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Health and biotech

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Compass Medical closure sends shockwaves through already struggling health care system

The abrupt closure of a large physician group in southeast Mass. has sent patients and nearby facilities scrambling as groups try to coordinate where patients should go for care.

Tell us how you’ve been affected by the closure of Compass Medical facilities
The abrupt closure of a large physician group in southeast Massachusetts has sent patients and nearby facilities scrambling as groups try to coordinate where patients should go for future health care.

Air quality alert issued for parts of Mass. after smoke from Nova Scotia wildfires arrives in area
Officials in Massachusetts issued an air quality alert for parts of the state Thursday, citing “smoke from Nova Scotia wildfires” that continues to affect the Commonwealth.

Compass Medical of Quincy announces sudden closure of all facilities
The Quincy-based health organization with six locations south of Boston announced the sudden closure of all its medical facilities, leaving the future of healthcare for its patients up in the air.

Medicare pledges to expand coverage of Alzheimer’s drugs, which could boost Biogen’s Leqembi
The agency’s policy shift follows intense lobbying by patient advocates and drug companies.

What is human metapneumovirus, and should we be worried?
This spring, a lesser-known virus, the human metapneumovirus, was on the rise. Experts say it's another common respiratory disease.

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

Medicare pledges to expand coverage of Alzheimer’s drugs, which could boost Biogen’s Leqembi

The agency’s policy shift follows intense lobbying by patient advocates and drug companies.

Mass. saw a 14.6 percent increase in life sciences jobs during pandemic

Employment in the life sciences sector is projected to grow by another 32 percent by 2032 despite the challenge of finding enough workers to fill openings, a new report said.

Healey administration gives $24.4 million in incentives to create life sciences jobs in state

The incentives are expected to help add nearly 1,600 jobs at biotech and medtech companies.
Lifestyle
INNOVATOR Q&A

5 innovators to watch in R.I.’s life sciences industry

Rhode Island’s life sciences are already starting preclinical spinoffs, creating apps for specific patient populations, and conducting ground-breaking medical research. Here’s a look at a few we’ve featured recently.

A daily multivitamin to boost memory? Here’s what to know

A new study shows a daily multivitamin may boost memory function in some people, although the results don’t change recommendations about use of the supplements.
NH HEALTH

Learning to treat long COVID could help those struggling with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, too

Some specialists say the current crisis of long COVID is related to the neglect of similar chronic illnesses, like ME/CFS.
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

RI POLITICS

Hospitals in R.I. have tenants that are not exempt from real estate taxes. Lawmakers say it’s time for them to pay.

Many tax-exempt institutions rent out a portion of their buildings to businesses, such as coffee shops, restaurants, or other for-profits that have business ties to their nonprofit landlords. But in many cases, according to the bill’s sponsors, these businesses are evading property tax payments.

Mass. saw a 14.6 percent increase in life sciences jobs during pandemic

Employment in the life sciences sector is projected to grow by another 32 percent by 2032 despite the challenge of finding enough workers to fill openings, a new report said.

Massachusetts hospitals, doctors, medical groups pilot ChatGPT technology

While there have been some dire warnings issued about the threat the technology poses, hospitals see it as a useful tool to streamline administrative tasks and, perhaps one day, improve patient care.

Demonstrators protest planned closure of Leominster hospital’s maternity ward

The crowd of more than 100 people, including several nurses and pediatricians, gathered on the hospital’s lawn to condemn the closure.

Healey administration gives $24.4 million in incentives to create life sciences jobs in state

The incentives are expected to help add nearly 1,600 jobs at biotech and medtech companies.

Ruling clears way for Purdue Pharma to settle opioid claims, protect Sacklers from lawsuits

A federal court ruling cleared the way Tuesday for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma’s settlement of thousands of legal claims over the toll of opioids.

INNOVATOR Q&A

5 innovators to watch in R.I.’s life sciences industry

Rhode Island’s life sciences are already starting preclinical spinoffs, creating apps for specific patient populations, and conducting ground-breaking medical research. Here’s a look at a few we’ve featured recently.

As pandemic-era funding diminishes, community organizations face greater demands

“We built the infrastructure to help so many people over the last few years and, all of a sudden, many of the resources are gone,” said Dr. Geralde Gabeau, executive director of Immigrant Family Services Institute in Mattapan.