FDA Rejects Moderna Flu Vaccine Application

A top FDA official, Vinay Prasad, reportedly overruled agency reviewers by refusing to accept Moderna’s application for a new flu vaccine. Three agency officials familiar with the matter indicated that a team of career scientists had been prepared to review the application.

A senior FDA official suggested that the decision might be reconsidered if the company reapplies to the agency, potentially demonstrating "humility."

A senior FDA official suggested that the decision might be reconsidered if the company reapplies to the agency, potentially demonstrating "humility."

HHS Secretary Launches 'Real Food' Public Health Campaign

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gathered supporters at agency headquarters to celebrate the first MAHA Super Bowl commercial. The advertisement featured boxer Mike Tyson discussing obesity and advocating for Americans to "eat real food."

At the rally, poster boards placed on every seat displayed the "real food" phrase alongside images of various food items, including carrots, eggs, apples, salmon, and beef.

Kennedy stated, "We are putting the full weight of the American government behind one goal."

These posters, which had previously been a topic of discussion at agency events, were utilized as cheerleading tools by HHS staff and became collectibles for some attendees.

New Questions Regarding Lung Cancer in Never-Smokers

As smoking rates have decreased over decades, individuals who have never smoked now constitute a larger proportion of overall lung cancer cases. Five years after initial discussions, debate continues regarding whether the absolute number of lung cancer cases among never-smokers is increasing.

Lung cancer biologist Deborah Caswell discussed the science behind the disease, noting a higher risk for women compared to men and the implications of patients presenting with "nonspecific symptoms."

Growing Trend in Fentanyl Harm Reduction via Smoking

Over the past decade, a significant shift has occurred among drug users, moving from injecting fentanyl to smoking it. This behavioral change serves as a clear example of how individual actions can impact health outcomes, as opting out of needles can substantially reduce risks of skin wounds or certain infections.

The shift also highlights a disconnect between public opinion, government policy, and the realities of drug use epidemiology. Jim Duffy, founder of Smoke Works, which distributes "injection alternatives" such as pipes, emphasized that "smoking is a social experience," suggesting it may help prevent solitary overdoses.

Jim Duffy, founder of Smoke Works, which distributes "injection alternatives" such as pipes, emphasized that "smoking is a social experience," suggesting it may help prevent solitary overdoses.

Study Links Antidepressant Discontinuation in Pregnancy to Increased Mental Health Emergencies

A study abstract presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual pregnancy meeting reported that individuals discontinuing antidepressants during pregnancy are almost twice as likely to experience a mental health emergency compared to those who continue their medication.

Data from nearly 4,000 patients indicated that these emergencies peaked in the first and ninth months of pregnancy. Researchers analyzed a state-based private insurance database and found that a majority of individuals with prescriptions for SSRIs or SNRIs discontinued them during pregnancy.

The study authors concluded that "treatment for mental health conditions should not be withheld during pregnancy."

This research is timely, following a recent FDA panel discussion on antidepressant use during pregnancy that featured skeptics of the drugs, and indications that officials are considering adding warning labels for pregnant individuals.

National Science Foundation Rejects Fellowship Applications Without Review

At least 40 life sciences students have had their applications for the National Science Foundation’s high-profile early-career fellowship program "returned without review." This means the applications were rejected before outside experts had the opportunity to evaluate their scientific merit.

This phenomenon is being tracked by Grant Witness and was first reported by Eos.

Computational biologist and master’s advisor Jill Wegrzyn noted that this experience provides students with an early understanding of challenges in submitting large grants.