiffs failed to prove negligence. A 2024 Maryland case involving a hepatic duct...
STING Pathway Emerges as New Cancer Immunotherapy Frontier
The number of new potential ways to rev up the immune response to cancer keeps expanding. Today it's STING-ing it. @ScienceMagazine https://t.co/p9g0Mmc8kG https://t.co/LbKfODQkO1
CAPR Sues NS Pharma over Launch Delays, Pricing Disputes
$CAPR is suing NS Pharma, its deramiocel commercial partner. Capricor alleges NS Pharma is not doing enough to prepare for commercial launch + some pricing mishegas. 8K https://t.co/7iFyLRhKsq
G-Link CAR-T Delivery Platform Showcased at ASGCT
Vyriad unveiled its G‑Link CAR‑T delivery platform at the ASGCT meeting, showcasing a modular protein adapter that repurposes existing lentiviral vectors for in‑vivo use. The technology promises to cut development timelines by eliminating extensive vector redesign and to boost transduction...
Tailor Lifestyle Medicine Intensity to Meet Patients Where They Are
Lifestyle Medicine interventions have different intensities. There's the intensity of the actual intervention+there's the intensity of the response. The first is more provider dependent and the other is patient dependent. We strive for impact by meeting patients where they are....
Dems Urge EEOC to Retain Pregnancy Rule’s IVF Protections
Fifteen Democratic senators, led by Chuck Schumer, urged EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas to retain IVF accommodation protections in the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The senators warned that a proposed rule change could let employers deny reasonable accommodations for fertility treatments....
W3C Credentials API Enables Cross‑Platform FHIR Health Sharing
With W3C Digital Credentials API, it's *finally possible* to design a health-data-sharing protocol that's idiomatic (standard FHIR-based resource sharing, questionnaire filling, etc) and works cross-platform (from web and mobile app requests to Android + iOS wallets)! See article for background...
‘Moving the Mindset’ of Equitable Hospice Access
Hospice providers are confronting persistent health‑equity gaps, with workforce shortages, economic strain and outdated Medicare reimbursement structures hampering progress. Dr. Kimberly Curseen of AAHPM highlighted the need for dedicated equity resources and structured community outreach to identify unmet needs. Racial...
FDA Approval of DOR/ISL Expands HIV Treatment Options Beyond INSTIs: Amy Colson, MD, MPH
The FDA has approved Idvysno, a two‑drug regimen of doravirine and islatravir (DOR/ISL), marking the first HIV therapy that omits both integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and tenofovir. Clinical trials showed non‑inferior viral suppression at 48 weeks compared with standard...
CDRH Leader Teases MDUFA VI, RAPID, Interoperability Paper
FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) director Michelle Tarver signaled that the forthcoming Medical Device User Fee Amendments (MDUFA VI) will likely keep user fees flat while seeking to cement the Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program (TAP) pilot...
Automation Solves Providers' Rule‑less Game, Cuts Denials
"Providers have been asked to play a game but haven’t been told the rules.” DrFirst is using automation to reduce denials, streamline prescribing, and ease physician burden. 👉 https://t.co/gJ8WkhBsZw @DrFirst #HIMSS26 #HITSM
Hospital-at-Home Reduces In-Hospital Mortality, ED Visits – But Not Readmissions
A new JAMA Network Open study of nearly 16,000 Medicare beneficiaries shows hospital‑at‑home (HaH) care lowers in‑hospital mortality to 0.4% versus 3.6% for traditional admissions and reduces emergency‑department visits. ICU escalation was also cut in half, while 30‑day readmission rates...
Rare Disease News, Events & Reports
The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) continues to expand its Rare Disease Innovation Hub and Accelerating Rare Disease Cures (ARC) program through a steady stream of workshops, public meetings, and reports from 2022 to 2026. Recent highlights...