About pharma
Astellas Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Audentes Therapeutics: The trend of large pharma buying biotech companies continues. In this $3billion deal, Audentes will operate as an independent subsidiary.
Chinese Researcher Who Created Gene-Edited Babies Sentenced To 3 Years In Prison: The headline speaks for itself.
About the public’s health
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection by Number of Vaccine Doses Among US Women: “Our study suggests that US women who received 1 dose of the HPV vaccine may have gained similar protection against vaccine-type infections compared with those who received additional doses. These findings support previous observational studies and post hoc analyses of vaccine trials that demonstrated comparable effectiveness of 1 dose to 2 or 3 doses.” If this study’s findings prove themselves it could greatly simplify this vaccination- and lower the cost.
Merck (maker of Gardasil) closed at 91.03 USD −0.47 (0.51%).
About health insurance
Governor Cuomo Unveils 14th Proposal of 2020 State of the State: Increasing Transparency in Healthcare Costs: “Under this proposal, Governor Cuomo will direct the Department of Health, the Department of Financial Services and the New York State Digital and Media Services Center - a joint enterprise of the Office of Information Technology Services and Office of General Services - to create a consumer-friendly website, called NYHealthcareCompare, where New Yorkers can easily compare the cost and quality of healthcare procedures at hospitals around the state. The platform will also provide consumers with educational resources designed to help consumers know their rights including financial assistance options, what to do about a surprise bill and more.” Pending federal action on these issues, seems like states are taking the lead. However, sites like Hospital Compare already provide such quality data.
About healthcare devices
FDA Reclassifies Electrotherapies for Anxiety and Insomnia: The reclassification from Class III to Class II for this specific device is not the issue- it is the general way the FDA looks at classifying newer technology.