Mark opened our discussion with the vivid image of mosquitoes meeting their match after biting medicated humans. I broke down the science: Researchers have discovered an oral medication that lingers in the bloodstream long enough to kill mosquitoes quickly after a bite. It offers a promising, albeit imperfect, tool against deadly mosquito-borne diseases, which cause tens of thousands of infections annually in the U.S. (primarily West Nile virus and St. Louis Encephalitis) and kill a million a year worldwide (mostly from malaria). Mark had pictured mosquitoes drunk on Jack Daniels, and we shared a laugh before shifting to the serious topic of avian Influenza ("bird flu"). I explained that bird flu spreads through airborne droplets, not mosquitoes, and the grave risks it poses to veterinarians, poultry farmers, the economy, and potentially to global health if mutations cause dangerous new variants to arise.
We wrapped up by discussing suzetrigine, the first novel pain drug in two decades. Unlike opioids, which act on the central nervous system, it acts locally on peripheral nerves and could be a safer alternative for moderate pain. As always, talking with Mark was spirited, blending science, humor, and real-world issues.
You can hear the whole conversation here.
Looking for a bit more?
Poisoning Mosquitoes with Human Blood
Possible New Era in Pain Management: FDA Approves Novel Non-Opioid Analgesic
Henry I. Miller, MS, MD
Henry I. Miller, MS, MD, is the Glenn Swogger Distinguished Fellow at the American Council on Science and Health. His research focuses on public policy toward science, technology, and medicine, encompassing a number of areas, including pharmaceutical development, genetic engineering, models for regulatory reform, precision medicine, and the emergence of new viral diseases. Dr. Miller served for fifteen years at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a number of posts, including as the founding director of the Office of Biotechnology.
