STAT

Trump’s tweets cause sales of anti-radiation drug to skyrocket

A Twitter battle over “nuclear button” sizes drove a flood of sales of a drug that protects against radiation poisoning.
Potassium iodide protects against absorption of radioactive iodine into the thyroid.

A Twitter battle over the size of each “nuclear button” possessed by President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un has spiked sales of a drug that protects against radiation poisoning.

Troy Jones, who runs the website www.nukepills.com, said demand for potassium iodide soared last week, after Trump tweeted that he had a “much bigger & more powerful” button than Kim — a statement that raised new fears about an escalating threat of nuclear war.

“On Jan. 2, I

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About Lilly’s Zepbound For Sleep Apnea, The FDA Budget, And More
Eli Lilly reported positive results for Zepbound in obstructive sleep apnea, giving the medication a new edge in the highly competitive obesity market.
STAT1 min read
STAT+: In Large Trial, Guardant Health’s Blood Test Detects Colon Cancer, But Less Reliably At Earliest Or Precancerous Stages
If approved, Guardant Health’s liquid biopsy is likely to be a strong new addition to colorectal cancer screening tools, particularly for patients who currently choose not to get screened.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About An OptumRx Contract, 340B Dispute Resolution, And More
Cardinal Health announced its pharmaceutical distribution contracts with UnitedHealth's OptumRx unit will not be renewed after they expire in June.

Related Books & Audiobooks