What We’re Reading: Social Media Regulations; Merck’s Antibody-Based RSV Vaccine; Drug Shortages Continue

Author(s):

Efforts to regulate social media for youth face resistance; MK-1654 meets key goals in mid-to-late stage trial; active drug shortages remain above 300 for sixth consecutive quarter.

California Lawmakers Push for Social Media Regulations to Protect Children

California legislators are working on new bills to protect children from the mental health dangers of social media, responding to warnings from public health experts like US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, according to Kaiser Health News. These measures face potential legal challenges similar to past efforts, with tech companies arguing that such regulations infringe on free speech rights. Despite bipartisan support and backing from state officials, the success of these initiatives remains uncertain as similar laws have been blocked in other states.

Merck's Antibody-Based Shot Shows Promise in Preventing RSV in Infants

Merck's antibody-based injection, MK-1654, has successfully met its primary objective in a mid-to-late stage trial, demonstrating effectiveness in reducing lower respiratory infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants, according to Reuters. The trial also met its safety goals, though detailed data are still needed for a comprehensive assessment. With RSV representing a significant health threat for infants and older adults, the findings are a positive development as Merck plans to present detailed results at an upcoming scientific congress and file the data with global regulators.

Drug Shortages in the US Hit a New High, Affecting Critical Medications

A new report finds the number of active drug shortages decreased to 300 in the second quarter of this year, down from an all-time high of 323, according to Axios. Despite this slight improvement, shortages of essential drugs like Rho(D) immune globulin, certain chemotherapy agents, and pain and sedation medications persist, with some experts saying the shortages were exacerbated by changes in Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) quotas and allocation practices. Central nervous system agents, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications, remain the category with the highest number of shortages, underscoring the need for legislative and regulatory action to stabilize the market for critical generic drugs.