Will first FDA-approved at-home test for gonorrhea, chlamydia ease the epidemic?
NBC News, November 27, 2023
The Food and Drug Administration’s first-ever approval of an at-home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea could help drive earlier detection and treatment of these sexually transmitted infections amid a ballooning epidemic in the U.S. But some sexual health advocates worry that the FDA’s proposal to begin stepping up regulation of over-the-counter self-testing of STIs could backfire.
NBC News, November 27, 2023
The Food and Drug Administration’s first-ever approval of an at-home test for chlamydia and gonorrhea could help drive earlier detection and treatment of these sexually transmitted infections amid a ballooning epidemic in the U.S. But some sexual health advocates worry that the FDA’s proposal to begin stepping up regulation of over-the-counter self-testing of STIs could backfire.
New antibiotic shows promise for drug-resistant gonorrhea
NBC News, Nov. 3, 2023
A new antibiotic has proven as effective as the last remaining recommended treatment for gonorrhea, helping to assuage mounting fears among public health experts about the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea is the second most common STI in the U.S. and has developed resistance to all but one combination of antibiotics used to treat it.
NBC News, Nov. 3, 2023
A new antibiotic has proven as effective as the last remaining recommended treatment for gonorrhea, helping to assuage mounting fears among public health experts about the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea is the second most common STI in the U.S. and has developed resistance to all but one combination of antibiotics used to treat it.
Many LGBTQ people report having experienced conversion therapy, study finds
NBC News, October 4, 2023
A substantial proportion of LGBTQ people report having been subjected to systematic efforts to deter them from expressing their sexuality or gender identity, according to a major new international review of over a dozen studies. Known as conversion therapy, such treatment has been broadly condemned by psychological and medical organizations and has been banned for minors in 22 states.
NBC News, October 4, 2023
A substantial proportion of LGBTQ people report having been subjected to systematic efforts to deter them from expressing their sexuality or gender identity, according to a major new international review of over a dozen studies. Known as conversion therapy, such treatment has been broadly condemned by psychological and medical organizations and has been banned for minors in 22 states.
As Covid cases rise, what to know about Paxlovid
NBC News, September 24, 2023
Covid cases have risen again. Some Americans are anxious about possibly getting very sick from the infection. Paxlovid antiviral pills remain an option for mitigating the risk. Research has shown that Paxlovid is associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization or death — but only for those who are already at higher risk of severe illness from Covid because they are older or have underlying health conditions.
NBC News, September 24, 2023
Covid cases have risen again. Some Americans are anxious about possibly getting very sick from the infection. Paxlovid antiviral pills remain an option for mitigating the risk. Research has shown that Paxlovid is associated with a reduced risk of hospitalization or death — but only for those who are already at higher risk of severe illness from Covid because they are older or have underlying health conditions.
Insurers must cover injectable HIV prevention drug — unless courts void mandate
NBC News, August 22, 2023
A health task force’s new endorsement of a long-acting injectable medication for use as HIV prevention will require health insurers to begin covering the pricey drug by 2025. However, the hotly anticipated development is on a legal collision course.
NBC News, August 22, 2023
A health task force’s new endorsement of a long-acting injectable medication for use as HIV prevention will require health insurers to begin covering the pricey drug by 2025. However, the hotly anticipated development is on a legal collision course.
FDA policy allowing more gay and bisexual men to donate blood goes into effect
NBC News, August 7, 2023
In a victory for LGBTQ rights, a broad swath of the U.S. population of gay men became newly able donate blood, thanks to the implementation by the American Red Cross of a landmark recent change in Food and Drug Administration policy. The policy newly permits donations from men in monogamous relationships with other men, as well as those who have not recently engaged in anal sex.
NBC News, August 7, 2023
In a victory for LGBTQ rights, a broad swath of the U.S. population of gay men became newly able donate blood, thanks to the implementation by the American Red Cross of a landmark recent change in Food and Drug Administration policy. The policy newly permits donations from men in monogamous relationships with other men, as well as those who have not recently engaged in anal sex.
In remission from HIV, a sixth person could join the club of those possibly cured
NBC News, July 19, 2023
A European man has been in a state of remission from HIV infection for nearly two years after receiving a stem cell transplant to treat blood cancer. If enough time passes with no signs of viable virus, he could join five people who are considered either definitely or possibly cured of HIV. His case is unique because his transplant wasn't from a donor with a rare genetic abnormality generating HIV-resistant immune cells.
NBC News, July 19, 2023
A European man has been in a state of remission from HIV infection for nearly two years after receiving a stem cell transplant to treat blood cancer. If enough time passes with no signs of viable virus, he could join five people who are considered either definitely or possibly cured of HIV. His case is unique because his transplant wasn't from a donor with a rare genetic abnormality generating HIV-resistant immune cells.
The LGBTQ population is growing, but medical schools haven't caught up
NBC News, June 23, 2023
As an increasing proportion of Americans identify as LGBTQ, leaders in sexual and gender minority health care say that the nation’s medical schools are largely failing to adequately prepare the next generation of doctors to properly care for this population.
NBC News, June 23, 2023
As an increasing proportion of Americans identify as LGBTQ, leaders in sexual and gender minority health care say that the nation’s medical schools are largely failing to adequately prepare the next generation of doctors to properly care for this population.
U.S. progress in HIV fight continues to trail many other rich nations
NBC News, May 23, 2023
New HIV infections continue to ebb only modestly in the United States, while many other wealthy Western nations have posted steep reductions, thanks to more successful efforts overseas to promptly diagnose and treat the virus and promote the HIV prevention pill, PrEP.
NBC News, May 23, 2023
New HIV infections continue to ebb only modestly in the United States, while many other wealthy Western nations have posted steep reductions, thanks to more successful efforts overseas to promptly diagnose and treat the virus and promote the HIV prevention pill, PrEP.
Rise of mpox cases in Chicago raises concern about possible summer spread
NBC News, May 8, 2023
A recent uptick in mpox diagnoses in Chicago, some of them in people vaccinated against the virus, has raised concerns about a possible summertime increase in cases among gay and bi men. Chicago's Howard Brown Health reported eight new cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, since April 17. By comparison, only one case was reported to the Chicago Public Health Department in the previous three months.
NBC News, May 8, 2023
A recent uptick in mpox diagnoses in Chicago, some of them in people vaccinated against the virus, has raised concerns about a possible summertime increase in cases among gay and bi men. Chicago's Howard Brown Health reported eight new cases of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, since April 17. By comparison, only one case was reported to the Chicago Public Health Department in the previous three months.
Tennessee blocked $8 million for HIV, now ends up with $13 million, stunning advocates
NBC News, April 21, 2023
Tennessee has gone from blocking $8.3 million in annual federal funds to combat HIV to newly including $9 million in the state budget approved Thursday to combat the virus. This development came after the CDC announced that it will circumvent the state government and continue providing about $4 million in HIV-prevention funds to Tennessee nonprofit groups, despite Gov. Bill Lee’s objections.
NBC News, April 21, 2023
Tennessee has gone from blocking $8.3 million in annual federal funds to combat HIV to newly including $9 million in the state budget approved Thursday to combat the virus. This development came after the CDC announced that it will circumvent the state government and continue providing about $4 million in HIV-prevention funds to Tennessee nonprofit groups, despite Gov. Bill Lee’s objections.
HPV can cause numerous kinds of cancer, yet many people don't realize it
NBC News, April 17, 2023
A majority of Americans are unaware that HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, can cause a number of major cancers, a new study found. Researchers were surprised over one finding in particular: a decline in awareness that HPV, which is vaccine preventable, is linked to cervical cancer.
NBC News, April 17, 2023
A majority of Americans are unaware that HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, can cause a number of major cancers, a new study found. Researchers were surprised over one finding in particular: a decline in awareness that HPV, which is vaccine preventable, is linked to cervical cancer.
PrEP's promise to change the course of HIV has succeeded—but only for white gay men
NBC News, March 18, 2023
A decade into the era of the HIV prevention pill, called PrEP, efforts to leverage its heralded power to curb new infections have stagnated in the United States. This shortfall is a key reason the nation lags far behind many others in combating HIV, with a national epidemic long plagued by racial inequities and only a modestly declining new infection rate.
NBC News, March 18, 2023
A decade into the era of the HIV prevention pill, called PrEP, efforts to leverage its heralded power to curb new infections have stagnated in the United States. This shortfall is a key reason the nation lags far behind many others in combating HIV, with a national epidemic long plagued by racial inequities and only a modestly declining new infection rate.
CDC warns about the rise in almost untreatable Shigella bacterial infections
NBC News, March 1, 2023
The CDC is warning about a rise in extensively drug-resistant cases of the bacterial infection Shigella, a major cause of inflammatory diarrhea. The agency calls the new form of the stomach bug, which causes the diarrheal condition known as shigellosis, a “serious public health threat.” Evidence suggests the illness is spreading among gay and bisexual men in particular, apparently through sexual contact.
NBC News, March 1, 2023
The CDC is warning about a rise in extensively drug-resistant cases of the bacterial infection Shigella, a major cause of inflammatory diarrhea. The agency calls the new form of the stomach bug, which causes the diarrheal condition known as shigellosis, a “serious public health threat.” Evidence suggests the illness is spreading among gay and bisexual men in particular, apparently through sexual contact.
Mpox is highly fatal among people with advanced HIV, study finds
NBC News, February 21, 2023
Mpox can have a devastating impact on people with advanced cases of HIV, leading to severe lesions and causing death in as many as 1 in 4 of highly immunocompromised people. This is according to the first major study of mpox in this population. The analysis included 382 people from 28 nations, all of whom had HIV and a CD4 a count below 350. Twenty-seven of these individuals died.
NBC News, February 21, 2023
Mpox can have a devastating impact on people with advanced cases of HIV, leading to severe lesions and causing death in as many as 1 in 4 of highly immunocompromised people. This is according to the first major study of mpox in this population. The analysis included 382 people from 28 nations, all of whom had HIV and a CD4 a count below 350. Twenty-seven of these individuals died.
Taking an antibiotic after sex helps gay men curb STDs, but might fuel drug resistance
NBC News, February 20, 2023
A broadening chorus of public health experts are calling for the CDC to endorse prescribing a preventive antibiotic pill to gay and bisexual men and transgender women at high risk of STDs. But some experts are concerned that widespread use of the antibiotic for this purpose could fuel the global crisis of antibiotic-resistant infections.
NBC News, February 20, 2023
A broadening chorus of public health experts are calling for the CDC to endorse prescribing a preventive antibiotic pill to gay and bisexual men and transgender women at high risk of STDs. But some experts are concerned that widespread use of the antibiotic for this purpose could fuel the global crisis of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Bush demanded billions for AIDS in Africa. It paid off.
NBC News, February 7, 2023
George W. Bush’s reputation was forever complicated by war, but a proposal in his 2003 State of the Union became a historic success, resulting in 25 million lives saved from AIDS, 20 million people with HIV provided treatment and 5.5 million babies born to HIV-positive mothers but free of the virus. After two decades, this is the legacy of PEPFAR — the most ambitious U.S. foreign aid program since the Marshall Plan.
NBC News, February 7, 2023
George W. Bush’s reputation was forever complicated by war, but a proposal in his 2003 State of the Union became a historic success, resulting in 25 million lives saved from AIDS, 20 million people with HIV provided treatment and 5.5 million babies born to HIV-positive mothers but free of the virus. After two decades, this is the legacy of PEPFAR — the most ambitious U.S. foreign aid program since the Marshall Plan.
How Tennessee axed millions in HIV funds amid scrutiny from far-right provocateurs
NBC News, February 2, 2023
Tennessee’s recent decision to reject over $8 million in federal funds to combat HIV was motivated, at least in part, by right-wing provocateurs stoking anti-LGBTQ sentiment, according to four sources within the state Health Department. The move by Republican Gov. Bill Lee will hamstring, if not cripple, efforts to combat one of the country’s most poorly controlled epidemics of the virus, HIV advocates said.
NBC News, February 2, 2023
Tennessee’s recent decision to reject over $8 million in federal funds to combat HIV was motivated, at least in part, by right-wing provocateurs stoking anti-LGBTQ sentiment, according to four sources within the state Health Department. The move by Republican Gov. Bill Lee will hamstring, if not cripple, efforts to combat one of the country’s most poorly controlled epidemics of the virus, HIV advocates said.
Another major HIV vaccine trial fails
NBC News, January 18, 2023
The only HIV vaccine in a late-stage trial has failed, researchers announced Wednesday, dealing a significant blow to the effort to control the global HIV epidemic and adding to a decadeslong roster of failed attempts. “It’s obviously disappointing,” Dr. Anthony Fauci. However, he said, “there are a lot of other approaches” early in the HIV-vaccine research pipeline that he finds promising.
NBC News, January 18, 2023
The only HIV vaccine in a late-stage trial has failed, researchers announced Wednesday, dealing a significant blow to the effort to control the global HIV epidemic and adding to a decadeslong roster of failed attempts. “It’s obviously disappointing,” Dr. Anthony Fauci. However, he said, “there are a lot of other approaches” early in the HIV-vaccine research pipeline that he finds promising.
'Tripledemic' viruses still spreading. What science shows about being contagious.
NBC News, December 18, 2022
People know when they have Covid symptoms, but do minor sniffles at the end of a coronavirus infection, for example, mean they’re still contagious? It’s a good time to brush up on what scientists know, and still don’t know, about how long people remain infectious with viral diseases — Covid, influenza, RSV — that are spreading across the U.S.
NBC News, December 18, 2022
People know when they have Covid symptoms, but do minor sniffles at the end of a coronavirus infection, for example, mean they’re still contagious? It’s a good time to brush up on what scientists know, and still don’t know, about how long people remain infectious with viral diseases — Covid, influenza, RSV — that are spreading across the U.S.
Omicron subvariants pose a new threat to people with immune deficiencies
NBC News, October 2022
The immunocompromised face a new winter of discontent as the omicron virus threatens to outrun the preventive monoclonal antibody cocktail that hundreds of thousands of them have relied upon for extra protection against Covid, as well as the sole antibody drug that has retained effectiveness as treatment for Covid.
NBC News, October 2022
The immunocompromised face a new winter of discontent as the omicron virus threatens to outrun the preventive monoclonal antibody cocktail that hundreds of thousands of them have relied upon for extra protection against Covid, as well as the sole antibody drug that has retained effectiveness as treatment for Covid.
After Fetterman debate, stroke survivors speak about their own struggles
NBC News, October 2022
For stoke survivors, the test Fetterman faced as he debated Mehmet Oz was not just political, but deeply personal. In him, they saw an avatar of their own struggles following a stroke: to recuperate physically, to communicate fluently and to coax from others an empathetic understanding that while some of their faculties may have been compromised, their intellects often remain unscathed.
NBC News, October 2022
For stoke survivors, the test Fetterman faced as he debated Mehmet Oz was not just political, but deeply personal. In him, they saw an avatar of their own struggles following a stroke: to recuperate physically, to communicate fluently and to coax from others an empathetic understanding that while some of their faculties may have been compromised, their intellects often remain unscathed.
Are pets at risk of catching monkeypox from humans?
NBC News, October 2022
The risk of people with monkeypox passing the virus to their pets is low, the authors of a new study that found no such transmissions in the United Kingdom have concluded. The study’s findings offer a broader perspective in the wake of two recently reported cases of apparent monkeypox transmission from humans to their pets, including a dog in France and a puppy in Brazil.
NBC News, October 2022
The risk of people with monkeypox passing the virus to their pets is low, the authors of a new study that found no such transmissions in the United Kingdom have concluded. The study’s findings offer a broader perspective in the wake of two recently reported cases of apparent monkeypox transmission from humans to their pets, including a dog in France and a puppy in Brazil.
Life after monkeypox: Men describe and uncertain road to recovery
NBC News, September 2022
Following recovery from monkeypox, many people report experiencing lasting scars, both physical and psychological. It’s also possible the virus could cause permanent damage to sensitive internal tissues and give rise to persistent pain or other onerous long-term symptoms. Unfortunately, people looking to doctors or health agencies for answers about what to expect post-pox are typically met with an information vacuum.
NBC News, September 2022
Following recovery from monkeypox, many people report experiencing lasting scars, both physical and psychological. It’s also possible the virus could cause permanent damage to sensitive internal tissues and give rise to persistent pain or other onerous long-term symptoms. Unfortunately, people looking to doctors or health agencies for answers about what to expect post-pox are typically met with an information vacuum.
Government can't mandate coverage for drugs that prevent HIV, Texas federal judge rules
NBC News, September 2022
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates free coverage of HIV-prevention drugs violates the religious beliefs of a Christian-owned company. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor came in response to a lawsuit filed by Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general.
NBC News, September 2022
A federal judge in Texas has ruled that a provision of the Affordable Care Act that mandates free coverage of HIV-prevention drugs violates the religious beliefs of a Christian-owned company. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor came in response to a lawsuit filed by Jonathan Mitchell, a former Texas solicitor general.
How monkeypox spoiled gay men's plans for an invincible summer
NBC News, September 2022
Lost amid the public health and media reports about monkeypox epidemiology, the delayed vaccine deliveries and the squabbling over how best to communicate about the virus are the millions of queer people whose happiness, well-being and connection to one another have in many cases been considerably compromised by the mere threat of monkeypox infection.
NBC News, September 2022
Lost amid the public health and media reports about monkeypox epidemiology, the delayed vaccine deliveries and the squabbling over how best to communicate about the virus are the millions of queer people whose happiness, well-being and connection to one another have in many cases been considerably compromised by the mere threat of monkeypox infection.
Sex between men, not skin contact, is fueling monkeypox, new research suggests
NBC News, August 2022
Since the outset of the global monkeypox outbreak in May, public health and infectious disease experts have told the public that the virus is largely transmitting through skin-to-skin contact, in particular during sex between men. Now, however, an expanding cadre of experts has come to believe that sex between men itself — both anal as well as oral intercourse — is likely the main driver of global monkeypox transmission. The skin contact that comes with sex, these experts say, is probably much less of a risk factor.
NBC News, August 2022
Since the outset of the global monkeypox outbreak in May, public health and infectious disease experts have told the public that the virus is largely transmitting through skin-to-skin contact, in particular during sex between men. Now, however, an expanding cadre of experts has come to believe that sex between men itself — both anal as well as oral intercourse — is likely the main driver of global monkeypox transmission. The skin contact that comes with sex, these experts say, is probably much less of a risk factor.
Monkeypox misinformation is spreading faster than the virus, experts say
NBC News, August 2022
Misinformation about the monkeypox outbreak is spawning an epidemic of largely unfounded anxiety, experts say. Epidemiologists and infectious disease experts dispelled some of the most common misconceptions, including whether the virus spreads easily through the air, that cases among women and children are being undercounted, and that health care workers are at high risk.
NBC News, August 2022
Misinformation about the monkeypox outbreak is spawning an epidemic of largely unfounded anxiety, experts say. Epidemiologists and infectious disease experts dispelled some of the most common misconceptions, including whether the virus spreads easily through the air, that cases among women and children are being undercounted, and that health care workers are at high risk.
A 5th person is likely cured of HIV, and another is in long-term remission
NBC News, July 27, 2022
Two new cases have advanced the field of HIV cure science. In one, scientists reported that a 66-year-old American man with HIV has possibly been cured of the virus through a stem cell transplant to treat his blood cancer. Spanish researchers have meanwhile determined that a woman who received an immune-boosting regimen in 2006 has been in a state of what they characterize as viral remission.
NBC News, July 27, 2022
Two new cases have advanced the field of HIV cure science. In one, scientists reported that a 66-year-old American man with HIV has possibly been cured of the virus through a stem cell transplant to treat his blood cancer. Spanish researchers have meanwhile determined that a woman who received an immune-boosting regimen in 2006 has been in a state of what they characterize as viral remission.
Monkeypox is being driven overwhelmingly by sex between men, major study finds
NBC News, July 2022
The global monkeypox outbreak is primarily being driven by sex between men, according to the first major peer-reviewed paper to analyze a large set of cases of the virus. The outbreak, which epidemiologists believe initially began in mid-spring gatherings of gay and bisexual men in Europe, has since alarmed such experts by ballooning to nearly 16,000 cases worldwide.
NBC News, July 2022
The global monkeypox outbreak is primarily being driven by sex between men, according to the first major peer-reviewed paper to analyze a large set of cases of the virus. The outbreak, which epidemiologists believe initially began in mid-spring gatherings of gay and bisexual men in Europe, has since alarmed such experts by ballooning to nearly 16,000 cases worldwide.
Clinical trials could get monkeypox drug to desperate patients, but U.S. efforts lag
NBC News, July 2022
While the Biden administration has in recent weeks distributed nearly 200,000 doses of the vaccine for monkeypox, U.S. prescriptions for the antiviral TPOXX have remained strictly limited. Plans for trials of the drug are already in advanced stages in Canada, the U.K. and the European Union. The National Institutes of Health is also planning one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But the federal agency’s efforts to launch such research in the U.S. are only in the earliest planning stages.
NBC News, July 2022
While the Biden administration has in recent weeks distributed nearly 200,000 doses of the vaccine for monkeypox, U.S. prescriptions for the antiviral TPOXX have remained strictly limited. Plans for trials of the drug are already in advanced stages in Canada, the U.K. and the European Union. The National Institutes of Health is also planning one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But the federal agency’s efforts to launch such research in the U.S. are only in the earliest planning stages.
What went wrong with the rollout of the monkeypox vaccine?
NBC News, July 2022
A series of crucial mistakes in the rollout of the monkeypox vaccine has significantly inhibited America’s ability to distribute doses and prevent the troubling and in some cases extremely painful disease from becoming endemic. In the meantime, the virus has deepened its hold on the country, with confirmed cases rising tenfold in the last month, to a total of more than 1,000.
NBC News, July 2022
A series of crucial mistakes in the rollout of the monkeypox vaccine has significantly inhibited America’s ability to distribute doses and prevent the troubling and in some cases extremely painful disease from becoming endemic. In the meantime, the virus has deepened its hold on the country, with confirmed cases rising tenfold in the last month, to a total of more than 1,000.
Lesions, headaches, debilitating pain: Gay men with monkeypox share their stories
NBC News, July 2022
Monkeypox has tended to present relatively mildly during this outbreak and has caused no deaths outside of the 11 African nations in which the virus has become endemic since it was discovered in 1970. Nevertheless, 18 gay men who contracted monkeypox told NBC News how it can cause unsightly and in some cases debilitatingly painful skin lesions — and has left them stuck glumly inside.
NBC News, July 2022
Monkeypox has tended to present relatively mildly during this outbreak and has caused no deaths outside of the 11 African nations in which the virus has become endemic since it was discovered in 1970. Nevertheless, 18 gay men who contracted monkeypox told NBC News how it can cause unsightly and in some cases debilitatingly painful skin lesions — and has left them stuck glumly inside.
Tens of thousands of monkeypox vaccine doses to be distributed immediately in U.S.
NBC News, June 2022
As monkeypox surges, the Biden administration will start distributing the vaccine for the virus across the country, focusing on people most at risk and communities with the highest numbers of cases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will send 56,000 doses of the vaccine immediately to areas with high transmission. All told, 1.6 million doses will be distributed by the end of the fall.
NBC News, June 2022
As monkeypox surges, the Biden administration will start distributing the vaccine for the virus across the country, focusing on people most at risk and communities with the highest numbers of cases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will send 56,000 doses of the vaccine immediately to areas with high transmission. All told, 1.6 million doses will be distributed by the end of the fall.
LGBTQ Pride events offer a make-or-break moment for monkeypox
NBC News, June 2022
After 27 dreary months of Covid-19 restrictions, which felled the past two years’ Pride celebrations, LGBTQ Americans are finally poised to fully celebrate their community on the public stage this weekend. But in a stroke of uncannily inopportune timing, the monkeypox virus has just arrived on the scene, threatening to put a pall over the party.
NBC News, June 2022
After 27 dreary months of Covid-19 restrictions, which felled the past two years’ Pride celebrations, LGBTQ Americans are finally poised to fully celebrate their community on the public stage this weekend. But in a stroke of uncannily inopportune timing, the monkeypox virus has just arrived on the scene, threatening to put a pall over the party.
Nursing home settles historic transgender discrimination complaint
NBC News, June 2022
In a landmark settlement, a Maine assisted living facility has agreed to establish policies and procedures to ensure it is a welcoming place for LGBTQ seniors, after a 79-year-old transgender woman levied an accusation of discrimination. When Marie King filed her complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in October, it was believed to be the first complaint of this kind in U.S. history.
NBC News, June 2022
In a landmark settlement, a Maine assisted living facility has agreed to establish policies and procedures to ensure it is a welcoming place for LGBTQ seniors, after a 79-year-old transgender woman levied an accusation of discrimination. When Marie King filed her complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in October, it was believed to be the first complaint of this kind in U.S. history.
Monkeypox may have been spreading 'under the radar' for months or years
NBC News, June 2022
The monkeypox virus may have been quietly circulating for years before the current global outbreak. Infectious disease experts and scientists at genetic labs are urgently looking for clues to explain why a virus found in Africa since 1970 has made such a dramatic appearance globally in the past month.
NBC News, June 2022
The monkeypox virus may have been quietly circulating for years before the current global outbreak. Infectious disease experts and scientists at genetic labs are urgently looking for clues to explain why a virus found in Africa since 1970 has made such a dramatic appearance globally in the past month.
Because of Covid, 2020 was a 'lost year' in the fight against HIV, report suggests
NBC News, May 2020
An ambitious new plan by the federal government, marshaled by Dr. Anthony Fauci, to accelerate the battle against the U.S. HIV epidemic appears to have made a markedly disappointing debut. CDC officials have expressed concern that disruptions the country’s Covid-19 response have caused to HIV-related services have inflicted collateral damage that could take years to undo.
NBC News, May 2020
An ambitious new plan by the federal government, marshaled by Dr. Anthony Fauci, to accelerate the battle against the U.S. HIV epidemic appears to have made a markedly disappointing debut. CDC officials have expressed concern that disruptions the country’s Covid-19 response have caused to HIV-related services have inflicted collateral damage that could take years to undo.
Covid symptoms may return for some after taking Paxlovid antiviral pills
NBC News, April 2022
There have been anecdotal reports of people treated for Covid with Pfizer's Paxlovid who experience a rebound of symptoms within about a week. These apparently rare cases have led infectious disease experts to call for federal agencies to issue more precise treatment and prevention guidelines addressing such outcomes.
NBC News, April 2022
There have been anecdotal reports of people treated for Covid with Pfizer's Paxlovid who experience a rebound of symptoms within about a week. These apparently rare cases have led infectious disease experts to call for federal agencies to issue more precise treatment and prevention guidelines addressing such outcomes.
Viagra and nitrates don't mix, so how are some men still taking both?
NBC News, April 2022
Mixing erectile dysfunction drugs with nitrates for chest pain can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Researchers have recently found, however that a substantial number of men are nevertheless obtaining overlapping prescriptions for both classes of drugs. But evidence suggests that they don’t appear to suffer negative health outcomes, such as heart attacks, as a result.
NBC News, April 2022
Mixing erectile dysfunction drugs with nitrates for chest pain can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. Researchers have recently found, however that a substantial number of men are nevertheless obtaining overlapping prescriptions for both classes of drugs. But evidence suggests that they don’t appear to suffer negative health outcomes, such as heart attacks, as a result.
Judge strikes down military's limits on service members with HIV
NBC News, April 2022
In a landmark ruling, a federal court has ordered the Defense Department to end a long-standing Pentagon policy forbidding enlisted military service members from deploying in active duty outside the continental U.S. and being commissioned as officers if they have HIV. Supporters hailed it as overdue legal affirmation that people on effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV are healthy and pose no risk to others.
NBC News, April 2022
In a landmark ruling, a federal court has ordered the Defense Department to end a long-standing Pentagon policy forbidding enlisted military service members from deploying in active duty outside the continental U.S. and being commissioned as officers if they have HIV. Supporters hailed it as overdue legal affirmation that people on effective antiretroviral treatment for HIV are healthy and pose no risk to others.
After cancer screenings fell during Covid-19, an effort to reverse the trend
NBC's Today, March 2022
Given the worrisome drop in cancer screenings seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, health care facilities across the nation have been mobilizing to make-up for lost time. The overarching goal is to mitigate the harmful impact delayed cancer detection can have. A paper published in the journal Cancer offers good news and bad news on this front.
NBC's Today, March 2022
Given the worrisome drop in cancer screenings seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, health care facilities across the nation have been mobilizing to make-up for lost time. The overarching goal is to mitigate the harmful impact delayed cancer detection can have. A paper published in the journal Cancer offers good news and bad news on this front.
Transgender woman, 79, can claim Maine nursing home discriminated against her
NBC News, March 2022
A 79-year-old woman has reasonable grounds to claim that a Maine assisted-living facility discriminated against her for being transgender when it rejected her as a potential resident, the Maine Human Rights Commission found. The commission’s 3-2 vote sets in motion a process that could result in a lawsuit being filed against Sunrise Assisted Living in the town of Jonesport on a claim of violating state nondiscrimination law by denying Marie King’s application for residency.
NBC News, March 2022
A 79-year-old woman has reasonable grounds to claim that a Maine assisted-living facility discriminated against her for being transgender when it rejected her as a potential resident, the Maine Human Rights Commission found. The commission’s 3-2 vote sets in motion a process that could result in a lawsuit being filed against Sunrise Assisted Living in the town of Jonesport on a claim of violating state nondiscrimination law by denying Marie King’s application for residency.
Even mild Covid is linked to brain damage, scans show
NBC News, March 2022
During at least the first few months following a coronavirus infection, even mild Covid-19 is linked to tissue damage and accelerated losses in brain regions tied to the sense of smell, as well as a small loss in the brain’s overall volume. Mild Covid is also associated with a cognitive function deficit. These are the findings of the first study of the disease’s potential brain impacts that is based on brain scans taken both before and after coronavirus infection.
NBC News, March 2022
During at least the first few months following a coronavirus infection, even mild Covid-19 is linked to tissue damage and accelerated losses in brain regions tied to the sense of smell, as well as a small loss in the brain’s overall volume. Mild Covid is also associated with a cognitive function deficit. These are the findings of the first study of the disease’s potential brain impacts that is based on brain scans taken both before and after coronavirus infection.
While straight men face educational crisis, gay men excel academically, study finds
NBC News, March 2022
A new study offers important nuance about the widening educational gender gap in the United States, coming to starkly opposing conclusions about how growing up gay appears to affect the academic performance of males versus females. On an array of academic measures, gay males outperform all other groups on average, across all major racial groups. Conversely, lesbians perform more poorly in school overall and Black gay women have a much lower college graduation rate than their white counterparts.
NBC News, March 2022
A new study offers important nuance about the widening educational gender gap in the United States, coming to starkly opposing conclusions about how growing up gay appears to affect the academic performance of males versus females. On an array of academic measures, gay males outperform all other groups on average, across all major racial groups. Conversely, lesbians perform more poorly in school overall and Black gay women have a much lower college graduation rate than their white counterparts.
Scientists have possibly cured HIV in a woman for the first time
NBC News, February 2022
An American research team reported that it has possibly cured HIV in a woman for the first time. Building on past successes, as well as failures, in the HIV-cure research field, these scientists used a cutting-edge stem cell transplant method that they expect will expand the pool of people who could receive similar treatment to several dozen annually.
NBC News, February 2022
An American research team reported that it has possibly cured HIV in a woman for the first time. Building on past successes, as well as failures, in the HIV-cure research field, these scientists used a cutting-edge stem cell transplant method that they expect will expand the pool of people who could receive similar treatment to several dozen annually.
New injectable HIV prevention drug fails in seven people
NBC News, February 2022
In a large clinical trial assessing Apretude, ViiV Healthcare’s recently approved injectable drug, as a form of HIV prevention, seven participants contracted the virus despite receiving their injections on schedule. The new findings indicate that, just as with those who take daily pills to prevent HIV, breakthrough infections are possible among people receiving Apretude.
NBC News, February 2022
In a large clinical trial assessing Apretude, ViiV Healthcare’s recently approved injectable drug, as a form of HIV prevention, seven participants contracted the virus despite receiving their injections on schedule. The new findings indicate that, just as with those who take daily pills to prevent HIV, breakthrough infections are possible among people receiving Apretude.
Pfizer's Covid pill has been heralded as a game-changer. The U.S. is bungling the rollout
NBC News, February 2022
Critical shortages of Covid-19 treatments have hamstrung health care providers as the omicron wave has driven a desperate need for treatments to keep people with Covid out of the hospital. The situation has been worsened by states not prioritizing people at the highest risk of severe illness or death — those who are immunocompromised and unvaccinated people with underlying health conditions.
NBC News, February 2022
Critical shortages of Covid-19 treatments have hamstrung health care providers as the omicron wave has driven a desperate need for treatments to keep people with Covid out of the hospital. The situation has been worsened by states not prioritizing people at the highest risk of severe illness or death — those who are immunocompromised and unvaccinated people with underlying health conditions.
A 'highly virulent' HIV strain is 'no cause for alarm,' scientists say
NBC News, February 2022
Researchers have identified a highly virulent strain of HIV that likely began circulating in the Netherlands in the 1990s and has infected more than 100 people. Left untreated, it leads to a much higher viral load a doubled rate of decline in key immune cells compared with typical HIV infection.
NBC News, February 2022
Researchers have identified a highly virulent strain of HIV that likely began circulating in the Netherlands in the 1990s and has infected more than 100 people. Left untreated, it leads to a much higher viral load a doubled rate of decline in key immune cells compared with typical HIV infection.
Pfizer Covid antiviral pills may be risky with other medications
NBC News, December 2021
As the omicron surge pummels a pandemic-weary nation, the first antiviral pills for Covid-19 promise desperately needed protection for people at risk of severe disease. However, many people prescribed Pfizer’s or Merck’s new medications will require careful monitoring by doctors and pharmacists, and the antivirals may not be safe for everyone, experts caution.
NBC News, December 2021
As the omicron surge pummels a pandemic-weary nation, the first antiviral pills for Covid-19 promise desperately needed protection for people at risk of severe disease. However, many people prescribed Pfizer’s or Merck’s new medications will require careful monitoring by doctors and pharmacists, and the antivirals may not be safe for everyone, experts caution.
FDA Approves First Injectable HIV Prevention Drug
NBC News, December 2021
The FDA has approved the first long-acting injectable medication for use as pre-exposure prevention, or PrEP, against HIV. Apretude is an injectable given every two months as an alternative to HIV prevention pills, like Truvada and Descovy, which have been shown to reduce the risk of HIV by 99 percent when taken daily. Two FDA trials analyzing the safety and efficacy of the novel drug found that Apretude was more likely to reduce HIV than the daily oral medications.
NBC News, December 2021
The FDA has approved the first long-acting injectable medication for use as pre-exposure prevention, or PrEP, against HIV. Apretude is an injectable given every two months as an alternative to HIV prevention pills, like Truvada and Descovy, which have been shown to reduce the risk of HIV by 99 percent when taken daily. Two FDA trials analyzing the safety and efficacy of the novel drug found that Apretude was more likely to reduce HIV than the daily oral medications.
FDA clears AstraZeneca's Covid preventive antibody therapy for the immunocompromised
NBC News, December 2021
The Food and Drug Administration authorized the first injectable monoclonal antibody cocktail for long-term prevention of Covid-19 among people with weakened immune systems before they have been exposed to the coronavirus. The FDA issued an emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca’s antibody cocktail, Evusheld, for what is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, against Covid-19.
NBC News, December 2021
The Food and Drug Administration authorized the first injectable monoclonal antibody cocktail for long-term prevention of Covid-19 among people with weakened immune systems before they have been exposed to the coronavirus. The FDA issued an emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca’s antibody cocktail, Evusheld, for what is known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, against Covid-19.
Woman's own immune system has possibly cured her of HIV
NBC News, November 2021
For the second time in the four-decade history of the HIV epidemic, researchers have documented a case of an individual's own immune system curing them of HIV. Even after scanning over 1 billion cells from the 30-year-old mother from Argentina with highly sophisticated and sensitive tests, scientists could find no viable viral DNA in her body.
NBC News, November 2021
For the second time in the four-decade history of the HIV epidemic, researchers have documented a case of an individual's own immune system curing them of HIV. Even after scanning over 1 billion cells from the 30-year-old mother from Argentina with highly sophisticated and sensitive tests, scientists could find no viable viral DNA in her body.
Covid antibody drugs could protect people with weak immune systems against Covid
NBC News, November 2021
If the FDA grants emergency authorization to monoclonal antibodies as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against Covid-19, how accessible will this preventive therapy be for immunocompromised people? Demand for the antibodies as treatment has fallen. But health care providers are struggling with staffing concerns, which could affect their capacity to provide PrEP.
NBC News, November 2021
If the FDA grants emergency authorization to monoclonal antibodies as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against Covid-19, how accessible will this preventive therapy be for immunocompromised people? Demand for the antibodies as treatment has fallen. But health care providers are struggling with staffing concerns, which could affect their capacity to provide PrEP.
FDA authorizes Covid antibody treatment as preventive after exposure
NBC News, August 2021
The FDA has approved Regeneron's monoclonal antibody cocktail, REGEN-COV, for use as post-exposure prevention among unvaccinated and immunocompromised people at high risk of severe Covid-19. They must have been in recent close contact with someone who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
NBC News, August 2021
The FDA has approved Regeneron's monoclonal antibody cocktail, REGEN-COV, for use as post-exposure prevention among unvaccinated and immunocompromised people at high risk of severe Covid-19. They must have been in recent close contact with someone who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Long-acting HIV-prevention drugs may be key to beating the epidemic in the U.S.
NBC News, July 2021
Dosed no more frequently than monthly, these experimental drugs offer potential solutions to a problem that has long frustrated the HIV fight: that many at-risk people find adhering to a daily preventive medication too burdensome. But will a critical mass of Black and Latino gay and bisexual men, who comprise nearly half of new HIV diagnoses, end up taking these drugs?
NBC News, July 2021
Dosed no more frequently than monthly, these experimental drugs offer potential solutions to a problem that has long frustrated the HIV fight: that many at-risk people find adhering to a daily preventive medication too burdensome. But will a critical mass of Black and Latino gay and bisexual men, who comprise nearly half of new HIV diagnoses, end up taking these drugs?
PrEP, the HIV prevention pill, must now be totally free under almost all insurance plans
NBC News, July 2021
In a move hailed as potentially transformative by HIV advocates, the federal government has issued a guidance instructing almost all insurance plans to stop charging all out-of-pocket fees for the HIV prevention pill, known as PrEP. This includes the medication itself and, crucially, the quarterly clinic visits and lab tests required to maintain the prescription.
NBC News, July 2021
In a move hailed as potentially transformative by HIV advocates, the federal government has issued a guidance instructing almost all insurance plans to stop charging all out-of-pocket fees for the HIV prevention pill, known as PrEP. This includes the medication itself and, crucially, the quarterly clinic visits and lab tests required to maintain the prescription.
'This will shut us down': HIV prevention clinics brace for Gilead reimbursement cuts
NBC News, July 2021
HIV prevention clinics are facing a fiscal crisis owing to the vagaries of an arcane federal drug pricing law, with a bare minimum of $100 million annually expected to drain from the nonprofits starting in 2022. This devastating loss of funds, which is expected to shut down some clinics, comes just as the federal government has ramped up spending in an effort to essentially end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
NBC News, July 2021
HIV prevention clinics are facing a fiscal crisis owing to the vagaries of an arcane federal drug pricing law, with a bare minimum of $100 million annually expected to drain from the nonprofits starting in 2022. This devastating loss of funds, which is expected to shut down some clinics, comes just as the federal government has ramped up spending in an effort to essentially end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
As Meth Overdoses Soar, Scientists Develop First Regimen to Treat Addiction to the Drug
NBC News, February 2021
Just as the National Institute on Drug Abuse has issued a report detailing the U.S.'s soaring rate of overdose deaths tied to meth, a national research team has reached a milestone by developing the first safe and efficacious medication-based treatment for addiction to the often ruinous stimulant.
NBC News, February 2021
Just as the National Institute on Drug Abuse has issued a report detailing the U.S.'s soaring rate of overdose deaths tied to meth, a national research team has reached a milestone by developing the first safe and efficacious medication-based treatment for addiction to the often ruinous stimulant.