Gerry Smith
@gerryfsmith.bsky.social
Biotech reporter for Bloomberg News
Pharma companies are pouring billions into new cancer treatments that link two old drugs together — with little proof they help patients live longer. www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Drugmakers Pile Into a Cancer Gold Rush With Questionable Payoff
Pharma companies are spending billions on a treatment based off old drugs, with little evidence it will extend lives.
www.bloomberg.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Pharma companies are pouring billions into new cancer treatments that link two old drugs together — with little proof they help patients live longer. www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
Cellphone bans help students focus. They may also help kids get along better, @gerryfsmith.bsky.social reports in Prognosis >
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Do School Cellphone Bans Improve Students’ Mental Health?
Hi, it's Gerry in New York, where schools have banned smartphones in the classroom for the first time. I spoke to one high school student in a neighboring state about how a phone ban at his school has...
www.bloomberg.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Cellphone bans help students focus. They may also help kids get along better, @gerryfsmith.bsky.social reports in Prognosis >
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
VERY big news for companies that make custom gene-editing treatments — the FDA is ready to unveil a faster approach to approvals. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social has the story >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
FDA Clears Way for Faster Personalized Gene Editing Treatments
A top US regulator plans to unveil a faster approach to approving custom gene-editing treatments, a move designed to unleash a wave of industry investment that will yield cures for patients with rare ...
www.bloomberg.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:05 PM
VERY big news for companies that make custom gene-editing treatments — the FDA is ready to unveil a faster approach to approvals. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social has the story >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
Yesterday, we published a lengthy look at Moderna's post-Covid fall, from one of the most valued companies in the world to to a biotech facing serious questions about its longterm future
It's a story of hubris, the limits of mRNA technology, and, of course, RFK Jr
www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
It's a story of hubris, the limits of mRNA technology, and, of course, RFK Jr
www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
How Moderna, the company that helped save the world, unraveled
Exclusive: The inside story of why Moderna now faces a crisis unlike any in its 15-year-history.
www.statnews.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Yesterday, we published a lengthy look at Moderna's post-Covid fall, from one of the most valued companies in the world to to a biotech facing serious questions about its longterm future
It's a story of hubris, the limits of mRNA technology, and, of course, RFK Jr
www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
It's a story of hubris, the limits of mRNA technology, and, of course, RFK Jr
www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
In my @bloomberg.com Big Take out today I explored how Hologic pushed a medical device on breast cancer patients despite hundreds of complaints, most of which stayed buried until now
September 4, 2025 at 4:41 PM
In my @bloomberg.com Big Take out today I explored how Hologic pushed a medical device on breast cancer patients despite hundreds of complaints, most of which stayed buried until now
New: Our deep dive on how parents of boys with a rare muscle disease got a controversial gene therapy back on the market. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
How the Moms and Dads of Patients Won Sarepta’s Drug a Reprieve
Some experts worry that patient groups’ growing influence is leading to the approval of drugs that may not work and could sometimes be dangerous.
www.bloomberg.com
August 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
New: Our deep dive on how parents of boys with a rare muscle disease got a controversial gene therapy back on the market. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Baby KJ made history as the first person to get a custom-made treatment using the gene-editing tool Crispr. Now a push is underway to do the same thing for eight more kids. www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Making Personalized Crispr Cures to Save More Babies
Hi, it’s Gerry in New York. Researchers are trying to build on the success of “baby KJ” and make more personalized treatments for kids with rare diseases. More on that in a moment, but first ...
www.bloomberg.com
July 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Baby KJ made history as the first person to get a custom-made treatment using the gene-editing tool Crispr. Now a push is underway to do the same thing for eight more kids. www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
The FDA gave full approval to Moderna's Covid vaccine for kids under 12, but only for those at increased risk. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Moderna’s Covid Shot Fully Approved by FDA for Use in Children
US regulators approved Moderna Inc.’s Covid vaccine for children, but for a narrower group than before, continuing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial policy that restricts access to the shots for s...
www.bloomberg.com
July 10, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The FDA gave full approval to Moderna's Covid vaccine for kids under 12, but only for those at increased risk. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
The US has hit a grim measles milestone--the highest number of cases in 33 years. It's July.
My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com (gift link):
My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com (gift link):
RFK Jr. Could Have Ensured This Grim Measles Record Wasn’t Broken
US cases are the highest they’ve been since the virus was declared eradicated 25 years ago. The health secretary’s anti-vax agenda is part of the reason.
www.bloomberg.com
July 9, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The US has hit a grim measles milestone--the highest number of cases in 33 years. It's July.
My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com (gift link):
My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com (gift link):
Parents are getting their kids vaccinated early, worried that recent moves by RFK Jr. could limit access to childhood shots.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
RFK Jr. Is Scaring Parents Into Asking Doctors for Early Shots
Pediatricians weigh the risks of vaccinating ahead of schedule with threat of shot shortages looming.
www.bloomberg.com
July 7, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Parents are getting their kids vaccinated early, worried that recent moves by RFK Jr. could limit access to childhood shots.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
Fun details from @jessicanix.bsky.social Damian Garde and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social in this story on RFK Jr.'s revamped vaccine panel:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
June 26, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Fun details from @jessicanix.bsky.social Damian Garde and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social in this story on RFK Jr.'s revamped vaccine panel:
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is getting rid of all the members of committee that advises the US on vaccine safety. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social has a first take out -- update coming shortly >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
RFK Jr. Removes All Members of CDC Panel Advising on Vaccines
The Department of Health and Human Services is retiring the 17 members of a committee of government vaccine advisers, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Monday.
www.bloomberg.com
June 9, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is getting rid of all the members of committee that advises the US on vaccine safety. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social has a first take out -- update coming shortly >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
Today, @seckennedy.govpeeps.us said the Covid shot has been taken off the recommend vaccine list for health children and pregnant women. Here’s a gift link to the @bloomberg.com story from me and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
RFK Jr. Says Covid Shot No Longer Recommended for Healthy Kids
US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the Covid shot has been taken off of the country’s recommended vaccine list for healthy children and pregnant women, a seismic shift i...
www.bloomberg.com
May 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Today, @seckennedy.govpeeps.us said the Covid shot has been taken off the recommend vaccine list for health children and pregnant women. Here’s a gift link to the @bloomberg.com story from me and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
FREE LINK > Even as the federal government pulls back on vaccines, CVS is pushing Americans to get their shots. @ikeswetlitz.bsky.social explains why >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
CVS Offers Bonuses and Pizza Parties as Perks to Boost Vaccine Sales
High-margin inoculations bring more customers into drugstores.
www.bloomberg.com
May 21, 2025 at 12:20 PM
FREE LINK > Even as the federal government pulls back on vaccines, CVS is pushing Americans to get their shots. @ikeswetlitz.bsky.social explains why >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
The FDA will no longer approve Covid booster vaccines for healthy adults under 65 and kids without new clinical trials. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social has the details >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
FDA Requires Studies of Covid Boosters for Healthy Kids, Adults
US regulators will no longer approve booster shots to prevent Covid infections for healthy adults and children without new clinical trials showing they are still safe and effective, adding a costly ne...
www.bloomberg.com
May 20, 2025 at 3:40 PM
The FDA will no longer approve Covid booster vaccines for healthy adults under 65 and kids without new clinical trials. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social has the details >
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The entire vaccine world is in turmoil, but Covid shots, especially for children, have become especially controversial in the Trump administration.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
RFK Jr. Takes Aim at Covid Shots for Kids, Worrying Vaccine Experts
Senior leaders at the US Food and Drug Administration began pushing Moderna Inc. and Pfizer Inc. to file for full, formal approval of their Covid vaccines for children last summer. The conversations g...
www.bloomberg.com
May 8, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The entire vaccine world is in turmoil, but Covid shots, especially for children, have become especially controversial in the Trump administration.
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
New: At least seven people have died in the US from symptoms linked to a new Alzheimer's drug over the past two years. Regulators and doctors are divided over the risks. www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
The US Approved an Alzheimer's Drug. Seven Patients Subsequently Died
Despite the known risks of patients experiencing life-threatening side effects, prescribing standards vary widely among medical centers.
www.bloomberg.com
March 31, 2025 at 3:19 PM
New: At least seven people have died in the US from symptoms linked to a new Alzheimer's drug over the past two years. Regulators and doctors are divided over the risks. www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
SCOOP by John Tozzi and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social > Vertex's non-opioid painkiller, Journavx, made it onto UnitedHealth Group's Optum Rx approved drugs list, but at a tier that may make it more expensive for patients www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Vertex’s Non-Opioid Pain Drug Gets Some UnitedHealth Coverage
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s new non-opioid painkiller is being placed on a tier that means it might be costlier than other pain treatments on UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s approved drug lists.
www.bloomberg.com
March 6, 2025 at 5:41 PM
SCOOP by John Tozzi and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social > Vertex's non-opioid painkiller, Journavx, made it onto UnitedHealth Group's Optum Rx approved drugs list, but at a tier that may make it more expensive for patients www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
A gene therapy from Regeneron improved hearing in nearly all deaf children in a clinical trial. After the treatment, most were able to hear barking dogs and conversations — some were even able to hear whispers. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Regeneron’s Gene Therapy Improves Hearing in Deaf Children
A gene therapy from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. improved hearing in nearly all deaf children in a clinical trial, results that could allow the company to seek regulatory approval for the one-time t...
www.bloomberg.com
February 24, 2025 at 8:28 PM
A gene therapy from Regeneron improved hearing in nearly all deaf children in a clinical trial. After the treatment, most were able to hear barking dogs and conversations — some were even able to hear whispers. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
The weekend purge at HHS is putting the health and safety of Americans at risk. I talked to people w/in FDA, NIH & CMS about the important work they do--and what we lose out on with this unconscionable dismantling of public health & science in the US. My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com (gift link):
HHS Job Cuts Jeopardize Our Health and Safety
Firing thousands of employees at the agencies that oversee our food supply, research cures for cancer and monitor disease outbreaks is shortsighted.
www.bloomberg.com
February 19, 2025 at 12:43 PM
The weekend purge at HHS is putting the health and safety of Americans at risk. I talked to people w/in FDA, NIH & CMS about the important work they do--and what we lose out on with this unconscionable dismantling of public health & science in the US. My latest @opinion.bloomberg.com (gift link):
Reposted by Gerry Smith
The disappearance of federal health websites due to Trump's DEI ban has left medical experts "flying blind." @gerryfsmith.bsky.social Tanaz Meghjani, @jessicanix.bsky.social and other Bloomberg health reporters detail the disruptions www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
US Health Expert Flying ‘Absolutely Blind’ as Federal Health Data Vanishes
President Donald Trump’s end of diversity, equity and inclusion language in federal agencies has caused US health data to be removed or not be updated. Medical experts say the extensive losses, even i...
www.bloomberg.com
February 3, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The disappearance of federal health websites due to Trump's DEI ban has left medical experts "flying blind." @gerryfsmith.bsky.social Tanaz Meghjani, @jessicanix.bsky.social and other Bloomberg health reporters detail the disruptions www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
RFK. Jr. constantly asked senators to show him the data. It sounds like a thoughtful request, but Kennedy has a long history of ignoring solid scientific evidence in favor of some non peer-reviewed "study that came out last week."
Damian Garde on the strategy >
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Damian Garde on the strategy >
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
How RFK Jr. Uses 'Show Me the Data' to Stymie Vaccine Debates
Hi, it’s Damian in New York, where I watched the RFK Jr. Q&A and wondered whether anyone had ever uttered “amyloid” in a senate hearing before. More on that hearing in a moment, but first ...
www.bloomberg.com
January 31, 2025 at 3:58 PM
RFK. Jr. constantly asked senators to show him the data. It sounds like a thoughtful request, but Kennedy has a long history of ignoring solid scientific evidence in favor of some non peer-reviewed "study that came out last week."
Damian Garde on the strategy >
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
Damian Garde on the strategy >
www.bloomberg.com/news/newslet...
The FDA has approved the first new type of painkiller in more than two decades, paving the way for a safer alternative to addictive opioids. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
New Pain Drug Gets FDA Nod as Safer Alternative to Addictive Opioids
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. gained US approval for the first new type of painkiller in more than two decades, paving the way for a safer alternative to addictive opioids that have been linked to hundr...
www.bloomberg.com
January 30, 2025 at 11:54 PM
The FDA has approved the first new type of painkiller in more than two decades, paving the way for a safer alternative to addictive opioids. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
There was a new strain of bird flu found in California, but the US government didn't announce it.
The World Organization for Animal Health did. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social and @jessicanix.bsky.social >> www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The World Organization for Animal Health did. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social and @jessicanix.bsky.social >> www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
US Investigates Worrying Bird Flu Strain on Duck Farm in California
US officials are investigating the appearance of a strain of bird flu identified in the US for the first time, a worrying sign that the virus is evolving in ways that could make it harder to contain.
www.bloomberg.com
January 27, 2025 at 9:42 PM
There was a new strain of bird flu found in California, but the US government didn't announce it.
The World Organization for Animal Health did. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social and @jessicanix.bsky.social >> www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
The World Organization for Animal Health did. @gerryfsmith.bsky.social and @jessicanix.bsky.social >> www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Gerry Smith
RFK Jr. got fees for suits against an HHS-manager program and held stakes in firms developing a cancer-treatment drug and a developer of gene-editing treatments. By Bill Allison, @faycortez.bsky.social and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
RFK Jr. Profited From Lawsuits Against Agency He’s Poised to Lead
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earned millions from his work as an attorney, including referral fees from cases filed against the agency he’s been chosen to lead, federal disclosures show.
www.bloomberg.com
January 22, 2025 at 9:24 PM
RFK Jr. got fees for suits against an HHS-manager program and held stakes in firms developing a cancer-treatment drug and a developer of gene-editing treatments. By Bill Allison, @faycortez.bsky.social and @gerryfsmith.bsky.social
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
www.bloomberg.com/news/article...