Next Week in Public Health, October 2, 2025

We’re switching things up a bit and moving this blog to Thursday. Sort of works better for us on our end.

For all you peeps impacted by the shutdown, stay strong.

Here’s the research we’ve been tracking.

And what’s in the news

Single-dose psilocybin rapidly and sustainably relieves allodynia and anxiodepressive-like behaviors in mouse models of chronic pain

A recent study has demonstrated that a single dose of psilocybin effectively reverses chronic pain and associated anxiodepression-like states in mice, likely through modulating activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) via serotonergic receptors. This research highlights psilocybin’s potential as a dual-treatment option for chronic pain and mood disorders, offering a novel therapeutic avenue that addresses both conditions concurrently by targeting shared neurobiological circuits. This is significant because it provides preliminary evidence supporting an integrated treatment approach, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the reliance on opioids for pain management.

Former CDC Director Speaks Out

Demetre Daskalakis, the former director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, has raised concerns about the agency shifting away from science-based decision-making under the influence of political ideology, particularly under new leadership at Health and Human Services. This shift threatens to undermine vaccine policies and public health initiatives, potentially increasing the risk of disease outbreaks and hindering effective responses to public health crises, especially as experienced professionals are resigning and vital programs might lose funding.

How Doptelet Works for Thrombocytopenia

Doptelet (avatrombopag) is an FDA-approved medication for treating thrombocytopenia in adults with chronic liver disease and chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and, more recently, for children aged 1 to 6 years with ITP unresponsive to other treatments. This medication, taken orally as a tablet or granules, helps increase platelet counts to minimize bleeding risks during medical procedures. Its approval is significant because it offers a non-transfusion option to manage low platelet levels, reducing the need for platelet transfusions and urgent care for bleeding, thereby improving patient care and outcomes.

10 Major Medicare Changes Coming in 2026: What to Expect With Premiums, Drug Prices, and Program Cuts

In 2026, Medicare is expected to undergo notable changes, including an increase in premiums for Part B and Part D, adjustments resulting from the Inflation Reduction Act (such as caps on prescription drug costs), and new pre-authorization requirements for certain services under Original Medicare in select states. These changes, alongside the GOP’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” could create uncertainty and complexity in plan choices and access to care, potentially impacting both seniors’ finances and their access to necessary health services. It’s crucial for beneficiaries to understand these adjustments to make informed decisions during open enrollment, particularly given the potential for broader implications on Medicare funding and Medicaid access due to national deficit concerns.