STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about RFK Jr. vaccine disclosures, a Merck loss over Medicare prices, and more

Top of the morning to you, and a fine one it is. Clear blue skies and comfy breezes are enveloping the Pharmalot campus, where the official mascots are happily racing round the grounds and we are firing up the trusty kettle for another cuppa stimulation. Our choice today is apple hibiscus. And here is a helpful tip — a teaspoon of honey enhances the flavors splendidly. Of course, you are invited to join us. For the full experience, we are now hawking replicas — take a look. Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest. As always, do keep in touch. We appreciate feedback, criticism, and tips. … A group of U.S. senators said U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary ​Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent explanation for how he disposed of a financial stake in litigation involving Merck’s ‌Gardasil vaccine conflicts with earlier answers he gave in written testimony and federal ethics filings, Reuters reports. In a letter sent by four Democrats, the lawmakers noted Merck earlier this year agreed to pay $50 million to settle litigation over the Gardasil HPV vaccine. Last month, they asked whether Kennedy’s son received his share of the Gardasil fees, and if so, how much money was involved. They also asked why Kennedy did not commit to recuse himself from HHS decisions involving Gardasil, ​or other policymaking around vaccine litigation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved expanded use of a Johnson & Johnson ​drug to treat a rare blood disorder, Reuters notes. The approval makes Imaavy the first treatment cleared for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, or wAIHA, and covers patients aged 12 and older who are currently or were previously treated with ​steroids. The approval was ​based on a mid-to-late-stage study of 115 adults. About 1 in 8,000 people have wAIHA, which is life threatening, with 1 to 3 new cases diagnosed annually per 100,000 people. The drug is infused into a vein every ​four weeks at a dose based on weight. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe