Enzyme Supplement Targeting FODMAPs Shows Promise for IBS Symptoms
A single-arm study found an oral enzyme blend reduced IBS symptom severity, but randomized trials are needed.
Medicine & Biotech
Clinical AI, drug discovery, devices, and regulatory approvals.
FDA patient advisers often tied to pharma-funded groups, analysis finds
A new study shows that many patient and consumer representatives on FDA advisory panels have undisclosed links to industry-backed advocacy groups.
BioNTech’s mRNA cancer shot misses key goal in head and neck trial
An interim analysis showed BNT113 plus Keytruda did not slow tumor growth in HPV-related head and neck cancer, though survival data may still support approval.
North Carolina Provider-Steering Dispute Heads to Court
A cost-saving strategy that pushes workers toward specific hospitals and doctors has sparked a legal fight in North Carolina, STAT reports.
Roche bets $1B on RNAi obesity drug from China's Rona Therapeutics
The Swiss pharma's latest China licensing deal adds an ALK7-targeting RNAi therapy to a crowded obesity pipeline.
Doctors Pour Campaign Cash Into Fellow Physicians Running for Congress
Physician candidates are drawing heavy donations from doctors as Congress prepares to debate Medicare payment reform and Medicare for All.
CT Scoring System May Identify Low-Risk TBI Patients for Early Discharge
An observational study suggests a CT-based classification could spare many mild traumatic brain injury patients from unnecessary ICU stays, though the risk of rare complications remains a hurdle.
Suki raises $90M to build AI agents for referrals and prior authorizations
The AI scribe company is expanding beyond clinical documentation into autonomous administrative tasks, backed by a $90M Series E round.
Texas Senate Candidate's Flu Absence Sparked False Mental Health Rumors
A fact-check confirms that a Texas Senate candidate's absence was due to flu, not a mental health crisis, despite viral rumors.
FTC seeks contempt ruling against Martin Shkreli over pharma stock holdings
The FTC and seven states allege Martin Shkreli violated a lifetime ban on working in pharma by buying drug company stocks.
Medicare Policy Needs Transparency and a Fast Fix for Contractor Errors
A new opinion piece argues that Medicare policy decisions should be made openly and that patients and doctors need a quick remedy when contractors get it wrong.
Alignment sues CMS over 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings
The insurer is challenging the agency's methodology after its quality scores plummeted, threatening over $200 million in payments.
Global Dementia Cases Projected to More Than Double by 2050
A meta-analysis estimates 11.4 million new dementia cases in 2023, rising to 24.7 million by 2050.
Healthcare Corporate Venture Funds Chase Returns, Miss Strategic Value
A new analysis argues that healthcare corporate venture funds undermine their parent companies by prioritizing financial returns over strategic alignment.
STAT Covers New Evaluation of Google’s Diagnostic Chatbot AMIE
A STAT newsletter flags an evaluation of Google’s AMIE diagnostic chatbot, though the full findings are behind a paywall.
UnitedHealth raises 2026 outlook, betting on Medicare Advantage growth
Strong third-quarter profit and a raised earnings forecast signal that UnitedHealth's financial recovery is gaining traction.
FDA Clears Happy Health's Cuffless Blood Pressure Ring
The wearable ring measures blood pressure continuously without a cuff or user calibration, expanding options for at-home monitoring.
Cardiac Microcurrent Therapy: Promise and Skepticism in Heart Failure
Early trial results suggest cardiac microcurrent therapy may improve heart failure outcomes, but experts urge caution until larger sham-controlled trials confirm the benefits.