Problems with US Health Agencies and New Medicines

Introduction

The FDA has problems with its leaders. Also, few people use new medicines for Alzheimer's disease.

Main Body

People think the FDA leader, Marty Makary, might lose his job. This makes the agency unstable. Two new Alzheimer's drugs are Leqembi and Kisunla. The government thought these drugs would cost billions of dollars. Now, the government says the cost will be low because few patients use them. These drugs are hard to use. Patients need special machines and needles. Some drugs also cause brain bleeding. Also, some pharmacies say there are no estrogen patches, but the FDA does not agree.

Conclusion

The FDA has leadership problems. Also, expensive Alzheimer's drugs are not popular.

Learning

💡 The Word 'ALSO'

In the text, the writer uses the word also many times. This is a perfect tool for A2 students to connect ideas without using complex sentences.

How it works: Use it when you want to add one more piece of information to your list.

  • Example 1: The FDA has problems. Also, few people use the drugs.
  • Example 2: Drugs need needles. Also, they cause bleeding.

The Pattern \rightarrow [Fact A]. Also, [Fact B].


💊 Simple Vocabulary for Health

Look at these word pairs from the article to describe medical situations:

WordMeaning in simple English
AgencyA big government group
PatientA person who is sick
PharmacyA shop that sells medicine
UnstableNot steady / changing fast

Vocabulary Learning

problem (n.)
a situation that is difficult or unpleasant
Example:The problem with the door is that it doesn't close.
leader (n.)
a person who guides or directs others
Example:The leader of the class gave a short speech.
few (adj.)
a small number of
Example:She has few friends in the city.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:Many people went to the park.
use (v.)
to employ something
Example:I use a pen to write.
new (adj.)
recently made or discovered
Example:They bought a new car.
medicine (n.)
a substance used to treat illness
Example:He took medicine for his cough.
disease (n.)
a sickness that makes people ill
Example:Flu is a common disease.
cost (n.)
the amount of money needed
Example:The cost of the book is ten dollars.
patient (n.)
a person receiving medical care
Example:The patient was given a checkup.
machine (n.)
a device that helps do work
Example:The machine can print photos.
needle (n.)
a thin metal tip used for injections
Example:She used a needle to draw blood.