Exclusive: Senator launches inquiry into for-profit methadone clinics

The investigation from Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) will examine business practices, treatment of patients at major chains.

August 27, 2025 Check out STAT+

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Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Top Democratic senator launches inquiry into for-profit methadone clinics Sen. Maggie Hassan is probing for-profit methadone clinic chains amid claims that business incentives may outweigh patient needs in opioid treatment. By Lev Facher FDA issues narrower approvals for Covid boosters, revokes emergency authorizations FDA ends emergency Covid vaccine authorizations, limiting shots for healthy children under 5 while approving boosters for older and high-risk groups. By Lizzy Lawrence and Matthew Herper STAT+ | Novo Nordisk links to telehealth providers for patients seeking Wegovy Novo Nordisk has taken the next step in selling its drugs directly to patients by pointing them to telehealth providers that can write prescriptions for its popular obesity medication Wegovy. Novo now links to select virtual providers on NovoCare, the direct-to-patient pharmacy website it launched earlier this year, joining other pharma giants that have leaned into direct sales through their own online portals. By Katie Palmer ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images Trump's hand bruise renews attention to his health — and his heart Trump's bruised hand highlights an often under-recognized condition, chronic venous insufficiency, or at least treatment for it. By Elizabeth Cooney STAT+ | The most burdensome diseases globally are the least studied, but the gap is narrowing Diseases that cause the most harm are often the least-researched. While that is changing, research cuts threaten that progress, study says. By Anil Oza Third Rock tops STAT's VC rankings, boosted by early biotech investments STAT's sixth annual "Ranking Biotech's Top Venture Capital Firms" report has Third Rock Ventures at No. 1, returning $3.58 for every $1 invested. By Allison DeAngelis Adobe Opinion: Engage the community in generative AI for public health When medical AI systems are not designed and implemented with community voices in mind, the potential for harm is profound. By Oni Blackstock and Akinfe Fatou

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