339: RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearings, MASH drugs, and a controversial obesity ad
Jan 30, 2025
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Rachel Korsdreng, STAT’s chief Washington correspondent, dives into the hot-button issues surrounding RFK Jr.'s contentious confirmation hearings. She sheds light on intense exchanges about vaccines and autism, particularly with senators like Bernie Sanders. The conversation also covers a groundbreaking study on reversing cirrhosis in patients with MASH, critiques of a provocative obesity ad, and innovative funding approaches in biotech aimed at tackling ALS. A fascinating mix of politics and healthcare advancements!
The groundbreaking study by Akero Therapeutics reveals the potential to reverse cirrhosis in severe MASH patients, indicating significant treatment advancements.
RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearings raised critical concerns about his controversial views on vaccines and his understanding of key health policies.
Deep dives
Breakthrough in MASH Treatment
Akiro Therapeutics announced significant progress in the treatment of MASH, previously known as NASH, with promising results showing reversal of cirrhosis in severe patients. This marks a groundbreaking advancement, given that reversing damage from cirrhosis was thought to be impossible. Unlike earlier therapies targeting less severe stages, Akiro's study demonstrates the potential for late-stage MASH patients to regain liver function. The upcoming phase three study will further assess long-term benefits, including potentially reducing the need for liver transplants.
Impact of GLP-1 Drugs on MASH
The discussion highlighted the role of GLP-1 drugs, traditionally used for weight loss, in the treatment of MASH. Although these drugs have shown efficacy in earlier stages of MASH, their impact on advanced liver fibrosis is negligible. Akiro's study found substantial effects in patients not taking GLP-1 medications, suggesting that their benefits may be limited to weight management rather than addressing liver damage directly. The ongoing research aims to identify more targeted treatments that could benefit patients with severe liver conditions.
HIMSS Super Bowl Ad Controversy
HIMSS launched a provocative Super Bowl advertisement drawing attention to the obesity epidemic in America, using a bold, critical narrative against the pharmaceutical industry. The ad characterizes major pharmaceutical companies as exploitative while promoting HIMSS as a patient-centric alternative, though critics argue this narrative conveniently ignores the ethical concerns surrounding their own practices. The ad's use of a well-known song further sparked debate, with many questioning its appropriateness for a health-focused campaign. This controversy underscores the ongoing tensions between direct-to-consumer marketing and public health messaging.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate Confirmation Hearings
The recent confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary revealed serious concerns about his stance on vaccines and health policy. Despite multiple attempts by senators to clarify his previous statements on vaccines potentially causing autism, Kennedy maintained his controversial views, leading to skepticism about his suitability for the position. Additionally, his understanding of key healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid was questioned, with criticisms highlighting his lack of detailed knowledge on their workings. The next steps in the confirmation process will be closely watched, particularly regarding pivotal votes from key senators.
Our colleague Rachel Cohrs Zhang joins us to break down RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearings, including some contentious questions about vaccines and autism from Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). But first, we chat about Akero Therapeutics and the results reported this week from a study of its experimental drug that showed, for the first time, reversal of cirrhosis in patients with severe MASH. We critique that Hims & Hers commercial. And lastly, we talk about a new fund from biotech VC Curie.Bio and the money it’s invested in a still-stealthy gene therapy company trying to tackle ALS.
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