Roundup Cancer Settlement, Data Rollbacks & FDA Vaccine Debate – Health News Roundup

The health landscape continues to evolve, with significant developments in legal battles surrounding common herbicides, shifts in federal data collection practices, advancements in artificial intelligence for cancer treatment and ongoing discussions about vaccine regulation. Here’s a look at some of the key headlines from February 18, 2026.

Roundup Lawsuit Settlement Reached

Bayer, the company that acquired Monsanto, has reached a proposed settlement of $7.25 billion to resolve thousands of lawsuits alleging that its Roundup weedkiller causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The lawsuits claim Bayer failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential health risks associated with glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. While Bayer maintains its position that Roundup does not cause cancer, the substantial settlement reflects the significant legal challenges the company has faced.

The agreement, announced on February 17, 2026, still requires approval from a Missouri court. A previous attempt at a settlement in July 2020 failed after a judge expressed concerns about the fairness and adequacy of the proposed terms. Currently, the U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to hear arguments regarding Bayer’s assertion that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of Roundup with a cancer warning should invalidate state court claims. This hearing will proceed independently of the settlement agreement.

Changes to Federal Data Collection on Gender and Sexual Orientation

A new report from UCLA’s Williams Institute reveals a concerning trend: the removal of demographic data collection related to gender identity and sexual orientation from numerous federal surveys and records. Since the beginning of the Trump administration, approximately 360 federal data collections have eliminated these measures. The majority of these removals pertain to gender identity, stemming from a presidential executive order declaring only two sexes. However, at least 60 datasets have also dropped questions about sexual orientation, despite no explicit directive from the White House to do so.

The report highlights that 83% of these removals were implemented through “non-substantive change requests,” a process typically reserved for minor adjustments and bypassing the standard public notice-and-comment period. Elana Redfield, a report author and federal policy director at the Williams Institute, emphasized the importance of reliable data collection for understanding and addressing community needs. The long-term impact of these changes remains to be seen, as existing data on gender identity becomes outdated and no new data is being gathered.

AI-Powered Tools in Oncology: A Promising Direction

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being explored as a tool to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, AI-powered digital pathology tools are being developed to analyze tumor samples with a level of detail beyond what the human eye can perceive. These tools aim to help oncologists determine the most effective treatment plan for each patient, minimizing delays and wasted time associated with unsuccessful therapies.

Oncologist Danielle Bitterman expressed optimism about the potential of these tools, stating, “I think it’s a really promising direction for getting the right treatment to the right person.” However, she also underscored the importance of robust clinical validation and algorithmic transparency to build trust and ensure widespread adoption among physicians.

FDA and Vaccine Regulation: Differing Perspectives

Recent discussions at a forum hosted by the pharmaceutical industry group PhRMA revealed differing perspectives among top federal health officials regarding vaccine regulation. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary acknowledged a more cautious approach to vaccine regulation, particularly in the context of reviewing Moderna’s application for a new flu shot. This contrasts with the more enthusiastic stance taken by CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, who engaged in a friendly conversation with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, discussing the benefits of vaccines and the potential for closer collaboration between industry and government.

The FDA initially paused its review of Moderna’s flu vaccine application but today, February 18, 2026, reversed course and agreed to review the vaccine. This decision underscores the complexities and ongoing scrutiny surrounding vaccine development and approval processes.

The Need for Standardization in Thyroid Testing

A patient advocate, Samantha Bonsack, recently highlighted a critical issue in laboratory testing: the lack of standardization in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) tests. TSH tests are among the most frequently ordered blood tests in the country, yet results can vary significantly – by as much as 20% to 40% – depending on the analyzer used by different laboratories.

Despite the existence of a validated protocol developed by the CDC and an international clinical chemistry group to streamline results, the FDA has not mandated manufacturers to recalibrate their analyzers. Bonsack argues that this is a straightforward fix to a long-ignored problem that could improve the accuracy and reliability of thyroid testing.

Reading List

• RFK Jr. Claimed that keto diets cured schizophrenia. Here’s what science says, Washington Post
• 988 suicide hotline is getting more calls than ever. Many states have no clear plan to fund it, KCUR
• Opinion: I was a Moderna exec when the Covid vaccine rolled out. That spirit of possibility is no more, STAT
• Confessions of a brain-training dropout, Boston Globe
• Biotech startup raises $175 million to advance Alzheimer’s antibody therapy, STAT