The Gist Healthcare Podcast Monday, June 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
The Department of Health and Human Services pulls a massive funding deal with Moderna for an mRNA flu vaccine. CVS and Express Scripts are taking Arkansas to court over a new law that limits pharmacy benefit managers. Surprisingly, a recent study shows traditional diagnostic methods are outperforming generative AI tools in accuracy, raising questions about the future of medicine. Tune in for these hot topics that are shaping the healthcare landscape!
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Federal Cut Over Safety And Scientific Concerns
- HHS canceled over $760 million in Moderna funding because the project failed to meet scientific or safety expectations.
- Moderna reported promising Phase I-II data for an H5 avian flu mRNA vaccine despite the funding pull.
Avian Flu Risk Mostly Agricultural
- The CDC considers the public health risk of avian flu low and human-to-human transmission is not known.
- The virus still disrupts industries like poultry and dairy through animal infections and worker exposures.
Use Litigation To Fight State PBM Bans
- Challenge laws that restrict interstate business when they may violate the Commerce Clause.
- CVS Health and Express Scripts sued Arkansas arguing the PBM ownership ban is unconstitutional and harms service access.