What We're Reading: US Flu Season Worsening; 1 Dose of HPV Vaccine Exhibits Efficacy; Generic Makers to Appeal Pay-to-Delay Ruling

One of the Worst US Flu Seasons in Decades

As reported by CNN, the current US flu season is shaping up to be among the worst in decades. The United States’ top infectious disease doctor, Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, stated, “The initial indicators indicate this is not going to be a good season — this is going to be a bad season.” So far, this flu season has caused at least 2900 deaths in the US and is on track to be as severe as the 2017-2018 flu season, which was the deadliest in more than 4 decades.

Single Dose of HPV Vaccine May Provide Protection

An analysis published in JAMA Open Network found that women aged 18 to 26 who got only 1 dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, as opposed to the recommended 3, showed benefits against cancer-causing HPV, according to The New York Times. The prevalence of HPV infection was significantly higher among the 62% who were unvaccinated, but the study showed no significant difference between the rates among those with a single dose versus all 3. Researchers noted that while the results are encouraging, until clinical trials have tested the efficacy of 1 dose, people should continue to receive the recommended dose.

Generic Manufacturers to Appeal California Ruling on Pay-to-Delay Deals

After a federal judge declined to block a new California law that bans the so-called “pay-to-delay” deals between drug makers, a trade group within the pharmaceutical industry plans to pursue an appeal in a higher court, according to STAT. The initial lawsuit came from the Association for Accessible Medicines 2 months ago, with California officials explaining that the law intends to prevent drug companies from impeding competition and maintaining higher prices for medicines.