What We’re Reading: Inclusive Blood Donation Guidance; Wegovy CV Benefit; Postpartum Depression Pill Pricing

Red Cross Implements More Inclusive Blood Donation Policy

The American Red Cross is implementing a more inclusive risk-based assessment to determine blood donation eligibility, eliminating the previous ban that prevented most gay men from donating blood, according to CNN. This shift comes after decades of stigmatizing guidance from the FDA. The new policy focuses on behavior rather than sexual orientation—deferring potential donors if they have had a new sexual partner, more than one partner, or anal sex in the previous 3 months—allowing more individuals to contribute to the blood supply. Those currently taking pre- and postexposure prophylaxis also remain deferred, with the FDA highlighting the potential for false-negative results on an HIV test. Although this change is seen as a significant step toward inclusivity, some critics argue that the policy still excludes certain groups, including

Obesity Drug Wegovy Shows Cardiovascular Benefit in Major Study

Wegovy from Novo Nordisk has demonstrated an additional medical benefit beyond weight loss in a significant late-stage study, according to Reuters. The weekly injection, aimed at overweight or obese individuals with a history of heart disease, showed a 20% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events—including heart attack, stroke, or death from heart disease—compared with placebo. This outcome exceeded the anticipated 15% to 17% reduction. The trial involved 17,500 patients and is expected to influence insurers and health authorities to consider covering the drug’s cost for a broader patient population. Novo Nordisk plans to seek regulatory approvals for expanding Wegovy's label indication in the United States and Europe based on the study results.

Questions Linger on Pricing of Postpartum Depression Pill

The recent FDA approval of the first pill to treat postpartum depression, zuranolone (Zurzuvae), has raised concerns about its pricing, which could subsequently have an impact on its accessibility and prescription rates, according to Axios. The drug’s manufacturer, Sage Therapeutics, has yet to decide on the pricing, and this decision might be influenced by the drug's failure to gain approval for treating major depressive disorder. Analysts have revised down sales projections for zuranolone, and experts have noted that the drug’s boxed warnings and potential limitations could affect its uptake.