January 4, 2022 —  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Novartis' inclisiran (Leqvio), the first  small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with two doses a year, after an initial dose and one at three months. The drug provides effective and sustained LDL-C reduction of up to 52% vs. placebo for certain people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) on maximally tolerated statin therapy.[1,2]

January 3, 2022 — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently revised its Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheets with a contraindication for any individuals with a history of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine or any other adenovirus-vectored COVID-19 vaccine.

The fact sheets now include updated information about the risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following vaccination. The updates Occurred December 14.

December 16, 2021 — MVP Health Care and The University of Vermont Health Network recently announced their joint Medicare Advantage Plan, called UVM Health Advantage, will offer older adults in Northern New York and Vermont support for their two biggest health concerns: heart disease and diabetes.