FDA to review mental health chatbots| STAT Morning Rounds

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Good morning! Are you a fan of karaoke? Personally, I love belting out pop-punk tunes like Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle.” But I’m always open to new suggestions! Our newsroom’s annual karaoke outing is coming up soon, so I need to brush up on my song choices. (Don’t forget to grab your STAT Summit tickets!)

NIH is in the spotlight once again as it races to spend its $47 billion budget before the September 30 deadline. However, a recent analysis by STAT reveals that the agency will be awarding fewer grants this year due to changes in the grant award process. The White House’s Office of Management and Budget mandated a shift to multi-year funding for most external research awards, impacting the number of new projects funded.

While some NIH institutes are on track with spending, others are lagging behind. The National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities, the National Institute for General Medicine, and the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism are among the slowest to fund projects. Stay updated on the latest developments in this story.

In other news, a new liquid biopsy test called Cancerguard is now available for early cancer detection, covering fifty different cancer types. Oncologists and researchers have expressed caution about the test’s performance and reliability. Exact Sciences, the company behind Cancerguard, defends its decision to release the test commercially. Learn more about this controversial product.

The 2025 Lasker Award has been awarded to three scientists who pioneered a triple-drug combination therapy for cystic fibrosis, transforming it from a fatal condition to a manageable one. Vertex Pharmaceuticals researchers Paul Negulescu and Jesús (Tito) González, along with University of Iowa professor Michael Welsh, will share the $250,000 prize. Discover more about this groundbreaking achievement.

Meanwhile, the FDA is exploring tighter regulations for mental health products that utilize generative AI. With an increasing number of companies releasing AI-powered chatbots for mental health, the agency aims to address the unique risks associated with these products. Stay informed about the upcoming discussions on regulating AI-driven mental health devices.

Recent studies suggest that changes in U.S. health policies towards HIV medication and treatment clinics could lead to a rise in infections and healthcare costs. The potential impact of funding cuts and policy changes on HIV prevention and treatment programs is concerning. Learn more about the challenges facing HIV healthcare in the U.S.

Should physicians consider going on strike? In a thought-provoking essay, a medical professor argues that a limited strike may be necessary in response to recent upheavals in health policy. The potential consequences of such action and the need for public awareness are explored in depth. Read more about the debate surrounding a possible physician strike.

For more health news and updates, check out what we’re reading:

– Ebola cases in Congo are on the rise, prompting efforts to contain the outbreak.
– A new study highlights the alarming toll of tuberculosis, the leading killer among infectious diseases.
– Former NFL all-pros are exploring the use of psychedelics for traumatic brain injury.
– Pregnant women are turning to cannabis for pain and anxiety relief.
– Child care workers in D.C. are facing challenges amid an ICE crackdown.

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