Lawrence Faucette, 58, has died nearly six weeks after receiving a genetically modified pig heart transplant. The heart had seemed healthy for the first month but began showing signs of rejection in recent days. The University of Maryland School of Medicine will continue to study the procedure and use the data from Faucette’s case to help understand the potential of this technology and improve outcomes for future patients. The hospital also expressed its condolences to Faucette’s family and friends.
Posts published in “Health”
The FDA is considering the approval of exa-cel, a new drug developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals that could be the first cure available for many patients with sickle cell disease. The illness affects an estimated 100,000 people in the U.S., mostly Black, and causes anemia, pain, and organ damage. If approved, exa-cel would be the first drug to use the groundbreaking gene-editing tool CRISPR and provide a universally available, potentially curative option for individuals with sickle cell. The FDA is expected to make a decision on the drug in the coming months.
Israeli troops continue to battle Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, with over 800,000 Palestinians displaced and 1,530 killed since Saturday. A new poll reveals that 70% of Jewish Israelis and Arab Israelis believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should resign after the war ends, and the international community is pushing for an immediate cease-fire.
This article discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in dozens of people being rushed to Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has visited the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt and communication systems have been restored following a blackout. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, General Joseph Votel, and Senator J.D. Vance discussed the situation on the "Face the Nation" broadcast.
The FDA has issued a warning about the potential dangers of probiotics for preterm infants, citing more than two dozen adverse events linked to the products since 2018. The agency is investigating whether probiotics have contributed to other cases in babies and has sent a letter to health care providers about the dangers of these products. Parents and caregivers are urged to talk to their health care provider before giving probiotics to preterm infants and to report any adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a targeted raid in the northern Gaza Strip as they prepare for a ground invasion, while the U.N. warns of fuel shortages in the area and the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports the health care system is in a state of collapse. The international community is urging both sides to de-escalate the situation and protect civilians, as the conflict continues to escalate.
The FDA is investigating the death of a 21-year-old woman with a heart condition who allegedly died after consuming a highly caffeinated lemonade from Panera Bread. The lawsuit filed by the woman's family claims that Panera failed to properly warn consumers about the drink's ingredients, which contain more caffeine than a standard can of Red Bull and Monster energy drinks combined. The FDA is gathering information about the incident and is working to determine if the drink was responsible for the woman's death, and if Panera should have provided more information about the drink's ingredients.
A security guard at the St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado was attacked by a bear that had broken into the hotel's kitchen late Monday night. The guard was taken to a local hospital and treated for scratches to his back, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers determined that the bear had entered the hotel through a series of doors near the courtyard. Officials are reminding people to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when outdoors, as bears are increasingly active this time of year.