Touting its novel approach for treating glaucoma, Qlaris Bio Inc. reported promising top-line data from two phase II studies testing QLS-111 in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, showing the drug met all primary and secondary endpoints, reducing intraocular pressure with a clean safety profile that could encourage patients to remain on treatment.

Curently the only available blood test to tell which women are at risk of postpartum depression (PPD) is the one that confirms their pregnancy – and a one in seven chance of developing the condition which can have long-term implications for both mother and child. Research out of the University of Virginia and Weill Cornell Medicine could soon change that by identifying biomarkers in the third trimester of pregnancy that indicate which women have the greatest risk of developing PPD.

Site neutral payments under the U.S. Medicare program have been contentious for some time, and Congress seems poised to act on the issue in 2025. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is wary of making any recommendations as yet — a position that MedPAC may hold pending the collection of additional data.

Medicare Advantage plans have drawn criticism for deviating somewhat from Medicare coverage policies, a question CMS took up in a recent draft rule. In comments to the docket, the Medical Device Manufacturers Association said it sees a need to throw a lasso around such practices, alleging that they may result in beneficiaries receiving more limited coverage than they would in fee-for-service care.

As pulsed field ablation transformed the electrophysiology market over the last year, Boston Scientific Corp. emerged as the biggest winner by far. In its fourth quarter earnings call on Wednesday, the company quantified just how successful its Farapulse PFA system has been.

Alterity Therapeutics Ltd. reported positive top-line phase II results for lead candidate ATH-434 for treating multiple system atrophy, a rare neurological disorder similar to Parkinson's disease.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved a step closer Feb. 4 to becoming the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 along party lines to send Kennedy’s nomination to the Senate floor for confirmation. While “no” votes were expected from the 13 Democrats serving on the committee, a big question mark had hung over which way Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., would vote, given the comments he made at two committee hearings on the nomination. In the end, Cassidy voted along with his 13 Republican colleagues, offering no comment on his vote at the meeting.