What We’re Reading: Fauci to Testify Before Congress; FDA Recommends Targeting JN.1 Variant; Inhaler Price Caps Set to Begin

Fauci to Testify Before Congress Amid Scrutiny Over COVID-19 Response

On Monday, Anthony Fauci, MD, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and a key figure in the US COVID-19 response, will testify before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, according to The Hill. This marks his first congressional testimony since September 2022. The hearing is expected to be contentious, with Republicans focusing on alleged misconduct and Fauci's leadership during the pandemic, while Democrats emphasize the lessons learned and future public health strategies.

FDA Recommends Targeting JN.1 Variant for Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccines

The FDA has advised vaccine manufacturers to target the JN.1 variant and its subvariants, such as KP.2, when developing its COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024-2025 campaign, according to Reuters. With KP.2 currently accounting for a significant proportion of cases, this strategy aims to provide broad protection while remaining adaptable to future changes in the virus. The FDA's independent expert panel will meet on Wednesday to discuss and make recommendations on the strain that the updated COVID-19 boosters should target.

New Price Caps on Inhalers to Provide Financial Relief for Many Americans

Starting Saturday, many Americans will see reduced costs for asthma inhalers as AstraZeneca and Boehringer Ingelheim introduce a $35 monthly out-of-pocket price cap, according to NBC News. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will implement a similar cap by January 1. While this move is a positive step for affordability, advocates say it highlights the broader issue of high drug prices in the US and the need for more extensive reforms to ensure access to life-saving medications.