Upcoming 2026-2027 Vaccine Season: Deals, Data, and an FDA Vote

• A New York Times report highlights that the rise of cheap, potent synthetic drugs like fentanyl has significantly increased dealer profits and heightened risks for drug users. • A cross-sectional study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that the way patients phrase messages in patient portals may trigger clinician bias.

• Merck and Moderna reported that their experimental cancer "vaccine" successfully slowed the progression of melanoma. • The report also examines and dissects the trial strategies employed by Chinese researchers following recent patient deaths.

• Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that a 4-day course of a mycelium-based fungal supplement reduced adverse reactions in COVID-naive vaccine recipients. • According to a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT04951336) published in BMC Immunology, the supplement also helped sustain antibody levels for up to 6 months.

• President Trump and HHS Secretary Kennedy have implemented sweeping health policy reforms over the last 555 days to combat the chronic disease epidemic and revitalize public health. • Key achievements include securing pledges from insurers, medical societies, and providers to improve national behavioral health quality and best practices.

• The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has issued a new position statement urging specialist medical colleges to increase the transparency of their fees. • This move aims to provide patients with clearer information regarding the costs associated with specialist medical services.

• A multinational study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases reveals that drug-resistant hospital infections in Asia are substantial and likely underestimated, especially in low- and middle-income countries. • The report highlights a critical public health crisis where antimicrobial resistance complicates treatment and increases mortality rates across the region.

• Pulnovo Medical has enrolled the first two U.S. patients in its PULSE-LHD clinical trial at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. • The trial is conducted under an FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to evaluate pulmonary artery denervation for treating pulmonary hypertension associated with left heart disease.

• Medical experts are highlighting that knee osteoarthritis is not inevitable and can be prevented or managed through specific everyday lifestyle adjustments. • Researchers have identified a metabolic pathway involving the conversion of isoleucine and valine into propionyl-CoA that may contribute to hormone therapy resistance in prostate cancer.

• Mark Orwig participated in a clinical trial for an mRNA vaccine designed to prevent the recurrence of melanoma after surgical tumor removal. • The treatment targets lingering cancer cells that often remain in the body post-surgery, which typically lead to the disease returning.

• COVID-19 is seeing a resurgence in the United States, prompting renewed discussions on the necessity of fall vaccines and the risks of repeat infections. • Recent medical research highlights critical interventions, including a Sept. 1, 2025, JAMA study on germicidal UV light to reduce respiratory infections in long-term care facilities.

• A new analysis published in PLOS Digital Health reveals that of the 1,357 AI-based medical devices authorized by the FDA, only three were tested to determine if they actually improve patient health outcomes. • The study found a significant lack of rigorous validation, noting that only 34 of the cleared devices were linked to registered clinical trials.