The Food and Drug Administration has approved Novartis’ treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. The one-time gene therapy will cost $2.1 million over five years. The drugmaker said it is in discussions with more than 15 insurers about payment options for what would be the world’s most expensive drug. (MM&M)
State and local health officials have discussed the possibility of a “no fly list” with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop the spread of measles. Health officials in five states have told individuals believed to be infected that they could be stopped from boarding planes. (Washington Post)
President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign believes healthcare could be a winning issue for Republicans in 2020, despite Democrats using it win the House of Representatives last year. Staffers believe the eventual Democratic candidate will be forced to embrace sweeping healthcare reform, which could alienate moderate voters. (Reuters)
The White House has proposed reversing Obama-era discrimination protections for transgender individuals. LGBT rights groups fear the decision could result in some Americans being denied healthcare treatment. (Associated Press)
23andMe tests are getting orders from doctors with anti-vaccine views. Skeptics of vaccines are testing for a gene called MTHFR, which has also long been a fascination of naturopaths. Two years ago, 23andMe said MTHFR was the most-asked-about gene by customers. (The Atlantic)
