Bird Flu Spreads; No Viagra for Russia; Nuclear Medicine System Recall

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Veterinarians and researchers are warning that avian flu is reaching new parts of the globe, and is now endemic in wild birds that transmit the virus to poultry, suggesting threats to poultry farms will persist year-round. (Reuters)

Moderna said its COVID vaccine will remain free for all consumers, regardless of their insurance status. (Endpoints News)

The Department of Justice told a federal court that the U.S. government, not Moderna, should be liable for any infringement of patents that took place under Moderna’s contract to provide COVID-19 vaccines. (Reuters)

According to an investigative report, GlaxoSmithKline reportedly was warned over the course of 40 years by its own scientists and researchers about cancer risks associated with the heartburn drug ranitidine (Zantac). (Bloomberg)

Doctors at HCA Florida Bayonet Point in Hudson, Florida told NBC News that patient care has suffered from cost-cutting.

Viatris, the pharmaceutical company that makes sildenafil (Viagra), is suspending shipments of the drug to Russia due to the war in Ukraine. (Metro)

Eating disorder specialists are worried that new childhood obesity guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics may be harmful because it focuses on weight loss and BMI rather than health. (NPR)

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey (D) underwent surgery for prostate cancer this week. (Penn Live)

The Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill criminalizing gender-affirming health care for minors, subjecting physicians to felony charges if they provide puberty blockers, hormone treatment, or gender-affirming surgeries to transgender youth under 18. (NBC News)

The National Institutes of Health initiated a multi-site clinical trial that will evaluate an investigational antiviral therapy, known as S-217622 or ensitrelvir fumaric acid, to treat COVID-19.

GE Healthcare is recalling the Nuclear Medicine 600 and 800 Series systems after identifying an issue with two mechanisms — a failing ball screw and missing safety key that may cause the 1,212-pound detector to fall on patients.

The Divine Assembly in Salt Lake City is one of a growing number of churches that worship using psychedelics. (Vice)

A forensic study suggests Nobel prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who died in September 1973 shortly after the military coup that overthrew the government of Salvador Allende, actually was poisoned and did not die from prostate cancer. (The Guardian)

Twitter’s plan to end its policy of providing free access to its application planning interface (API) could disrupt thousands of research projects. (Nature)

Retirees in China have taken to the streets to protest cuts to medical benefits. (Reuters)