Epstein Harvard Study, Leprosy Elimination & TrumpRx: STAT News Roundup

Good morning. The intersection of high-profile figures, scientific research, and unresolved legal questions continues to unfold with a new development concerning Jeffrey Epstein’s potential involvement in a Harvard genetics study. Elsewhere, Chile has achieved a significant public health milestone, and questions linger about the impact of a new drug discount platform. Finally, evolving patterns of pediatric nicotine exposure are drawing attention.

A Developing Mystery at Harvard: Epstein, Genetics, and a Modified Profile

The circumstances surrounding the death of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2019 remain a subject of intense scrutiny, and now a new layer of complexity has emerged. Someone altered the public profile page within Harvard’s Personal Genome Project, a research initiative focused on radical transparency in genomics, to indicate that Epstein consented to join the study on January 31, 2026. This represents nearly thirteen years after Epstein initially expressed interest, and six years after his death in a jail cell. The alteration occurred just one day after the latest release of investigation files by the U.S. Department of Justice, adding to the timing’s unusual nature. STAT News first reported on this development.

The Personal Genome Project, led by pioneering genomicist George Church, makes participant genomic data publicly available – though most participants are identified by code rather than name. STAT’s Megan Molteni previously investigated the whereabouts of Epstein’s biological samples related to the project, finding their location unknown. Her reporting revealed a connection between the timing of emails discussing Epstein’s participation and a participant profile whose enrollment history aligned with those discussions. The question now is how and why the consent form was updated after Epstein’s death, and what implications this has for the integrity of the project and ongoing investigations.

Chile Declared Free of Leprosy by the WHO

In a significant victory for public health, Chile has been officially verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) as having eliminated leprosy. The WHO announcement details that Chile has not seen a locally acquired case of the bacterial infection in over 30 years. Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, develops slowly, often manifesting as painless skin lesions or lumps after a prolonged incubation period of up to 20 years.

Globally, approximately 200,000 new cases of leprosy are reported annually across more than 120 countries. While rare in the United States, there has been a concerning rise in cases, particularly in Florida. In 2025, Florida reported at least 36 cases, compared to 20 in 2024. Reports from local news outlets suggest a potential for the disease to turn into endemic in the state. However, health officials emphasize that leprosy is curable with antibiotics and does not spread easily, and there is currently no cause for widespread alarm.

TrumpRx: Early Returns on the Discount Drug Platform

President Trump’s much-touted TrumpRx drug discount platform launched with promises of “transformative” healthcare savings. However, one month after its debut, the reality appears more limited. Currently, the platform offers access to only a few dozen drugs, and it remains unclear how widely it is being used. The underlying deals that power TrumpRx are still being finalized, raising questions about its overall impact. Michelle Long, a policy manager at KFF, told STAT News that while some individuals may benefit, the majority are unlikely to see significant savings.

Shifting Patterns in Pediatric Nicotine Exposure

Data from the National Poison Data System reveals a concerning shift in the ways young children are exposed to nicotine. An analysis of over 92,900 reported instances of nicotine exposure in children aged one month to five years between 2016 and 2023, published in JAMA Network Open, shows a 243% increase in exposure through e-cigarettes, while exposure to traditional tobacco products decreased by 43%. This trend aligns with the growing popularity of disposable and cartridge-based vaping devices.

GLP-1s and Addiction: Emerging Evidence

Recent research is exploring a potential link between GLP-1 receptor agonists – a class of drugs initially developed for diabetes, now widely used for weight loss – and a reduction in substance use disorders. A study published in the BMJ, involving over 600,000 individuals, found that GLP-1 drugs were associated with a 50% reduction in substance-related deaths, a 39% decrease in drug overdoses, and a 26% reduction in drug-related hospitalizations. Physician-researcher Ziyad Al-Aly, in a STAT News First Opinion piece, suggests that these drugs may “quiet drug noise” across various substances. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and further research is needed to understand this potential connection.

Ongoing Developments and Further Reading

Several other health-related stories are worth noting. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced it will no longer recognize the research fellows’ union, according to NOTUS. Planned Parenthood is expanding its services to include Botox injections, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The legal battle surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims about vaccine safety continues, with the Department of Justice arguing he has wide discretion in selecting evidence, as STAT News covers. And, in a lighter note, the Boston Globe asks whether RFK Jr. Is coming for Dunkin’ Donuts due to his views on sugar. Finally, STAT explores how AI could revolutionize antibiotic development, but highlights the market barriers hindering innovation. Read more on that topic here. Wired also offers a fascinating look at the experience of living with a brain implant for five years. Uncover that story here.

Looking ahead: Continued monitoring of the Epstein case, particularly regarding the altered Harvard profile, is crucial. Public health officials will continue to track leprosy cases in Florida and assess the need for further intervention. The impact of TrumpRx will be evaluated as more data becomes available, and ongoing research will shed light on the potential benefits and risks of GLP-1 drugs beyond their intended use.