@laurenweberhp.bsky.social
Health Accountability reporter at The Washington Post focused on HHS, health policy and its impact. You can reach me at [email protected] and on Signal @LWeber.91
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialWhen it comes to entities selling peptides not regulated by boards of pharmacy, the head of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy said, “it’s just going to get worse.”
@laurenweberhp.bsky.social“It really seems like a double standard [from Kennedy], because when it comes to these peptides ... you don’t really need a lot of evidence,” @stemcells.bsky.social said. “But then on the vaccines, they’re saying don’t take proven vaccines, even though they’re proven to be safe.”
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialAll the while, RFK Jr., a self-described "big fan" of peptides, is trying to expand access to them despite the lack of clinical trials regarding their safety.
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialIn most states, no regulatory authority exists to inspect medspas. And critics say the state medical, pharmacy and nursing boards that typically oversee the nation’s health practitioners are historically flawed -- understaffed, self-policing, and relying on self-reporting.
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialFormer acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock said the failures to properly monitor America’s obsession with peptides revealed the “crazy jigsaw of oversight.”
@laurenweberhp.bsky.social“It’s a toxic mix of limited federal resources, limited federal authority, and ... similar limitations at the state level...." said @drpeterlurie.bsky.social “But the end result of it is that the products are sold in an almost unregulated fashion.”
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialMy state level findings
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialSeveral local authorities said in interviews that they feel powerless to fully protect consumers. They report schemes consumers may not be aware of — peptides being made within people’s homes and medspas selling peptides that were never approved for human use.
@laurenweberhp.bsky.social🚨 I surveyed all 50 states’ pharmacy, medical and nursing boards about peptides and found gaping regulatory holes
Your favorite local restaurant or hair salon is subject to more oversight than a medspa selling peptides as RFK Jr. tries to expand access
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialReposted by @laurenweberhp.bsky.socialicymi: FDA officials raised conflict of interest concerns ahead of new peptide panel slated to meet this week.
Despite the flags, HHS chose multiple panelists who promote peptides, an unusual process given FDA staff typically pick their advisers.
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialThe lawyer of the mom who blamed flu shots for her twins’ deaths and is now charged with murder told me he is working with Children's Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group founded by RFK Jr., to share information and medical experts for her defense
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialOur latest dives into the FDA peptide clash between Kennedy and his staff.
Meanwhile, at least seven of the members who will vote on Kennedy's push have ties to peptide-related businesses and clinics.
Another member is the son of a congresswoman. @washingtonpost.com
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialReposted by @laurenweberhp.bsky.socialRFK Jr., a self-professed "big fan" of peptides, wants to expand access to the popular products. FDA career scientists said there isn't enough evidence to do so.
@julierovner.bsky.socialReposted by @laurenweberhp.bsky.socialok it's not the Knicks parade or the Obama center opening, but great new #WTHealth pod up! Panelists @laurenweberhp.bsky.social, @annaedney.bsky.social, and @sherylnyt.bsky.social; plus @mfcannon.bsky.social and Liz Fowler on the employer tax exemption: kffhealthnews.org/podcast/what...
@julierovner.bsky.socialReposted by @laurenweberhp.bsky.socialOn this week's #WTHealth podcast: @laurenweberhp.bsky.social @lizzylawrence.bsky.social, and @sandhyawrites.bsky.social on declining insurance coverage, RFKJr's workday, and drama at the ADA meeting. kffhealthnews.org/podcast/what...
@rachelroubein.bsky.socialReposted by @laurenweberhp.bsky.socialBefore winning the GOP primary for Iowa governor, Zach Lahn attacked Big Ag, a stance once unthinkable for Republicans in the Corn Belt.
— He beat a Trump-endorsed candidate.
— Lahn had discussed his run with RFK Jr., who was supportive.
@laurenweberhp.bsky.social“This court has signaled very strongly that it’s very pro-religious rights. It’s very pro-parental rights,” the head of the anti-vaccine group that RFK Jr. founded said.
“One of these cases is going to bubble up before long.”
@laurenweberhp.bsky.socialNEW: The anti-vaccine movement's momentum has slowed.
But a Supreme Court victory may be brewing, legal experts warn.
Two anti-vaccine groups with close ties to RFK Jr. have spent nearly $50 million on legal services over the last decade.
My latest
@washingtonpost.com
@julierovner.bsky.socialReposted by @laurenweberhp.bsky.socialon this week's #WTHealth podcast: @shefali.bsky.social, @laurenweberhp.bsky.social, and Maya Goldman on declining health coverage, Trump anti-fraud efforts, and rx prices, plus @celinegounder.com with the latest on ebola.
kffhealthnews.org/podcast/what...
@laurenweberhp.bsky.social“Wow, I don’t want to miss this conversation, this could be the last time I see them if I get sick,” he recalled thinking about his wife and three children.
