Obstetrics & Gynecology

News and Events

Programs and providers of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine are often the focus of news stories and features appearing in major national media. We invite you to review some stories that typify the breakthrough accomplishments of our remarkable team and highlight the impact our care has had on patient’s lives.

Research Highlights Prevention Efforts in Fentanyl Overdoses

image of two naloxone nasal spray units, a blue NYC carrying case and an instruction packet

The overwhelming majority of those in New York City who obtained a naloxone kit to counteract opioid overdose had a high need for the drug, according to a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The study, published Jan. 16 in the Journal of Urban Health, found that 97% of people who received naloxone kits through various opioid overdose prevention programs were at high risk of overdosing or witnessing an overdose. But the authors noted fentanyl overdoses still disproportionally affect some racial and ethnic groups more than others.

More than half of the overdose deaths in New York City in 2017 involved fentanyl, an opioid-derived drug that has taken over the illicit opioid drug market. With 56% of fatal overdoses involving the opioid, the Health Department responded by distributing more than 100,000 naloxone kits in 2018 containing a medication engineered to reverse opioid overdoses. They also increased the number of opioid overdose prevention programs to more than 300 by the end of 2023, focusing on populations and neighborhoods with the highest need, and have continued to increase distribution of naloxone citywide.

Immune Complex Shaves Stem Cells to Protect against Cancer

illustration of bone marrow containing different blood cells

A group of immune proteins called the inflammasome can help prevent blood stem cells from becoming malignant by removing certain receptors from their surfaces and blocking cancer gene activity, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators.

The study, published Jan. 2 in Nature Immunology, may lead to therapies that target the earliest stages of cancer. The findings bolster the idea that the inflammasome has a dual role—it promotes inflammation associated with poor outcomes in late cancer stages, but early on, it can help prevent cells from becoming cancerous in the first place.

Dr. Julie Magarian Blander

Dr. Julie Magarian Blander

Medicare Rules May Reduce Prescription Steering

Medicare prescription drug access

Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have found that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—organizations that negotiate access to medicines for most patients in the United States—steer patients to use their own pharmacies. However, these pharmacies appear less used in Medicare than in other market segments. These PBMs are part of integrated health care conglomerates that own insurance companies and pharmacies, which may create conflicts of interest.

The study, published Jan. 10 in JAMA Health Forum, found that in 2021 a third of all Medicare Part D pharmacy spending and almost 40% of specialty drug spending within Medicare Part D was through pharmacies owned by the four largest PBMs: CVS, UnitedHealth Group, Cigna or Humana. However, this represents a far lower market share in Medicare than the nearly two-thirds national market share noted by a Federal Trade Commission’s 2024 report. The findings may help guide future policy decisions on how these entities are regulated.

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