What to know about the U.K.’s approval of the first CRISPR treatment for diseases. The therapy, called Casgevy, will treat the blood conditions sickle-cell disease and β-thalassaemia. Sickle-cell disease, also known as sickle-cell anemia, can cause debilitating pain, and people with β-thalassaemia can require regular blood transfusions. (Nature)
U.S. business titans including Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla attended a dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping as he tries to woo foreign capital to the world’s second-largest economy. Bourla confirmed he would attend the event, as he spoke on the sidelines of a summit that’s part of this week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meetings. (Bloomberg)
Principal Deputy FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock has plans to retire in early 2024, according to two FDA staff members granted anonymity to discuss the matter. Woodcock served as the FDA’s acting commissioner when President Joe Biden first entered office, holding the position until the Senate confirmed Robert Califf to the post in February 2022. (Politico)
AbbVie’s Ubrelvy drug has shown the potential to reduce the headache phase of a migraine attack when taken early. The Phase 3 study published in The Lancet, showed that Ubrelvy given during the prodrome significantly reduced the likelihood of development of moderate or severe headache and reduced functional disability compared to placebo within 24 hours post-dose. (Seeking Alpha)
A House Ethics Committee report found that Rep. George Santos, (R-N.Y.), spent campaign funds on Botox treatments and lavish Atlantic City trips with his husband. Santos made a $1,500 campaign debit card purchase that was noted as “Botox” in expense spreadsheets and two other purchases that totaled over a thousand dollars at aesthetic spas. (Rolling Stone)
