First University of Michigan Patient Receives FDA-Approved Stem Cell Therapy for Sickle Cell Anemia

• A dialysis unit in rural Nebraska closed after operating at a financial loss, leaving patients without local treatment access despite the state receiving $219 million in federal rural health transformation funding. • The closure highlights the challenges rural healthcare facilities face in maintaining operations even with substantial federal support aimed at rural health infrastructure. • The facility's closure upends the lives of dialysis patients who must now travel for treatment, raising questions about the effectiveness of federal rural health programs in sustaining critical services.

• Researchers tested ARN-75039, an orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic against Lassa virus, which causes Lassa fever—a disease for which no preventative vaccine currently exists. • The compound represents a new approach to treating Lassa virus infection through direct viral entry inhibition rather than vaccines. • This research advances therapeutic options for a high-consequence pathogen that poses public health concerns, particularly in West African endemic regions.

• Samsung launched its Galaxy Watch blood pressure feature for U.S. consumers, enabling wrist-based hypertension tracking without cuffs. • FDA-cleared technology uses optical sensors calibrated via user input, integrated into latest watch models. • Matters for 116 million U.S. adults with high blood pressure, improving remote monitoring and chronic disease management.

• Gallup survey of over 5,500 U.S. adults from Oct-Dec 2025 finds 25% use AI for health info, with 59% researching before doctor visits. • About 14 million adults skipped provider visits in past 30 days after AI advice, though only 4% strongly trust its accuracy. • Low trust levels (33% trust, 34% distrust) raise concerns on AI's role in U.S. healthcare decisions amid access barriers.

• NBC News reports a major study shows fluoride in U.S. drinking water has no impact on children's IQ or brain function, countering prior concerns. • The research, involving large-scale data analysis, confirms safety levels set by U.S. regulations pose no neurodevelopmental risks. • Findings matter as they support ongoing public fluoridation policies amid debates, potentially easing community health disputes.

• The American Lung Association, joined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, filed a lawsuit against the EPA's repeal of 2024 limits on mercury and air toxics from power plants. • EPA's action will allow more toxic pollution, impacting children's health nationwide, according to Harold Wimmer, ALA President and CEO. • Pollutants like mercury could lead to brain development issues, asthma attacks, cancers, and premature deaths in exposed communities.

• The American Medical Association advises synchronizing chronic medication refills once a year to streamline management and slash EHR inbox refill requests. • This strategy saves physicians hours weekly by aligning prescriptions efficiently. • Implementation supports better practice efficiency amid rising administrative burdens in U.S. healthcare.

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published a proposed rule on Friday requiring health insurance companies and states to resolve non-urgent prior authorization requests for prescription drugs within 24 hours. • The regulation mandates Medicaid and CHIP insurers, plus state administrators, to publicly disclose denial rates and respond faster to improve patient access. • This addresses delays in medication approvals, potentially benefiting millions enrolled in these programs amid ongoing affordability challenges.

• The American College of Emergency Physicians reports a record 3,058 positions filled in emergency medicine residencies, signaling rebound from pandemic-era lows. • More applicants matched into emergency medicine than ever before, as of March 18, 2026. • This surge addresses physician shortages in high-demand ERs across US hospitals.

• A new VCU Health study indicates alcohol-related liver disease prevalence may be twice as high as previously estimated because of underreported alcohol consumption. • The research uncovers hidden scale of liver damage, challenging prior data on this growing public health issue. • Findings highlight need for better screening and awareness amid rising alcohol use disorders in the US.

• A Fred Hutch Cancer Center graduate student presented over 25,000 measurements of influenza-fighting antibodies to WHO scientists via videoconference last fall. • The dataset, published in Virus Evolution, offers near real-time tracking of human immune responses to current flu strains, improving seasonal vaccine composition. • This method addresses gaps in traditional surveillance, potentially enhancing vaccine effectiveness against evolving viruses.