Sarah Karlin-Smith
@sarahkarlin-smith.bsky.social
Journalist covering intersection of pharma, health policy & politics for the Pink Sheet.
On Signal at SarahKarlinSmith.34
KFF Health News’ ‘What The Health?’ panelist.
Co-created Prescription PULSE at Politico.
GWU alum, dabbled in SMPA adjunct-ness.
On Signal at SarahKarlinSmith.34
KFF Health News’ ‘What The Health?’ panelist.
Co-created Prescription PULSE at Politico.
GWU alum, dabbled in SMPA adjunct-ness.
This is the part of this story I read and felt like RFK most needs to wrestle with ....
"I did not—could not—believe that they were talking about me. I had swum a mile in the pool the day before, nine months pregnant. I wasn’t sick. I didn’t feel sick. I was actually one of the healthiest people I knew. I regularly ran five to ten miles in Central Park...."
A Battle with My Blood
When I was diagnosed with leukemia, my first thought was that this couldn’t be happening to me, to my family.
www.newyorker.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:23 AM
This is the part of this story I read and felt like RFK most needs to wrestle with ....
"I did not—could not—believe that they were talking about me. I had swum a mile in the pool the day before, nine months pregnant. I wasn’t sick. I didn’t feel sick. I was actually one of the healthiest people I knew. I regularly ran five to ten miles in Central Park...."
A Battle with My Blood
When I was diagnosed with leukemia, my first thought was that this couldn’t be happening to me, to my family.
www.newyorker.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:22 AM
"I did not—could not—believe that they were talking about me. I had swum a mile in the pool the day before, nine months pregnant. I wasn’t sick. I didn’t feel sick. I was actually one of the healthiest people I knew. I regularly ran five to ten miles in Central Park...."
In an email to staff filled with unsupported accusations about the quality of the center’s research, CBER Director Vinay Prasad said no resources or time should be spent on ongoing projects started before he joined the FDA until discussed with him. #healthpolicy
CBER Poised for Research Shakeup As Prasad Makes Unproven Claims About ‘Polluted Science’
In an email to staff filled with unsupported accusations about the quality of the center’s research, CBER Director Vinay Prasad said no resources or time should be spent on ongoing projects started be...
insights.citeline.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:30 PM
In an email to staff filled with unsupported accusations about the quality of the center’s research, CBER Director Vinay Prasad said no resources or time should be spent on ongoing projects started before he joined the FDA until discussed with him. #healthpolicy
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
Within a month, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations shot at D.C. drivers two separate times.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
When federal agents shoot people in D.C., there are few details – and little accountability
D.C. police officers are held to one standard, federal agents another.
51st.news
November 22, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Within a month, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations shot at D.C. drivers two separate times.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
The incidents highlight significant differences in how local and federal police respond to crime, as well as what systems of accountability exist, @maustermuhle.bsky.social reports.
My 6yo has started pretend electronic locking her bedroom door at night so Trump can't get in. She seemed to think that he himself is going into homes and causing harm. There are children in her school whose families have been impacted by ICE so we assume this is where the concern came from.
A Wash Post review found instances of parents arrested near campuses in at least 10 states so far this year. Actions near campuses—which include shooting a man, releasing tear gas and engaging in a car chase—have prompted lockdowns. @justinemcdaniel.bsky.social www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
In cities targeted by ICE, empty desks and school disruptions follow
One in 5 students in Charlotte missed school after a recent ICE crackdown began. It’s the latest city where schools felt the impact of Trump’s deportation effort.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:40 PM
My 6yo has started pretend electronic locking her bedroom door at night so Trump can't get in. She seemed to think that he himself is going into homes and causing harm. There are children in her school whose families have been impacted by ICE so we assume this is where the concern came from.
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
This is why I hate RFK Jr’s push to switch to screening pregnant women for Hep B: moms aren’t the only people who can infect babies with Hep B!
Did you know?
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Kids can be affected by “horizontal transmission” of Hep B without likely exposure to blood or sexual contact
Most US articles on horizontal transmission are 30 years old
Why?
The perinatal dose of the Hep B vaccine — These cases declined after it was recommended by ACIP in 1991
Horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection to United States-born children of Hmong refugees - PubMed
There is evidence that hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission continues among Southeast Asian refugees after resettlement. To determine the prevalence of HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive or core antibody positive) and modes of transmission in Hmong refugee households in Wisc …
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
November 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
This is why I hate RFK Jr’s push to switch to screening pregnant women for Hep B: moms aren’t the only people who can infect babies with Hep B!
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
What D.C. health stories should we report on?
We're launching a dedicated beat — with support from @abigailhiggins.bsky.social's fellowship at the Georgetown-Howard Center for Medical Humanities and Health Justice.
We're launching a dedicated beat — with support from @abigailhiggins.bsky.social's fellowship at the Georgetown-Howard Center for Medical Humanities and Health Justice.
We’re launching a health equity beat
We want to hear from you: What D.C. health stories should we tell?
51st.news
November 24, 2025 at 1:54 PM
What D.C. health stories should we report on?
We're launching a dedicated beat — with support from @abigailhiggins.bsky.social's fellowship at the Georgetown-Howard Center for Medical Humanities and Health Justice.
We're launching a dedicated beat — with support from @abigailhiggins.bsky.social's fellowship at the Georgetown-Howard Center for Medical Humanities and Health Justice.
The combination of diminished staff capacity and immense pressure to use new, but unvalidated, AI tools to replace it “could jeopardize FDA’s gold standard review process, leaving ... further uncertainty about whether FDA-approved drugs work and are effective." - @reshmagar.bsky.social
US FDA Cancer Office Keeps Hemorrhaging Staff, Most Land At Industry
Merck, Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson are some of the pharma companies who have snagged the many staff leaving the FDA’s oncology positions. The Pink Sheet estimates CDER’s oncology division is operatin...
insights.citeline.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:09 PM
The combination of diminished staff capacity and immense pressure to use new, but unvalidated, AI tools to replace it “could jeopardize FDA’s gold standard review process, leaving ... further uncertainty about whether FDA-approved drugs work and are effective." - @reshmagar.bsky.social
The combination of diminished staff capacity and immense pressure to use new, but unvalidated, AI tools to replace it “could jeopardize FDA’s gold standard review process, leaving ... further uncertainty about whether FDA-approved drugs work and are effective." -@reshmagar.bsky.social
US FDA Cancer Office Keeps Hemorrhaging Staff, Most Land At Industry
Merck, Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson are some of the pharma companies who have snagged the many staff leaving the FDA’s oncology positions. The Pink Sheet estimates CDER’s oncology division is operatin...
insights.citeline.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The combination of diminished staff capacity and immense pressure to use new, but unvalidated, AI tools to replace it “could jeopardize FDA’s gold standard review process, leaving ... further uncertainty about whether FDA-approved drugs work and are effective." -@reshmagar.bsky.social
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
From The Atlantic:
Do Childhood Vaccines Cause Tornadoes?
It hasn’t been ruled out.
#EpiSky #PublicHealth
Do Childhood Vaccines Cause Tornadoes?
It hasn’t been ruled out.
#EpiSky #PublicHealth
Do Childhood Vaccines Cause Tornadoes?
It hasn’t been ruled out.
www.theatlantic.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:23 PM
From The Atlantic:
Do Childhood Vaccines Cause Tornadoes?
It hasn’t been ruled out.
#EpiSky #PublicHealth
Do Childhood Vaccines Cause Tornadoes?
It hasn’t been ruled out.
#EpiSky #PublicHealth
I documented 33 departures from agency oncology roles in 2025, including 17 who took pharma industry roles. Most of the rest moved to roles adjacent to pharma, such as in consulting or contract resource organizations.
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
US FDA Cancer Office Keeps Hemorrhaging Staff, Most Land At Industry
Merck, Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson are some of the pharma companies who have snagged the many staff leaving the FDA’s oncology positions. The Pink Sheet estimates CDER’s oncology division is operatin...
insights.citeline.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:42 AM
I documented 33 departures from agency oncology roles in 2025, including 17 who took pharma industry roles. Most of the rest moved to roles adjacent to pharma, such as in consulting or contract resource organizations.
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/a...
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
FDA delays left recalled ByHeart baby formula on store shelves, food safety expert tells Healthbeat. Nearly a week was lost clearing bureaucratic hurdles before all state and local food safety officials were told where formula was being sold. www.healthbeat.org/2025/11/22/b... #IDsky #Medsky
FDA delays left recalled baby formula on store shelves, food safety expert says
The leader of the Association of Food and Drug Officials told Healthbeat that the FDA has been slow to share distribution lists for recalled ByHeart formula. “I’m not sure they recognize the sense of ...
www.healthbeat.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:12 AM
FDA delays left recalled ByHeart baby formula on store shelves, food safety expert tells Healthbeat. Nearly a week was lost clearing bureaucratic hurdles before all state and local food safety officials were told where formula was being sold. www.healthbeat.org/2025/11/22/b... #IDsky #Medsky
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
Makary is also pushing to change FDA regs affecting depressants, puberty blockers and psychedelics, seeking to cut career scientists out of decisions, our sources told us.
Pazdur has pushed back, saying career experts must have input.
He has also mused about abruptly retiring.
More in our story→
Pazdur has pushed back, saying career experts must have input.
He has also mused about abruptly retiring.
More in our story→
Top FDA drug regulator raises alarms about expediting approvals
Richard Pazdur, who assumed his new role this month, has warned that new Trump administration initiatives could be illegal and pose a risk to public health.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Makary is also pushing to change FDA regs affecting depressants, puberty blockers and psychedelics, seeking to cut career scientists out of decisions, our sources told us.
Pazdur has pushed back, saying career experts must have input.
He has also mused about abruptly retiring.
More in our story→
Pazdur has pushed back, saying career experts must have input.
He has also mused about abruptly retiring.
More in our story→
Taps the sign from more than a year ago. Pre people even thinking Kennedy would lead HHS.
Although while approval authority does rest with HHS Sec, there may be some legal vulnerabilities in how FDA leadership is coming to recent decisions....
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/l...
Although while approval authority does rest with HHS Sec, there may be some legal vulnerabilities in how FDA leadership is coming to recent decisions....
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/l...
November 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Taps the sign from more than a year ago. Pre people even thinking Kennedy would lead HHS.
Although while approval authority does rest with HHS Sec, there may be some legal vulnerabilities in how FDA leadership is coming to recent decisions....
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/l...
Although while approval authority does rest with HHS Sec, there may be some legal vulnerabilities in how FDA leadership is coming to recent decisions....
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/l...
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
NEW: FDA review staff was excluded from voting on whether to approve first priority voucher drug. Top leaders like Vinay Prasad, George Tidmarsh, and Tracy Høeg led the vote instead. Read for the full list, and expert reaction from @hollylynchez.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/11/21/t...
FDA review staff was excluded from voting on whether to approve first priority voucher drug
Top officials like Vinay Prasad and George Tidmarsh voted on the drug, a major break from the FDA's typical practice.
www.statnews.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:33 PM
NEW: FDA review staff was excluded from voting on whether to approve first priority voucher drug. Top leaders like Vinay Prasad, George Tidmarsh, and Tracy Høeg led the vote instead. Read for the full list, and expert reaction from @hollylynchez.bsky.social: www.statnews.com/2025/11/21/t...
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
NEW: ICE has finally released post-shutdown detention data. The latest data reveals that a full 40%(!) of people arrested in the interior and held in ICE detention have no criminal record; no criminal charges or prior convictions. That is up from just 4% when Trump took office.
November 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
NEW: ICE has finally released post-shutdown detention data. The latest data reveals that a full 40%(!) of people arrested in the interior and held in ICE detention have no criminal record; no criminal charges or prior convictions. That is up from just 4% when Trump took office.
The other thing I will add to the journo salary discourse is orgs will exploit that many journos did not go into journalism to become rich & are drawn to the work bc they want to help improve society. Not unique to this field but my sense was my b school friends treated differently in salary talks.
November 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The other thing I will add to the journo salary discourse is orgs will exploit that many journos did not go into journalism to become rich & are drawn to the work bc they want to help improve society. Not unique to this field but my sense was my b school friends treated differently in salary talks.
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
Had the same reaction.
Y'all, folks are gonna climb over each other for this job, because that is absolutely *great* money for a journalism gig.
This is also why referring to journalists as "elite" always makes the lot of us chuckle a bit.
Y'all, folks are gonna climb over each other for this job, because that is absolutely *great* money for a journalism gig.
This is also why referring to journalists as "elite" always makes the lot of us chuckle a bit.
There are several replies pointing out how low that pay is, especially for NYC, and I'm once again realizing that people have no idea how shittily journalists are paid.
WIRED is hiring for a senior politics reporter who will write our weekly newsletter; detailed job description below. This role will be based in New York or DC and report to me; the salary range is $95,000 - $132,000. condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CondeC...
November 21, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Had the same reaction.
Y'all, folks are gonna climb over each other for this job, because that is absolutely *great* money for a journalism gig.
This is also why referring to journalists as "elite" always makes the lot of us chuckle a bit.
Y'all, folks are gonna climb over each other for this job, because that is absolutely *great* money for a journalism gig.
This is also why referring to journalists as "elite" always makes the lot of us chuckle a bit.
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
There are several replies pointing out how low that pay is, especially for NYC, and I'm once again realizing that people have no idea how shittily journalists are paid.
WIRED is hiring for a senior politics reporter who will write our weekly newsletter; detailed job description below. This role will be based in New York or DC and report to me; the salary range is $95,000 - $132,000. condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CondeC...
November 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
There are several replies pointing out how low that pay is, especially for NYC, and I'm once again realizing that people have no idea how shittily journalists are paid.
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
This is a thread detailing a series of incidents where federal Judge Ellis rules that Gregory Bovino and his agents lied or misrepresented what was happening on the streets of Chicago. In this one, she says body cam footage suggests they brake checked to cause accidents
November 20, 2025 at 9:27 PM
This is a thread detailing a series of incidents where federal Judge Ellis rules that Gregory Bovino and his agents lied or misrepresented what was happening on the streets of Chicago. In this one, she says body cam footage suggests they brake checked to cause accidents
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
Absolutely incredible; after shooting Marimar Martinez 5 times and arresting her on claims that she rammed them and pulled a gun, prosecutors have now moved to dismiss ALL criminal charges against her and her codefendant.
New: the govt has moved to dismiss its assault case against Marimar Martinez and Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz, two people accused of "box[ing] in" a Border Patrol vehicle in Chicago on Oct. 4.
One agent shot Martinez, with evidence presented to the court that he later bragged about in text messages.
One agent shot Martinez, with evidence presented to the court that he later bragged about in text messages.
November 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Absolutely incredible; after shooting Marimar Martinez 5 times and arresting her on claims that she rammed them and pulled a gun, prosecutors have now moved to dismiss ALL criminal charges against her and her codefendant.
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
Missouri challenges FDA approval of new generic mifepristone in push to limit abortion missouriindependent.com/2025/11/20/m...
Missouri challenges FDA approval of new generic mifepristone in push to limit abortion • Missouri Independent
The challenge to the latest form of generic mifepristone is part of a larger attempt to limit access to medication abortion at a national level.
missouriindependent.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Missouri challenges FDA approval of new generic mifepristone in push to limit abortion missouriindependent.com/2025/11/20/m...
Reposted by Sarah Karlin-Smith
A horrifying graphic from Pew showing the fruits of the right wing war on public health.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
November 20, 2025 at 8:46 PM
A horrifying graphic from Pew showing the fruits of the right wing war on public health.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
I thought the IRA was always designed with the idea that new Part D design would force health plans to negotiate bigger discounts on drugs.
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/m...
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/m...
insights.citeline.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:40 PM
I thought the IRA was always designed with the idea that new Part D design would force health plans to negotiate bigger discounts on drugs.
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/m...
insights.citeline.com/pink-sheet/m...