Good morning, everyone, and welcome to another working week. We hope the weekend respite was relaxing and invigorating, because that oh-so-familiar routine of meetings, deadlines, and the like has returned. But what can you do? There is no pause button to stop the world, such as it is, from spinning. So this means one thing: time to dig in to the tasks at hand. On that note, we have assembled a menu of tidbits to help you get started. Meanwhile, we have also fired up our shiny new coffee kettle for another cup of stimulation. Our choice today is one of our newest finds — honey almond crunch. What gives it that crunchy taste? Stay tuned. We hope your day is simply smashing and, as always, do keep in touch if something tantalizing emerges. …
Moderna disclosed that a study of 56,000 volunteers older than 50 found that its new mRNA influenza vaccine was 27% more effective than an existing influenza shot. That would mean that it is more effective than three versions that use either a higher dose or an adjuvant for those over 65, according to Andy Pavia, a researcher at the University of Utah who viewed Moderna’s press release but was not involved in the research. The University of Minnesota’s David Boulware said better efficacy and a similar safety profile could make Moderna’s flu shot “the flu vaccine of choice.” The big question: how a U.S. Food and Drug Administration that seems more skeptical of mRNA vaccines, as well as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that advises the CDC and that was reconstituted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will view these new data.
U.S. health officials met with with Walmart, Amazon, and other retailers this week as part of an effort to help Americans get their medicines more directly from companies that make them, according to Bloomberg News. The conversations between the Trump administration and experts from the nascent straight-to-consumer drug industry are intended to explore streamlining the way Americans get their medicines and therefore lower costs. Officials at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted the meeting to discuss options, but it was unclear what approach and timeline the department might pursue. Walmart, Amazon, and HHS declined to comment. Walmart started offering prescription delivery in October, making it a competitor to Amazon, which runs a pharmacy division that offers same-day drug delivery in some locations. It has also partnered with Eli Lilly to sell weight loss drugs directly to patients.
