Fake CPR, Metsera, Trump drug pricing deal: Morning Rounds

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A White House Deal and a Bidding War 

The Trump administration is on the verge of finalizing agreements with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower the prices of their weight loss medications. Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that the deal may include Medicare coverage for these drugs, a significant development that has not been available before. The companies have been in discussions for weeks, with one lobbyist confirming the progress. Learn more about this potential deal from a dedicated team of STAT reporters.

Simultaneously, a bidding war between Pfizer and Novo over the acquisition of the obesity startup Metsera has intensified. While Pfizer initially announced its intention to acquire Metsera, Novo recently countered with a higher bid. The latest update from Metsera revealed that both companies have increased their offers, with Novo’s bid valuing the startup at up to $10 billion. For a comprehensive analysis of this bidding war, read STAT’s Elaine Chen’s coverage.

Children’s Hospital Lobby Expands its Focus

The Children’s Hospital Association, representing over 200 hospitals and a significant lobbying force, unveiled a new messaging strategy. The association will now emphasize the overall health of American children and underscore the critical role of pediatric health in the nation. This strategic shift comes at a time when various healthcare institutions, including children’s hospitals, have faced scrutiny from the current administration. Matthew Cook, CEO of the organization, emphasized that these changes were in the works prior to the election.

Expect to see a more proactive approach from CHA, as Cook explained in an interview with STAT’s Daniel Payne. Gain deeper insights into how this new strategy aligns with the Make America Healthy Again movement and where the association is pushing back against governmental policies.

It’s All in Your Head

Catch a clue in this week’s mini crossword puzzle on STAT. Need a hint? We’ve covered this topic extensively over the years, with numerous articles exploring different aspects. Test your knowledge with the puzzle and see if you can crack the code.

Why Doctors Might ‘Fake’ CPR 

Those familiar with our newsletter may recall a First Opinion piece from earlier this year shedding light on the practice of the “slow code,” where doctors perform a restrained CPR attempt to alleviate suffering for terminally ill patients and avoid distressing families. In the latest episode of STAT’s popular STATus Report video series, host Alex Hogan delves deeper into this phenomenon with the authors, who argue that it is both ethical and necessary.

Real-life CPR differs significantly from its portrayal in media, often involving physical trauma such as broken ribs or a cracked sternum. Watch the video to explore this lesser-known practice further. Join the engaging discussion with experts and enjoy a humorous critique of CPR depictions in the ’90s TV series “Baywatch.” As Alex aptly puts it, effective CPR requires more than just “David Half-Asselhoff” chest compressions.

The Long-Term Risks of Spinal Injuries

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that individuals with traumatic spinal injuries face a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions in the long term. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood clots, diabetes, and various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Researchers analyzed data spanning nearly three decades from two hospital systems, comparing over 2,700 previously healthy individuals who suffered spinal injuries with a control group.

The study highlighted an increased risk of mortality following a spinal injury, particularly among those with multiple chronic conditions like heart disease, depression, substance abuse, and dementia. The findings underscore the need for further research into the long-term consequences of spinal injuries, as they appear to independently influence the development of chronic diseases across different demographics.

What We’re Reading

• Worsening listeria outbreak linked to pasta products claims 6 lives and hospitalizes 25, NPR

• Challenges in reviving drug manufacturing highlighted by closed factory, New York Times

• First Opinion: Examining the financialization of the global health industry, STAT
• Allocation of opioid settlement funds to law enforcement expenses, including narcan and gun silencers, KFF Health News
• First Opinion: Unpacking the pitfalls of ‘peer-to-peer’ review for prior authorization, STAT