• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer

2

Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back

3

Marc Lore’s robots make 500 burrito bowls an hour. A human can make 45

1

Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer

2

Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back

3

Marc Lore’s robots make 500 burrito bowls an hour. A human can make 45
HealthBrainstorm Health

Brainstorm Health Daily: July 18, 2017

By
Clifton Leaf
Clifton Leaf
and
Sy Mukherjee
Sy Mukherjee
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Clifton Leaf
Clifton Leaf
and
Sy Mukherjee
Sy Mukherjee
Down Arrow Button Icon
July 18, 2017, 1:26 PM ET

Good morning, readers! This is Sy.

Let’s begin with the big news from last night: At the end of the day, a band of conservative GOP lawmakers thrust the final stake through the heart of the Senate’s health care bill. But the saga of Republicans’ efforts to repeal Obamacare isn’t over yet.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday night confirmed what many had suspected—that even a revised version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), which would gut many Obamacare provisions and take a hacksaw to Medicaid, didn’t have the support of the requisite 50 Republicans to pass.

Conservative Senators Jerry Moran of Kansas and Mike Lee of Utah joined with already-declared holdouts Rand Paul of Kentucky and moderate GOP-er Susan Collins of Maine to state their opposition in separate statements Monday. The three conservatives didn’t believe the Senate health bill dismantled enough of Obamacare; Collins expressed concerns about its cuts to Medicaid and other provisions that could potentially roil insurance markets.

But as McConnell made clear in his statement, the Senate is still poised to vote on Obamacare repeal legislation. This time, it’ll take the shape of a 2015 bill that actually reached President Obama’s desk (and was promptly vetoed)—one that’s come to be known as “repeal-and-delay” because it, well, sets a two-year timetable for Obamacare repeal. The theory goes that this “delayed repeal” would give Republicans enough time to craft an alternative to the health law.

That’s easier said than done, as the GOP Congress has learned over the course of the last six months. There are still deep divisions within the party over a rollback of Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, regulations that could undermine protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions, funding for Planned Parenthood, and numerous other provisions.

It’s unclear whether or not McConnell’s repeal-and-delay gambit would garner 50 votes, either. Previous analyses of that effort suggested it would cost even more losses in health care coverage (to the tune of 32 million fewer insured by 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Office) compared to the Senate’s current bill and foster sharp premium spikes. And while a more straightforward repeal bill may be able to win back some of the conservative defectors, moderates like Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio and West Virginia’s Shelley Moore Capito (in addition to Collins) have already expressed concerns that a repeal-only strategy without a replacement would wreak even more havoc on Obamacare’s individual insurance marketplaces by creating long-lasting uncertainty.

Still, it’s possible the McConnell can cobble up the votes given the mountainous political pressure on the GOP to fulfill its nearly decade-long promise to scuttle the health law. Even if he does, a new round of political wrangling will open up as the Senate will have to proceed to negotiations with the House to iron out the differences between their very different bills.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, is pressuring the Senate to pass a repeal-and-delay bill. And insurance companies are still in uncertain limbo over what future regulations will hold.

Read on for the day’s other news.

Sy Mukherjee
@the_sy_guy
sayak.mukherjee@fortune.com

DIGITAL HEALTH

Novo Nordisk gets into the digital diabetes arena. Diabetes drug specialist Novo Nordisk and Glooko have joined forces on a smartphone diabetes maintenance platform. The app will be able to take patients' blood glucose and diet data and then match them with advice on the latest trends in blood sugar maintenance. (MobiHealthNews)

Telemedicine firm Doctor on Demand pitches a different view of health care reform. With the seemingly endless debate over Obamacare repeal reaching its latest chapter, digital health companies are pitching themselves as one potential avenue for addressing the U.S. health system's shortcomings. "The American healthcare system requires massive amounts of federal funding, yet remains one of the least-efficient healthcare systems in the world," says Doctor on Demand CEO Hill Ferguson in a statement. "As the government continues to kick the can on the revised health bill, the healthcare system has no choice but to look to new cost-effective alternatives to provide greater access to care. With the relentless pressure to cut federal spending, digital solutions like telemedicine - which expands access to care and reduces costs by up to 90% - will become a key part of that equation."

INDICATIONS

BioMarin, Sarepta settle patent spat. Sarepta Therapeutics, which won a pioneering Food and Drug Administration approval for its Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug last year, has settled a patent dispute with rival BioMarin over the "exon-skipping" technology at heart of the companies' muscular dystrophy treatments. Sarepta will hand over $35 million to BioMarin in an upfront payment and also pay royalties to the firm. (Reuters)

This company may have a less-addictive painkiller on its hands. Shares of Nektar Therapeutics rose 4.5% in Tuesday trading as the company's opioid-modifying painkiller proved to have far less abuse potential than conventional opioids in a clinical study. The treatment, NKTR-181, is designed to reduce the amount of euphoria that patients feel while taking the drug (while still relieving pain symptoms). (TheStreet)

THE BIG PICTURE

The Mediterranean diet and its effect on dementia. A collection of new studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggest that a Mediterranean diet—one that's rich in lean proteins like fish and chicken, filled with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and (moderate amounts of) red wine—may carry yet another benefit: reducing the risk for dementia and Alzheimer's by more than a third. But it's important to note that these results were from observational studies of healthy adults, and there could still be plenty of confounding factors that lead to dementia. Still, the studies add to evidence that such a diet may be associated with real health benefits, including for the heart. (Fortune)

REQUIRED READING

The 25 Best Workplaces in New York, by Fortune Editors

Bank of America's CEO Finally Delivers, by Shawn Tully

Four Forces Revolutionizing Marketing, by Alan Murray

Why the U.K.'s Crackdown on Sexist Ads Is Such a Big Deal, by Claire Zillman

Produced by Sy Mukherjee
@the_sy_guy
sayak.mukherjee@fortune.com

Find past coverage. Sign up for other Fortune newsletters.
About the Authors
By Clifton Leaf
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By Sy Mukherjee
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Health

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Health

Testosil Review (2026): Testosterone Supplement Reviewed
HealthDietary Supplements
Testosil Review (2026): Testosterone Supplement Reviewed
By Christina SnyderJune 11, 2026
12 hours ago
BrickHouse Nutrition Field of Greens Review (2026)
HealthDietary Supplements
BrickHouse Nutrition Field of Greens Review (2026)
By Emily PharesJune 11, 2026
12 hours ago
worm
HealthFood and drink
The pest that could devastate the American cattle industry was in Texas, but now it’s in New Mexico, too
By Jeffrey Collins and The Associated PressJune 9, 2026
3 days ago
A man put a drink in front of Trump
HealthFood and drink
A Biden-era study told Americans to drink less alcohol. The Trump admin ‘sidelined’ the research facing pressure from the alcohol lobby
By Laura Ungar, Ali Swenson and The Associated PressJune 9, 2026
3 days ago
Kaged Pre-Workout Review (2026): Athlete Approved
HealthDietary Supplements
Kaged Pre-Workout Review (2026): Athlete Approved
By Christina SnyderJune 8, 2026
4 days ago
Liquid IV Review (2026): Our Personal Experience
HealthDietary Supplements
Liquid IV Review (2026): Our Personal Experience
By Christina SnyderJune 8, 2026
4 days ago

Most Popular

Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer
Energy
Analysts expected oil to surge above $200 but China has quietly kept prices half of that—and can’t for much longer
By Sasha RogelbergJune 10, 2026
2 days ago
Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back
Environment
Corporate America has been draining the world's water. Matt Damon's new campaign calls on Gap, Starbucks, and Amazon to help give it back
By Catherina GioinoJune 9, 2026
3 days ago
Marc Lore’s robots make 500 burrito bowls an hour. A human can make 45
Innovation
Marc Lore’s robots make 500 burrito bowls an hour. A human can make 45
By Amanda GerutJune 9, 2026
2 days ago
Current price of oil as of June 11, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 11, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 11, 2026
19 hours ago
Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there
Success
Costco CEO Ron Vachris rose from forklift driver to the C-suite without a college degree: ‘Don’t chase a title’ is the career advice that got him there
By Preston ForeJune 8, 2026
4 days ago
SpaceX's record IPO has Wall Street torn between a Musk 'holy grail' and a $135-per-share leap of faith
Startups & Venture
SpaceX's record IPO has Wall Street torn between a Musk 'holy grail' and a $135-per-share leap of faith
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJune 11, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.