This Looming Drug Development Gap Could Impact Patients’ Health

In this week’s edition of InnovationRx, we look at cheaper biologic drugs, Novo Nordisk’s $2 billion next-gen obesity drug deal, new ways of fighting cancer, and more.

The Curious Case Of Rome’s Unbreakable Concrete

Hot-mixed Roman concrete used quicklime “healing” clasts that seal cracks over time, explaining Pompeii’s long‑lasting structures and inspiring tougher, lower‑carbon concretes today.

Millions Are Overdue For Colon Cancer Screening. Cologuard Can Help

Dr. Paul Limburg, gastroenterologist and CMO of Exact Sciences speaks on a non-invasive testing of colorectal cancer using Cologuard.

Thinking About IV Hydration At A Nearby Medical Spa? Think Again

Medical spas offer IV hydration therapies with no known benefits and potentially serious harms

Novo Nordisk Inks A $2.1 Billion Deal To Develop Next Generation Obesity Pills

The Danish drugmaker is collaborating with Vivtex, cofounded by billionaire Robert Langer, to quickly iterate oral versions of successors to Ozempic and Wegovy.

What Makary’s Plan For Expanding OTC Drug Access Could Mean For Safety

There are political and safety considerations as the FDA looks to make more drugs OTC. Also, antibiotic resistance is a huge problem where those meds are OTC.

Patients Are Using AI For Medical Advice. Here’s How To Do It Safely.

Five practical guardrails to get accurate, private and actionable health answers from AI chatbots — what to ask, what to avoid.

Hope And Hurdles For Sickle Cell Gene Therapy

CRISPR gene therapy Casgevy can nearly eliminate sickle cell crises, but difficult stem‑cell collection is delaying access and exposing fragile gene‑therapy infrastructure.

Medical AI Is Already In Hospitals. Who Is Watching Its Safety?

The FDA’s oversight was built for devices that rarely change. Clinical AI evolves over time, raising new questions about who is responsible for ensuring its safety.

Does Living Near A Nuclear Plant Increase Deaths From Cancer?

A new study from Harvard University finds that people who live closer to nuclear power plants have a higher risk of dying from cancer than those further away.