The Gist Healthcare Podcast Friday, August 8, 2025
Aug 8, 2025
The government halts key mRNA vaccine research, impacting future advancements. UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys navigate a complicated legal landscape to finalize their multibillion-dollar merger. Meanwhile, Vertex Pharmaceuticals faces setbacks with a promising non-opioid pain therapy, struggling to outperform a placebo. Plus, a sneak peek into an upcoming discussion on the integration of AI in clinical settings adds excitement for future innovations.
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HHS Pauses New mRNA Vaccine Work
- HHS will stop initiating new mRNA vaccine projects and cancel or de-scope existing BARDA contracts worth $500 million.
- Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said funding will shift to other vaccine platforms because mRNA allegedly failed to sufficiently protect against COVID and flu.
Public Health Experts Push Back
- The announcement drew strong criticism from public health officials who argue mRNA technologies are safe and pivotal to pandemic response.
- Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams warned the move could "cost lives," highlighting a sharp policy vs. expert divide.
UnitedHealth–Amedisys Deal Cleared With Divestitures
- DOJ reached a settlement allowing UnitedHealth's $3.3 billion Optum purchase of home-health company Amedisys to proceed.
- The companies must divest 164 home health and hospice locations across 19 states to resolve antitrust concerns.