Welcome to your weekly healthcare roundup for May 6–12, 2025. This week brought significant developments across the U.S. healthcare landscape—from policy shifts and corporate upheavals to public health challenges and technological advancements. Here’s a concise summary to keep you informed: Reuters
Healthcare Weekly Brief: May 6–12, 2025
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Trump Signs Executive Order on Drug Pricing
On May 12, President Trump signed Executive Order 14297, introducing a “most favored nation” pricing model for prescription drugs. This policy aims to align U.S. drug prices with those in other developed countries, potentially reducing costs for American patients. The move has sparked debates over its impact on pharmaceutical innovation and international trade relations.
Published: May 12, 2025
Executive Order 14297 - Wikipedia -
Major Pharmacy Chains Announce Closures
Rite Aid and Walgreens have announced the closure of over 2,200 locations nationwide. Rite Aid’s decision follows its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, while Walgreens is implementing a “footprint optimization program.” These closures are expected to significantly impact access to healthcare services in underserved communities.
Published: May 10, 2025
Rite Aid and Walgreens among top pharmacies closing 2,440 stores in shutdown -
Measles Outbreak Escalates in the Southwest
The U.S. is experiencing its largest measles outbreak in decades, with over 1,000 cases reported in 2025. The outbreak, primarily centered in West Texas, has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, raising concerns about vaccination rates and public health preparedness.
Published: May 9, 2025
https://www.ama-assn.org/about/publications-newsletters/top-news-stories-ama-morning-rounds-week-may-5-2025 -
AI Tool Predicts Cancer Outcomes
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed “FaceAge,” an AI algorithm that analyzes facial photos to predict biological age and cancer outcomes. This tool could enhance personalized treatment plans and improve prognostic accuracy in oncology.
Published: May 8, 2025
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/digital-health/mass-general-brigham-ai-cancer
Tools & Tips
- AI-Powered Clinical DocumentationFreed, a healthcare tech company, has raised $30 million to expand its AI-driven clinical documentation solutions, aiming to reduce clinician burnout and improve efficiency.
Top Health Care Quality Digest Measurable Quality Public Health services Content for Wed.Mar 05, 2025
Fun Fact
Did you know? The shingles vaccine not only protects against shingles but also reduces the risk of heart disease by 23% for up to eight years, according to recent research.
First Edition: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 - KFF Health News
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any healthcare events or utilized new healthcare tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.