Pregnancy and antidepressants, Moderna: Morning Rounds

The landscape of health and medicine is constantly shifting, with new developments and ongoing debates impacting patient care and public health policy. This week brings updates on vaccine approvals, government initiatives, cancer research, harm reduction strategies, and mental health treatment during pregnancy.

Moderna Flu Vaccine Application Rejected

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently refused to accept Moderna’s application for a new flu vaccine. According to reporting by STAT News, this decision came after FDA official Vinay Prasad overruled agency reviewers who were prepared to evaluate the application. Three agency officials confirmed that a team of career scientists had been ready to begin the review process. A senior FDA official suggested the agency might reconsider if Moderna resubmits with “some humility.”

HHS and the “Real Food” Campaign

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is actively promoting a “real food” initiative, spearheaded by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This campaign was highlighted at a rally where supporters received poster boards featuring images of healthy foods like carrots, eggs, apples, salmon, and beef, alongside the phrase “eat real food.” The posters, initially used as talking points at agency events, have now become collectible items among attendees.

Did You Know? HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Held a rally to celebrate the first MAHA Super Bowl commercial, which featured boxer Mike Tyson discussing obesity and the importance of eating “real food.”

Lung Cancer in Never-Smokers: Ongoing Questions

The proportion of lung cancer cases occurring in people who have never smoked is increasing, a trend STAT’s Sharon Begley explored in 2021 before her death from the disease. While the percentage of never-smokers diagnosed with lung cancer has risen, debate continues regarding whether the absolute number of cases is also increasing. Recent conversations with lung cancer biologist Deborah Caswell highlight the complexities of the disease, including differing risks for men and women and the challenges of recognizing “nonspecific symptoms.”

Shifting Trends in Fentanyl Use and Harm Reduction

Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable shift among drug users away from injection and towards smoking fentanyl. This change is linked to improved health outcomes, as avoiding needles reduces the risk of skin wounds and infections. Jim Duffy, founder of Smoke Works, emphasizes the social aspect of smoking as a protective factor, stating, “We lose people when they’re alone.” Smoke Works distributes “injection alternatives” like pipes.

Expert Insight: The shift from injection to smoking among fentanyl users demonstrates how behavioral changes can significantly impact public health, yet policy often lags behind the realities of drug use epidemiology.

Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy: A Complex Issue

A recent study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting found that pregnant people who discontinue antidepressants are almost twice as likely to experience a mental health emergency compared to those who continue medication. These emergencies were most frequent in the first and ninth months of pregnancy. The study, based on data from nearly 4,000 patients, comes at a time when an FDA panel has raised skepticism about antidepressant use during pregnancy and is considering adding warning labels. Researchers concluded that “Treatment for mental health conditions should not be withheld during pregnancy.”

NSF Fellowship Applications Facing Delays

At least 40 life sciences students have had their applications for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) early-career fellowship program “returned without review.” This means their applications were rejected before being evaluated by external experts. This trend, tracked by Grant Witness and first reported by Eos, is causing concern among students, as noted by computational biologist Jill Wegrzyn.

What We’re Reading

A tragedy of early Covid has finally been explained, The Atlantic
Intersex Texans fear new law will force gender identities, Texas Tribune
A Greek myth explains the biggest challenge facing oncologists like me, STAT
Tens of thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth, The Marshall Project
WHO director-general calls plans for U.S.-funded vaccine trial ‘unethical,’ STAT

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with Moderna’s flu vaccine application?

The FDA refused to accept Moderna’s application for a new flu vaccine after FDA official Vinay Prasad overruled agency reviewers who were prepared to evaluate it.

What is HHS doing to promote healthy eating?

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is leading a “real food” campaign, which includes distributing posters with images of healthy foods and promoting the message “eat real food.”

What did the study on antidepressants and pregnancy find?

The study found that pregnant people who discontinue antidepressants are almost twice as likely to experience a mental health emergency compared to those who continue medication.

As these developments unfold, what role do you believe individual agency decisions play in shaping broader public health outcomes?