Breaking News

Insurers rush to contain spiraling costs of obesity drugs; 'ancient DNA,' 23andMe reveal African American ancestries

August 3, 2023
Marian Moratinos for STAT

STAT+ | Alarmed by popularity of Ozempic and Wegovy, insurers wage multi-front battle

Insurers have started aggressively cracking down on coverage for weight loss medications including Ozempic and Wegovy.

By Elaine Chen


STAT+ | Uninsured rate hits 'record low' — right before millions start losing Medicaid coverage

New CDC data show 7.7% of Americans had no health insurance as of this past March. But Medicaid losses will quickly erase that "record low."

By Bob Herman


STAT+ | White House drug shortage task force held rare in-person meeting with industry

A new White House task force held a rare in-person meeting Friday to brainstorm policies for stemming shortages of cancer drugs.

By John Wilkerson



The Isabella furnace stack at Catoctin Furnace, near Frederick, Md.
Courtesy Cam Miller

'Ancient DNA' tools and 23andMe database uncover African American ancestries of thousands

The findings are a step toward restoring difficult-to-obtain ancestry knowledge to African Americans who descended from enslaved people.

By Usha Lee McFarling


CDC advisers endorse RSV monoclonal antibody for infants, high-risk young children

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices gave a green light to use of the antibody treatment, the brand name for which is Beyfortus.

By Jason Mast


Stress in childhood linked to physical and cognitive problems in older age, according to new study

Experiencing abuse, financial insecurity, or severe illness as a child can have far-reaching effects in older age, according to the study.

By Ambar Castillo


A medical illustration of drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
Antibiotic Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit/CDC

STAT+ | Study proposing microbiome-based cancer diagnostic comes under fire

A controversy over a high-profile Nature paper's findings could have big implications for the scientific foundation of biotech Micronoma.

By Angus Chen and Matthew Herper


Listen: Biotech layoffs, eye drug drama, & gene therapy milestones

In this episode of "The Readout LOUD," we discuss how some recent layoffs and a reverse merger mean for biotech in 2023.

By Damian Garde and Allison DeAngelis and Adam Feuerstein


More around STAT
Check out more exclusive coverage with a STAT+ subscription
Read premium in-depth biotech, pharma, policy, and life science coverage and analysis with all of our STAT+ articles.

Enjoying Daily Recap? Tell us about your experience
Continue reading the latest health & science news with the STAT app
Download on the App Store or get it on Google Play
STAT
STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA
©2023, All Rights Reserved.

No comments