What We’re Reading: Free COVID-19 Tests; Vaccine Distrust; FDA Rejects Epinephrine Spray

$600M Put Toward Free COVID-19 Tests for Americans

On Wednesday, it was announced that the federal government will again offer free COVID-19 tests to Americans in a 5th round of free tests—partly to meet current needs, and partly to start a country-wide testing industry that has had trouble creating demand for quick diagnostics, according to STAT News. This initiative will include $600 million in funding and will restart a website to allow Americans to order up to 4 free tests per household, reported AP News. Beginning September 25, orders can be placed. AP also said that this push is intended to prevent supply chain issues like those seen in past surges.

Growing Vaccine Distrust Concerns Health Officials

In the 2024 presidential race, a handful of candidates from both parties are participating in a growing imitative that joins traditional vaccine skepticism with a wider distrust of large institutions, like government, pharmaceutical, or scientific organizations, according to Politico. Many within and outside of the government fear that the loosely organized movement, defined by anti-vaccine and anti-science themes with pro-medical freedom and pro-alternative medicine, may establish its position in the political environment. The skepticism is moving into other vaccines, such as those that protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, drawing concern from health officials.

FDA Denies Approval of Epinephrine Spray

The FDA denied approval for an epinephrine nasal spray that would have been the first injection-free treatment for severe allergic reactions activated by certain foods, insect stings, and medications, said the manufacturer Tuesday, according to The Washington Post. The company, ARS Pharmaceuticals in San Diego, said in a news release that it received a complete response letter from the FDA requesting that the company undertake an additional study to back approval of the 2-milligram spray. The spray is intended to block allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. ARS Pharmaceuticals said it will conduct the requested study and then resubmit its application to the FDA in hopes of gaining approval in the second half of 2024.