Moderna, after losing US funding, rebounds to start mRNA bird flu vaccine trial
Kristin Jensen / healthcaredive - A program that got caught up in HHS’ decision to abandon mRNA research was revived by a public-private coalition and is now beginning a large, late-stage test that could support a future approval.
AI Summary: Moderna has initiated a clinical trial of an mRNA vaccine targeting a potentially pandemic bird‑flu strain, joining global efforts to have a rapid‑response countermeasure ready. Regulators and public‑health experts hail the move as sensible pre‑emptive science—because nothing says “we planned for this” like testing the vaccine before the outbreak arrives.
CMS delays Part D GLP-1 model amid skepticism from insurers
fiercehealthcare - The Trump administration is delaying a voluntary model that aimed to expand access to GLP-1s in Part D after pushback from insurers.
AI Summary: Federal regulators have paused a Medicare Part D pilot to expand coverage for GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs amid payer skepticism and implementation concerns. The delay reflects worries about cost, program design and insurer buy‑in, forcing policymakers to revisit the model while patients and providers wait for clarity on whether Medicare will shoulder these high‑price therapies.
- CMS pauses Medicare GLP‑1 BALANCE pilot amid insurer pushback (4)
- Researchers chase GLP‑1 benefits, from gene therapy to Alzheimer’s (6)
- Telehealth and clinics scale GLP‑1 access, delivery and monitoring (3)
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