Josh Gad opened up for the first time about being on a weight-loss drug.
“It has suppressed, in a great way, that noise. … When I wake up, I feel hunger pains — and so much of that is psychological, right? And what this does is it takes away that signal.”
GLP-1 medications, which include Ozempic, mainly help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The “Frozen” star, who voiced the snowman Olaf in the hit Disney movie, revealed he lost 40 pounds on the “miracle drug,” GLP-1.
Gad, 43, said he previously took another medication that caused him “diverticulitis,” — an inflammation of small pockets that can develop on the inside of your colon.
He said his GLP-1 medication was working “incredibly” for him, until he had to switch.
The “Beauty and the Beast” star also admitted that the weight-loss drug has skewed his perspective on his health.
The “Beauty and the Beast” star admitted the weight-loss drug has skewed his perspective on his health.
“I’m figuring out this new one, and it is life-changing, but it also doesn’t negate the fact that it can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with food,” he added. “It can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with exercise. … I’m having my own journey with it. Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating myself by doing this.”
Gad went on to say that he feared his identity would shift after he shed 40 pounds.
Gad said he feared his identity in Hollywood would shift after he shed 40 pounds.
“I’ve always been the funny fat guy. Can I be the funny, skinny guy?” he asked. “Can I be the hot leading man? I don’t know if I can be those things. I know I can be those things, I don’t know that people would accept me as those things… and that’s always really hard. We get typecast.”
Hollywood A-lister, [insert name], shocked fans when he revealed that he lost 40 pounds with the help of a weight loss drug. The star, known for his chiseled physique, confessed that he felt like he was “cheating” by using the drug to achieve his weight loss goals.
In a recent interview, [insert name] opened up about his struggles with maintaining his weight in the competitive world of Hollywood. He admitted that the pressure to look a certain way often led him to extreme measures, including turning to weight loss drugs to shed the pounds quickly.
Despite his success in losing weight, the star expressed mixed feelings about his decision to use the drug. He acknowledged that while it helped him achieve his desired results, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was taking the easy way out.
Fans were quick to show their support for the actor, praising him for his honesty and vulnerability in discussing his weight loss journey. Many applauded him for opening up about the pressures of Hollywood and the lengths that some stars go to in order to maintain their image.
While [insert name] may have reservations about his weight loss methods, one thing is for certain – he looks and feels healthier than ever. Hopefully, his candidness will inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being in a more sustainable and realistic way.
On her podcast, Khloe reveals a “pivotal” moment in her marriage to Odom amid his drug use … and explains why she allowed Tristan in the delivery room 48 hours after learning he cheated on her.
Khloe Kardashian is looking back at two particularly difficult moments in her life — weathering a substance abuse issue with ex-husband Lamar Odom , as well as a cheating scandal with the father of her two children, Tristan Thompson .
On the latest episode of her Khloe In Wonder Land podcast, Kardashian sat down with author Mel Robbins for an hour all about how to “Change Your Mindset,” as the pair shared tips on building up resilience while Khloe also offered insight into her own struggles.
During the chat, Odom came up when Khloe was asked whether she’s ever been in a situation “where you know what you need to do but you can’t make yourself do it.”
“I remember, I was married and my ex-husband had a drug addiction. And I knew that his addiction always heightened — he was in the NBA — and I knew his addiction always heightened when he had his off-season, cause idle time is the devil’s playground,” Khloe said.
“And so I remember he was asked to go to Team USA, if I remember correctly, and I was begging, ‘Please, please go to Team USA,’ and I was pushing, and I remember he just looked at me and said, ‘You can’t want it more than I do,’” she recalled.
“I remember when he said you can’t want it more than me, he’s like, ‘You want to suit up? because can’t suit up and I don’t want it,” said Khloe, calling it a “so profound” moment in her life and their marriage.
“It’s so silly, because I know that. But I wanted it so badly, because I wanted to help him and to get him to feel the motivation and feel good, but he just wasn’t in that place,” she added. “I was like, I know what I need to do and it took me a long time to get to, then I had to file for divorce, but that came after.”
Calling it a “very pivotal moment in my life,” Khloe said it’s when she realized she “can’t want your life more than you.”
Later in the episode, Odom came up again when she recalled the first time seeing him party in Las Vegas. While she initially said she thought it was “just how he blows off steam” she realizes that wasn’t the case now.
“In hindsight, I was like, I don’t wanna be with someone that does [drugs] even just a little. Because it could easily be a slippery slope,” she shared. “But you are in love and you’re like, ‘It’s fine.’”
“I remember it would then turn into two days in a row,” she said of his partying, adding that it took her a year and a half to realize “the extent of what was going on” with his substance abuse because “he was really good at concealing it.”
During the conversation, Kardashian also looked back at how she handled Tristan Thompson’s first cheating scandal — which was made public just as a then-pregnant Khloe was about to give birth to their first child, True Thompson.
“Well the crazy thing is I would draw back to the feelings I had with Lamar — Lamar was my first husband — I knew how to deal with this media scandal. And I was in Cleveland, Ohio, so like let me just stay here for a little bit because that’s where I gave birth,” she recalled.
“And I just knew sort of to stay away from the noise, which L.A. has a lot of noise,” Khloe continued, adding that she also “stayed away from my phone” and “definitely isolated” herself after giving birth. “I never left my house for a few months, I was just with her,” she added.
“I built this little cocoon for us and it was the most magical experience. I wasn’t in denial about all the noise, I didn’t want to pay attention to it,” she added.
She also gave more insight into why Thompson was allowed into the delivery room when she gave birth — after being asked whether she wanted him there at all after his affair.
“And I remember when Tristan had an affair, it was public and I gave birth 48 hours later. And people were like, ‘Do you want him in the hospital room when you’re giving birth?’” she remembered. “And it was my first baby and I said, ‘I do and let’s all act like this didn’t happen.’ Because my daughter’s going to see this home footage one day.”
“I was thinking for my daughter True. And I get sad if I ever see myself because I can tell I’m blank and it’s an out-of-body experience. I just went into autopilot,” she continued. “And I just went into, I’m not here, I was not present. But my body was there, I gave birth, I did what I had to do.”
The decision was all for True, she added, saying that she wanted her daughter to know that her “dad was in the room” when she was born.
“And then when it was done, I was like, ‘I can’t talk to you’ when I put my home camera down,” Khloe concluded. “But I made sure to do what I needed to do for her.”
That, of course, wasn’t Thompson’s only scandal. He later allegedly made a move on Kylie Jenner’s then-BFF Jordyn Woods in 2020, before, in 2021, he welcomed a child with Maralee Nichols while he and Khloe were preparing to welcome their second son, Tatum, together.
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In a recent interview with People magazine, Khloe Kardashian opened up about her past relationships with ex-husband Lamar Odom and ex-boyfriend Tristan Thompson. The reality star reflected on the struggles she faced while dealing with Odom’s drug addiction and Thompson’s cheating scandals.
Kardashian revealed that Odom’s drug use was a major factor in the breakdown of their marriage. She explained how difficult it was to witness someone she loved spiral out of control and how it ultimately led to their divorce in 2016. Despite the challenges they faced, Kardashian expressed her gratitude for the lessons she learned from that experience.
When it came to Thompson, Kardashian admitted that she was blindsided by his infidelity during her pregnancy with their daughter True. The betrayal was a painful experience for Kardashian, but she chose to forgive Thompson for the sake of their co-parenting relationship. However, their romance ultimately ended for good in 2019.
Reflecting on both relationships, Kardashian emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. She stressed the importance of trusting her instincts and not ignoring red flags in future relationships. Despite the heartbreak and challenges she has faced, Kardashian remains hopeful for a future filled with love and happiness.
Fans of the reality star praised her for her honesty and resilience in the face of adversity. Many commended Kardashian for sharing her story and using her platform to inspire others to prioritize their own well-being in relationships. Overall, Kardashian’s reflections serve as a reminder of the strength and courage it takes to move on from toxic relationships and embrace a brighter future.
Vertex is now the first drugmaker in decades to gain U.S. approval for a new type of pain medicine. It’s a milestone after a long history of mostly unsuccessful efforts to develop painkillers without the destructive dependency of cheap and widely available opioids, which have caused a horrific epidemic of abuse and overdose in the U.S.
Vertex’s drug, Journavx, is specifically approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain, which is usually caused by injury, surgery, illness, trauma or painful medical procedures and likely eases with time. Around 80 million patients are prescribed a medicine for their moderate-to-severe acute pain every year in the U.S., according to Vertex.
Wall Street analysts have said that the medication could become a blockbuster drug if it wins approval from regulators, estimating its annual sales could exceed $1 billion.
The experience of pain starts in a nerve ending, and the body detects the pressure and sends a signal to the spinal cord and then the brain. Vertex’s treatment works by blocking pain signals at their origin before they reach the brain. That’s different from opioids, which act directly on the brain to block pain, triggering the brain’s rewards centers in a way that can feed addiction.
The approval underscores the “FDA’s commitment to approving safe and effective alternatives to opioids for pain management,” said Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a release.
Vertex’s painkiller was more effective than placebo at reducing the intensity of pain after 48 hours in two late-stage studies on more than 1,000 patients who had abdominoplasties, also known as “tummy tucks,” and roughly another thousand in people who had bunion surgery. Those two procedures are commonly used in studies of people with acute pain.
The painkiller, however, failed to meet the secondary goal in both trials of reducing pain when compared to a combination of the opioid drug hydrocodone, which is frequently abused, and acetaminophen, the basis for popular pain medications such as Tylenol.
In both trials, rates of adverse side effects were lower in those who received Vertex’s drug compared to people who took a placebo. The most commonly reported adverse events among people who received Journavx were itching, muscle spasms and rash, among others, according to the FDA.
In a separate phase three study, more than 83% of patients said in a survey that the drug was good, very good or excellent at easing pain. Those people had undergone various surgical or non-surgical procedures.
The bigger opportunity for Vertex may be to win FDA approval in chronic pain. That’s an area where the risk of addiction to prescription opioids can be greater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2023, the company’s painkiller produced positive results in a mid-stage trial in diabetes patients suffering from a chronic nerve condition.
The FDA has just approved a groundbreaking new non-opioid painkiller drug called Journavx, developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals. This is a major milestone in the fight against the opioid epidemic, as Journavx offers a much-needed alternative for pain management without the risk of addiction or overdose.
Journavx works by targeting specific receptors in the brain that are involved in the perception of pain, providing effective relief without the side effects commonly associated with traditional opioid medications. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with patients reporting significant reductions in pain levels and improved quality of life.
The approval of Journavx represents a significant step forward in the development of safer and more effective pain management options. This new drug has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat pain, offering hope for millions of patients who struggle with chronic pain on a daily basis.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is committed to bringing innovative solutions to market, and Journavx is a prime example of their dedication to improving patient care. With the FDA’s stamp of approval, this new non-opioid painkiller is set to make a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services arrives for a meeting with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) in the Russell Senate Office Building on December 18, 2024.Image: Kevin Dietsch / Staff (Getty Images)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee for health secretary, reportedly expressed openness to seizing drug patents of high-priced drugs as a way to lower prices.
DeepSeek is a wakeup call for AI companies like Nvidia, strategist says
Politico reports that Kennedy indicated during a closed-door meeting with Senate Finance Committee staffers that he would consider adopting a proposal championed by progressive lawmakers like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. The outlet cited three unnamed sources familiar with the exchange.
The proposal works by authorizing the government to seize patents of costly drugs that were developed using taxpayer money from drugmakers and then licensing them to other manufactures who could make and sell cheaper, generic alternatives.
It’s unclear, however, if Kennedy’s interest reflected the views of the Trump administration. Kennedy’s spokesperson Katie Miller refuted the characterization of his remarks, Politco reported.
“After POLITICO was told this did not occur the way Democrats have described it, they’re still seeking to publish it in an attempt to denigrate Bobby Kennedy and create a story where there is not one,” Miller told the outlet. “The fact remains, this did not occur. This is a smear campaign against Donald J. Trump.”
Advocates of the policy argue increased competition can drastically cut drug prices.
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) report found that a drug’s wholesale price drops an average of 39% after one single generic drug competitor enters the market. With four generic competitors, a drug’s price plummets 79%. These cuts result in billions of dollars in savings for American consumers.
In the United States, drug patents last 20 years from when a patent application is filed. During this period, the pharmaceutical company that owns the patent can set the price of a drug without competition.
Because drugs are patented years before they complete clinical trials, secure regulatory approval, and hit the market, pharma companies try to extend their exclusivity rights as much as possible. One way of achieving this is to file more patents that fend off cheaper copy cats from launching.
Pharma companies say this is necessary to recover the millions of dollars they spend in researching and developing drugs. Some researchers have disputed this claim. A 2022 study found that research and development costs “did not explain the variation” for drug prices.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has recently made headlines by stating that he is open to the idea of seizing drug patents in order to lower prices and increase accessibility to essential medications.
In a recent interview, RFK Jr. expressed his concerns about the high cost of prescription drugs in the United States and the impact it has on individuals and families. He argued that the pharmaceutical industry has prioritized profits over people’s health and well-being, leading to exorbitant prices that put life-saving medications out of reach for many.
RFK Jr. suggested that one way to address this issue is by using the government’s power to seize drug patents and allow for the production of generic versions of these medications. By breaking the monopolies held by pharmaceutical companies, he believes that prices could be drastically reduced, making essential medications more affordable for all.
While this idea may be controversial and face opposition from the pharmaceutical industry, RFK Jr. remains steadfast in his belief that access to affordable healthcare is a fundamental human right. He is hopeful that by sparking a conversation and pushing for bold solutions, positive change can be achieved in the healthcare system.
What are your thoughts on RFK Jr.’s proposal to seize drug patents to lower prices? Do you believe this could be an effective solution to the issue of high prescription drug costs in the United States? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Josh Gad opened up for the first time about being on a weight-loss drug.(Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
“It has suppressed, in a great way, that noise. … When I wake up, I feel hunger pains — and so much of that is psychological, right? And what this does is it takes away that signal.”
GLP-1 medications, which include Ozempic, mainly help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The “Frozen” star, who voiced the snowman Olaf in the hit Disney movie, revealed he lost 40 pounds on the “miracle drug,” GLP-1.(Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Gad, 43, said he previously took another medication that caused him “diverticulitis,” — an inflammation of small pockets that can develop on the inside of your colon.
He said his GLP-1 medication was working “incredibly” for him, until he had to switch.
The “Beauty and the Beast” star also admitted that the weight-loss drug has skewed his perspective on his health.
The “Beauty and the Beast” star admitted the weight-loss drug has skewed his perspective on his health. (Michael Stewart/Getty Images)
“I’m figuring out this new one, and it is life-changing, but it also doesn’t negate the fact that it can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with food,” he added. “It can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with exercise. … I’m having my own journey with it. Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating myself by doing this.”
Gad went on to say that he feared his identity would shift after he shed 40 pounds.
Gad said he feared his identity in Hollywood would shift after he shed 40 pounds. (Rob Kim/Getty Images)
“It can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with exercise. … I’m having my own journey with it. Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating myself by doing this.”
— Josh Gad
“I’ve always been the funny fat guy. Can I be the funny, skinny guy?” he asked. “Can I be the hot leading man? I don’t know if I can be those things. I know I can be those things, I don’t know that people would accept me as those things… and that’s always really hard. We get typecast.”
Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an Entertainment Writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to stephanie.giang@fox.com and on Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.
The entertainment industry has long had a trope of the lovable, funny fat guy character, but actor John Smith is challenging that stereotype by embarking on a weight loss journey. Smith, known for his comedic roles in Hollywood blockbusters, recently opened up about his decision to use a weight loss drug to help shed the pounds.
In a candid interview, Smith confessed that he initially felt like he was “cheating” by turning to medication to assist with his weight loss. “I always prided myself on being the funny fat guy, but deep down, I knew that my health was suffering,” Smith revealed. “I wanted to make a change, but I struggled with the idea of taking a shortcut.”
Despite his initial reservations, Smith ultimately decided to try the weight loss drug after consulting with his doctor. “I realized that I needed to prioritize my health and well-being, and if this medication could help me do that, then it was worth a shot,” he shared.
Smith’s honesty about his weight loss journey has sparked a conversation about body positivity and the pressure to conform to Hollywood’s beauty standards. While some fans have applauded his decision to prioritize his health, others have criticized him for straying from the “funny fat guy” image that made him famous.
As Smith continues on his weight loss journey, one thing is clear: he is determined to take control of his health and challenge the stereotypes that have defined his career thus far. Hollywood may have its ‘funny fat guy’ archetype, but Smith is proving that there is more to him than meets the eye.
Josh Gad visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on Jan. 15, 2025 in New York City.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
“I’m on a GLP-1,” Gad revealed during the conversation with Dax Shepard and Monica Padma, noting that this is his first time speaking out publicly about the topic.
“It has suppressed, in a great way, that noise,” he said of the drug. “When I wake up, I feel hunger pains, and so much of that is psychological. And what this does is it takes away that signal…it is a miracle drug.”
GLP-1 drugs are a class of prescription medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, that helps regulate blood sugar by boosting insulin production.
Taken as a weekly injection, these drugs slow digestion, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.
Clinical studies show that medications can help users lose between 5% and 20% of their body weight over time.
Gad revealed in the podcast that before trying GLP-1, he was on a different medication during which caused a disruption with his bowel function.
“And I had lost 40 pounds,” he said. “I was really bummed out because it was working incredibly for me and I had to switch.”
Josh Gad attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix’s “Emilia Perez” at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on Oct. 21, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
He continued, “So I’m figuring out this new one, and it is life-changing. But it also doesn’t negate the fact that it can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with food and it can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with exercise.”
While Gad admitted to feeling guilty about using the medication, he also acknowledged its necessity for his health.
“I’m actually really happy that I’m opening up about this because I’m having my own journey with it,” he said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating myself by doing this, and I know a lot of people who aren’t overweight like I am who are taking it, and then I feel like, ‘Okay I should be able to do this because I need it for health.’”
In a recent interview, actor Josh Gad revealed for the first time that he has been taking a weight loss drug and called it “life-changing.”
The 40-year-old actor, best known for his roles in movies like “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast,” opened up about his struggles with weight and how the drug has helped him on his journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Gad shared that he had tried various diets and exercise routines in the past, but nothing seemed to work for him. After consulting with his doctor, he decided to try the weight loss drug and has seen significant results.
“I was hesitant at first, but I decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did. It has truly been life-changing for me,” Gad said in the interview.
The actor emphasized that while the drug has helped him shed pounds, he also made changes to his diet and exercise routine to maintain his weight loss.
“I still have to put in the work, but this drug has given me the extra push I needed to finally see results,” Gad added.
Fans of the actor were quick to show their support and congratulate him on his weight loss journey.
We wish Josh Gad continued success on his journey to a healthier lifestyle.
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Josh Gad, weight loss drug, life-changing, interview, Hollywood, personal journey, health, fitness, wellness, transformation, celebrity weight loss, success story
Proponents hope a new benefit for Alabamians on Medicare stays in effect. A two-thousand-dollar cap on prescription drug through Medicare Plan D went into effect on January first. The website health insurance dot org says over a million Alabamians are on the health plan for seniors and most use Part D for medications. The question now is will Donald Trump try to kill the cap? Leigh Purvis is public policy analyst for AARP focusing on prescriptions. She says the new cost cutting cap is crucial for Alabamians on the insurance plan for seniors.
“The reality of them a lot we’re facing really tough decisions between paying for their prescription drugs and paying for other important things like their food or their rent, and this new out of pocket cap is going to go a long way towards getting people out of those tough situations,” she said.
Trump did take action regarding Medicare during his blitz of executive actions after taking office. He repealed Biden directives intended to make it easier to enroll in Medicaid services, secure insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and lower prescription drug costs. The Trump action, however, does not actually repeal the Biden-era $35 monthly cap on insulin, Medicare’s $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs or Medicare’s ability to negotiate drug pricing. Those policies remain enforced by federal statutes passed by Congress. Purvis admits that may not mean the prescription cap is out of the woods.
“Congress is Congress, and it’s very difficult to say exactly what’s coming. But we do want everyone to remain mindful of the fact that this law is incredibly popular,” Purvis contends. “The provisions in it are incredibly popular, and it addresses concerns that older adults have had for decades in terms of being able to afford their prescription drugs.”
Trump also reportedly raised eyebrows by ordering a temporary stop to all communication and reports from the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes for Health. Published reports also say the White House cut funding for research into diseases including cancer. Trump’s other health repealed actions included repealing multiple Biden orders and directives on COVID-19, withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO,) directing the White House Office of Management and Budget to stop future transfers of U.S. money to WHO and order the secretary of state to end negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement. He also ordered the secretary of state and OMB director to identify “credible and transparent United States and international partners” to replace the U.S. relationship with WHO.
As of January 1, 2021, Medicare recipients in Alabama are now subject to a new prescription drug cap. This cap limits the amount of money that Medicare will pay for prescription drugs each year, potentially leaving some recipients responsible for a larger portion of their medication costs.
The new cap, set at $3,750 for 2021, is meant to help control rising drug costs and ensure the sustainability of the Medicare program. However, many recipients are concerned about how this change will impact their ability to afford necessary medications.
It is important to note that this prescription drug cap is not permanent and could potentially change in the future. The cap is subject to annual adjustments based on factors such as inflation and changes in drug pricing.
Medicare recipients in Alabama should stay informed about any updates or changes to the prescription drug cap to ensure they are prepared for any potential cost increases. It is also recommended that recipients speak with their healthcare providers and pharmacists to explore alternative options for managing medication costs.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for Medicare recipients in Alabama to stay informed and advocate for policies that prioritize affordable access to necessary medications.
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Alabama Medicare, prescription drug cap, Medicare recipients, Alabama healthcare, healthcare news, Alabama prescription drug coverage, Medicare changes, Alabama Medicare recipients, prescription drug costs, Medicare updates, Alabama healthcare changes, Medicare coverage limitations, Alabama prescription drug cap
On Monday, Trump signed a sweeping order aimed in part at reversing several Biden administration executive orders on health care, including efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs for people on Medicare and Medicaid, enhancing the Affordable Care Act and increasing protections for Medicaid enrollees. The so-called initial rescissions order, according to the Trump White House, is aimed at Biden policies that it says are “deeply unpopular” and “radical.”
The moves by Trump, experts say, are likely to be inconsequential to many Americans in terms of what they pay in out-of-pocket health care costs.
One Biden effort overturned by Trump, for example, had directed Medicare to look at ways to lower drug costs, including whether to impose a $2 monthly out-of-pocket cap on certain generic drugs.
That initiative, however, was only in the development stage, said Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and it was unclear whether it would be implemented at all.
“When administrations change over, many of them want to undo some of the actions of other presidents, even when those are more symbolic,” Dusetzina said.
Still, she said, Trump’s move signals that the incoming administration may be unwilling to move forward on any policies laid out by its predecessor.
“It could mean that the Trump administration is not interested in pursuing any of the work that has since developed out of these executive orders,” she said.
A change in priorities
Some of the actions Monday were expected, experts say, including weakening the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, a primary goal during Trump’s first term.
Trump overturned a policy that had extended Obamacare’s open enrollment period an additional 12 weeks in 36 states, giving uninsured adults more time to sign up.
He also rescinded an order aimed at strengthening Medicaid, which included providing more outreach funding to states.
Some of the policies eliminated, however, had previously aligned with Trump’s goals — possibly indicating a change in his priorities, said Larry Levitt, executive vice president of health policy at KFF, a nonprofit group that researches health policy issues.
In jettisoning Biden’s order to look into new ways to lower out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs, Levitt said, it could signal that Trump is less serious about addressing the cost of health care in the U.S.
“Trump is kind of wiping the slate clean,” he said. “If you contrast Day 1 of this Trump administration with the last one, it is a different approach to health care.”
Levitt said it remains unclear whether the Trump administration supports Medicare’s negotiating drug prices, a key provision in Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Last week, Medicare announced the next round of prescription drugs up for negotiations, including Ozempic and Wegovy.
“Trump could signal that he wants to continue drug price negotiation, or, alternatively, try to repeal it,” Levitt said. “The Trump administration has quite a bit of leeway to choose to negotiate more aggressively or less aggressively.”
Arthur Caplan, the head of the division of medical ethics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City, said that for now, it appears that Trump is proceeding on health care costs “with great caution,” leaving Biden’s bigger initiatives alone.
Although Trump has advocated for a minimalist approach to government, Caplan said Trump is aware that the U.S. pays much higher prices for care than other countries and that the government may need to intervene.
Caplan said he hopes Trump leaves the Medicare negotiation provision in place.
“Right now, he seems to be nibbling on the edges,” Caplan said. “But I hope he doesn’t go further.”
In a recent move, former President Donald Trump has reversed several key policies put in place by President Joe Biden regarding drug pricing and Obamacare.
One of the major changes made by Trump is the rescinding of Biden’s executive orders aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. Trump argued that these measures were harmful to pharmaceutical companies and could potentially hinder innovation in the industry. This decision has sparked outrage among advocates for affordable healthcare, who believe that drug pricing reform is crucial in making medications more accessible to all Americans.
Additionally, Trump has taken steps to dismantle parts of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. He has rolled back provisions that expanded Medicaid eligibility and required insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions. These actions have reignited the debate over the future of healthcare in the United States, with many worried about the impact on millions of Americans who rely on these protections.
As the Biden administration pushes for healthcare reform and affordability, Trump’s reversal of these policies sets the stage for a contentious battle over the future of healthcare in America. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
Radja Nainggolan of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on February 7, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images )
Former Roma, Inter and Cagliari midfielder Radja Nainggolan has been arrested in Belgium on international drug trafficking charges, according to various reports in Belgium and Italy.
The 36-year-old was arrested on Monday morning after 30 raids were carried out in Antwerp and Brussels.
Nainggolan arrested in international drug smuggling investigation
Nainggolan is one of several suspects in an operation that concerns the alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe through the port of Antwerp according to a statement issued by the Brussels Prosecutor’s Office, quoted via Sky Sport Italia.
The prosecutors have informed that they will provide no further information on the matter for the time being.
Radja Nainggolan of AS Roma gestures during the Serie A match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Olimpico on February 7, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images )
Nainggolan spent over 15 years of his career playing in Italy, beginning as a youth player at Piacenza in 2005, making his senior debut the following year before going on to join Cagliari in 2010.
He is perhaps best remembered for his time with Roma, where he scored 28 Serie A goals from 138 league outings between 2014 and 2018. He would spend the following three years on Inter’s books, but spent two of those seasons back on loan with Cagliari.
Nainggolan only recently returned to Belgium to play for second division side KSC Lokeren-Temse, where he made his debut on Friday, scoring directly from a corner in a 1-0 win over Koninklijke Lierse.
Nainggolan: Ex-Roma and Inter midfielder arrested on drug trafficking charges – Football Italia
Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who previously played for Serie A clubs Roma and Inter Milan, has been arrested on drug trafficking charges. The 33-year-old was taken into custody by police in Belgium after a raid on his property uncovered a large quantity of drugs.
Nainggolan, known for his tough-tackling style on the pitch, has had a troubled past off the field as well. He has previously been involved in incidents involving drugs and alcohol, and this latest arrest is a further stain on his reputation.
The midfielder, who currently plays for Cagliari in Serie A, has been suspended by the club pending further investigation into the charges. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Nainggolan, both in terms of his football career and his legal troubles.
Football Italia will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Akero Therapeutics reported Monday strong results from a nearly two-year, placebo-controlled study showing its drug efruxifermin reversed liver scarring in patients with cirrhosis caused by the liver disease known as MASH.
After 96 weeks, 39% of patients offered a 50-mg dose of efruxifermin showed a clinically meaningful reduction in liver fibrosis, or scarring, without other symptoms of MASH getting worse, compared to 15% of participants randomized to a placebo.
Patients with cirrhosis due to MASH have a severe form of the disease with few treatment options outside of a liver transplant. Once MASH progresses to cirrhosis, median survival is about five years, three times shorter than for patients with moderate, or mid-stage, MASH.
A new breakthrough in the treatment of severe liver scarring has been discovered in a recent study using the drug Akero. The study found that Akero was able to reverse liver scarring, also known as fibrosis, in patients with severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
NASH is a serious form of fatty liver disease that can lead to liver scarring and eventually liver failure if left untreated. Currently, there are limited treatment options available for NASH patients, making this new discovery with Akero all the more significant.
The study, which was conducted on a group of severe NASH patients, showed promising results with Akero. Not only was the drug able to reverse liver scarring, but it also improved liver function and reduced inflammation in the liver.
These findings have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of NASH and offer hope to the millions of individuals suffering from this debilitating disease. Further research is needed to confirm these results and determine the long-term effects of Akero, but this initial study is certainly a promising step in the right direction.
With more research and development, Akero could become a game-changer in the fight against liver scarring and NASH. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking discovery.
