What We’re Reading: Dr Mandy Cohen to Lead CDC; 1 Year Without Roe v Wade; BMS Challenges Medicare Drug Price Negotiation

Biden Appoints Dr Mandy Cohen as New CDC Director

President Joe Biden has chosen Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, former state health secretary in North Carolina, as the next director of the CDC, according to NPR. Cohen, who has been praised for her experience and leadership, will take over from Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, with the goal of rebuilding the agency's morale and reputation. Walensky steps down June 30. Supporters of Cohen view her as a seasoned leader in public health and politics, capable of implementing operational changes and navigating political challenges.

Marking the 1-Year Anniversary Since the Overturning of Roe v Wade

Abortion rights advocates and opponents are gearing up to mark the 1-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Roe v Wade ruling, according to Reuters. Both supporters and opponents of the decision are planning events to rally voters and draw attention to the ongoing battles over abortion access. Furthermore, abortion rights remain at the center of political debate, which experts expect will continue to be a big motivation factor for voters.

Bristol Myers Squibb Files Lawsuit Against Medicare’s Drug Price Negotiation Program

On Friday, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) joined other organizations in filing a legal challenge against the Medicare drug price negotiation program established by the Inflation Reduction Act, according to The Hill. BMS alleges that the provision, which allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, violates the first and fifth amendments. The company argues that the program forces pharmaceutical companies to provide medicines at government-set prices without reflecting fair market value and compels them to make false statements about the nature of the price negotiation process.