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RI BUSINESS

Next competitor for R.I. hospital CEOs? Amazon, CVS, Uber Eats, and other tech.

Companies that specialize in artificial intelligence and digital tech are Lifespan’s biggest competitors to tackle, according to CEO John Fernandez.

Supply shortages, insurance hiccups complicate vaccine rollout
“I’m just trying to do the responsible thing,” a Somerville resident said. “I’m sure I can get [a COVID booster] eventually, but it’s a little frustrating.”

What caused the mysterious loud noise in Saugus? A malfunction at a waste facility.
In a statement, WIN Waste said that a malfunctioning valve caused “the venting of steam that was both visible and audible” during a scheduled weekly test of the turbine generator.

Adoptive parents of Harmony Montgomery’s little brother plead with state for new scrutiny of child welfare system
Legislators are considering creation of a commission to review failures in the state's child welfare system.

HEALTH
A Massachusetts reproductive rights organization expands into N.H.
Reproductive Equity Now’s president, Rebecca Hart Holder, said the organization’s goal is to make the region “a beacon for abortion access.”

Cambridge picked as a national hub for new federal health research agency
The agency, dubbed ARPA-H, is seeking to spend billions on breakthroughs for tough-to-cure diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Featured stories

How a Boston doctor diagnosed the first US case of monkeypox

After a few days, the doctor noticed a telling change. The patient’s rash consisted of fluid-filled blisters that had a dent in the center. His rash looked like smallpox.

Once the ‘it’ supplement, vitamin D is losing its sparkle

Vitamin D supplements, regularly consumed by millions of Americans, have not held up to the considerable hype of warding off many common, dreaded diseases.

Right-wing groups hit Boston Children’s with barrage of threats over trans health program

A hostile online campaign has prompted the hospital to seek help from law enforcement.

This startup aims to delay menopause and prolong fertility with a new contraceptive

Oviva Therapeutics just raised $11.5 million to develop drugs based on the work of Mass. General researchers.
Biotech

FDA advisory panel rejects drug-device combination to treat Type 2 diabetes

The vote essentially upheld the Food and Drug Administration’s earlier rulings, with some members calling for new clinical studies to address the safety and dosing concerns.

Thermo Fisher just opened a $180 million plant. Executives already are talking about expanding.

The two-story building in Plainville underscores the company’s commitment to the growing field of gene therapy, which has given hope to people with deadly inherited diseases.

Demand for life sciences lab space has slowed in Boston area and nationally, report says

Real estate giant JLL depicted an overbuilt market that is forcing building owners, who only recently commanded top dollar for premium lab space, to reduce rents and scramble for tenants.
Lifestyle
RI BUSINESS

Next competitor for R.I. hospital CEOs? Amazon, CVS, Uber Eats, and other tech.

Companies that specialize in artificial intelligence and digital tech are Lifespan’s biggest competitors to tackle, according to CEO John Fernandez.
HEALTH

A Massachusetts reproductive rights organization expands into N.H.

Reproductive Equity Now’s president, Rebecca Hart Holder, said the organization’s goal is to make the region “a beacon for abortion access.”
RI HEALTH

Latest COVID vaccine rollout facing canceled appointments, pricey insurance bills

“If you’ve had a problem finding the vaccine, stick with it. More vaccine is on the way,” the CDC director said.
Spotlight

How Brigham Health helped create a Chinese hospital for elites — and almost nobody came

In a deal worth millions with Chinese developer Evergrande, a Harvard teaching hospital risked its reputation on what would become a near-empty shell.

Boston’s hospital chiefs moonlight on corporate boards at rates far beyond the national level

Hospital chiefs and trustees defend this as boosting public-private partnerships, but critics say these board positions — some paying millions of dollars — raise troubling issues of conflict of interest and hospital priorities.

More biotech and health care stories

Tell us: Have you had trouble getting your COVID-19 booster shot?

Some people looking to get the latest COVID-19 boosters are reporting a shortage of vaccines and canceled appointments, or troubles with insurance. What has your experience been like? Tell us in this survey.

RI HEALTH

Latest COVID vaccine rollout facing canceled appointments, pricey insurance bills

“If you’ve had a problem finding the vaccine, stick with it. More vaccine is on the way,” the CDC director said.

Immunocompromised Bostonians on navigating the pandemic post-public health emergency

As mask mandates, access to free testing, and case data wane, some of those most vulnerable to the virus bear a heightened responsibility to maintain their own safety. A recent spike in case numbers adds to the stress.

A Cape Cod clinic has begun offering medication abortions, and a faith-based group is pushing alternatives

For many on Cape Cod, the presence of the van signaled the start of a worrisome effort to undermine access to abortion services just months after a clinic, Health Imperatives, began offering medication abortions in Hyannis.

Leominster hospital maternity unit set to close Saturday

Lawsuit over closure is filed as Governor orders a review of the impact.

Database: What’s the vaccination exemption rate at your child’s school?

Look up your child’s school to see the percentage of kids there who have exemptions from at least one mandated vaccine.

In one of the state’s least immunized schools, a proposed ban on religious exemptions could expose hidden divisions

A bill to end religious vaccine exemptions is getting a mixed reception at the Berkshire Waldorf School, even from those who immunize their kids.

FDA advisory panel rejects drug-device combination to treat Type 2 diabetes

The vote essentially upheld the Food and Drug Administration’s earlier rulings, with some members calling for new clinical studies to address the safety and dosing concerns.