Disclaimer: This is not an all-encompassing list of news updates from the months of January to March 2023.
As we enter the first quarter of 2023, the world continues to experience a wide range of significant events and developments that are already shaping our future in significant ways. From political upheavals and global health crises to breakthroughs in science and technology, the first three months of 2023 have been marked by numerous significant stories. With the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of new geopolitical tensions, and the rapid pace of technological change, the top news stories of the first three months of 2023 are already setting the stage for a year that promises to be both eventful and impactful.
Here is a look at some of the top medical news of 2023 so far.
Weight loss drug for kids
In early January, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their guidelines to include certain medications be used in children 12 years and above for weight loss. This is different from the past recommendations because now there is more focus on treating obesity as opposed to preventing it in children.
In the United States, 1 in 5 (over 14 million) children and adolescents are affected by obesity. Current medications that are recommended for weight loss in children are:
- Metformin
- Orlistat
- GLP-1 agonist: Wegovy and Saxenda
- Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)
- Vyvanse
FDA Approves New Weight Management Drug for Kids over 12
U.S. experts recommend weight-loss drugs for obese children
Vaccine for Bees
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in January approved the world’s first vaccine for bees to protect them against American foulbrood, an aggressive bacterium that can spread quickly from hive to hive. Previously, either burning infected colonies and all associated equipment or using antibiotics were the only ways to treat the bacteria. The particular bacteria, Paenibacillus larvae, causes the American foulbrood which results in the larvae becoming brown goo with a rancid stench.
How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine is mixed with food that the worker bees will eat. They then will secrete their milky royal jelly, that contains the vaccine, to the queen for her to ingest. The vaccine will then travel to her ovaries which will immunize developing larvae. Research has shown no negative effects on queens’ survival or honey quality. At this time, due to conditional licensing from the USDA, the vaccine is only available for commercial beekeepers.
This advancement in vaccine development can avoid costly treatment of infections in hives and point more attention to other ways to keep bees healthy and high quality honey.
U.S.D.A Approves First Vaccine for Honeybees
The World’s First Vaccine for Honey Bees is Here
Atypical Anorexia
Atypical anorexia (AAN) is a type of eating disorder that shares many of the same symptoms as anorexia nervosa, but with one key difference: individuals with atypical anorexia may not have a low body weight or be underweight. Despite not meeting the traditional diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, individuals with atypical anorexia still struggle with restrictive eating patterns, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. AAN is just as serious as anorexia nervosa and can lead to significant health complications if left untreated, including malnutrition, dehydration, and organ damage. Currently, there has been an increasing number of children and adolescents presenting with AAN. Treatment for atypical anorexia typically involves a combination of therapy, nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring to help individuals overcome their disordered eating patterns and improve their overall physical and mental well-being.
What is Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Child Mind Institute: What is Atypical Anorexia Nervosa?
Atypical Anorexia in Youth: Cautiously Bridging the Treatment Gap
The Push for Fentanyl Testing
The CDC has indicated that more than 250 Americans are dying each day from overdosing. Josh Siems, a Baltimore native, died from a fentanyl overdose in 2022 which prompted his family to push lawmakers to pass a law requiring emergency rooms to test for fentanyl in their toxicology report in the state of Maryland. Currently only 5% of overdose patients get tested for fentanyl in the United States.
Hospitals are increasingly pushing for fentanyl testing as part of their efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, and its use has been linked to a sharp rise in opioid-related deaths in recent years. By testing for fentanyl in patients, hospitals can identify individuals who may be at risk for overdose and provide them with appropriate interventions, such as medication-assisted treatment or naloxone administration. Fentanyl testing can also help healthcare providers to better understand the scope of the opioid crisis and to track trends in drug use and abuse. However, there are some challenges associated with fentanyl testing, including the need for specialized equipment and training, as well as concerns about patient privacy and confidentiality. Despite these challenges, many hospitals are prioritizing fentanyl testing as a key component of their efforts to address the opioid epidemic and improve patient outcomes.
Fighting Fentanyl: The Federal Response to a Growing Crisis
Fentanyl death prompts push for more testing-The Baltimore Banner
Only 5% of Overdose Patients Tested for Fentanyl, #1 Killer of Americans 18-45
Covid-19 Update
As of March 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing but the situation has significantly improved compared to the early stages of the pandemic. Vaccines have played a key role in controlling the spread of the virus, with at least 270 million Americans having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
There have been some promising developments in COVID-19 treatment, including the use of monoclonal antibodies, antivirals, and other therapies. However, access to these treatments remains limited in some parts of the world. Additionally, there is still a need for continued research into the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on health and wellbeing.
Overall, while there have been some positive developments in the fight against COVID-19, it is clear that the pandemic will continue to have far-reaching effects for years to come. Ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that vaccines, treatments, and other resources are equitably distributed to all parts of the world, and that we continue to work together as a global community to address the ongoing challenges of COVID-19.
Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap
FDA Approves First Over the Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray
On March 29, 2023 the FDA approved Narcan, 4mg naloxone nasal spray for over the counter (OTC) use to reverse opioid overdose. Drug overdose is a persistent issue in the United States as there were over 100,000 reported fatal overdoses occuring in a 12-month period ending in October 2022.
Manufacturers will be required to submit changes in labeling which includes providing proof of effectiveness and safety for switching to OTC. The FDA will work with stakeholders to facilitate the availability of naloxone nasal spray to ensure they will be able to be sold in places directly to consumers, such as drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores, gas stations and online as well. The idea of making Narcan available without a prescription is huge because this move would enable more people to have access to the lifesaving drug, especially in areas where opioid overdose is prevalent.
FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray
About The Author
