New model increases access to kidney transplants; the largest ever criminal enforcement targeting opioid distributors; oily fish and beer can reduce risk of rheumatoid arthritis – Morning Medical Update

Biden-Harris Administration finalizes model to improve access to kidney transplants

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) established a six-year mandatory model meant to increase access to kidney transplants while improving quality of care and reducing disparities among individuals seeking kidney transplants. Participation in the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model is mandatory for transplant hospitals, which will both spur innovation and assist in the even distribution of the model’s effects across the nation.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is leading an important overhaul of the organ transplantation system,” Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, CMS Administrator, said in a news release. “The Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model will increase the number of kidney transplants that will not only save lives but will enable people to live longer and healthier ones.”

The largest ever criminal enforcement action targeting opioid distributors

Nine pharmaceutical distributor executives, sales representatives and brokers were federally prosecuted for their involvement in the unlawful distribution of nearly 70 million opioid pills and more than 30 million doses of commonly abused prescription drugs, according to Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas. The drugs were valued at more than $1.3 billion on the black market and were sold at Houston-area pill-mill pharmacies.

“This landmark case demonstrates our tenacity and resolve in the fight against prescription drug rings that have worsened the deadly opioid crisis facing our country,” Paxton said. “My office will continue to pursue those who exploit our health care system for profit and destroy Texas families with dangerous, addictive drugs.”

Oily fish, fruits, cereals and beer can reduce risk of rheumatoid arthritis

A systemic review of 30 different studies from 2000 to 2024 found that moderate alcohol consumption paired with a higher intake of fruits, oily fish and cereals are linked to a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Although, the protective effect of alcohol diminished with higher intake, according to the researchers from the University of Leeds. There were no longer any protective effects of alcohol consumption at approximately 7.5 units of alcohol per week, which is roughly four pints of low-strength beer, lager or cider, or about 3.5 standard glasses of wine. The same research found that consumption of tea and coffee could be linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Read more here.