Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Plan To Tackle Generic-Drug Shortages; Potential Lyme Disease Vaccine Shows Promise
A new Brookings proposal outlines potential US policies to address the country's persistent generic-drug shortages. (Van Beusekom, 6/29)
Lyme borreliosis, potentially associated with serious long-term complications, is caused by the species complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. We investigated a novel Lyme borreliosis vaccine candidate (VLA15) targeting the six most common outer surface protein A (OspA) serotypes 1–6 to prevent infection with pathogenic Borrelia spp prevalent in Europe and North America. (Bezay, PhD, et al, 7/4)
Paxlovid was linked to a 30% lower risk of all-cause emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalization, and death among vaccinated, nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients with serious chronic conditions but didn't appear to benefit those with only asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or no serious underlying conditions, concludes a Harvard University–led study. (Van Beusekom, 6/30)
Mirikizumab, a p19-directed antibody against interleukin-23, showed efficacy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in a phase 2 trial. (D'Haens, M.D., Ph.D., et al, 6/29)
Novartis is passing off the dry eye disease drop Xiidra to eye health specialist Bausch + Lomb in a $2.5 billion deal, another step in the company's overhaul as it focuses on five core areas. (Becker, 6/30)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Pfizer Inc and partner OPKO Health Inc's treatment for growth hormone deficiency in children, the companies said on Wednesday. The approval, which comes after an initial rejection from the FDA in January last year, lifted Pfizer's shares marginally and Opko Health's nearly 19% in premarket trading. (Leo, 6/28)
