Can Wegovy treat depression as well as obesity? New research looks to GLP-1 drugs for mental illnesses

Early data and anecdotes suggest that this class of GLP-1 drugs could help patients feel less depressed and anxious. The treatment may also fight the decline in cognitive and executive function that many people with mental health disorders experience, like worsening memory and losing the ability to focus and plan. Read more.

By Elaine Chen

Illustration: Christine Kao/STAT; Courtesy: Kourtney Cunningham

Pricey sickle cell treatments raise daunting new challenges for Medicaid programs

Living with sickle cell disease has not been easy on Kourtney Cunningham (above). So when the FDA recently approved the first two curative gene therapies for sickle cell, she allowed herself to become hopeful. But the price tags — $2.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively — have dampened her optimism. The Kansas City, Mo., resident wonders whether her state Medicaid program, which she would rely on if she decides to pursue treatment, will be able to cover the cost. Read more.

By Ed Silverman

Adobe

Scientists document first-ever transmitted Alzheimer's cases, tied to no-longer-used medical procedure

The small handful of patients shared a particular history: As children, they had received growth hormone taken from the brains of human cadavers, which used to be a treatment for a number of conditions that caused short stature. Now, decades later, they were showing signs of Alzheimer's. In the interim, scientists had discovered that that type of hormone treatment they got could unwittingly transfer bits of protein into recipients' brains. Read more.

By Andrew Joseph

More great reads from STAT this week

FDA's Woodcock reflects on more than 30 years at agency — and hints at what's next
Texas Medical Board under pressure to define emergency exception to abortion ban
From a small town in Wales, a scientific sleuth has shaken Dana-Farber — and elevated the issue of research integrity
Opinion: I'm an anesthesiologist. Kenneth Smith's execution by nitrogen gas was far from 'textbook'
Years after a polarizing approval, Biogen walks away from Aduhelm
Experts critique flawed system for monitoring drugs' side effects in wake of asthma drug report