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What We’re Reading: Pediatric Cancer Drug Shortages; Teen Birth Rate Decline Slows; Cough Syrup Deaths
Chemotherapy drug shortages put young patients at risk; restrictions and challenges cause concerns of a rise in teen births; at least 28 companies failed to prove sufficient product testing for cough syrups.
Pediatric Cancer Drug Shortage Exacerbates Ongoing Crisis
A shortage of chemotherapy drugs used to treat pediatric cancers, including vinblastine, dacarbazine, and methotrexate, has created a crisis for children with cancer in the United States, according to NBC News. While some improvements have been seen in shortages of cancer drugs for adults, the situation for pediatric cancer patients remains dire. This shortage forces doctors to use less effective alternatives or delay treatment, putting young lives at risk and causing added distress for families. Efforts are needed to address the systemic issues causing these shortages and prioritize the well-being of pediatric cancer patients, clinicians and advocates say.
Concerns Rise as US Teen Birth Rate Decline Slows
After decades of decline, the rate of teen births in the United States appears to be leveling off, and advocates are concerned that it may soon increase, according to KFF Health News. Factors including the Supreme Court's decision to strike down federal protections for abortion rights, opposition to sex education, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health could contribute to this trend. Limited access to abortion and contraception, along with the challenges of teenage pregnancy and motherhood, further compound the issue.
FDA Cracks Down on Lax Testing Practices Following Deaths Linked to Contaminated Products
The FDA has increased scrutiny of ingredient testing in health care products following hundreds of deaths overseas related to contaminated cough syrups, according to Reuters. At least 28 companies have received reprimands from the FDA this year for insufficient testing of ingredients used in OTC drugs and consumer products, particularly for toxins like ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. This crackdown, including more stringent testing requirements for individual ingredient containers, aims to prevent contaminated products from entering the US market.
AI in Health Care: Balancing Governance, Innovation, and Trust
September 2nd 2025In this conversation with Reuben Daniel, associate vice president of artificial intelligence at UPMC Health Plan, we dive into how UPMC Health Plan builds trust with providers and members, discuss challenges of scaling AI effectively, and hear about concrete examples of AI's positive impact.
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Infertility Coverage Boosts ART Use and Pregnancy Success: Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA
August 26th 2025In this episode, Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, discusses his study showing that infertility treatment coverage increases assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and improves pregnancy outcomes.
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