Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Children With Pneumonia Could Use Fewer Antibiotics; Birth Control Pills May Affect Teenagers' Brains
A systematic review and meta-analysis of previously published clinical studies provides more evidence that a short course of antibiotics is sufficient for young children with non-severe pneumonia. (Dall, 11/15)
One aspect of hormonal contraceptives' effect on the teenage body remains a mystery -- whether and how they modify the developing brain. (Ohio State University, 11/15)
The Access to Medicine Foundation's 2022 snapshot of 20 large pharmaceutical companies' progress in increasing access to drugs in the world's poorest countries reveals encouraging investments—as well as persistent COVID-19 vaccine inequity and a nearly vacant pipeline for products to treat or prevent emerging pathogens that have pandemic potential. (Van Beusekom, 11/15)
After 41 years, ImmunoGen has scored its first approval for a solely owned drug. On Monday, the FDA signed off on Elahere to treat advanced ovarian cancer. (Dunleavy, 11/15)
The FDA's rejection of Ardelyx’s chronic kidney disease prospect last summer drew a rebuke from the company and analysts. But as an FDA panel of outside experts gathers to re-assess the drug on Wednesday, it appears Ardelyx and the agency may lock horns yet again. (Kansteiner, 11/15)
