The hottest Pharmaceuticals Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Were the COVID vaccines genocide?

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. There’s no clear evidence the vaccine campaigns were a centrally planned genocide, but secrecy, manipulation, and censorship during rollout made large-scale harm possible without explicit intent.
  2. Post-rollout data showed worrying signals like unexplained excess deaths, increased cardiac events in some groups, and reproductive or neurological problems that were often underreported or dismissed.
  3. Pharmaceutical companies and regulators acted with profit and protection motives, suppressing data and dissent in ways many view as a large-scale ethical and medical betrayal.

Biden White House and Big Disinformation Have Policies to Ban “True Content” on COVID Vaccines

The DisInformation Chronicle • 760 implied HN points • 21 May 23
📰 News Pharmaceuticals
  1. Social media companies censor 'true content' on vaccines in line with government and pharma interests
  2. Big Pharma spends millions on social media ads while platforms regulate vaccine 'misinformation'
  3. There's a conflict in regulating pharma 'misinformation' on social media while Pharma is a major advertising client

UnitedHealth, CVS/Aetna, Cigna pulled in close to a trillion dollars last year, mostly as drug middlemen

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 279 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Three major companies, UnitedHealth, CVS/Aetna, and Cigna, are now making most of their money from being middlemen in the prescription drug market rather than from selling health insurance. This means they control a big part of how much patients pay for their medications.
  2. In 2022, these companies earned over $492 billion from their pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services, showing that this part of their business is growing much faster than their health insurance offerings.
  3. These companies are expanding into primary care services, like buying healthcare centers, as they face slower growth in their health insurance segments. This shift suggests they are looking for new ways to make profits amid tougher competition.

A simple suggestion for RFK Jr to end corruption in medicine

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 189 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. RFK Jr. wants to fight corruption in medicine, especially the money doctors take from pharmaceutical companies. It's important to have honest practices to benefit patients.
  2. A proposed change is to limit the number of doctors in advisory groups who have received money from drug companies. This could start at no more than 60% in 2025 and end with 0% by 2028.
  3. By having fewer conflicts of interest, doctors might focus more on what's best for patients rather than just following drug company interests. This could lead to better healthcare decisions.

C57BL/6 (Beta)

Niko McCarty • 19 implied HN points • 25 May 24
🔬 Science Pharmaceuticals
  1. In 2032, scientists created computer emulations of mice, including their entire anatomy and brain. This was only possible for a few organizations with strong computing power.
  2. The military used these emulators to test how drugs could enhance mouse performance, but some results were secretly tested on prisoners, raising ethical concerns.
  3. The NIH gave access to emulators mainly to select academic institutions, leading to a flood of biomedical papers. This made their findings influential in clinical trials, affecting millions of people.
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Viking Therapeutics has an $8 billion market cap with 27 full time employees. This is their story.

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 373 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Success in biotech often involves licensing and developing existing molecules, rather than creating completely new ones.
  2. To thrive in biotech, it's crucial to strategically select candidates and navigate clinical trials efficiently with the available resources.
  3. Viking Therapeutics' success was built on wisely choosing profitable indications, selecting the right molecules, and executing their development program effectively.

URGENT/Update: Good news... and bad

Unreported Truths • 44 implied HN points • 10 Aug 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Dr. Vinay Prasad has been reinstated at the FDA, which is good news for those who believe in the importance of proving drug effectiveness. His return shows a pushback against pharmaceutical companies.
  2. A tragic shooting at the CDC has led to increased attacks on those who question mRNA vaccines. Some media are linking the violence to vaccine skepticism, which raises concerns about freedom of speech.
  3. It's crucial to investigate potential risks of mRNA vaccines openly, rather than silencing criticism. Honest discussions about risks should happen without fear of being blamed for others' violent actions.

Well Being: Selective Serotonin‑ReUptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. SSRIs are widely prescribed for mental health issues, but they can cause serious side effects like sexual dysfunction that aren't always discussed with patients.
  2. Many women, especially those who are single, take SSRIs, and there's a growing concern about how this affects their children, including higher rates of depression in kids exposed to SSRIs during pregnancy.
  3. Instead of relying on pills, we should focus on social connections, community support, and traditional values to help improve mental health.

Dose number NINE: CDC panel green lights yet another Covid mRNA shot

The Dossier • 367 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. The CDC has green-lighted a ninth Covid mRNA shot for those following the official vaccination schedule, totaling nine doses within three years.
  2. The latest shot targets a variant that no longer exists, raising questions about continued vaccinations against obsolete threats.
  3. Pharmaceutical companies may be promoting additional shots under the guise of protection against new variants, despite the variants not being present during the shot's creation.

What does RFK Jr mean for healthcare?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 176 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. RFK Jr. could be pushed out of the healthcare conversation because he is anti-corporation. Many pharmaceutical companies might not want him involved due to his stance.
  2. He wants to change how vaccine makers are protected from lawsuits, suggesting they should face accountability like other drug companies. This could lead to better safety practices in vaccines.
  3. The current healthcare system is seen as corrupt and ineffective. There's a need for deeper reforms and better studies to ensure drug and vaccine safety.

Consolidations and profiteering: the relentless rise of hospital expenditures

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Hospital expenditures are rising quickly, with costs expected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2030. This growth is leading to financial burden on patients and families.
  2. Many factors contribute to these rising costs, including wasteful administrative expenses and high-priced medicines. Administrative costs alone can make up 15-30% of the health-care spending.
  3. One big reason for higher hospital prices is consolidation through mergers, which leads to less competition and price increases. Most areas now have only a few hospital options which can drive prices up by over 20%.

The biggest move Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can make in his new job to show vaccine fanatics that they are no longer in charge

Unreported Truths • 125 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should end the CDC's recommendation for COVID mRNA vaccines for children and teens once he is confirmed as HHS secretary.
  2. There are serious health concerns with these vaccines in young people, including potential for myocarditis and other severe side effects.
  3. The CDC's current stance is seen as outdated and driven by ideology rather than science, so a shift in public health policy is needed.

Current Pfizer Board Member and Former Trump Appointed FDA Commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb

Injecting Freedom • 116 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb made claims about vaccines that were proven to be false. It's important to double-check facts, especially when discussing health topics.
  2. Gottlieb's connection to Pfizer raises questions about conflicts of interest when he criticizes others in the vaccine debate. It shows that personal interests can affect public statements.
  3. There is a call for more open discussions about vaccines and health issues. Honest debates can help clarify misunderstandings and improve public knowledge.

FDA Exposed: Hundreds of Drugs Approved Without Proof They Work

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 36 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Many drugs have been approved by the FDA without solid proof that they actually work. This means patients might be taking medication that doesn't help them at all.
  2. The FDA's approval process has become too focused on getting drugs to market quickly rather than ensuring they are genuinely safe and effective. This can lead to harmful or ineffective treatments being available for long periods.
  3. Many doctors and patients misunderstand what FDA approval really means. Just because a drug is approved doesn’t mean it has clear benefits or is safe to use.

A closer look: what you need to know about insurance companies' and PBMs' "copay accumulator" scheme

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Copay accumulators are a practice where insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) do not count patient discounts towards their deductible. This forces patients to pay more out of pocket for expensive medications later in the year.
  2. Many patients, especially those with chronic illnesses, are impacted by these accumulators, facing higher healthcare costs that can lead to stress and difficult financial choices. Advocacy groups are working to raise awareness and ban this practice.
  3. Insurance companies argue copay accumulators help control drug costs, but many believe it's just a way to make more money at patients' expense. Some states are taking steps to ban it, but many patients still lack protection.

The first non-opioid painkiller

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 34 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. Journavx is the first non-opioid pain reliever approved by the FDA, aiming to reduce reliance on addictive opioids for pain management. It works by blocking specific sodium channels in pain-sensing neurons instead of acting on the brain, which helps avoid side effects linked to opioids.
  2. The development of Journavx took decades due to the complex nature of pain and the challenges in finding effective, non-addictive alternatives. Researchers faced multiple setbacks and failures before finally succeeding with this novel painkiller.
  3. Currently, Journavx is mainly effective for treating acute pain and isn't yet approved for chronic pain conditions. It offers a new option for patients needing pain relief, especially in situations where traditional medications aren't sufficient.

Broad-Spectrum Cancer Treatments

Rough Diamonds • 37 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. There is a growing belief that broad-spectrum cancer treatments could be possible since many cancers share common traits. This means a single treatment could potentially help a lot of people instead of just a small group.
  2. Recent discoveries show that certain substances and methods might give us new ways to identify and target cancer cells across different types of cancer. This can lead to more effective treatments for a wider range of patients.
  3. To find these new treatments efficiently, researchers need to work together and share information from different types of cancer. A structured research program could help speed up the discovery of these promising therapies.

I spoke with GOP Rep. Buddy Carter. He thinks Republicans and Democrats can find common ground on PBMs, high out-of-pocket costs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 06 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Rep. Buddy Carter believes both Republicans and Democrats can work together to tackle high drug costs and the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
  2. Many patients struggle with getting necessary medications due to high out-of-pocket costs and complicated insurance processes, leading to significant stress and hardship.
  3. Carter advocates for breaking up the power of large PBMs and pushing for more transparency in drug pricing to make healthcare more affordable for everyone.

The RFK Effect

Who is Robert Malone • 26 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Senator Bernie Sanders has changed his stance and is now co-sponsoring a bill to ban direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, influenced by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. This shows that Kennedy is having a noticeable impact on political discussions.
  2. Despite this shift, some Senators like Bill Cassidy continue to oppose Kennedy's reforms, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and showing resistance to changes in the health system. This suggests a struggle between established interests and calls for reform.
  3. Public opinion is shifting, with many citizens recognizing the influence of pharmaceutical companies on health policies. The ongoing efforts by Kennedy and Trump are seen as steps toward a healthier future, which resonates with various voter groups.

I went to the world's biggest Cancer conference

That Damn Optimist • 29 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. The conference was huge, with around 50,000 people attending, making it a bustling environment with a lot to navigate. It was easy to get lost while trying to find my way among oncologists, researchers, and exhibitors.
  2. Pharmaceutical companies had a huge presence, advertising their products everywhere and showcasing impressive booths. This made it hard to separate scientific information from marketing, but the food and snacks provided became a fun topic of conversation.
  3. The talks were really informative and focused on new scientific advancements, which was refreshing. Presenters openly discussed the limitations of their studies, making the discussions feel more honest and engaging compared to other conferences.

What's new in biology: summer 2025

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 22 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🔬 Science Pharmaceuticals
  1. A personalized gene therapy using CRISPR has helped a baby with a rare genetic disease, allowing him to eat more protein without harmful effects. This shows how quickly treatments can be developed for urgent medical needs.
  2. New RSV vaccines are significantly reducing hospitalizations for infants in the US, proving to be effective in protecting young babies from severe respiratory infections. If more infants got vaccinated, there would be even fewer hospital visits.
  3. A new cholesterol drug, obicetrapib, is showing promise in lowering LDL levels for heart disease patients, even those already on maximum doses of statins. It seems to have fewer side effects, making it a good option for many.

Why is Dr. Scott Gottlieb so desperate to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. out of Trump's cabinet?

Unreported Truths • 67 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Dr. Scott Gottlieb is openly opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a position in the Trump cabinet because he fears Kennedy would disrupt the current healthcare system. Many believe Big Pharma is worried about losing its grip on health policies if Kennedy gets into power.
  2. Gottlieb has a long history of connections with pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, which raises concerns about conflicts of interest. This background makes people skeptical about his motives and the influence of corporate interests in health decisions.
  3. Kennedy is seen by some as someone who could push for necessary changes in the healthcare system, while Gottlieb represents the status quo that many believe is broken and costly. The debate reflects ongoing frustrations with how healthcare is managed in the U.S.

'Painkiller': Obfuscation, or Cleverly Coded Message?

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The series 'Painkiller' presents a complex portrayal of the opioid crisis and the Sackler family, drawing parallels with the COVID vaccine saga.
  2. The show navigates woke elements like diversity representation and challenges the typical portrayal of pharmaceutical companies as villains.
  3. Despite potential corporate interests in avoiding criticism, 'Painkiller' delivers a strong message of systemic corruption and lack of true justice in tackling Big Pharma crimes.

IT'S JUST SPIN: UnitedHealth Group touts out-of-pocket savings that patients will never see.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Only a small percentage of UnitedHealth policyholders will actually benefit from announced out-of-pocket savings, making the impact very limited.
  2. The company's marketing creates a misleading impression that many will save money, but most won't qualify for these benefits.
  3. UnitedHealth seems more focused on boosting profits and shareholder returns than on genuinely helping patients with affordable medications.

Biden admin & WHO finally realise nobody cares anymore, fold up last vestiges of the Covid circus; Polish health minister denounces Pfizer vax profiteering, amazingly asks if it is "only about money"

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 244 implied HN points • 07 May 23
🌍 World Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The Biden administration and WHO are ending Covid-19 measures as public interest wanes.
  2. The Covid circus is folding up as winter saw less Corona cases and lack of public interest in testing.
  3. Polish health minister speaks out against Pfizer's vaccine surplus and profiteering.

"Make America Healthy Again" is a Dumb, Rich Guy's Idea of Public Health

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. American health issues stem from capitalism, not just personal choices or corporations. This system often prioritizes profit over people's health, leading to serious public health crises.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health campaign promises are vague and do not address the fundamental issues behind America's health problems. Instead, they seem designed to raise money rather than provide real solutions.
  3. Critics argue that Kennedy's brand of anti-corporate rhetoric is disingenuous. They point out his connections to the very industries he claims to oppose, suggesting that real change needs to come from collective action rather than relying on wealthy individuals.

Did FDA know a child had died in Moderna's Covid jab clinical trial? If so, what did the agency do about it?

Unreported Truths • 49 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. A child died during Moderna's Covid vaccine trial, and there's confusion about whether the FDA was informed about this death.
  2. The FDA's responses seem deliberately vague, avoiding a clear acknowledgment of the child's death.
  3. Senator Ron Johnson plans to investigate further, which could lead to more transparency from the FDA.

Allopathic Violence

The Carousel • 51 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The American health and pharmaceutical system is viewed as harmful and profit-driven, often prioritizing financial gain over patient well-being. This can lead to unnecessary medical treatments and a cycle of dependency on medications.
  2. Many medical issues, especially chronic pain, can be rooted in psychological factors rather than purely physical ones. This shows a need for a more holistic approach to health instead of just treating symptoms with drugs and surgeries.
  3. When dealing with health insurance like UnitedHealthcare, it's important to understand that their role is complex. They can be a part of the problem, but often the real issue lies with healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies who create unnecessary treatments.

Weight Loss Drugs Continue to Power Denmark's Economy

Apricitas Economics • 52 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Pharmaceuticals
  1. Denmark's economy is growing mainly because of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs help people lose weight and improve health, leading to increased demand and exports.
  2. The pharmaceutical boom has made Denmark one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, with a significant rise in drug exports to the United States. This growth has greatly benefitted Denmark's GDP.
  3. Despite the economic growth, many people in Denmark aren't feeling the benefits yet. Personal spending and investment have been stagnant, even though pharmaceutical manufacturers are earning more money.

An offer, and a poll

Unreported Truths • 17 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The author is focusing on healthcare and Big Pharma issues, aiming to bring light to underreported truths in these areas. They feel they are on the right path with their writing.
  2. Subscribers are being offered a discount on membership and a chance to receive exclusive merchandise as a thank you for their support. Signing up now could be beneficial before a price increase.
  3. There is a poll regarding whether the author should join a new podcast with other thinkers. They are uncertain about the time commitment and want feedback from their readers.

How Big Insurance, PBMs, the FDA, Congress and AstraZeneca made me pay so much for my inhaler.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 25 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The cost of inhalers in the U.S. has been rising, mainly due to a lack of generic options and practices by insurance companies and manufacturers that keep prices high.
  2. Most inhalers approved since the 1980s are brand-name drugs, and companies use tactics like patent extensions to block generic versions, resulting in long periods of high costs.
  3. People can save money on medications by ordering from countries like Canada or New Zealand, where prices are often much lower and generics are more readily available.

My video comment letter on FTC meeting today regarding PBM business practices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 159 implied HN points • 17 Feb 22
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are having a big impact on drug prices and people's ability to afford medications. Many Americans are struggling with high out-of-pocket costs and can't pick up their prescriptions.
  2. Big companies like UnitedHealth, CVS Health, and Cigna dominate the PBM market and have merged with health insurers. This has led to higher deductibles and premiums, putting families in financial trouble, even as these companies are making huge profits.
  3. The practices of these large PBMs can hurt independent pharmacies and might not benefit consumers. There is a call to investigate how these companies operate and how their actions affect patients and healthcare costs.

Bi Jingquan on China’s pharmaceutical evolution and int'l cooperation

Pekingnology • 37 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. China has made big improvements in its pharmaceutical industry by working with international partners. This helps them develop better drugs and get them to the market faster.
  2. Despite progress, China still faces challenges in drug innovation and access. Most new drugs are imitations, and prices are often too low, which can discourage companies from investing in new developments.
  3. To create a better future in healthcare, it's important for different countries to cooperate. This teamwork can help tackle global drug shortages and ensure people can get the medicines they need.

Latest "Bird Flu" Psyop

Who is Robert Malone • 38 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The 'bird flu' situation is being used as a psychological operation to manipulate public perception. The reality is that current cases have no risk of spreading between humans and the death rate is much lower than reported.
  2. Vaccination schedules for diseases like tetanus might be overhyped. Research suggests that the immunity from these vaccines lasts much longer than what's currently recommended, meaning fewer shots could be needed.
  3. Public health strategies are becoming overly reliant on vaccination, ignoring other effective treatments. It may be worth considering older treatments and ways to handle infectious diseases without constant vaccination.

Here is what you need to know in healthcare this week.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 119 implied HN points • 27 May 22
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Big Insurance companies have gotten very powerful and can make it hard for patients to get the care they need. They create many barriers, like high costs and complex approvals.
  2. Some healthcare organizations that once supported Big Insurance are now worried about its growing power and are asking the government to step in. They realize their previous choices contributed to the problem.
  3. Legislation is being introduced to limit the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and ensure patients have better access to medications. More people are speaking out about the negative impacts of PBMs on drug costs.

Inconvenient History of Salk Inactivated Polio Vaccine

Who is Robert Malone • 37 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. The Salk polio vaccine had serious safety issues, including live polio virus contamination which led to illness and deaths in children who received it. This was known as the Cutter Crisis.
  2. Bernice Eddy, a scientist who raised alarms about the vaccine's problems, faced backlash and was largely ignored for her warnings about its safety, including issues with a contaminating virus linked to cancer.
  3. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to improve vaccine safety regulations and believes all medications, including vaccines, should undergo rigorous scrutiny to ensure they are safe for public use.

Free lecture in San Diego - How to read trials

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 40 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. There is a free lecture in San Diego about reading trials. It's a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn how to understand trial results.
  2. The lecture is unique because it is not funded by pharmaceutical companies. This might give a more unbiased view on the information being discussed.
  3. Attending this lecture could help people become more knowledgeable about medical studies. It's a chance to ask questions and get clarity on trial data.

Four steps to reduce cardiovascular disease by up to 90%

More is Different • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals
  1. Statins could be safe and effective if made available over-the-counter. More people could benefit from them without needing a prescription.
  2. There's a lot of misinformation about statins causing muscle pain, but studies show most of the pain people feel isn’t actually caused by the drug.
  3. Screening for heart disease should start earlier, even in children, to help catch issues before they develop into serious problems.

The Trump Administration Must Bring Moderna to Heel

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Pharmaceuticals
  1. Moderna failed to report serious side effects, including a child's death during vaccine trials. This raises concerns about their compliance with federal laws.
  2. The new Trump administration has a chance to investigate these issues and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.
  3. Past leadership at the FDA supported Big Pharma, but now there are new appointments that may promote a more honest discussion about vaccine safety.