Dr. Katy | PharmD
@drkatyrx.bsky.social
Pharmacist breaking down health news and wellness tips into simple, everyday advice. Occasionally diving into random thoughts, because why not?
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https://linktr.ee/vitalizemed
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says U.S. medical schools must teach nutrition. He criticized the lack of standardized nutrition education, noting that students receive only around 19 hours of required training over four years.
RFK Jr. to tell medical schools to teach nutrition or lose federal funding
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to tell medical schools they must offer nutrition courses to students or risk losing federal funding from the DHS.
abcnews.go.com
July 3, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says U.S. medical schools must teach nutrition. He criticized the lack of standardized nutrition education, noting that students receive only around 19 hours of required training over four years.
Trump signs executive order to lower drug prices by matching what other countries pay. Supporters say it will save Americans billions. Critics call it more of a political move than real policy similar to past efforts under Obama and Biden that never got far.
Trump to sign executive order on reducing prescription drug prices
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he would sign an executive order that he said would reduce prescription drug and pharmaceutical prices by between 30% and 80%.
www.reuters.com
May 12, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Trump signs executive order to lower drug prices by matching what other countries pay. Supporters say it will save Americans billions. Critics call it more of a political move than real policy similar to past efforts under Obama and Biden that never got far.
UnitedHealth is being sued by shareholders for allegedly hiding a DOJ antitrust investigation, right after the CEO cashed out $24M in stock.
UnitedHealthcare sued by shareholders over reaction to CEO's killing
The group of investors alleged the company misled them by not adjusting its forecast after Brian Thompson was killed.
www.nbcnews.com
May 10, 2025 at 10:42 PM
UnitedHealth is being sued by shareholders for allegedly hiding a DOJ antitrust investigation, right after the CEO cashed out $24M in stock.
UCSD researchers used AI to discover that a gene called PHGDH might actually cause Alzheimer’s—not just be linked to it. Even better, they found a molecule that could block its effects. This could lead to real treatment breakthroughs.
AI Helps Unravel a Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease and Identify a Therapeutic Candidate
A new study found that a gene recently recognized as a biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease is actually a cause of it, due to its previously unknown secondary function that triggers a pathway that disrup...
today.ucsd.edu
May 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
UCSD researchers used AI to discover that a gene called PHGDH might actually cause Alzheimer’s—not just be linked to it. Even better, they found a molecule that could block its effects. This could lead to real treatment breakthroughs.
Back in 1958, scientists had a theory that Vitamin B1 (thiamine) might do more than just help with energy. Now, over 60 years later, they finally proved it: B1 actually helps keep your cells alive—especially when your body is stressed or sick. It’s not just a basic vitamin.
Scientists Finally Confirm “Crazy” Vitamin B1 Theory From 1958
Chemists have successfully generated an unstable molecule in water, a feat once believed to be impossible. Chemists have confirmed a 67-year-old theory about vitamin B1 by stabilizing a highly reactiv...
scitechdaily.com
May 6, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Back in 1958, scientists had a theory that Vitamin B1 (thiamine) might do more than just help with energy. Now, over 60 years later, they finally proved it: B1 actually helps keep your cells alive—especially when your body is stressed or sick. It’s not just a basic vitamin.
PBMs used to gag pharmacists from telling you a drug was cheaper without insurance. That didn’t end until 2018. For years, you could’ve saved money—but weren’t allowed to know. And we still let these middlemen run the show. @mcuban.bsky.social
May 1, 2025 at 11:10 AM
PBMs used to gag pharmacists from telling you a drug was cheaper without insurance. That didn’t end until 2018. For years, you could’ve saved money—but weren’t allowed to know. And we still let these middlemen run the show. @mcuban.bsky.social
Trump wants to cut HIV prevention and leave it to states that can’t afford it. More infections, more lives lost—and taxpayers still pay. Over 40 million people have already died from this disease. Cutting prevention is reckless.
Trump administration considers plan to eliminate CDC's HIV prevention division
If the administration does move forward with the plan, the CDC’s HIV prevention work could move over to another department under HHS.
www.nbcnews.com
April 30, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Trump wants to cut HIV prevention and leave it to states that can’t afford it. More infections, more lives lost—and taxpayers still pay. Over 40 million people have already died from this disease. Cutting prevention is reckless.
The HHS Secretary keeps calling out the use of food dyes in popular snacks like candy and cereal and is now prioritizing action against artificial color additives.
RFK Jr. announces intent to phase out synthetic food dyes
The HHS secretary has frequently blasted food dyes found in candy, cereals, drinks and snacks, and he has made cracking down on color additives a focus of his agenda.
www.washingtonpost.com
April 23, 2025 at 12:29 AM
The HHS Secretary keeps calling out the use of food dyes in popular snacks like candy and cereal and is now prioritizing action against artificial color additives.
Reposted by Dr. Katy | PharmD
Ohio Medicaid got rid of big middlemen. Says it paid pharmacies a lot more — and saved $140M ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/04/17/o...
Ohio Medicaid got rid of big middlemen. Says it paid pharmacies a lot more — and saved $140M • Ohio Capital Journal
The Ohio Department of Medicaid department in 2022 gave powerful prescription drug middlemen the boot and created a new system. The result: Fees paid to pharmacies were boosted more than 1,200% while ...
ohiocapitaljournal.com
April 17, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Ohio Medicaid got rid of big middlemen. Says it paid pharmacies a lot more — and saved $140M ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/04/17/o...
A new policy promises cheaper drugs, faster FDA approvals, and more imports.
But the clearest change?
Drugmakers get 4 more years before Medicare can negotiate prices on new pills.
But the clearest change?
Drugmakers get 4 more years before Medicare can negotiate prices on new pills.
Trump signs executive action to lower drug prices
The action is intended to build upon the existing program for Medicare drug price negotiations, which was created by the Inflation Reduction Act that passed during the Biden administration.
www.npr.org
April 17, 2025 at 8:28 PM
A new policy promises cheaper drugs, faster FDA approvals, and more imports.
But the clearest change?
Drugmakers get 4 more years before Medicare can negotiate prices on new pills.
But the clearest change?
Drugmakers get 4 more years before Medicare can negotiate prices on new pills.
90% of U.S. antibiotics rely on imported ingredients.
Common meds like Tylenol, cancer treatments, antidepressants, and vitamins are largely made with components sourced overseas.
Most originate from China and India.
#medicine #supplychain #USA #China
Common meds like Tylenol, cancer treatments, antidepressants, and vitamins are largely made with components sourced overseas.
Most originate from China and India.
#medicine #supplychain #USA #China
April 17, 2025 at 7:06 PM
90% of U.S. antibiotics rely on imported ingredients.
Common meds like Tylenol, cancer treatments, antidepressants, and vitamins are largely made with components sourced overseas.
Most originate from China and India.
#medicine #supplychain #USA #China
Common meds like Tylenol, cancer treatments, antidepressants, and vitamins are largely made with components sourced overseas.
Most originate from China and India.
#medicine #supplychain #USA #China
Eli Lilly’s new weight loss pill is showing promising results in early trials. If it keeps going well, it could be a simpler alternative to injections like Ozempic.
Eli Lilly announces trial results of new weight loss, diabetes pill; stock booms — USA TODAY
Eli Lilly announced the results of a clinical trial for its new pill, which the company said causes nearly 8% weight loss at certain dosages.
apple.news
April 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Eli Lilly’s new weight loss pill is showing promising results in early trials. If it keeps going well, it could be a simpler alternative to injections like Ozempic.
Marijuana Users Are 6 Times More Likely to Have a Heart Attack, According to New Study
Cannabis Users Face Substantially Higher Risk of Heart Attack - American College of Cardiology
www.acc.org
April 9, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Marijuana Users Are 6 Times More Likely to Have a Heart Attack, According to New Study
The USDA is losing people from its bird flu response team just as the outbreak is picking up. Internal issues and burnout could make it harder to keep things under control.
April 9, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The USDA is losing people from its bird flu response team just as the outbreak is picking up. Internal issues and burnout could make it harder to keep things under control.
New study shows healthcare AI can give different treatment suggestions depending on a patient’s background, even when the symptoms are the same.
Health Rounds: AI can have medical care biases too, a study reveals
(To receive the full newsletter in your inbox for free sign up here) Artificial intelligence models may recommend different treatments for the same medical condition based solely on a patient’s socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, researchers warn.
www.reuters.com
April 9, 2025 at 4:17 PM
New study shows healthcare AI can give different treatment suggestions depending on a patient’s background, even when the symptoms are the same.
Hims & Hers — the DTC telehealth brand — is now offering Zepbound, a popular weight loss drug. But analysts aren’t sold. It’s pricey, and their audience might not be willing to pay up.
Hims & Hers Zepbound Offering Won’t Bring Needed Sales Boom, Analysts Say
Investors worry patients won’t make that price leap and that Hims, which has built its business on affordable healthcare, will struggle to meet its revenue goal.
www.wsj.com
April 4, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Hims & Hers — the DTC telehealth brand — is now offering Zepbound, a popular weight loss drug. But analysts aren’t sold. It’s pricey, and their audience might not be willing to pay up.
President Trump’s recent firing of two Democratic FTC commissioners has halted the agency’s antitrust lawsuit against major pharmacy-benefit managers over insulin pricing, leaving the case in limbo.
FTC’s Case Against Drug Managers on Hold After Commissioners Fired
The agency has paused its lawsuit against three pharmacy-benefit managers because no current commissioners can participate in the case.
www.wsj.com
April 4, 2025 at 9:37 PM
President Trump’s recent firing of two Democratic FTC commissioners has halted the agency’s antitrust lawsuit against major pharmacy-benefit managers over insulin pricing, leaving the case in limbo.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is encouraging states to file waivers to ban food stamps from being used to purchase soda.
Kennedy Jr. advocates for a ban on soda purchases with food stamps
Kennedy encourages state leaders to take action against taxpayer-funded soda subsidies, pledging a celebration at the White House for governors who submit waivers.
www.scrippsnews.com
April 1, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is encouraging states to file waivers to ban food stamps from being used to purchase soda.
Bill Gates: Within 10 years, AI will replace many doctors and teachers—humans won't be needed 'for most things'
Bill Gates: Within 10 years, AI will replace many doctors and teachers—humans won't be needed 'for most things'
A new era of "free intelligence" powered by AI will change the way humans work, says billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
www.cnbc.com
March 31, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Bill Gates: Within 10 years, AI will replace many doctors and teachers—humans won't be needed 'for most things'
Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine official, has resigned, citing concerns over vaccine misinformation under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
www.usnews.com
March 31, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Dr. Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine official, has resigned, citing concerns over vaccine misinformation under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
HHS to cut 10,000 staff in major restructuring under RFK Jr.
The FDA will lose about 3,500 employees under the plans, although HHS said drug, medical device and food reviewers will not be affected.
The FDA will lose about 3,500 employees under the plans, although HHS said drug, medical device and food reviewers will not be affected.
Health and Human Services will lay off 10,000 workers and close agencies in a major restructuring
In a major overhaul, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will lay off 10,000 workers and shut down entire agencies.
apnews.com
March 29, 2025 at 6:18 PM
HHS to cut 10,000 staff in major restructuring under RFK Jr.
The FDA will lose about 3,500 employees under the plans, although HHS said drug, medical device and food reviewers will not be affected.
The FDA will lose about 3,500 employees under the plans, although HHS said drug, medical device and food reviewers will not be affected.
Ozempic isn’t just killing appetite — it’s threatening a $1T junk food industry.
People on GLP-1s aren’t craving chips, soda, or sweets anymore.
Big Food is panicking.
Addiction, obesity, even stroke risk — these meds might upend it all.
People on GLP-1s aren’t craving chips, soda, or sweets anymore.
Big Food is panicking.
Addiction, obesity, even stroke risk — these meds might upend it all.
Ozempic Could Crush the Junk Food Industry. But It Is Fighting Back.
As revolutionary new weight-loss drugs turn consumers off ultraprocessed foods, the industry is on the hunt for new products.
www.nytimes.com
March 25, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Ozempic isn’t just killing appetite — it’s threatening a $1T junk food industry.
People on GLP-1s aren’t craving chips, soda, or sweets anymore.
Big Food is panicking.
Addiction, obesity, even stroke risk — these meds might upend it all.
People on GLP-1s aren’t craving chips, soda, or sweets anymore.
Big Food is panicking.
Addiction, obesity, even stroke risk — these meds might upend it all.
Ant-vax parents say ‘measles wasn’t that bad’ after daughter dies in outbreak.
Parents of girl who died from measles urge others to not vaccinate
The girl’s parents say there are alternative treatments for the disease.
www.newsnationnow.com
March 25, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Ant-vax parents say ‘measles wasn’t that bad’ after daughter dies in outbreak.
A recent study suggests that gut bacteria imbalances in Parkinson’s patients may lead to decreased levels of vitamins B2 and B7. Supplementing these vitamins could offer a simple treatment option.
Parkinson's Gut Bacteria Link Suggests an Unexpected, Simple Treatment
Researchers have suspected for some time that the link between our gut and brain plays a role in the development of Parkinson's disease.
www.sciencealert.com
March 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
A recent study suggests that gut bacteria imbalances in Parkinson’s patients may lead to decreased levels of vitamins B2 and B7. Supplementing these vitamins could offer a simple treatment option.