Medicine
A new injection to prevent HIV, rather than pills, is a game-changer, scientists say
Now, an injection only needed once every eight weeks could help mitigate the social stigma of HIV and prevent its spread.
2 years ago
FDA authorizes Merck pill as 2nd easy-to-use drug against COVID-19
The Food and Drug Administration authorization comes one day after the agency cleared a competing drug from Pfizer.
2 years ago
Icepick Surgeon: Dastardly Deeds Perpetrated in the Name of Science
Dr. Walter Freeman performed lobotomies with an ice pick through the eye socket....and other stories about doctors who do evil scientific deeds in the name of medicine.
Air Date: December 23, 2021 8:00 am
Listen 49:29Pfizer pill becomes 1st U.S.-authorized home COVID treatment
The drug, Paxlovid, is a faster, cheaper way to treat early COVID-19 infections, though initial supplies will be extremely limited.
2 years ago
Covid and staying safe over the holidays
Covid infections are rising and the highly contagious Omicron variant is spreading. Should we change our holiday plans or can we be celebrating together?
Air Date: December 21, 2021 10:00 am
Listen 49:13Moderna says its COVID booster increases protection against omicron
Moderna said its current FDA-approved 50-microgram booster shot increased antibody levels against omicron 37-fold compared to pre-booster levels.
2 years ago
What do I need to know about the omicron variant?
Is omicron more contagious? Does omicron cause more severe illness than delta? WHYY's Health Desk Help Desk shares what you need to know about the fast-spreading variant.
2 years ago
Listen 5:21He has cerebral palsy, and lauds state program to vaccinate him against COVID-19 at home
The state has partnered with independent pharmacies to put shots in the arms of vulnerable people at their homes.
2 years ago
Philly launches COVID test giveaways at Saturday vaccine clinic. 9 more are scheduled next week
Participants were limited to two free kits, each of which contains two tests. The goal is to increase testing amid the current COVID surge.
2 years ago
Philly company Spark Therapeutics investing $575M toward gene therapy center on Drexel’s campus
Construction is set for late 2022. The center aims to bring gene therapy experts together to treat conditions like blindness, neurodegenerative disease.
2 years ago
Philly health officials urge flu vaccine for kids as hospitals reach their limits
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is already feeling the strain of providing for patients as flu season adds to demand from COVID-19.
2 years ago
U.S. regulators lift in-person restrictions on abortion pill
Officials said Thursday that a scientific review supported broadening access and allowing more pharmacies — including mail-order services— to distribute the medication.
2 years ago
Omicron evades Moderna vaccine too, study suggests, but boosters help
The Moderna vaccine's ability to shield against infection drops sharply when tested on the omicron variant. But getting a booster pumps the protection back up again.
2 years ago
Pfizer confirms COVID pill’s results, potency versus omicron
The updates come as COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalization are all rising again and the U.S. hovers around 800,000 pandemic deaths.
2 years ago
Why is it so hard to get a COVID booster these days?
Demand is high, and appointments in and around Philadelphia are at a premium right now. But super vaccination clinics probably won’t be back.
2 years ago