January 12, 2016

Today's Top News

MUST READS AND WATCH 

A January 12, 2015 STAT News article reported on the confirmation process of Dr. Robert Califf for the position of Food and Drug Administration commissioner. According to the article, “Califf wrote that he wants to review the FDA’s restrictions to ‘harmonize the goal of protecting the public health with First Amendment interests.’ Califf also advocates reforming the clinical trials system in order to reduce cost and speed results.”

January 12, 2016 Reading Eagle article reported that Rep. Patrick Meehan is hoping President Obama highlights Alzheimer’s in his State of the Union. According to the article, “Rep. Patrick Meehan is watching for a spotlight on finding cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The Delaware County Republican said that's an area where Obama could reach across the aisle and work with Congress. ‘The government funding bill passed at the end of 2015 included a $2 billion increase for the National Institutes of Health,’ Meehan said. ‘And I'm hopeful the president will look to build on this and expand research into curing conditions that afflict millions of Americans.’”

A January 11, 2016 Huffington Post opinion piece by Dr. Laurie Glimcher underscored the importance of funding medical research to fight diseases like Alzheimer’s. According to Glimcher, “Crucially, the spending bill comes at a time when we are truly near the dawn of a new era in medical science. Right at this moment, novel fields of inquiry are being launched, while others are reaching maturity, yielding invaluable insights, and revolutionizing patient care…We are at a moment in science with unprecedented potential. Researchers around the country are thankful for the boost in government funding--but we need sustained, high levels of support in order to usher in this new age. Our health--and the wellbeing of future generations--depends on it.” Dr. Laurie H. Glimcher is the Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine. 

Must Watch: A January 11, 2016 CNBC interview with Eli Lilly CEO John Lechleiter discussed the latest developments with Lilly’s Alzheimer’s clinical trials. 


MINORITY IMPACT 

A January 11, 2016 The Washington Post article highlighted B. Smith and Dan Gasby’s new book ‘Before I forget.’ According to the article, “These stories are interspersed with smart, informative essays on the state of Alzheimer’s research, various drugs, tips on caregivers and support groups, how the disease typically progresses and how there is increasing evidence that it disproportionately affects African Americans. There are also flashbacks to pre-Alzheimer’s days, including when Gasby met Smith in 1987: ‘That first night I saw her, B. was wearing a fire-engine-red bustier and red hostess gown — and managing to look demure while doing it. Man, I remember thinking, it’s like they poured chocolate into the perfect mold.’”


INTERESTING READS FROM AROUND THE INTERNET

SmithsonianHow Museums Are Helping People With Memory Loss

San Diego ReaderDeal gives UCSD "read only" rights to Alzheimer's data

International Business TimesJP Morgan Healthcare Conference: How Johnson & Johnson Became An Industry Leader In Innovation

Digital JournalAlzheimer's Society aims to educate with #StillHere campaign

CNBC: High drug prices bring forth innovation: Scangos