Thor's Alzheimer's Risk; Fake Doc Gets Life Sentence; $1M for Chance of Longer Life

Note that some links may require subscriptions.

Actor Chris Hemsworth learned from genetic test results that he has an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. (People)

The FDA approved teplizumab (Tzield), the first drug indicated for delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes.

Pfizer and BioNTech announced that their tailored COVID Omicron booster shot has demonstrated activity against newer variants, in particular BQ.1.1.

Citing "deep discrepancies" with medical publishing giant Elsevier, Jose L. Domingo, PhD, announced his resignation as editor in chief of Food and Chemical Toxicology, which follows the journal's publication of content questioning the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. (Retraction Watch)

A leading U.S. addiction researcher called for broad deregulation of methadone to combat opioid addiction, including allowing doctors to prescribe directly to patients. (STAT)

School districts around the country struggle to meet students' mental health needs, which have increased dramatically since the COVID pandemic. (AP)

A man in Greece who pretended to be a distinguished oncologist was sentenced to multiple life sentences for the deaths of seven adults and two children. (The National Herald)

The FDA approved insulin glargine-aglr (Rezvoglar), the second interchangeable biosimilar insulin product to Lantus, to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus.

And the agency also issued warning letters to seven companies for selling dietary supplements with claims that the products can "cure, treat, mitigate or prevent cardiovascular disease."

Meanwhile, LivaNova announced FDA clearance of the company's LifeSPARC next-generation advanced circulatory support system.

Vicky Phelan, 48, died of cervical cancer at a hospital in Ireland, 11 years after a botched Pap smear delayed her diagnosis by 3 years, after which she became an advocate for women's health. (New York Times)

San Francisco activist Carol Leigh, 71, has died of cancer. Leigh was credited with coining the term "sex worker" and advocating for the health, safety, and better working conditions in the adult entertainment industry and for prostitutes. (AP)

The CDC has confirmed two cases of tecovirimat (Tpoxx)-resistant monkeypox, both involving patients with "immunocompromising conditions and progressive, severe manifestations of monkeypox" treated with long courses of the antiviral.

And the agency reported an outbreak of Listeria illness linked to Enoki mushrooms.

Private equity companies and banks are cashing in on patient-financing programs that cover medical bills beyond the reach of most Americans, leaving individuals and families with even more debt as the interest piles up. (NPR)

There may still be potential issues with some of the reworked Respironics Trilogy ventilators following Philips' recall, the FDA warned.

An inside view of the Longevity Investors Conference, a gathering for wealthy people who are willing to pony up at least $1 million for a shot at longer life. (MIT Technology Review)

The All England Club, sponsors of Wimbledon, announced a change in club rules to allow female tennis players to wear dark undershorts beneath mandatory all-white tennis outfits to address the players' concerns about competing during their menstrual periods. (NPR)

Tyson Foods has recalled 94,000 pounds of ground beef because of possible contamination with a "hard mirror-like material." (USA Today)

A growing number of adolescents and teenagers report vaping within 5 minutes of waking up each day. (CNN)

Comment