What We’re Reading: COVID-19 Test Program End; Ozempic Lowers Liver Disease Risk; Amniotic Fluid Cells, Organ Growth

Free COVID-19 Test Program Set to End

The government's free at-home COVID-19 test program will pause on March 8, as announced by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), according to CNN Health. Since November, households could order 4 rapid antigen tests through COVIDtests.gov, but orders placed before the suspension will still be fulfilled. Despite falling COVID-19 cases, the CDC warns that the respiratory virus season isn't over yet. COVID-19–related hospitalizations are still high, prompting caution. The program may resume, if necessary, as ASPR reserves the right to reopen it. Residents can currently order 2 sets of tests, providing a total of 8 tests, via the United States Postal Service. These tests, effective until year-end, can be used regardless of symptoms and are recommended by the CDC for those with COVID-19–like symptoms or before attending large events.

Ozempic May Reduce Liver Disease Risk From HIV
As reported by Reuters, a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that a weekly injection of semaglutide reduced liver fat by 31% in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a type of liver disease, and HIV with suppressed viral loads. This marks the first trial demonstrating semaglutide's effects in this patient population. Semaglutide, found in Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, shows promise in treating MASLD. Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced complete resolution of MASLD. Additionally, Eli Lilly's tirzepatide has shown efficacy in patients without HIV with fatty liver disease. Novo is conducting a separate trial on semaglutide for MASLD.

Cells From Amniotic Fluid Used to Grow Miniature Organs

Scientists have developed miniature organs from cells found in amniotic fluid, potentially revolutionizing prenatal medicine, according to a report from The Associated Press. These miniorgans, also called organoids, can mimic real organs, thereby aiding in testing new treatments and understanding organ function in health and disease. Unlike previous methods using adult or fetal tissue, this approach collects cells during active pregnancies, offering insights into fetal development and congenital diseases. This technique sidesteps ethical concerns associated with fetal tissue research, providing a promising avenue for prenatal diagnosis and personalized therapies. While this research is still in early stages, the scientists touted that the early results hold promise for improving prenatal care and treatment outcomes in the future.