National Updates
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the approved use of Caplyta (brand name) from Johnson & Johnson/Intra‑Cellular Therapies for adults with major depressive disorder as an add-on treatment to oral antidepressants. This marks the first new indication since J&J’s acquisition of Intra-Cellular. Reuters
Texas Updates
The Ken Paxton-led Texas Attorney General’s office has asked a state court to block Kenvue from paying a nearly $400 million dividend to shareholders, amid a lawsuit claiming that Kenvue and its former parent (J&J) concealed risks of prenatal Tylenol use in pregnancy. Reuters
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued an alert reporting a sharp increase in cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) across Texas — over 3,500 provisional cases through October this year, about four times the number reported in the same period last year. Texas Health Services
The state also announces its major dependence on the federal Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) for disaster and surge readiness, having received $20 million this year — and warns that reduced federal funding would significantly weaken its ability to respond to emergencies. KFF Health News
Global Health Alerts
World Health Organization report urges bold steps for equitable access to novel Tuberculosis (TB) vaccines — The WHO launched a landmark report outlining barriers in financing, manufacturing, and equitable distribution of new TB vaccines for adolescents & adults in high-burden countries.World Health Organization
Italy to roll out a nationwide wastewater monitoring system to detect future COVID‑19 variants — With testing resources stretched, Italy’s initiative will use sewage sampling from 166 sites across the country to track viral surges and emerging strains early.reuters.com
Clinical Tips for Providers
For depression patients: consider whether add-on treatment with Caplyta may now be an option and review eligibility and monitoring protocols.
In pediatric and maternal care: verify pertussis immunity status of pregnant women, infants, and families; increase suspicion of pertussis in persistent cough cases, and ensure reporting of suspected cases.
In clinic emergency preparedness: evaluate your facility’s surge and disaster plans in light of Texas’s reliance on federal HPP funding; anticipate potential funding gaps.
For legal/medication risk patients: stay attentive to claims regarding prenatal Tylenol use — be prepared to counsel on current evidence and monitor developments.
