The U.S. government could save billions every year once Medicare begins negotiating drug prices in 2026, new research suggests. The Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress last year allows Medicare to bargain with drug companies on the prices of 10 of the highest-priced drugs in 2026 before adding 15 more in 2027, 15 more in…  read on >  read on >

Treatments for gum disease may have little benefit for heavy smokers, new research shows. The study findings suggest the need to rethink treatment of the common gum disease periodontitis, according to researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark. “To our surprise, we could see that the disease had actually grown worse in some parameters in the…  read on >  read on >

Longstanding restrictions on blood donations from gay or bisexual men could soon shift towards a more nuanced policy, where such men are asked about sexual partners and practices instead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday. Specifically, gay men who are in monogamous relationships will no longer be required to abstain from sex for…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it can’t regulate CBD supplements because there isn’t enough evidence on their safety. The agency also called on Congress to create new rules for what has become a burgeoning industry. “The use of CBD raises various safety concerns, especially with long-term use,” FDA Deputy Commissioner Dr. Janet…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel on Thursday voted unanimously to recommend that the agency phase out original versions of COVID vaccines for use in the unvaccinated, in favor of updated bivalent booster shots. Committee members also weighed a proposal to streamline the dosing schedule for COVID vaccines by turning them into…  read on >  read on >

Just like adults, children need lots of fiber in their diets. Fiber is part of what fuels a child’s normal growth and development. It helps them feel full longer, controls blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol and promotes regular bowel movements, according to Children’s Health of Orange County, Calif. (CHOC). “We see improvements in disease management…  read on >  read on >

If it seems as though everyone you know struggles with some sort of allergy, new research suggests you are not mistaken. As many as 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 kids suffers from a seasonal allergy, a food allergy or eczema, the latest government data shows. Caused by a reaction to plant pollen,…  read on >  read on >

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration official who has led the agency’s food policy efforts since 2018 announced his resignation on Wednesday. Frank Yiannas was also among the top officials leading the agency response to last year’s infant formula shortage. “Today, I informed [FDA] Commissioner [Robert] Califf that I will be resigning my position as…  read on >  read on >