Mar 06, 2026

Subject: Exclusive: A new mystery emerges about Epstein’s involvement in Harvard genetics study

A recent alteration on the Personal Genome Project’s public profile page, believed to be Jeffrey Epstein’s, indicates consent to join a Harvard genome sequencing study on January 31, 2026—a date that is one day after the U.S. Department of Justice released new files on Epstein and years after his death in 2019. This raises questions about Epstein’s posthumous involvement in the study. More details on the implications and insights from project leader George Church are explored.

Subject: Strategic Healthcare Priorities for 2026 — See the Agendas

Join the Healthcare Asia Summit on March 25, 2026, in Singapore to explore critical healthcare topics shaping Asia’s future. Discussions include AI governance, data privacy, interoperability, workforce transformation, and sustainable financing. Senior healthcare executives and policymakers will lead the dialogue. Complimentary passes are available for healthcare experts, with limited seats. Register now to engage in strategic conversations that will impact regional healthcare delivery and experience.

Subject: New questions about Epstein & a Harvard genetics study

Jeffrey Epstein died in 2019, yet his Personal Genome Project profile was updated in 2026, after DOJ document releases, sparking mystery about consent timing. STAT’s in-depth investigation reveals Epstein showed interest in joining the project over a decade ago, but his cells’ whereabouts remain unknown. Genetics pioneer George Church comments on consent form updates after Epstein’s death. Also featured: Chile’s elimination of leprosy verified by WHO; challenges of TrumpRx drug discount platform; rising pediatric nicotine exposures to e-cigarettes; and new research linking GLP-1 drugs with reduced addiction risks.

Subject: 🩹 Big bandage battles

Medicare aims to cut $19.6 billion in spending on expensive bioengineered skin substitutes used for wounds like diabetic ulcers, after costs surged fortyfold over five years. Manufacturers are legally challenging these payment reductions. Pricing studies reveal wide hospital drug cost disparities—for example, cancer drug Keytruda costs ranged $12,000 to $43,000 at different hospitals. Public trust favors career scientists and former officials like Fauci over current administration appointees. Additional news includes hiring delays at FDA, NIH funding concerns, and scrutiny over newsletter sponsors with unsafe products.

Subject: Identical twins on trial: how DNA testing can tell them apart

Conventional DNA testing struggles to distinguish identical twins, as demonstrated in a recent French court case. Advanced methods like whole-genome sequencing and epigenetic profiling offer better discrimination but require large DNA amounts uncommon at crime scenes. Additionally, Chinese researchers have reported successful synthesis of rare hexagonal diamond, potentially harder than cubic forms. A large study of US veterans suggests GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic) may reduce addiction risks. Other topics: plastic waste from GLP-1 injector pens, the need for stricter rules inspired by Epstein’s scandal, and innovations addressing climate and heart health.

Subject: From biotech to policy: reasons to be at Breakthrough Easts

STAT Breakthrough Summit East convenes on March 19, 2026, in New York City, featuring biotech dealmakers, pharmaceutical leaders, and policy influencers. Highlights include discussions with biotech banker Stelios Papadopoulos, Eli Lilly’s oncology head Jacob Van Naarden, and gene therapy veterans. Policy dialogue features CMS deputy administrator Chris Klomp and former FDA commissioner Robert Califf. Social media health influencers will explore the challenge of misinformation online. Sessions are moderated by STAT journalists with interactive audience participation. Limited passes are available for live and online attendance—register today.

Stay Well!