U.S. life expectancy increased to 77.5 years in 2022 after it dropped to 76.4 during the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The figure hasn’t returned to its pre-COVID high of 78.8 years, however. (The New York Times)
Cigna and Humana have discussed a merger that could be announced by the end of the year. An agreement would create an organization capable of matching UnitedHealth Group and CVS Health in scale. (The Wall Street Journal)
The Biden administration plans to provide free COVID-19 tests to schools this winter. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response will partner with the Department of Education on the program. (Axios)
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Vivos Therapeutics’ oral device for treating severe obstructive sleep apnea. The company said it represents an alternative to therapies manufactured by Philips and ResMed. (Reuters)
The FDA will weigh in on Karuna Therapeutics’ schizophrenia drug by next September, the company said this week. If KarXT wins approval, it would become the first schizophrenia drug to be approved in decades. (Endpoints News)
