Highlights from Breakthrough Summit East
Good morning and happy Friday. I’m taking the day off today, but I’ll be back next week.
## Highlights from yesterday’s summit
One of the standout moments from yesterday’s summit was the brief silence that followed STAT’s Lizzy Lawrence’s question to Medicare Director Chris Klomp about addressing the turnover and discontent at the FDA. Klomp emphasized the importance of cultivating talent and building strong teams over time. Read more insights from Klomp’s conversation with Mario Aguilar in Tara Bannow’s article. Here are some other notable quotes from the event:
– Stelios Papadopoulos, Exelixis board chairman, commented on the FDA, likening it to a company that people would short stock in.
– Epidemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera highlighted the significance of social media as a primary news source.
– Robert Califf expressed admiration for Klomp, stating he would work for him.
– Michel Sadelain discussed the need for the U.S. to compete with China in the healthcare sector.
## Judge will rule against Kennedy’s gender-affirming care declaration
A U.S. district judge in Oregon is set to overturn a declaration made by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last year that disputed the medical standards of gender-affirming care for young transgender individuals. The judge deemed the declaration as an overreach of Kennedy’s authority, emphasizing the importance of state regulations in healthcare. Learn more about the legal proceedings in the article.
## Doctors want to make IUD insertion less painful
OB-GYN Maryl Sackeim is dedicated to addressing the pain associated with IUD insertion and other gynecological procedures. Drawing from her own experiences as a patient, she emphasizes the need for improved pain management strategies in women’s healthcare. Discover more about Sackeim’s approach to pain management in her insightful essay.
## Squaring a tobacco boost with MAHA values
An amendment in the 2026 farm bill could provide federal funding to tobacco farmers, contradicting efforts to reduce chronic disease rates in the U.S. Despite the potential impact being relatively minor, concerns have been raised about subsidizing a product that contributes to significant health risks. Read Sarah Todd’s detailed analysis on the implications of this amendment.
## Majority of Americans connect alcohol to cancer
Recent surveys have shown a growing awareness among Americans regarding the link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk. Even though the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans had minimal references to alcohol, public perception of the risks associated with alcohol consumption has increased. Learn more about the evolving attitudes towards alcohol and cancer risk in the article.
## Meat eating and dementia risk?
A study on meat consumption and Alzheimer’s risk suggests that genetic variations may influence the cognitive effects of meat consumption. While the findings indicate a potential benefit for individuals with specific gene variations, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between diet and brain health. Read about the study’s implications and the need for further investigation.
## What we’re reading
– Wired’s coverage of the accountability challenges facing AI companies in children’s deaths.
– The 19th’s article on the impact of HIV care loss in the U.S.
– STAT’s report on efforts to counter misinformation about autism.
– MS Now’s analysis of the effects of legislative actions on Planned Parenthood.
– STAT’s call for congressional action on the No Surprises Act.
Test your knowledge with today’s STAT Mini crossword puzzle.
