Topics & People

Economic penalties imposed on Iran, primarily by the United States, which have contributed to severe inflation (averaging 30% since 2019) and economic hardship.

The Ayatollah and Supreme Leader of Iran.

Widespread demonstrations against the ruling Islamic regime in Iran, driven by economic hardship, sanctions, and a desire for modernization among the youth.

The executive branch of the U.S. government led by President Donald Trump, which is actively reforming agencies like the FDA and NIH.

An autoimmune disease where the body attacks insulin-producing beta cells, effectively halted in animal models in a recent study.

The marketing of drugs directly to consumers, which the FDA is cracking down on to prevent misleading impressions and ensure a fair balance of information.

Foods such as cellular meat or proteins made via fermentation, which the FDA regulates. Makary's administration is closing loopholes in the 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) process that affects these products.

A type of immunotherapy where a patient's T-cells are engineered to attack diseases like cancer and autoimmune conditions. It is described as an amazing and mind-boggling class of drugs.

Advanced medical treatments modifying genes or using cells to rejuvenate the body.

Former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, mentioned as part of the old guard and culture at the NIH.

The community of microorganisms in the body, which was altered positively by psilocybin use.

A category of non-prescription medications. The FDA aims to move more drugs into this category to increase price transparency, competition, and access while bypassing PBMs.