ZorroCard Round Up (11/6/24)

Hey all,

I am excited to stop receiving ceaseless text messages asking me for money and who I voted for. Now back to ignoring people I know. Enjoy the rundown!

Jacob Brody (Co-Founder & CEO, ZorroCard)

Sexually Transmitted Ringworm Fungus in NYC (Gizmodo)

Dermatologists have recently identified five cases of a sexually transmitted ringworm fungus, known as TMVII, in New York City—the first documented cases in the U.S. This rare variant of ringworm spreads primarily through close sexual contact, predominantly affecting men who have sex with men, and it has required multiple antifungal treatments for some patients. Originating in Southeast Asia, TMVII has become endemic in parts of Europe, raising concerns that it may spread locally in the U.S. Full Article.

DIY Microdosing of Weight-Loss Drugs (Los Angeles Times) 

Some individuals, such as Hollywood resident Shauna Bookless, are creating their own DIY doses of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic by mixing vials at home, aiming to save on high costs and manage dosages. Although microdosing—using lower-than-prescribed amounts—can help stretch supplies and minimize side effects, experts warn that the long-term effects on users with lower BMIs remain unclear. Medical professionals like Dr. Vijaya Surampudi and Dr. Suzanne Trott are exploring personalized, lower-dose approaches to help patients maintain weight loss without full-dose side effects. Still, with FDA scrutiny increasing, compounded versions of these drugs may soon be restricted. Full Article.

Medicare Finalizes Coverage for Mental Health Apps (Stat News)

Beginning January 2025, Medicare will cover FDA-cleared mental health apps through new billing codes, a crucial step for digital therapeutics companies to secure reimbursement and drive adoption. These codes will allow clinicians to purchase and dispense select digital treatments for conditions like depression, marking Medicare’s initial move into covering digital mental health solutions. This offers covered companies a pathway to reimbursement and potentially wider acceptance in healthcare, while those not yet covered see hope in Medicare’s support. However, Medicare left rate-setting to regional contractors, and only a limited category of apps is eligible, so developers still face hurdles in mainstream adoption. Full Article